Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing

Executive Producer (EP) Eric McCasline talks about building his new, top-tier production company, Good Times. https://ItsGoodTimes.com/ And he chats with Matt and Oren about how directors can get on the roster, win jobs, and why you as a director need to know your lane and understand how reps will pitch you. It's a "Moneyballl" game to get on and stay on, are you playing your game right?The conversation goes deep into budgets, incentives, permits, fees as well as the shifting aesthetic of commercials. And the guys reveal why only top-tier work matters these days. So you gotta shoot way higher than the B-Team!!!---Get a great deal on Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/shootitjanMatt's Endorsement: https://www.kimgehrig.com/ Patrick Tomaso's video "Why don't movies look like *movies* anymore?" https://youtu.be/EwTUM9cFeSo?si=8MV4niF9L7o-Uh6FOren's Endorsement: Use Photoshop Generative AI and Midjourney to make edits to storyboards and animatics while staying consistent to your storyboard artists style.Bring Cool Ranch Doritos to your party, seriously.Eric's Endorsements: SteadfastLA https://www.steadfastla.com/ is helping rebuild Los Angeles."After the End of Art", a book by Arthur Danto https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691163895/after-the-end-of-art Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Andrew Kightlinger IG@Andrew.vhs and DP Idan Menin IG:@idanmenin talk about their film, from Sylvester Stallone's Balboa Productions, "Lost On a Mountain in Maine" https://www.lostonamountaininmainemovie.com/Matt and Oren go deep about the tough trade-offs they made between budget, VFX, and the need to look realistic. And the guys delve into a wider discussion about the dance between great cinematography and awesome storytelling. Can you shoot on an iPhone and use it alongside an Alexa 35? Would you do it In a commercial, but not in a film and why? And how do you build a relationship between you, as director and your DP that elevates everyone's reel?As always, Oren and Matt get behind the real story to working on a film produced by Sylvester Stallone. Don't miss these juicy details!!---Get a great deal on Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/shootitjanMatt's Endorsement: Go to a nice movie theater! Oren's Endorsement: Every Frame A Picture's video on YouTube, "Where Do You Put the Camera?" https://youtu.be/wa1O3nqW5hQ?si=ttIU6t8vY0JGhIOeAndrew's Endorsement: "Paradise" on Hulu https://press.hulu.com/shows/paradise/Idan's Endorsement: The liquid emulsion process for creating photographs on a silver-based, liquid photographic emulsion adhered to unconventional surfaces like wood blocks or concrete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Russel https://www.daniel-russell.com/ went from an assistant for Dave Meyers www.radicalmedia.com/us/directors/dave-meyers to directing music videos for Justin Timberlake and Jason Derulo. And he chats with Matt and Oren about the moves that built his career. What's the secret to pitching and landing impressive jobs? How can you work with a choreographer and inspire them to create the movement you need? And where can you find the best sources for visual inspiration? You won't want to miss these tips on building your career!Get a great deal on Magic Mind! https://www.magicmind.com/SHOOTITJANMatt's Endorsement: "Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person" (Original title: "Vampire Humaniste Cherche Suicidaire Consentant") https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24216998/Oren's Endorsements: "When the Jump Scare is Actually Clever" a YouTube video by Vanity Fair https://youtu.be/CNCeYM9bfOg?si=y8gk_qYcb589m80GDaniel's Endorsements: "The Virgin's Bucket List" https://www.reelshort.com/movie/the-virgin-s-bucket-list-675110c567a002f3b1017570 The pizza at Pura Vita https://puravitalosangeles.com/ Shoutout to the DJ's at KCRW https://www.kcrw.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt & Oren chat about the LA fires and their impact on freelancers, filmmakers, and the industry.  It's a conversation about navigating so-called 'normalcy' -- where normalcy is lacking. And the tough decisions around where you're needed most when friends and so many others have lost so much in the fires, It's firsthand and unfiltered.With that backdrop, Matt and Oren take up a broader conversation about bringing more commercial work into LA. What's some of the math for shooting outside LA? Outside the country (USA)? And when does it pay off and under what circumstances? And they challenge SAG-AFTRA and FilmLA to think about what's best for helping the industry and the entire LA filmmaking community, rebuild.Matt's Endorsement: David Lunch shrine near Bob's Big Boy in Burbank. And, "Hundreds of Beavers" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12818328/Oren's Endorsements: "East of Wall" Directed by Kate Beecroft https://imdb.com/title/tt21349688 And, Kevin P Barry on Instagram @kevinbparry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Oren chat about 2024, what they learned and what they're planning to do for 2025. Everything from posting on Instagram & LinkedIn, being more productive, toilet training, and gold stars. Then they tackle a question from commercial director Jon Schwartz https://www.ajaxcreative.com/en/commercial-director/jon-schwartz. And delve into point of view (POV), what it means to different audiences, and when to just break the rules. Check out the episode!Matt's Endorsement: "Thelma", the film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23778968/Oren's Endorsements: 1. "Skeleton Crew", the show https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20600980/ 2. Puzzles from Cobble Hill with Family Pieces https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/search?q=family+pieces 3. Behind the scenes (BTS) videos of commercial shoots https://www.jessejamesmcelroy.com/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlyn Hudson, a filmmaker and director, joins fellow creatives Maureen Bharoocha and Roxy Shih to explore the future of the film industry. They reflect on the impact of AI and evolving formats like vertical video. The trio discusses challenges in TV production, mid-career opportunities, and creative collaboration. Health hacks and personal growth are emphasized, as they share routines that enhance well-being. Finally, they delve into generational differences in storytelling and outline their aspirations for success in 2025.

Joining the conversation are Carlyn Hudson, a WGA member known for her South by Southwest-featured works; Maureen Bharoocha, a director celebrated for her episodic television work; and Roxy Shih, a versatile filmmaker and educator. They delve into the thriving production scene of 2024, reflecting on their significant wins and the balancing act of personal routines. The trio shares humorous anecdotes, discusses navigating social anxiety, and highlights the challenges of new vertical content production. They also contemplate parenting dynamics and the evolving landscape of filmmaking as they gear up for 2025.

What's different about directing a commercial internationally? Everything!! Oren's back from 3 weeks in Thailand and he's got 10 things to remember when shooting overseas. Matt and Oren talk health, prep, working with actors from different countries, and a heck of a lot more. Have you ever been called to fill these roles on set? Matt's Endorsement: Use ChatGPT to take your 2025 goals and create a plan of action, you can live with.Oren's Endorsements: Airmoto tire inflator/compressor https://go.getairmoto.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

G. G. Hawkins, a filmmaker known for her feature film "I Really Love My Husband," shares insights from her cinematic journey. She discusses transforming a micro-budget project into a sophisticated film, drawing on her corporate experience for pitching and funding. Their conversation dives into balancing filmmaking with family life during the pandemic, navigating film festivals, and innovative strategies in low-budget storytelling. Plus, they explore the importance of community and effective project management tools in the indie filmmaking landscape.

Being flown around the world as a commercial director, or working daily with celebrity artists sounds amazing. But how about over Thanksgiving and the holidays? Is there a way to work big directing jobs and still have the time to find the next one? And what happens when your day job as a showrunner or director hinders you ability to keep your chops up as a screenwriter?Matt and Oren are freaking out. And they chat about balancing family with the demands of successful directing careers. The good news is, there ways to stay creative and do all the things that first got you into filmmaking.   Matt's Endorsement: Colin and Samir on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ColinandSamirOren's Endorsements: All The Hacks podcast, Holiday Gift Guide https://www.chrishutchins.com/blog/2024-gift-guide/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.