Respect The Process

Randy & Jason Sklar are two of my favorite stand up comedians. Together & individually. They’re hilarious comics/actors/podcasters/hosts/writer/producers… and true gentlemen. The brothers just took their maiden voyage into directing with a wickedly funny music video for The Sheepdogs. Relevant to the spot world, the play “Tech” & “Service” in a series of Time Warner […]

I’ve always marveled at how “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was shot. Now straight from the real Island of Misfit Toys, Director Jed Hathaway of Shadow Machine breaks down this intriguing world of stop-motion animation. This episode plays like a crash course in shooting puppets for advertising, as Jed explains how he twisted the Happy Honda […]

In high school, Dan Sheppard knew he wanted to direct funny tv commercials for a living. Today, he is a working comedy director in-demand, churning out funny spots. Listen to his plan that turned the dream into a reality.  Dan is surely one to watch, and I love his stuff. Sign up for my mailing […]

How do you feel when your ideas get lifted? As a comedian, it happened all the time. As a filmmaker, intellectual property rights deliver money I count on; same with my obscure country music publishing. But in the world of commercials, who’s idea is it? My opinion may surprise you. You’ll also enjoy a quick […]

Chuck Meehan hired me for my first real commercial directing gig (a spoof for Kia below), and we’ve been friends & collaborators ever since. We’ve racked up maybe over 75 tv spots together. Chuck coined the term, “The Brady Method”, referring to my patented approach to casting, and he has the most dashing smile in […]

While shooting on location in Missouri, I chat with one of my favorite sound guys, Rich Stobaugh. Recorded with my Tascam DR-07mkII, the interview sounds kind of crappy, making me appreciate the great sound men & women I work with. We also discuss the old-school approach I favor, craft versus art, and learn how I […]

Clifton Collins Jr. is one of my favorite actors, and he’s worked with my favorite directors. Cliff shares the actor’s perspective on being directed.  He’s also an accomplished director of music videos. Check out his Stone Free Productions site for all-things-Clifton. Watch this behind the scenes of his “Gotten” music video with Slash, and see […]

A quickie. Just me rambling about the steps a commercial goes through before the director even starts prepping to shoot it. This is “Respect the Process” is my podcast about commercial filmmaking.

Creative Director/Copywriter T.S. Elliott joins me on “Respect the Process”, a podcast about commercial filmmaking. We talk about our two dozen spots for Eggo Waffles, the rules of elfin magic and the evolution of Tony the Tiger. Behind the “Disguise” from tselliott on Vimeo. EggoMan Making of “Toaster” from tselliott on Vimeo.

“Respect the Process” is a podcast about commercial filmmaking.  Nick Spooner has been directing funny spots for years and I love his work.  Learn how he casts kids, draws his own shooting boards and more.

“Respect the Process” is a phrase film crews have heard me say for years.  Now I share that philosophy with you.  Our first guest is Joe Schaak, a commercial director at Superlounge who’s work I love.  We talk about work relationships, making his Super Bowl spot and those pesky animatics.  Enjoy.