Respect The Process

Legendary comedian Ritch Shydner  is known to my fans as the true heart and soul of "I Am Comic" (Available on iTunes). To three generations of stand-up comics, he remains a powerhouse of pure monology. Ritch and I met in the 1980's during the comedy boom when I opened for him. Neither of us remember the details or the city. We talk stand-up comedy, the road, doing a documentary together, today's...

My wildly successful Commercial Directing Bootcamp returns to Los Angeles next month, and not every filmmaker may be qualified. This is just me babbling for three minutes telling you why you should or should not enroll. If you think you have what it takes, do not wait and do sign up today, because we are almost full. Limit 20 filmmakers. Thanks, and go ahead and please share with a mate that might...

Abraham Roofeh is a director and producer with his own shop, Crowned Kings . Abe is constantly pumping out great content. SPots, Branded Content and music videos, you name it. Click here to see it. We chat about how he gets his work, what it means to find one's voice as a storyteller and how filmmakers need to have a bit of entrepreneurial zeal these days. Actors - check out the Dan Velez Fund, a...

VML Group Creative Director Pat Piper is funny, prolific and one heck of a guy. In addition to cranking out great ads, h e has his own podcast called The Shakes on iTunes. Pat and I have fun talking about what it is like having comedic actors who try to one up each other during a comedy commercial shoot. We also mention how he made some of his classic Sonic commercials, which he originated with hi...

Doug Sherin reps commercial directors as well as production companies. He sells talent based on their reel. But he's more than an agent, he's a partner in the process of developing a director's career. Check out his stellar roster at his company, Options . We chat about how communication is key, his joy in finding work for his clients, and donuts. It's a real treat to finally have my friend on the...

Executive Producer Andrew Perry began his career at MTV Networks, where I'd see him every other day in the hallway. He explains what an Executive Producer does and how he rose to the occasion when presented with a new responsibility, turning each into a career opportunity. Andrew also talks about his new book, a companion to the hit show, "The Hills."   I enjoyed reuniting with Andrew and having h...

Political satirist and comedian Jimmy Tingle is running for President of the United States of America on the Humor For Humanity ticket. Jimmy has been a staple on the stand up circuit for decades, prolific as he is hilarious. He's produced his own film, and once owned his own theater. A treat to have Jimmy on the show. Enjoy. Jordan Commercial Directing Bootcamp is December 3rd, 2016 in Los Angele...

Daredevil Evel Knievel was a huge childhood hero of mine, so it was amazing and super cool that stuntman Eddie Braun successfully replicated and completed Evel's jump attempt over the Snake River Canyon in September 2016. Bravo Eddie! But in an uncharacteristic tweet, I disrespected Eddie's passion and success, and publicly want to set the record straight. It's cool as fuck and I was wrong to comm...

Sound Mixer Maurice Sydnor has been my friend and collaborator for over a decade. We've made tons of spots, and he helped me get great sound on my documentary "I Am Comic" when I had no budget at all. Starting out as a rock musician, you'll love hearing how Maurice continues his self-taught education, always learning and adapting as the industry changes. Listen as two old chums chat about the proc...

"Ghostheads" Director Brendan Mertens explains all about his new film, "Ghostheads" , still killing it on Netflix. This is part two of "Ghostheads", Part I being with Tommy Avalon. Ghostheads are not just uber-fans of the film. They form chapters and raise money for charity, while giving each Ghosthead a sense of community. I recommend the film highly, which has interviews with key cast and crew,...

Filmmaker Tommy Avallone returns to talk about his new film, "Ghostheads" , currently killing it on Netflix. We chat about how he reached out to the director of this fun documentary, Brendan Mertens (my future podcast guest) and his overall involvement. A real inspiring tale for us filmmakers. Ghostheads are not just uber-fans of the film. They form chapters and raise money for charity, while givi...

Filmmaker and friend DeVaughn Hughson spend six years documenting Outcast, the first all-Black Motorcycle Club, literally living among these true rebels day and night. The result is an artistic peek into their raucous den and time-honored rituals. It's a must-watch doc and the closest you'll ever get to this unique world. I find DeVaughn's film a riveting study of alpha male culture, where individ...

My friend Editor Shira Ankori has edited some of the best comedy spots on my reel for over ten years now. We discuss working with the advertising agency creatives and why directors need to actually cut. Timing and collaboration are themes we agree on, so have a listen and share with a filmmaker you love. Thanks, Jordan This episode is one hour.

Writer/Director Jamie Buckner has made an adorable, funny romantic comedy called "Split". Jamie tells us about making the short film first to raise the dough and the complications of shooting in a working bowling alley. He smartly went to his hometown to make the film. Please support the film by clicking here , and watch and enjoy "Split" . My favorite aspect is Jamie spoofs all the tropes of the...

Gary Rose is the Managing Director of Go Film, one of the top shops for making commercials. We look at the current state of our business and how it's evolved. Gary has worked alongside one of my fav's, Mr. Christopher Guest, so I get to learn how Mr. Guest likes to work on the spots he chooses to do. Overall, Gary navigates the business with finesse and surely knows how to pick and develop directo...

Filmmaker Rick Cowan was my friend and frequent collaborator. He grew to be a mentor and pillar to those that knew him. He passed away this week, and I miss him. RIP Rick.  This conversation is from July 2015 and was posted back then.  Love, Jordan

Miranda Bailey is a prolific film producer, actress and director. Currently, she's got two wonderful films in theaters, "Swiss Army Man" and "Don't Think Twice", the latter opening wide this weekend. Go see it. It stars Keegan Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci and the film's writer/director Mike Birbiglia . It's funny, sad, heartfelt and the best look at the wor...

Sitting down with Director Jonathan Kesselman was like reuniting with a cousin I'd never met. I'd seen his first film, The Hebrew Hammer, now we talk about his new film "Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero" starring comedian Maz Jobrani. Maz is hysterical in the clubs, on his specials, so I knew the film would be laugh out loud too. We chat about developing the film, working with actors who wrote the sc...

I'm honored to chat with Director Jeff Gordon , a versatile filmmaker, but one that can say he specializes in commercials with chimps and babies.   In our conversation, he points out one "secret weapon" to his success with infants - his baby wrangler. It was delightful to hear we've both worked with a particular chimp named Bella.  She is wonderful to shoot with.  All in all this is a such great e...

After three intense days shooting for Toyota and Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, I took up my usual post shoot ritual of bowling. Surprisingly, I ran into my favorite filmmaker, Director Werner Herzog. He indulged me with a quick exchange about my Commercial Directing Bootcamp in Chicago, August 13th, 2016.  I am so deeply humbled Mr. Werner Herzog had any knowledge of it. I am currently taking his...

Matthew Celia  stands majestically at the forefront of virtual reality filmmaking, having conceived, shot and delivered VR projects for Paramount, GoPro and even the esteemed Dr. Phil. Today, Matt explains the technology and stresses the key element all of you adore: story.  It's great to chat with Matt because we go back a handful of years. He's an inspiring storyteller and filmmaker. Check out h...

Movie critic, celebrated journalist, author and documentarian Marshall Fine graced me with an interview via the magic of Skype to talk about his new docu, "Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg."  I really loved the film. First as a fan of the legendary stand-up Robert Klein, but also purely as a candid profile of an icon.  Bravo Marshall, bravo. Jordan   Commercial Directing Bootcamp is August 13...

I loved his feature film "Bubble Boy", so when I met Director Blair Hayes I was a bit star struck. Plus, his reputation as a commercial helmer is legendary. So happy we got to finally sit down and chat about his work. Admittedly, I'm in awe of Director/Camerapeople.  Blair's new film "Great Plains" is making the festival rounds, so keep an eye out for it. Of course, I've posted some commercials di...

I've only worked a half day with actor Clayton Farris, but I've been a fan since he walked in the casting room. He's the utmost professional and plays the reality of a situation, and is not afraid to immerse himself into a sometimes geeky character. He's also a nice guy. Clayton always working and you must check out his silly Vine videos he makes for the fun of it. Here's a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita s...

I'll post more filmmaking conversations later in the week, but today my heart is broken yet again. The hate we face must stop and assault weapons are just too easy to get. Let's love one another, practice tolerance, and change our laws to make these automatic rifles hard to get, as well as the ammo used to kill people. Let Peace Prevail.  Love, Jordan   This episode is 4 minutes. India. Arie sings...