RESPECT THE PROCESS

Great prizes. Winners of the “Spot in A Pocket” commercial contest win a year subscription to Agency Source, articles in both LBBonline and The Howler, my online Masterclasss and a guest appearance on this show. Independent Rep extraordinaire Ann Asprodites expliains that and more in the episode. Ann is a longtime pal and one of the best. She’s a Co Founder or AIR, the Alliance of Indie…

Director/DP Matt Urhy 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…

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…

Director 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”…

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 Brand New Agency. In this episode, Gabriel and dive into the rapidly changing world of creative strategy, production, and the impact of AI on advertising. They discuss the evolving…

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…

I loved F1 and the dreamy Brad Pitt. But that aside, 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…

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…

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. They’re soap opera -novellas. Matt’s navigating this whole new world of cinema, where platforms like Reel Short are making billions and giving young filmmakers…

Lucinda, a badass 8th generation Missouri farmer, takes on the meat industry. Her business, Moink, is proof ethical farming isn’t just possible, it’s profitable. She cares for her workers like family and deals exclusively in pasture-raised, grass fed animals. Watch “Trust The System” my short documentary. I know you’ll love it. Thanks! FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE ’25Thursday, September 25th –…

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…

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…

Tony Low is a true production expert, industry thought-leader, and Owner/President of CMS Productions. A C.P.A. by trade, Tony formed CMS Productions in 2002 to service the diverse production needs of creative-based companies. He 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…

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…

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…

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 for all of us.

But this isn’t just a story about a weekend in the wilderness—it's a tribute to a man whose heart was every bit as extraordinary as his performances on screen.

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 to jump on the phone with you and tell you more. Every year since our first, filmmakers have come back. Pretty much says it all. SIGN UP!

ONLINE FILMMAKING COURSES - DIRECT WITH CONFIDENCE Each of my online courses come with a free 1:1 mentorship call with yours truly. Taking the Shadow course is the only way to win a chance to shadow me on a real shoot! DM for details. Want to level up your commercial directing game?

MAGIC MIND - MY MENTAL PERFORMANCE EXILIR - SAVE w BRADY40 Save hugely on Magic Mind with this link. — This link is the way. 

Thanks,

Jordan

My cult classic mockumentary, "Dill Scallion" is online so I'm giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children's Hospital. I've decided to donate the LIFETIME earnings every December, so the donation will grow and grow annually. Thank you.

"Respect The Process" podcast is brought to you by Commercial Directing FIlm School and True Gent, aka True Gentleman Industries, Inc. in partnership with Brady Oil Entertainment, Inc.