Matt's been getting wrapped up in analytics, and Oren's been updating his reel. So yeah, update your f**king website if you haven't!

This week, we get into where to host your portfolio whether you want the best web host or video platform. And we dive into some honest talk about what defines you as a director, because trying to be everything just doesn't work. There are also some hot tips on things you can do to stand out as someone exciting to work with.

If you're seriously building a career as a filmmaker, this is a must-listen.

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Matt's Endorsement: Watch "The French Connection" (1971) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067116/

Oren's Endorsement: Get good at making slide decks because they will help you sell your ideas.

And Bob Odenkirk on Mike Birbiglia's Podcast, "Working It Out" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/179-bob-odenkirk-the-art-of-anger-in-comedy/id1515419751?i=1000719445989

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins Matt and Oren to talk about her journey from commercial success to directing vertical series and feature films.

Meanwhile, Oren’s been updating his website and shares some valuable insights on what to include in your reel, what to leave out, and why it matters. And that leads into Matt sharing some insightful data on how many views a reel gets per day.

Back to Emily—she’s all about making everything feel like a movie, even a vertical series. She shares how she fought for that vision and explains how shooting open gate helped convince producers they could save money doing it her way. And maybe even make more with some luck.

At her core, Emily is a craft-driven filmmaker with a passion for detail. She talks about her love for set design and working with artisanal couturiers to find the perfect accessories, like a custom western hat from Austin or hours spent digging through costumes at Warner Brothers.

The episode wraps with practical tips on surgically using tools like jibs, Steadicams, and Technocrane (yeah the gear producers often assume is out of budget) to maximize production value and scope on a tight budget.

You can find Emily here:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8502506/

https://www.electriccowgirl.xyz/

IG: @emilyelizabeththomas/

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Matt's Endorsement: Letterboxd's interview with the stars of "I Like Movies" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE1kANkYGSw and the movie itself https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14913282/

Oren's Endorsement: The book "Linchpin" by Seth Godin https://seths.store/linchpin/. The subreddit /vfx https://www.reddit.com/r/vfx/. And, Filmvibes https://filmvibes.io/

Emily's Endorsement: Jean Paul Gauthier's Wardrobe design and Styling of the movie "The Fifth Element". Vidiots theatre https://vidiotsfoundation.org/. And the movie itself https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119116/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamaal Parham, part of the directing duo Jams and Bash, talks to Oren and Matt about how they approach their business without the cheesiness. From a start working exclusively with Broadway productions, they've become a CAA-recognized brand in sports comedy.

Matt discusses how the dream of never looking at a spreadsheet isn’t realistic in filmmaking, or at least not in building a career in it. And Jamaal shares secrets on how they connect with decision-makers through targeted social media strategies that go beyond traditional PR, advertising, or social thinking.

**Key lesson:** A lot of directing is really hosting. Don’t get it? Check out this amazing episode!

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1729641/

https://www.jamsandbash.com/

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Matt's Endorsement: Chris Moran | Creative Breakdowns on TikTok and his tutorials on the Vox aesthetic https://www.tiktok.com/@chrismoran__

Oren's Endorsement: order your pet meds from https://discountpetmedication.biz/ and the use Amazon to monitor for deals on what you want, like a Dyson v11, and get a great deal on Prime Week.

Jamaal's Endorsement: "The Black Pack" book by Artel Great https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/the-black-pack/9781978838130/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.