Sundance, Securing Money, and Scheduling w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 512

How important is Sundance to your career as a commercial director? Matt and Oren talk about their experiences in Park City before the festival wraps up its last year in Utah.    With Matt working to raise money for his latest film, “Bad Feeling”, there’s a lively discussion about whether making narrative films can advance your career as a commercial director. And the answer is, for some directors, it can make you stand out. But for others, there’s a better way.Then Oren talks about his latest experience shooting outside Los Angeles. And Matt and Oren talk about how to handle the shoot schedule your AD creates. And they raise some good points about what to watch for when shooting out of order. Especially when working with athletes.For example, in LA, actors and crews will help you manage issues related to continuity that have more to do with than just “was this there in the last scene”. It’s Oscar time, Sundance season, and the festival circuit is just kicking off! And if you’re looking to stay present in your work and while forging your career path forward, this is a great episode to help keep you grounded as the year gets rolling!Help Matts' film: wefunder.com/badfeeling---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: The films "Marty Supreme" and "Hamnet". And also Jacobi Jupe's performance in the title role, Hamnet.Oren's Endorsement: The show "Wonder Man" on Disney+. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Sergio Cilli https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1826186/ made his first AI film, it really didn’t get noticed. And neither did many others he made. Sure they were good. But what got noticed more was the one video he made, which showed why AI isn’t quite and why it’s not yet the monster filmmakers fear.Sergio joins Kristyna Archer https://www.archer.vision/ to talk about making AI films. What works, what doesn’t, and how filmmakers can be ready for what comes next.Matt and Oren dive into how much it costs, where commercial budgets might be headed, and how AI will be adopted into filmmaking and commercials. And Sergio and Kristyna bring two different perspectives.Kristyna is an Adobe Firefly, an AI ambassador for Adobe, and has a background working with LED volume walls, Unreal Engine, and generally skews to the tech side of things. Sergio came from fear. It was only after his wife encouraged him to experiment that he discovered his desire to explore AI and filmmaking.This is a conversation about AI that tackles the elephant in the room from a variety of perspectives from working commercial directors. And it’s not just talk, it’s commercial directors who’ve actually explored the tools and put out some stuff – that if it wasn’t impressive, it could cast a shadow on their directing careers. Or as Oren’s friend likes to say, it tackles the “elephant that AI’nt in the room”.See Sergio’s AI Audition video at https://youtu.be/AEbqJj2hIjgAnd find Sergio and Kristyna on Instagram @sergiocilli and @archerstudioooooo---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: MoldQuestVHS on Instagram @moldquestvhsOren's Endorsement: The Pitt on HBO and the video "Beat Any Escape Room- 10 proven tricks and tips" from Mark Rober https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwgaTYOx0RISergio's Endorsement: "Extraordinary Things to Cutout and Collage", the book. https://www.mariarivans.com/extraordinary-things-to-cut-out-and-collage and Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee https://us.foursigmatic.com/products/original-mushroom-coffeeKristyna's Endorsement: The Wonder App has a great community of artists, producers, conversation and more, https://app.wonderstudios.com/ And also the Endel App https://endel.io/ for people with ADHD.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Crepeau https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4145859 joins Matt and Oren after a gap of over 400 episodes to talk about sound design! What makes a good sound designer? And what makes a great sound designer? Eric is the OG Editor of "Just Shoot It!" and he's brought along a reel of outtakes that he's kept over the years! And he's dying to talk about 10 useful words when talking to sound designer.And to kick it off Matt and Oren have a deep discussion about having coffee. Yeah, that LA tradition of meeting up for java, jo, latte, or matcha It's such a time old favorite that it's become. well, mundane. Sure people still do it and real deals get one. But can you still use it to make connections and find work? Well Matt and Oren have the answers. And you'll want to hear what makes a coffee invite worth taking. So if you're looking to get 2026 off to a quick start with some new possibilities for work and connections, this is an episode you have got to hear.---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: The Battery Daddy https://www.batterydaddy.com/ . The Away Travel Suitcase and Backpack https://www.awaytravel.com/Oren's Endorsement: The super long oner on Extraction 2 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12263384 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Oren are pulling together their year-end recap posts for social media. And they realize, “wow, there's a lot to reflect upon!”LA is definitely enjoying a resurgence, of sorts. And while more productions are shooting in LA, a lot has changed over the past few years. And everything isn’t rosy.So if you’re wondering what’s the right type of year-end social media recap, or what you should post that will win over the right people, then you won’t want to miss this episode!Matt and Oren have some diverging opinions Like what you ask? Well…sure, it's cool to show your working and always on set. But if you only celebrate your own wins, are you being tone-deaf to the struggle it takes to get those opportunities? And what are some ways to make it more human?Matt and Oren look at it this way. You have to post something intriguing so people who can hire you have you top of mind when the right gig comes. But what should you focus on? Tagging people? The best of your best? Family? Something else?Finally, with the industry in its December-January slow-period, Matt’s been thinking about setting goals and starting new habits. And Oren shares why this time of the year is ideal for some deep internal probing.---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: 1. Moviemaker magazine. 2. Do puzzlesOren's Endorsement: 1. Apple Podcasts now has 1.8x speed. 2. CineFix has a show on YouTueb My Best Shots. The Edgar Wright one is great. https://youtu.be/8u_kCQiZd7Y?si=-2O_zmNdTdbDDEgY 3. Airpods have ruined socializing, so try unplugging and see what happens. 4. The TV Show Pluribus on Apple TV. Episode 5 has insanely good cinematorgraphy. 5. "The Everything Big Book of Jokes" book for kids. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20362426-the-everything-big-book-of-jokes 6. Move time-killer apps to a place on your phone where they are hard to find. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 year-end Director's Panel is here! Each year, Matt and Oren have a little cocktail party with some of the past year's guests. It's a chance to reconnect and chat about what went well, what didn't, and what they're hopeful for in the coming year.Carlyn Hudson, Jamaal Parham, and Mercedes Bryce Morgan participate in this first-ever, on-camera, live-to-tape panel. And if you've got questions about the impact of AI on Hollywood and the impact of how movies are getting funded on A-list talent, then this is an episode you won't want to miss!Bringing together directors who have attended TIFF, worked with Jake Gyllenhaal, have films on Hulu, travel the globe, and know how to utilize the JOBS Act to fund films yields a diverse range of topics. And this crew talks about the need to do more with less, finding time to be creative, and further pushing the boundary of what's possible in an 8-hour shoot day. And yeah, AI is a big subject on everyone's minds. But is it really a threat? Or are we all whale hunters nearing extinction?There's a lot of hope and ideas in this episode. Happy New Year, everyone!Find Mercedes on IG @mercedesbrycemorgan or https://www.mercedesmorganfilm.com/Find Carlyn on IG @carlynhudsonFind Jamaal on IG @jamaalparham and @jamsandbash---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: Fire extinguishers. AND, the fire department. Oren's Endorsement: Download everything from your phone related to your work projects, weekly () or on some fixed schedule) so you can find it later. Also, James Cameron's interview on "The Town" podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-james-cameron-on-avatar-misconceptions-ais-skynet/id1612131897?i=1000738091636Mercedes's Endorsement: Photoshop's Remove Tool (currently in Photoshop Beta version)Kind of like Harmonize.ai (which adds shadows and reflections when you add objects to photos)Carlyn's Endorsement; Send words of affirmation to people you appreciate.Jamaal's Endorsement: Akari Sauna with 2 locations in Brooklyn, NY, Greenpoint and Williamsburg https://www.akarisauna.com/. And use saunas as your time to develop creative ideas. Also the book "The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era" by Thomas Schatz https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780805046663/thegeniusofthesystem/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bella Gonzales https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7543234/ brings a ton of insight about being a cinematographer on series like Pen 15, Fargo, Alien: Earth, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.It’s a really inspiring episode that made Oren want to pick up a camera and operate again. On the other hand, Bella is a self-described lighting-focused DP (Director of Photography). And her conversation with Matt and Oren details how her approach to cinematography enhances, and perhaps even creates, the world of the show more so than an operator-focused DP.Bella also gets into the playbook for Fargo and the rules of the road that create its uniquely offbeat look. And Bella lays out how this makes audiences feel more like they are inside the story.You won’t want to miss this unique episode with a cinematographer who passionately explains the techniques she uses in the art of her craft.Find Bella on Instagram @bellagonzalesdp---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: Ethan Hawke on social mediaOren's Endorsement: a400 round base monopod https://www.ifootagegear.com/products/monopod-a400-roundbaseBella's Endorsement: "The Duellists", movie by Ridley Scott https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075968 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Yacenda https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2829241/ , the director from "Chad Powers", "Dave", "American Vandal", and a ton of commercials, joins Oren and Matt. And in this episode, Tony gives us a look into how he jumped like four levels to get his first big break on American Vandal.Then Matt and Oren get Tony to share what it means to rebalance how you think about your role and what makes you an effective team player. Why? Because what you think is right can be a lot different on a show with higher network exposure and increased performance pressure. Wanna sneak-peak? Have the confidence to do your role really well, and care less about how it impacts other people's jobs. Without being an a**hole.Finally, the three share strategies for being an artist who takes every note, without robotically being a yes-man and without sacrificing the cohesiveness of your creative vision. It's a great episode that may flip how you think about directing. And it just may help you skip levels in your career as a director.Find Tony on Instagram @tyacenda---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: "Paddington 2", the movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4468740/ , Flavacol, flavoring for popcorn, and Wonder Boom bluetooth speaker https://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/shop/p/wonderboom-4Oren's Endorsement: Genius Scan pdf scanning app https://help.geniusscan.com/ Also Premiere Pro has a one-click tool to object mask, in the Beta app.Tony's Endorsment: "Going Dutch", the TV show on FOX. And watch it TV-TV, cable or antenna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commercial director NEDA joins Matt and Oren in their first-ever interview from Eastern Europe! NEDA talks about how she gets unique shots, even when working with kids. She shares how she balances freestyle with agency needs and discovers techniques to capture real moments where the kids are being real, and not pretending or acting.Then Matt and Oren get her to explore what type of director can pull off a one-name brand, like NEDA. And the three explore what happens when your career reaches a point where it seems you get asked too often to do what you’re known for. It sounds like a good problem to have, but it can reach an extreme that limits your ability to expand your reel and grow as a creator.You won’t want to miss this episode about getting unique shots, building your unique style, and having the freedom to keep updating your style as you grow your tastes and stay relevant to today’s trends and audiences.You can find NEDA on IG @minka_jones---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: "Noir-vember", the film-noir watch-commitment for NovemberOren's Endorsement: GifSki https://gif.ski/ gif makerNEDA's Endorsement: "Twin Peaks", the original David Lynch TV series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Cellan Jones https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0148116 shares the story of his rise from the mailroom at BBC to become a director on "The Diplomat", "See", "Ballers", and "The Expanse".Then Matt and Oren get Simon to share some tips for working with star talent, like Mark Wahlberg, on his latest film "Family Plan 2". What's the difference between how Mark comes to set compared to Jason Momoa? And what are the factors that go into deciding whether to use a Podcar or a process trailer? The guys get into a lot more, and you can't miss this episode.The three wrap up with a chat about the gritty, cutting-edge films that came out of the 1970s. And they ask the question on everyone's mind: Will we soon see a new renaissance in cutting-edge filmmaking in the next year or two? Find out in this week's episode!Find Simon on Instagram @simon.cellanjones---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodCome to our event! RSVP at https://events.justshootitpod.com/Dec 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM Lawless Brewing Co.5275 Craner AvenueLos Angeles, CA 91601Matt's Endorsement: Use a warming tray / chafing dish and make hosting parties easier.Oren's Endorsement: "Task" on HBO. "I Love LA" on HBO. And the Robinhood Gold Credit CardSimon's Endorsement: Plant crocuses; yellow is great! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Semanoff https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1032608/ shares how he made the break from camera operator to director. Lots of people want to do the same and you might be one of them. So you'll want to hear Ben tell you the one simple question too many people forget to ask. Matt and Oren also get Ben to open up about what makes a camera operator stand out. And the three talk about how Ben found himself in the unique position of being an irreplaceable crew member. And why that was a critical step to directing on Ozark, Stanger Things, and his newest show, Black Rabbit as well as long working relationship with Jason Bateman.You won't want to miss Ben's thoughts on why you need to always bring ideas to set, what it means to shoot the show in prep, and how to decide where to put the lens.Find Ben on Instagram @bsemanoff---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: The streaming service Peacock, because they feature Universal's old monster movies.Oren's Endorsement: Actors, in your auditions, be sure to perform an action that brings to life the location and fits the character you're auditioning for. Maybe even add yourself a line before the scene starts.Ben's Endorsement: Logitech G-Series Fits self-shaping, custom fit earbuds https://www.logitechg.com/en-sg/products/gaming-audio/fits-true-wireless-gaming-earbuds.985-001188.html And the book, "An Actor's Companion: Tools for the Working Actor" by Seth Barrish https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/169498881-an-actor-s-companion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.