Respect The Process

Director/DP Matt Uhry is a highly regarded commercial director celebrated for his unique ability to work with both people and animals—particularly cats—on commercial sets. Matt has developed a reputation for his focused, collaborative, and calm demeanor, which is especially valuable when directing animal talent. He shares his expertise through a popular video series on directing cats, offering practical tips and behin...

Mark Kohl is a renowned cinematographer, director and producer whose journey goes far beyond the camera lens. Mark shares how his experiences in the high-pressure world of filmmaking led him to explore psychedelics, mindfulness, and the pursuit of true purpose. From the collective flow of a film crew to the personal revelations found in altered states, Mark reveals how embracing new perspectives can unlock creativity and fulfillmen...

Jon Schwartz is a dynamic filmmaker with a knack for technical precision, blending creativity with collaboration. His work reflects a deep respect for the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. His dream project is a fingerboarding,  specifically a tech deck commercial using motion control, probe lenses, and cloning techniques to create an "insane" and highly creative commercial.

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Filmmaker Gabriel Shalom is a multidisxiplinary creative (Screenwriter | Experiential Producer | Artist | Inventor | Futurist Speaker | ex-Meta Creative) now adds agency owner to his many credits with the launch of Brave New Agency. In this episode, Gabriel and dive into the rapidly changing world of creative strategy, production, and the impact of AI on advertis...

Commercial and documentary director Tony Franklin returns to share a remarkable journey through his creative world. From his early days in Target's creative department to becoming an acclaimed filmmaker, Tony shares the inspiring story behind his documentary "The Big Green House" - a passion project that took six years to complete and chronicles an extraordinary Minneapolis family who housed 80 people in need. We dive deep into the...

Investing in yourself is the ultimate career hack. When you believe in your vision enough to create something - even on the side, even without guaranteed success - you open doors that might never have existed. Joseph Kosinski didn't wait for permission; he made a CGI short in his apartment, submitted it to festivals, and that single act of creative courage launched his entire career. His journey proves that investing in YOURSELF, d...

The secret sauce is humans in front of an behind the camera. AI filmmaking can do it all, but I don't think it cuts it alone, just yet. Just me walking you through my "AI Sandwich" technique—a creative approach I believe will empower filmmakers and stretch budgets without sacrficing craft or human connection. Not saying my video is great, but the idea works.

FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '25
Thursday, September 25th –...

Director Matt Macedo, the OG of this emerging vertical feature format, breaks it down for us. These aren't just quick clips—we're talking full 80 plus page scripts shot in five to ten days, distributed in bite-sized, addictive chunks. Matt's navigating this whole new world of cinema, where platforms like Reel Short are making billions and giving young filmmakers unprecedented opportunities. It's the Wild West of story...

Lucinda, a badass 8th generation Missouri farmer, takes on the meat industry and proves ethical farming isn't just possible, it's profitable. Watch "Trust The System" my short documentary (under 19 minutes) on YouTube... I know you'll love it. Thanks!

FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '25
Thursday, September 25th – Sunday, September 28th, 2025. Limit 15 Filmmakers. This will be our 4th year and it's so special, I'd prefer...

Director Bryan Buckley, a two-time Oscar-nominated writer/director, has earned the nickname “King of the Super Bowl” from The New York Times for directing 71 Super Bowl commercials since 2000. A co-founder of Hungry Man, Buckley’s work has been recognized with over 60 Cannes Lions (including two Grand Prix wins), multiple Emmys, a DGA Award, and induction into the MoMA permanent collection. In 20...

Monday, May 19th at 10am Pacific, I'm giving a live workshop on the Filmmakers Academy platform. "Directing Actors: From Casting to Final Cut."

I love working with actors, and I believe their performances are what truly sell a commercial. I'll be covering everything from initial conversations with casting directors to communicating with editors about the best takes and how to perserve the tone of the spot. So pumped about our Filmm...

I sit down with Tony Low, Owner and President of CMS Productions, to dive deep into the current state of commercial production. Tony reveals how union compliance really works and why major brands are suddenly creating their own studios. He breaks down the "flip" phenomenon on set and explains why Los Angeles is losing its production mojo. This is the real, unfiltered story of what's happening in production right now. Thanks Tony!

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 in the industry.

FILM...

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 unexpected opportunities into a remarkabl...

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 mem...

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 process. Check out there site or visit...

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 and business realities, and Mack share...

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 future of advertising and branded conte...

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 filmmakers. Includes one-on-one onboa...