Jonathan Del Gatto Nails Direct-to-Consumer and Creative Coaching
Release Date: 04/09/2026
Commercial Filmmaker Robert Boocheck's Freelance Director Playbook.
Respect The Process
Commercial Director joins me for a candid conversation about the realities of freelance commercial directing—the uncertainty between jobs, the pressure of unpaid pitches, and the work it takes to stay in the mix. Robert shares how he tracks bids across production companies, approaches treatments, decides when to trust his instincts over AI, and makes the case for staying involved in post-production. Along the way, we discuss the loneliness behind the highlight reel and why freelance directors need to manage not just the creative work, but also their outreach, relationships, and business....
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Life Is Wave Selection: James Beshara on Swadharma, Detachment, and Choosing the Right Work.
Respect The Process
is an angel investor, podcaster, philosopher, musician (see OPENSTATE_), founder of and friend. We explore how to choose the right opportunities, find the work that feels like your true calling, and stay committed to it without becoming overly attached to the outcome. James shares the idea of Swadharma—the work you’re naturally wired to do—and offers a thoughtful perspective on creativity, purpose, and building a life that feels aligned. James is a high-output creative individual, so here's some links you'll want to checkk out. free code TRYAPT100 Enjoy! The original 2-in-1 styling...
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Cinematographer Ben Brady’s Journey from PA’ing on a Radiohead Video to Shooting National Spots.
Respect The Process
Director/Cinematographer shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his career—from working on productions with Sacha Baron Cohen and shooting a Radiohead music video connected to Paul Thomas Anderson, to learning from leading cinematographers like Darius Khondji and preparing for new, demanding LED-wall commercial. Ben, who moved from camera PA to DP quickly, explains why curiosity and persistence matter on set, when to ask questions, and how thorough preparation can make the difference between a stressful shoot and a successful one. It’s an honest conversation about filmmaking,...
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Ben Levy Says Pitch The Wow Before the How.
Respect The Process
is a creative coach, author, and expert in helping people present ideas with clarity, confidence, and humanity. In our conversation, we explored his powerful pitching principle: “wow before how.” Whether you’re a filmmaker, agency creative, or entrepreneur, Ben’s advice will help you earn attention, build trust, and turn your next pitch into a genuine conversation. FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 - JOIN US Oct. 1–4: our 5th Annual Retreat. No application. Just save your spot and come learn, shoot, and grow with working filmmakers. Limit 15. NEW COURSE - Filmmkaer and...
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How Producer Tony Finley Built a Fairer Model for Directors and Crew.
Respect The Process
I sat down with , founder of , for a candid conversation about the changing business of commercial production. We talked about why directors deserve more ownership and profit, how bloated production-company models can hold creatives back, and why creative risk is essential to making better work. Tony also shared his vision for using AI to connect directors with the right projects and create a fairer, more director-focused industry. My Filmmaker Retreat has 1 spot left so save your spot now! FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 - JOIN US Oct. 1–4: our 5th Annual Retreat. No application....
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Comedy Director Michael Martin on Ego, Craft and Landing the Next Big Commercial.
Respect The Process
and I discuss how commercial directors can stand out by developing a distinct point of view, taking creative risks, and making work that reflects their voice. Michael shares the story behind his handmade Starbucks director’s cut, while both directors explore pitching, career setbacks, ego, humility, and the value of enjoying the creative process. Together, they offer practical perspective for filmmakers navigating competition, building new creative lanes, and staying committed to the journey. My Filmmaker Retreat has 2 spots left so save your spot now! FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 -...
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Puppet Master Jamie Shannon on the Magic of Simple Puppets for Brands Work.
Respect The Process
Legendary puppeter s approach to puppetry shows that the most memorable characters come from simplicity, intention, and a process that leaves room for both the performer and the audience to bring them to life. Check out his site. Jamie Shannon is the creator behind beloved puppet projects including Nanalan’, the beloved Mr. Meaty, The Groggs on YTV, and the viral commercial characters he’s made for brands like Smartfood and Good Food. My Filmmaker Retreat has 2 spots left so save your spot now! FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 - JOIN US Oct. 1–4: our...
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Nott Bros. Return to Talk Repeat Clients, Better Commercials and Career Momentum.
Respect The Process
Loved hanging out with and of the - talking about what it really takes to make it as a director. We get into how they approach the business side of directing, how they work with clients and agencies, and why being clear and collaborative makes the whole process better.We also talk about how their style has evolved, what they’ve learned along the way, and how they keep things creative without losing sight of the job. If you’re into directing, commercials, or just hearing how great creative partnerships really work, this one’s for you. My Filmmaker Retreat has 3 spots left so save...
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How PJ Koll's Timmy IO Turns Production Chaos into Real-Time Profit Data.
Respect The Process
EP has spent years in production and founded Where the Buffalo Roam before building , a platform shaped by his experience with the chaos of managing creative work. PJ shares a little of that history and how it led him to create a better way for production teams to stay organized. Enjoy! My Filmmaker Retreat has 3 spots left so save your spot now! FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 - JOIN US Oct. 1–4: our 5th Annual Retreat. No application. Just save your spot and come learn, shoot, and grow with working filmmakers. Limit 15. NEW COURSE - Filmmkaer and friend Kevin O'Brien has...
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Wild Gravity's Jon Sneider on Hacking Advertising.
Respect The Process
, Founder of Wild Gravity, teaches us how his small, experienced teams can create better work faster than big, layered agencies. Jon shares lessons from advertising, filmmaking, and AI, showing why speed, collaboration, and craft still beat bureaucracy—and why creators who learn to work lean can make stronger ads, save money, and move ideas into the world much more quickly. Buy his book, here. My Filmmaker Retreat has 5 spots left so save your spot now! FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 - JOIN US Oct. 1–4: our 5th Annual Retreat. No application. Just save your spot and come learn,...
info_outlineJonathan Del Gatto is a visionary filmmaker and creative coach, known for his transformative work in brand films and direct-to-consumer content. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey from editing TV commercials to founding Brighter Company, where he crafts compelling narratives that connect with audiences. We explore the evolution of content creation—balancing artistry with strategy, the shift from traditional ads to digital storytelling, and the importance of authenticity in today's market. Jonathan offers insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the value of trust, adaptability, and building meaningful relationships in the industry. Join us as we uncover the secrets to thriving in a rapidly changing creative landscape.
FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE '26 - JOIN US
Oct. 1–4: our 5th Annual Retreat. SIGN UP NOW
No application. Just save your spot and come learn, shoot, and grow with working filmmakers. Limit 15.
POSH DUO
The original 2-in-1 styling wax stick. I use Posh Duo to keep my hair fly and my beard on point. Free shipping for RTP listeners. Get the Posh look.
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 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.