Respect The Process

Blake Stilwell has an official, impressive title of Sr. Director of Digital Video Content at WeAreTheMIghty.com , but I call him a badass. He's got degrees in design, television & film, public relations and international relations. Blake is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman and Iraq War veteran who spent time as a field photographer and communications officer in the Middle East.  He wrote a...

Cinematographer David Claessen is a dear friend and collaborator. We finally got to talk about his storied journey in cinematography. From his features films, to music videos, to the many high end spots he's done, we cover into it all. Despite starting and loving film, David has embraced the digital world, applying his art and craft to whatever new medium comes along. You will love this episode. C...

I've been dying to talk with cinematographer Rich Schaefer for months ever since RTP guests Director Jeff Gordon and Director Kip Hewitt raved about him and his work. We dive deep into lenses, f stops and all the tech talk you can stomach... and we also cover the fantastic ways Rich preps and collaborates with the entire team to create the world the director sees for the project. A great guy and t...

A good filmmaker friend, who like me is always shooting and always pitching for the next gig, asked me how I avoid burning out. My answer is simple.. shoot and edit more. But what if you are getting burnt from trying, hitting a wall because you are not shooting or pitching enough? Don't give up... do this. Listen. If you're ever in a bad place, you can always hit me up.  Truly, Jordan You know it'...

Cinematographer Nathan Wilson  primarily shoots feature films, but still does plenty of spots and promos. So we compare and contrast the workings of them all. Nathan shares his philosophy "fix it in prep", a mantra we should all embrace. You'll enjoy his tips on how the DP and the Director can eliminate many potential pitfalls before the camera even rolls. And like myself, he respects the process...

My friend Damian Fitzsimmons is a filmmaker, creative director and company owner but he really just enjoys telling stories. Born in Liverpool and now in South Florida by way of NYC, he started Brave Man Media and has been working non stop ever since. Brave Man, as I call it, is a full service shoppe and we discuss what that entails to stay afloat.  You'll love Damian's fascinating journey. After b...

Filmmaker Jeff Gordon has just unleashed new spots for his longtime client, Mothers, makers of quality car polishes and waxes. And lucky for us, he gives us a detailed first-hand account of that entire journey. Soup to nuts. The first time Jeff visited the pod-studio, we chatted about directing chimps and babies. A great episode in the jordanbrady.com archives or hell, just click here . If possibl...

Jordan Flack and I met at the Source screening of short films in the Spring, and we hit it off like two guys named Jordan should. We discuss how he is working alongside filmmakers to set them up for a successful production. Jordan is always looking for any new, great opportunity for his directors, the kind of person you want on the team. His title is Co Producer at Contagious LA, and yes I ask him...

Talented filmmakers Kurt Schneider and Keenan Wetzel are two distinct filmmakers thriving in the fabulous city of Detroit. When these two college pals recently visited Los Angeles, I jumped at the chance to interview them. We discuss the benefits of fostering a directing career outside of New York or Los Angeles, doing the work, respecting the process and so much more.  Click each name to see thei...

Virtual reality aka VR is the buzzword du jour, but filmmaker Pierre Friquet has been immersed in it since 2010. He's directed more than a dozen VR fictional stories, documentaries, music videos, dome and interactive experiences. So we hopped on the Skype and chatted about it all. Pierre has won awards for this original VR fiction, JETLAG, including best live-action award at the Kaleidoscope VR fe...

The highly creative team at WoodShop Studios takes a holistic approach to servicing their execution of commercials. So much that they've brought in the delightful Linda Jackson as Executive Producer of Post Production, a position not many production companies require. Linda's experience and leadership inform the way they approach the creative from the start. We discuss how they concept, dissect ma...

Filmmaker Jeannette Godoy recently crafted 10 short films for Home Helpers, profiling 10 outstanding caregivers, each nominated for Caregiver of the Year. To do so, she and her documentary crew crisscrossed these United States in two action-packed trips. Jeannette shares her diligent prep secrets and shooting techniques. Moreover, she divulges her secret to getting real people to relax on camera....

Happy 200th episode! Thanks for your loyal listenership. After reflecting on all the wonderful chats we've shared, this is just me advising you to make positivity your default position in life and on set. We are blessed to be filmmakers, so appreciate that. We are solution oriented, decisive people. Creativity is best manifested through positivity, so... don't be a dick. Check out my tour dates wi...

Comedian Jeff Capri , one of my dear comedy brothers from "I Am Battle Comic" , tells us about doing shows for our US Troops. He's LOL hilarious and has traveled the world, so we chat about how shows changed since the war began after 9/11 and the important relief the comedy shows give our men and women who serve.  Jeff is the prodigal son of legendary comic Dick Capri. How was that growing up? Goi...

The World Premiere of "I Am Battle Comic" was a smashing success, thanks to the fine citizens of Detroit. Especially the advertising community, as creatives and producers came out in droves. Huge shout out to Marc Henretta of Jeep, Sterling Doak of Fender and my longtime friend Chuck Meehan for moderating the Q&A. Midday the review came out from Sean L. McCarthy, aka the comics' comic . Read it. C...

Jamie Madge is the Worldwide Editor of the fantastic website SourceEcreative, what we now just call the Source. Jamie puts together a showcase of short films that he carefully curates to give the crowd a variety of emotions. Then we takes the show around the world. Literally. He likens it to a mixtape, because he has us, the audience, in mind when he choses the content and it's order.  For those t...

Cortez Brothers ' Co Founder and President Bernadette Rivero can't stress enough how important it is to flesh out your characters. No matter if it's for a feature film or a :15 second spot, the well-defined character will always make the story shine. She's even moonlighted as a ghostwriter for hundreds of writers and directors. So have a listen and share with your filmmaker friends. See you all Ap...

Like myself, Alan "Al" Watt started as a stand-up comic, headlining clubs throughout North America, and performing on many TV shows. He's won awards for writing including France's Prix Printemps 2004 (best foreign novel) for Diamond Dogs , and now Al has his debut feature film, "Interior Night" lighting up the film festival circuit.  We chat writing (he also teaches screenwriting), first time dire...

I saw Val Kilmer's mind-blowing one man show "Citizen Twain" live in Los Angeles, and it blew my mind. Hence the phrase. We know Mr. Kilmer immerses himself in his characters (e.g. Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday), and this show had you forget Val and believe you were watching Mark Twain do a one man show. At the end of the run, Val has filmed the stage play and is now touring art houses with the movie...

Commercial Director Kip Hewitt knows how to add drama to a power drill and sexiness to a dishwashing liquid. His golf spots are epic. (I've posted one at jordanbrad.com by the way). So it's a real joy to talk shop with Kip. He kinda hijacks the interview and asks me more questions. Which I love. We chat treatments, pitching on conference calls, and everything in between. Enjoy! Jordan Commercial D...

I'm a longtime fan of comedy Director Tom DeCerchio, so it was great to sit down and chat on this episode. We share a love for communication and holding the pre-pre production meeting. Tom tells the tale of being a young copywriter and how that informs him as a filmmaker. Check out a few of his spots at www.jordanbrady.com . Thanks to my son and podcast editor Jake Brady for filling on the intro,...

Comedy Director Kevin T. Willson's funny Doritos spots not only aired during the Super Bowl several years in a row, but he freakin' won the whole thing! Yes, one million dollars. He explains the process, how he meticulously wrote and planned it, and how fast he spent the money. I found Kevin to be a kindred spirit as a filmmaker, testing and prepping like a madman. Be sure to check out the animati...

Scott Burns is an excellent Sound Mixer who re-records sound for commercials. He also helped me with my upcoming documentary "I Am Battle Comic". Scott works at onoe of LA's most reputable sound houses, Juice Studio.   In this interview, he gives us great insight into his career, how he operates, and how  my movie was a different beast than a Lexus spot.  Scott, who studied sound & film at USC, lo...

From discovering Jennifer Aniston, Mark Ruffalo and Miley Cyrus to casting the latest Adam Sandler film, Lisa London has a keen eye for talent. Lisa and I chat about the casting process, finding future stars and how she builds a cast. We also read directly from her book, "From Star To Stardom" , a practical working guide for actors at all levels. Buy the book now! Thanks, Jordan The episode is a l...

I really liked a lot of the spots, then again I love commercials. Here's me talking about what we all saw. Thanks, Jordan. This is 20 minutes.