Respect The Process

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...

Jessica Altina Lee Sanders 's martial arts action comedy short "THE COCKTAIL PARTY" exploring female empowerment, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival and won numerous international festival awards. The action packed, playful film tells the story of a cocktail party that turns into an unexpected martial arts action film. Jessica directed and produced the short film "End of the Line" which p...

Advertising industry veteran Anthony Vagnoni and I had an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of commercial filmmaking and marketing. With decades of experience spanning roles in publishing, PR, and production, Vagnoni provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing up-and-coming directors. From the importance of self-promotion to the shifting dynamics between...

Born in Vancouver, Canada and now based in Los Angeles, Ilanna Barkusky is an internationally awarded commercial director, filmmaker and photographer. Her creative journey originated in the action sports industry, capturing athletes in the mountains with her camera in tow while completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia. Through her work, she unifies dynamic movement wit...

Susan Munro (on the right) of Hybrid Collective and more recently of her sister company  Session City , (seen above with co-founder Starr Session Varga , left) has consistently impressed me with her passion and dedication to the craft. As longtime friends who have worked together for over a decade, I've always admired her ability to blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of how to max...

Commercial director Lars Timmermann is a true master of his craft, blending technical prowess with a boundless creative spirit. From meticulously crafted stop-motion miniatures to collaborating with skilled puppeteers, Lars' work is a testament to the power of practical effects and handcrafted elements. I was struck by his unwavering commitment to respecting the entire filmmaking team, fostering a...

Audio industry veterans Dawn Redman , Larry Benjamin , and Tim Hoogenakker join me in a lively conversation at  Signature Post . Dawn is the director of scheduling, where she oversees operations. Larry is a re-recording mixer who has worked on shows such as Ozark and is currently mixing Jason Bateman's upcoming series Black Rabbit. Tim is also a re-recording mixer and has a background in live musi...

Executive Producer Scott Dodoro shares how his passion for film led to starting Local Boy Productions after over a decade working for another company. Local Boy, by the way, is a full service production company in Detroit, built for the future. He discusses building his roster of directors and tackling big projects for Buick, Cadillac and GMC> Golly we even talk about using AI in spots. Scott offe...

The conclusion to my fascinating chat with Filmmaker Jon Finger , my guru of AI filmmaking tools, discusses their impact on the creative industries from the perspective of an early adopter. While acknowledging tools like image generation raise valid concerns, Jon believes AI can empower independent artists by lowering barriers to distribution. Jon shares experiences experimenting with AI storytell...

Jon Finger , my guru of AI filmmaking tools, discusses their impact on the creative industries from the perspective of an early adopter. While acknowledging tools like image generation raise valid concerns, Jon believes AI can empower independent artists by lowering barriers to distribution. Jon shares experiences experimenting with AI storytelling but finds human connection vital. He stresses res...

  Diane Strand owns JDS Video & Media Productions , a woman-majority owned business with over twenty-five years of expertise in video production and media marketing. Diane began her career in theater production before transitioning to prominent roles at The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios, focusing on corporate video production known for creativity, punctuality, and cost-effectiveness. L...

Director JJ Adler  of her own Ruckus Films , returns to talk about her award-winning spot for Manscaped that's all the buzz. "The Boys" is truly hilarious commercial that uses the same actors to portray our heroes and those hero's testicles. Forced perspective, shaving and more. Agency  Pereira O'Dell has gobbled up the kudos with J.J. and they've got a fun series of behind the scenes they've shar...