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Micro Steps to Macro Progress: Tiny Assignments for Filmmakers.

Respect The Process

Release Date: 01/18/2025

Filmmaker Matt Macedo Explains Directing Vertical Features. show art Filmmaker Matt Macedo Explains Directing Vertical Features.

Respect The Process

Director , 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 storytelling, and Matt's right in the middle of it, proving that creativity and adaptability are the true currencies of modern filmmaking.  My actor-daughter  has been crushing...

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My Latest Documentary: How One Farmer Fights for Family Farms. show art My Latest Documentary: How One Farmer Fights for Family Farms.

Respect The Process

Lucinda, a badass 8th generation Missouri farmer, takes on the meat industry and proves ethical farming isn't just possible, it's profitable. Watch 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 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.  ONLINE FILMMAKING COURSES - DIRECT WITH CONFIDENCEEach...

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Director Bryan Buckley: Super Bowl Ads, Social Change & Cinema With a Conscience. show art Director Bryan Buckley: Super Bowl Ads, Social Change & Cinema With a Conscience.

Respect The Process

Director , 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 2022, he was named the world’s most awarded commercial director by The One Show and D&AD. He’s also been honored as Adweek’s Commercial Director of the Decade and one of Creativity Magazine’s...

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Directing Actors From Casting to Final Cut. show art Directing Actors From Casting to Final Cut.

Respect The Process

Monday, May 19th at 10am Pacific, I'm giving a live workshop on the Filmmakers Academy platform. 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 , this September 25-28. We've only got eight spots left for our intimate group of 15 filmmakers. The whole experience is about defining your creative voice. I've even taken a leadership workshops, and Jeannette...

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How to Survive the Commercial Production Revolution with CMS Production President Tony Low. show art How to Survive the Commercial Production Revolution with CMS Production President Tony Low.

Respect The Process

I sit down with , Owner and President of , 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! 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...

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Rock Climbing Drag Queens, Belize and Unconventional Storytelling with Dustin Devlin. show art Rock Climbing Drag Queens, Belize and Unconventional Storytelling with Dustin Devlin.

Respect The Process

When he's not shooting, filmmaker 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. 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...

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From Prince To Pick Up Trucks with Director Scott McCullough. show art From Prince To Pick Up Trucks with Director Scott McCullough.

Respect The Process

Director '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 remarkable career. Whether you're a budding director or a seasoned pro, Scott's story will inspire you to embrace the unpredictable path of visual storytelling. FILMMAKER RETREAT JOSHUA TREE...

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That Time Val Kilmer Took Us Camping. show art That Time Val Kilmer Took Us Camping.

Respect The Process

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...

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Sniffing Glue and Cutting Felt with Mike Slane and Adrian Bishop, aka Practice. show art Sniffing Glue and Cutting Felt with Mike Slane and Adrian Bishop, aka Practice.

Respect The Process

My friends fimmakers and are the creative duo behind , 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 them on the  site for US work. Either way, you find yourself smiling. COMMERCIAL DIRECTING BOOTCAMP 04.05.2025 - LAST SPOT! Filmmakers learn how to win jobs and craft better work that...

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Chasing Creativity and Community with Mack Garrison of Dash Studio. show art Chasing Creativity and Community with Mack Garrison of Dash Studio.

Respect The Process

, the co-founder and creative director of , 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 shares some killer insights on effective leadership. So buckle up, because this is a free-flowing, fun chat that I know you're really going to enjoy. COMMERCIAL DIRECTING BOOTCAMP 04.05.2025...

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More Episodes

Welcome our newest sponsor: Spot School - the best commercial directing courses on the planet.

Thanks to all that have supported the victims of these horrific LA fires. My family is safe, but countless friends and colleagues have lost their homes. We're doing a fund-raising webcast called Make Your Passsion Project Now with filmmaker Michael Patrick Jann (Award-Winning Writer/Director/Producer "Organ Trail", "Drop Dead Gorgeous", "The State" Founding Member) and myself moderating. 100% of the proceeds are donated to Red Cross LA. This is a great collab between Commercial Directing FIlm School and the Filmmakers Academy, who will host.

Special pop-in guests: 

Cami Delavigne (Screenwriter/Producer "Blue Valentine" "Homecoming" "American Gigolo")

David Wain (Writer/Actor/Director "Wet Hot American Summer" Trilogy "Children's' Hospital")

Thomas Lennon (Comic/Actor/Screenwriter "Night At The Museum" "Reno 911!" "Balls Of Fury")

Tiny Goals

This epsiode is just me: I want to share my approach to using "tiny assignments" to make steady progress on your filmmaking goals. I'm a big believer in breaking down big ambitions into manageable micro-steps. Why not try writing just one sentence per day on that screenplay? Or dedicate time each week to analyze a favorite commercial - study the techniques, the editing, the performance.

Anchoring these tiny habits to your daily routine, tracking your progress, and celebrating small wins can lead to major breakthroughs. I provide examples across writing, directing, and networking. The key is to embrace an incremental approach. Don't get bogged down by lofty dreams - focus on the micro-steps you can consistently take. Trust me, those tiny assignments will add up and fuel your creative growth. It's all about taking that first small step. So let's get to work on making micro-progress towards your filmmaking goals!

COMMERCIAL DIRECTING BOOTCAMP 04.05.2025
We're donating 50% of your Bootcamp tuition to charities and GoFundMe's to help the fire victims. 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 onboarding call.  Enroll now to direct with confidence.

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 - JAN SPECIAL 45%
Save hugely on Magic Mind by using this special 45% off the Magic Mind Bundle in January with coupon link for MAGIC MIND — This link is the way. BRADYJAN is the code.

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.