Respect The Process

When he's not shooting, filmmaker Dustin Devlin is likely out surfing on the Cape or soft-rocking (barefoot) somewhere. Moving from the editor suite to the director's chair and everything in between, Dustin is enamored with the production process and knows the TLC required to nurture each project from beginning to end. Dustin co-founded VAGRANTS out of a need and passion to disrupt the status quo...

Director Scott McCullough 's career trajectory reads like a Hollywood fever dream. From shooting intimate music videos with Prince to capturing the raw energy of NASCAR and crafting cinematic commercials for Kubota and Pepsi, Scott's journey is a masterclass in creative adaptability. We dive deep into the art of networking, the importance of staying curious, and how a filmmaker can transform unexp...

Val Kilmer was more than a movie star—he was a father, a poet, an actor, and an enigma. But above all, he was a generous soul who deeply understood the importance of creating meaningful moments. When our sons were in grade school together, Val invited my family on an unforgettable camping trip to his sprawling ranch in New Mexico. Every activity he planned was designed to build lasting memories fo...

My friends fimmakers Mike Slane and Ade Bishop are the creative duo behind Practice , a commercial directing studio known for their whimsical mixed-media animation. They've worked on projects for Sesame Street, Thumbtack, and Blonde Beards, bringing characters to life with a unique blend of practical effects and digital magic. Their approach is all about play, creativity, and finding joy in the pr...

Mack Garrison , the co-founder and creative director of Dash Studio , a motion design agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mack and I cover a ton of ground in this conversation - from his adventures hiking in Patagonia, to the origin story of starting his own studio, to the importance of building genuine relationships in this industry. We also dive into the challenges of balancing creativity a...

My esteemed guest is PJ Pereira, a true creative pioneer at the intersection of advertising, storytelling, and artificial intelligence. As co-founder of Pereira O'Dell , he has led groundbreaking AI-driven campaigns (see: Coca Cola's ai made "Holidays Are Coming" ) that push the boundaries of modern marketing. A thought leader in the industry, PJ explores how AI enhances creativity, shaping the fu...

A pleasure to chat with Charles Barclay , the founder of Hollywood Secret Service. He's a master of director's treatments and more. Check out my rant about treatments in Little Black Book. COMMERCIAL DIRECTING BOOTCAMP 04.05.2025 Filmmakers learn how to win jobs and craft better work that leads to more opportunities. Agency creatives will learn how the flow goes on-set before the shoot. Limit 10 f...

As I sit in my trailer-studio, "Breezy," we call her, I can't help but reflect on the journey that has brought me here. From my early days watching Steve Martin on SNL to the evolution of my own creative path, the pursuit of artistry has been a constant companion. This is just me, share insights on committing to your passion projects, embracing change, and finding fulfillment in the very process o...

Chris Salters, editor and founder of Sawtooth , tells us the importance of using the right tool for the right job in filmmaking. Whether it's LED walls, green screens, or AI-powered tools, the key is understanding the limitations and challenges of each technology and using them responsibly to achieve the desired creative outcome. It's about leveraging technology in a thoughtful and effective manne...

Editor Chris Salters launched  Sawtooth , his own freelance-driven editorial house. Chris and I talk about how he's providing an all-in-one post solution for agencies and brands. We unpack the evolving role of AI in post-production, and we dive into his work in spots obviously. I love his work on the Pinocchio documentary by Guillermo del Toro, where managing massive amounts of footage was key. Of...

Writer/Director/Producer Micheal Patrick Jann ("Drop Dead Gorgeous", "The State", "The Good Doctor") and I are holding a live webinar called "Make Your Passion Project Now" on Feb. 18th. 6pm Pacific. Live with a spirited Q&A and VIP pop ins. Sign up here . 100% of the ticket sales go to Red Cross LA to help the victims of the LA fires. Graciously hosted by our dear friends at the Filmmakers Academ...

Welcome our newest sponsor: Spot School - the best commercial directing courses on the planet. Thanks to all that have supported the victims of these horrific LA fires. My family is safe, but countless friends and colleagues have lost their homes. We're doing a fund-raising webcast called Make Your Passsion Project Now with filmmaker Michael Patrick Jann (Award-Winning Writer/Director/Producer "Or...

Troy Hitch , the Global Chief Creative Officer at Omnicom/ RAPP . As a leader at the forefront of shaping the future of advertising, Troy's insights into the art and science of RAPP's precision marketing techniques were nothing short of fascinating. Troy shared his concept of "a million little big ideas" - the challenge of creating personalized, emotionally engaging experiences that go beyond just...

Director Cassandra Brooksbank is a rising star in the commercial directing world - she has a style that's all her own - a high-energy blend of action, comedy, and pure, unadulterated chaos. When I sat down with Cassandra, I truly understood the magic she brings to the table. There's a fearlessness and creativity to her work that's simply captivating, and a wicked sense of humor that keeps you on y...

When Producer-Director Daniel Brea 's unassuming yet impactful Instagram ads for his Dream Rach Media started popping up in my feed, I knew I had to get him on the show. His message of delegating, building a team, and not trying to be a one-man band really resonated with me - it's a philosophy I've long advocated for in the commercial filmmaking world. As we dove into Daniel's journey, from his Eu...

Teddy Stoecklein is the Co-Executive Creative Director at Via , the Portland, Maine-based advertising agency. With over 16 years of experience at the agency, Teddy has helped guide Via to win numerous accolades, including being named the Clio Small Agency of the Year. In addition to his leadership role, Teddy remains actively involved in the creative process, bringing his passion for mentoring you...

Commercial director Trey Nelson shares his remarkable journey of finding purpose and intention in his work. Trey describes how a near-death experience led him to focus on creating emotionally resonant, purpose-driven content - exemplified by his impactful work with Cookies For Kids Cancer . He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a collaborative, "safe space" on set, and speaks passionately ab...

Steve Red , Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Red Tettemer O'Connell + Partners , gives a candid chat about creating bold, unforgettable campaigns that cut through the noise. Steve pulls back the curtain on the agency's most iconic work—like the hilariously disruptive "Dietz Nuts" Super Bowl spot with Craig Robinson, and reveals the creative principles that fuel their success. With a blend...

Growing up in Bakersfield, Filmmaker Julian Acosta discovered his passion for filmmaking later in life, finding his voice through visual storytelling that connects with audiences on a human level. As a globally sought-after director, Julian has navigated the evolving landscape of the industry, embracing new tools like AI while staying true to his authentic creative vision. In this insightful discu...

MoinkFest is December 19th, 2024 in Los Angles. It is FREE . Just  sign up to attend and give your honest opinions & thoughts on camera. We're celebrating family farmers that bring ethically-raised beef, pork, chicken and lamb to your door. I want city folk to taste the quality of the meat for themselves, while learning what regenerative farming does for the families that own and operate them. And...

Directing duo Morgan & Nick (Morgan Bond Grisham and Nickolas Grisham) discussed their journey in establishing their production company  CamLock Films , the importance of relationships and reputation in the industry, their use of advanced filmmaking techniques like previz, the challenges of self-promotion on social media, and their recent creative projects. They also touched on their passion for p...

Happy Thanksgiving! Just me rambling for 13 minutes about how much I appreciate everyone for listening and engaging over the years. Also so grateful for you, my whole team and just to be a working commercial director. And of course, without my family what is the point? #familyfirst Congrats to filmmaker Kat Raphael is the reipient of Commercial Directing Film School alumni Staci Talley's Female Fi...

Florence Managing Director and Executive Producer  Ned Brown has been a key figure in the commercial production world for as long as I've been in the business. He's a savvy EP and generous with his knowledge, continuing to help to guide the careers of many talented directors. Ned and I discuss the evolution of the industry, the importance of authenticity, and how he supports his directors' creativ...

Veteran commercial directors Marc Scholermann shares his many insights on navigating the industry, building a diverse portfolio, collaborating with agencies, and the importance of maintaining strong client relationships. Wow, there's a wealth of practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned commercial directors looking to elevate their craft and grow their careers. Marc's new book, "Directing Co...

A real pleasure sitting down with industry veteran  Michael Pierce for a captivativing conversation and I was eager to learn more about Michael's unique role as a "media fixer." What struck me most was his ability to evolve from a creative freelancer to a strategic media connector, leveraging his extensive network and deep industry knowledge. The role as a " media fixer " is truly multifaceted, en...