Crafting Violent Endings w/John-Michael Powell - Just Shoot It 498

How do you define your voice as a director? John-Michael Powell https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3119508/ talks about his new film "Violent Ends" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6902560 and the career journey that brought it to theaters.When the entire faculty of his art college told him to give up on becoming an artist, John-Michael moved to Los Angeles. He landed his first job at Bunim-Murray Productions, spending nights watching VHS tapes of "The Real World" and transcribing every line of dialogue onto scraps of paper. By day, he lived in a garage in the Valley off the 405 and close to the edge of moving back home.The better he became at editing TV segments with paper scraps thumb-tacked to a corkboard, the faster he spiraled towards mastering useless skills and boring stories about the way things were. But John-Michael had a knack for finding building blocks in any situation. Even alone, the work fueled him. But he still didn't yet know why that mattered to him.Soon things started taking shape: a Sundance award, editing a documentary on the Boston Marathon bombers, learning comedic timing from legend Jerry Zucker, and eventually an Emmy. Suddenly, he began seeing how the trajectory he was on, was nothing he imagined growing up in Arkansas.Listen as John-Michael shares about his career. Why Arkansas is a big part. And how it's all about constant discovery. You're really going to enjoy seeing and feeling why he’s in love with building his voice as a director and uncovering the secrets that await. Find him on Instagram: @johnmichael_powell---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: The cookbook "Let's Party", by Dan Pelosi https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dan-pelosi/lets-party/9781454956785/Oren's Endorsement: An interview with David Zucker on the podcast "How I Write: Hollywood Director Explains The 15 Rules of Comedy" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-zucker-hollywood-director-explains-the-15-rules/id1700171470?i=1000715428218John Michael's Endorsement: "A Dictionary of Color Combinations", by Sanzo Wada https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Color-Combinations-Various/dp/4861522471 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maya ‘Mayachka’ Margolina https://mayachka.com/ talks about her work with luxury brands like Coach, Rihanna's Fenty, Mercedes Benz, and MCM and how she craft treatments that get her work. And she reveals her own struggle to avoid being derivative while acknowledging that everything is derivative, at least somehow. In this episode, Oren and Matt unpack how Maya's unique cinematic form gets audiences to perceive brands in ways they never imagined. You might call it bridging the gap between a brand and a part of you brain that's from a completely different galaxy.  And though her unique perspective is mind-bending, much of her method is grounded in the same framework Matt and Oren have used in their comedy-focused work. You'll see similar beats with a familiar thought process and the same discovery call, but coming together in a completely different art form. And Maya discusses the details of working with movement directors and music supervisors as well as her interpretation of camera motion, pop culture memes, and getting the best performance from models and celebrities. Honest question. Are you someone who would never call something "hot"? Then this is the down to earth story of how to direct commercials for luxury brands that you've been wanting to hear! IG @mayachka____ (that's 4 underscores)---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: Hayao Miyazaki's. "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087544/Oren's Endorsement: the Roku remote has a headphone jack. And, r/barista on Reddit is hilarious https://www.reddit.com/r/barista/?rdt=37757 Maya's Endorsement: Flora AI https://www.florafauna.ai/ node-based AI with a UI reminiscent of Davinci Resolve color grading."Copycat" with Sigourney Weaver https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112722 Low Cinema in Queens NYC https://lowcinema.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Janek Ambros https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4471783/ doesn't use social media for self-promotion. And he tells up and coming filmmakers, you have to be annoying. Because in reality, that's what everyone in this industry is doing, including A-Listers.Besides if you're under 30, you're not supposed to know any better. So swing for the fence!! With a Sundance film under his belt and scores of other, Janek brings a filmmaker-sans-TV-commercial perspective, grit, and tenacity. And Matt and Oren explore his fascinating counterpoint take one how to make a career. Things like what makes a script that gets picked up. And where to start writing -- for character or budget.It's a fact-filled episode overflowing with juicy info!Find Janek on IG: @assemblylineent---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: "Singing In the Rain" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045152/Oren's Endorsement: "Gabby's Dollhouse", the movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214143/ and the HBO show "Peacemaker" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13146488/Janek's Endorsement: "The Kid Stays in the Picture" audiobook by Robert Evans, read by Robert Evans https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Kid-Stays-in-the-Picture-Audiobook/B00CICHAN8 And “Adventures in the Screen Trade”, the book https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/william-goldman/adventures-in-the-screen-trade/9780446391177  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mercedes Bryce Morgan https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5521959/ talks about building the career that got her "Bone Lake" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26783625/. From several Marshmello videos, episodes of Stargate Origins, and ten-by-tens, Mercedes has learned a lot.One of her techniques is the pre-pitch meeting. That's a get together (on zoom of course) prior to her pitch. Kind of like a creative brief. And she sees it as an opportunity to find out what they really want. Which is sometimes easier for people to articulate, she learned, as what they don't want.Another is embedding gifs into her shot list and seeing second units not as a budget extra, but as a real cost-saving tool.If you're building a career as a fillmmaker, you won't want to miss out on some pointers that most people don't talk about.---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodJoin Matt & Oren at the Just Shoot It mixer! You don't even have to shower come!Free tickets! Wednesday, October 8 · 7 - 10pm PDTLawless Brewing Co.5275 Craner Avenue Los Angeles, CA 91601RSVP and info at https://events.justshootitpod.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-shoot-it-october-meetup-tickets-1665676596539Matt's Endorsement: Texture Labs https://texturelabs.org/Oren's Endorsement: Have an editor on set. And bring png's of on-screen text to your VTR person on set. Mercedes' Endorsement: Six Flags' Hurricane Harbor https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Oren reveal their backstory in this collab with G.G. Hawkins and No Film School. https://nofilmschool.com/u/lostingraceland And you won't want to miss what it was like before smartphones , back when there was a barrier to entry to making video or film. It was totally different from today. Or was it? OK today, almost anyone can use a smartphone and AI to create some amazing content.And that's just the opportunity. It may be easier, but it has less value. Meaning most anyone can't make a living as a filmmaker. Or can you?Maybe you can master the multiple tentacles of connections you need to have in order to have visibility to opportunities that level up you career in a meaningful way. And maybe you can build community and know how to warm people up to who you are in a matter of seconds. And that's what this episode is about. Because today it's even more critical to get the attention of people you need to hear you out, when they see thousands just like you every day.---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodJoin Matt & Oren at the Just Shoot It mixer! You don't even have to shower come!Free tickets! Wednesday, October 8 · 7 - 10pm PDTLawless Brewing Co.5275 Craner Avenue Los Angeles, CA 91601RSVP and info at https://events.justshootitpod.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-shoot-it-october-meetup-tickets-1665676596539 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Morris https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2730235/ joins Carlyn Hudson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3972277 https://www.instagram.com/carlynhudson to talk about their views on making that signature feature film that everyone dreams of, one that is an iconic piece of IP that launches a Jordan Peele-career.And Oren and Matt dive into what that means when you start wanting to own a house, have kids, and think about college -- not your college tuition, but your kids! On the one hand, a successful freelance career in commercials, can make it all happen. And over 10 years, 15 years or more, it can elevate your directing chops beyond what you could have imagined. On the other hand, it can be the very reason why chasing that feature, the one that finally shows your full skill set and ability, is a financial fantasy. Like, why risk losing work while spending 2, 3, or 10 years to make that feature?Ira Glass preached about how you have to stick it out until your talent matches your taste. But is that even possible in a future with AI?And Tom gets into how, after having several features under his belt, what would get him noticed by influential showrunners, was making another short.This is what adulting is like as a filmmaker. And it comes at a time when what you do next matters more than ever.---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod*** MIXER !!! PARTY ***Join Matt & Oren at the Just Shoot It mixer! You don't even have to shower!Free tickets! Wednesday, October 8 · 7 - 10pm PDTLawless Brewing Co.5275 Craner Avenue Los Angeles, CA 91601RSVP and info at https://events.justshootitpod.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-shoot-it-october-meetup-tickets-1665676596539Matt's Endorsement: Weleda Skin Food https://www.weleda.com/product/skin-food-light-nourishing-cream-g007756Oren's Endorsement: How to be a human fly swatter using the Alan Gwizdowski method https://www.instagram.com/alangwiz/ . Tom's Endorsement: the medical staff at Cedar's Sinai HospitalCarlyn's Endorsement: "The Battered Bastard of Baseball" documentary on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/70299904 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt & Oren dive into answering your questions. It's a new format and we hope it clicks! And whether it works or not, there's a new way you can let them know.There's questions from early career filmmakers. What is the one piece of gear filmmakers buy early on, but don't need? What's the best way to invest $100 in film gear? How do you write dialog that feels real?And questions about life on set. Like, what's the most stressful part of directing? What does a director actually do once they're on set? And what are some things that go wrong on every shoot?And they round out the episode with some hacks for tackling the toughest production problems.  But most importantly, Matt and Oren are throwing a party. And it's your chance to connect with other filmmakers and let them know what you think! RSVP below!---!!! PARTY INFO !!!Free tickets! Wednesday, October 8 · 7 - 10pm PDTLawless Brewing Co.5275 Craner Avenue Los Angeles, CA 91601RSVP and info at https://events.justshootitpod.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-shoot-it-october-meetup-tickets-1665676596539Matt's Endorsement: Drink whole milk. Not skim, 2%, soy milk or one of those other kinds of milk. Even as an adult. And not just in your coffee.Oren's Endorsement: Use Midjourney to make animated lower thirds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marvel director Kat Coiro https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0192478 covers everything from working with day players to why directors have to take acting classes. Once an actor herself, Kat has mastered the art of infusing enthusiasm into every set and using that energy to supercharge collaboration. Kat's worn every hat—writer, actor, director, producer, EP, and more. And while CAA found her because of her short film, her deep understanding of each role on set propelled her into a coveted career directing "Marry Me" with Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez, "Matlock" with Kathy Bates, Marvel's "She Hulk: Attorney at Law", to name a few. Is there ever over-preparing as a director? Not according to Kat. It's all about putting in the work, asking questions of your showrunner, and really investing into its world. And she doesn't downplay the ability to leverage commercial sensibilities, and pitching with decks and details that can take weeks simply on spec. Join us October 8th for a meetup in @ Lawless Brewery in North Hollywood. Tickets are free, but RSVP at: events.JustShootItpod.comMatt and Oren get Kat to share her go‑to techniques for “talking details through” before stepping on set. And why talking about how you were up all night working on the show, isn't necessarily a good sign. In fact, Kat's a big believer in the importance of self-care in projecting confidence. And mantra is about knowing when :slowing down" unlocks "speeding up". For Kat, relaxing and taking care of yourself is a huge part of a show's overall success. ---Matt's Endorsement: Atlas Obscura App https://app.atlasobscura.com/Oren's Endorsement: Swap wearing your watch on different wrists to avoid tan lines. Use Midjourney https://www.midjourney.com/home for art direction inspiration.Kat's Endorsement: the Oura Ring https://ouraring.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an amazing DP/cinematographer has an unfortunate schedule change, Matt & Oren whip up a discussion about social media and listener notes about their websites. And Matt talks about how his LinkedIn post got noticed. And there's a surprising little twist that might make some listeners uneasy.Later, they dig into a listener question. And that leads to some banter about the must haves when you're shooting a commercial on spec. And Matt decodes a list of items that make a compelling spec, especially when you write it yourself.Matt's Endorsement: Fog machines are inexpensive right now.Oren's Endorsement: You can Google how long trailers are before a movie plays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt & Oren discuss the feeling dogging every freelancer: "Will I ever work again?" They dig into who they recommend when they can't take an awesome job, and how that has paid it forward in good ways. Maybe it's all about who you vibe with. But what is that, exactly? And what if a brand or agency does a vibe check on you? Surprisingly, it's like a date, and more of sales pitch so be prepared!But there's a way to show up with a certain enthusiasm for a project and demonstrate a personal connection without sounding like a cold email that falls on its face. This episode is definitely worth a listen if you're trying to rack up more jobs this year!Matt's Endorsement: Deschute's Fresh Squeezed Non-Alcohoilc IPA https://deschutesbrewery.com/products/fresh-squeezed-non-alcoholicOren's Endorsement: Tab Groups in Google Chrome. R-Click on a tab > Add Tab to New Group. Also on Chromium-based browsers like Firefox and Brave. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2391819?hl=en&sjid=9324260012388965296-NC#zippy=%2Cgroup-your-tabs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.