The Writer/Director's Journey

Vertical dramas are on the rise. If you've seen platforms like Reelshort, ShortMax, Dramabox, and PocketFM dominating the entertainment charts on the Apple and Android App Stores, or caught a glimpse of their spicy, drama-packed clips on Instagram or TikTok, you're witnessing a shift in storytelling. For the past year, I’ve been immersed in directing vertical dramas, and after completing my 7th (and prepping for my 8th) feature-length mini-series, directing has officially become my full-time gig. In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte Huang as she prepares to direct her first vertical series. We dive into my journey—the successes, the stumbles, and the valuable lessons I've gathered along the way. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or a curious newcomer, I hope you can learn from my experience. Follow me on Instagram @MattMacedo and visit my website for more about these vertical series and my latest books! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello friends! Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the podcast. This episode is sponsored by the Film Analysis Journal, my new book that I released on Amazon for film students and aspiring filmmakers. It's an educational journal aimed at helping you break down your favorite movies as you watch them, learning more about character arcs, story beats, visual language, and more. Available in both paperback and hardback: Hardcover: https://a.co/d/aCgDzP5 Paperback: https://a.co/d/55pEsfn My special guest is Brian Cutler. With a career spanning over 7 decades, we dive into his life, career, and everything there is to know about the collaborative relationship between actors and directors. If you live in the Los Angeles area, please visit Brian Cutlers Actors Studio located in Burbank, and follow Brian's instagram @BrianCutlersActorsStudio (https://www.instagram.com/briancutleractorsstudio?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) or visit his website at www.ActorsStudio.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello Friends! Today's special guest is writer/director Cody Ashford. Cody is a central valley filmmaker who recently completed his first feature film. We dive into the writer/director's experience from pre-production to post-production, covering various topics such as how to handle rejection, failure, as well as the balance of collaboration. Follow Cody on Instagram: @codash27 and TikTok. www.FilmDirectingMerch.com www.MattMacedo.com New Kids Book: "Lights Camera Cut" https://www.amazon.com/Lights-Camera-Cut-Filmmaking-Coordination/dp/B0CM15D2Z8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30OVA9CPFP2XX&keywords=lights+camera+cut&qid=1699921076&sprefix=lights+camera+cu%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-1 Fiverr Services: Screenplay Feedback: https://www.fiverr.com/themattmacedo/review-your-script-and-give-feedback Film Feedback: https://www.fiverr.com/themattmacedo/advise-and-consult-with-you-on-film-directing Thank you for your support! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello Friends! Today's special guest is Adrian Sierkowski, a cinematographer and gaffer. In this episode, we discuss the relationship between the director and cinematographer, how lighting can portray a character's psychology, the role of lighting in storytelling, and the future of film production involving AI and virtual stages. To get in contact with Adrian, visit his website at www.AdrianSierkowski.com. To learn more about the feedback services I provide on Fiverr, click the links below! Screenplay Feedback with optional directing notes: https://www.fiverr.com/s/2aBK3k Film and Film Directing Feedback: https://www.fiverr.com/s/WzxE4X Follow me on Instagram and Threads @MattMacedo www.MattMacedo.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Are you needing feedback on a script or film you've completed? I've started offering services on Fiverr! If you are a Writer/Director about to embark on directing a script you have written, PLEASE get the optional directing notes with your screenplay order. In addition to feedback on the story, characters, etc, you will receive feedback included in the other Directing service, but BEFORE you've completed your film. Screenwriting Feedback with *Optional Directing Notes: https://www.fiverr.com/s/R2b56R If you have already completed your film and want feedback on it, this is the service for you! Directing Feedback: https://www.fiverr.com/s/3Lwkdr Services start at just $50. Sorry for the delay in new episodes. This podcast was never meant to have weekly uploads, only episodes on topics I found interesting. With that said, I am in the process of lining up new guests and having new topics to explore and talk about. In the meanwhile, "Intuition and the Director" and "Psychology and the Director" are my favorite topics so far, and constantly provide something new to learn from. Follow me on Instagram: @MattMacedo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Did you know your handwriting reveals virtually everything about you? Today's special guest is Author and Expert Handwriting Analyst Sheila Lowe. We dive deep into how our characteristics (and even past injuries) show themselves through our handwriting.  To learn more about Sheila, her books, and the services that she offers, please visit SheilaLowe.com & SheilaLoweBooks.com  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello Friends! On today's episode, I welcome Jordan Brady to the podcast. He is an ultra-successful commercial director who has directed well over 1,000 commercials and has multiple online courses. If you follow his Instagram, you're definitely aware of how funny he is and the free knowledge he gives away. In this episode, we talk about the similarities and differences between directing films and directing commercials.  Please check out Jordan's work at TrueGent.tv and follow him on Instagram @ThatJordanBrady. His website is CommercialDirectingFilmSchool.com and you are able to sign up for a consultation call or even sign up for his Commercial Directing Bootcamp. Please check out his podcast "Respect the Process" and purchase his book Commercial Directing Voodoo.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello friends! Today, I welcome back writer, director, and cinematographer Steven Bernstein (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077149/) to chat about intuition and its impact on a director and the filmmaking process. Make sure to follow Steven on social media and Patreon! (https://www.instagram.com/stevenbernsteindirectorwriter/?hl=en) Please RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE! Follow me on Instagram @MattMacedo (https://www.instagram.com/mattmacedo/) www.MattMacedo.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello friends! Today, I welcome back writer, director, and cinematographer Steven Bernstein (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077149/) to chat about psychology and its impact on directing and filmmaking.  Make sure to follow Steven on social media! (https://www.instagram.com/stevenbernsteindirectorwriter/?hl=en) Make sure you RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE! Follow me on Instagram @MattMacedo (https://www.instagram.com/mattmacedo/) www.MattMacedo.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support

Hello friends! Today, I speak with my good friend and composer Jamie Murgatroyd (https://www.murgatroydmusic.com/) about our collaborative relationship and the relationship between composers and directors. If you're needing a composer, make sure to visit https://www.murgatroydmusic.com/ to contact Jamie!  Drug of Choice Soundtrack: https://soundcloud.com/macedoproductions  Jamie's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jamie-murgatroyd Software Jamie mentions with Clara's voice: Ethera Gold  Make sure you RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE!  Follow me on Instagram @MattMacedo  www.MattMacedo.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-macedo/support