Filmmakers In Advertising

Codey Wilson

Demystifying the world of Filmmakers in Advertising. Interviewing directors, copywriters, producers, and more in the world of advertising and commercial filmmaking. | sponsored by Cry | http://filmcry.com

  1. JAN 20

    #043 "No" Is the Worst Word with Dan Blaney | FIG

    Join us for our first video episode, now available to watch on Youtube! This week, Justin chats with Dan Blaney, an accomplished head of production, now working as Executive Director of Production at Fig.  Dan has an impressive resume that includes roles at Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, Apple, and more. The discussion explores various subjects including what it really means to be a great producer in advertising, not just as a manager of budgets and schedules, but as a creative partner, mentor, and problem-solver. Dan shares personal stories from his career working on major campaigns for brands like Bud Light, AT&T, Apple, and the Jordan Brand, including behind-the-scenes insights from large-scale productions, Super Bowl activations, and high-pressure shoots where there’s only one chance to get it right. He emphasizes the significance of viewing roles beyond transactions, encouraging creative voices, and maintaining passion and dedication in the advertising field. Dan also discusses what makes creative collaboration succeed: from choosing the right directors and production partners, to creating space for ideas to come from anywhere, and knowing when to speak up to make the work better. Throughout the episode, Dan emphasizes a simple but powerful philosophy: there’s always a way to make it happen, regardless of budget or scale. This episode offers practical insight, hard-earned perspective, and a refreshing reminder that great work comes from curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. You don’t want to miss Dan’s insights here. Links: Dan’s Site - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/Bud Light: Up For Whatever - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/#/bud-light-up-for-whatever/The Talk: P&G - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/#/new-page/If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City. Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - michaelhrtmn4@gmail.com

    1h 16m
  2. #042 Crafting Authentic Documentaries with Mwita Chacha | Cry

    12/04/2025

    #042 Crafting Authentic Documentaries with Mwita Chacha | Cry

    Join us for the second in a series of director interviews from the roster of Cry, the creative and post studio behind this podcast. Next up on the list is none other than Mwita Chacha, an expert at documentary storytelling. Mwita’s work has been featured on HBO Max, Discovery+, CNN, Vox, PBS, and yes, even a Vimeo staff pick. He’s even had the opportunity to do a project for CNN with Wolf Blitzer on the Holocaust Museum. His latest feature documentary, To The Ends, explores real-time storytelling in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. Needless to say, his work has touched the hearts of many, and we think you should check it out if you're not already familiar.  Mwita’s conversation with Justin explores Mwita’s journey into filmmaking, inspired by his father’s nonprofit work in Tanzania, organically developing into a career. They discuss Mwita’s approach to creating authentic interviews, which is a game-changing system. They also discuss ethical considerations in documentary storytelling and how Mwita’s diverse experiences shape his perspective on filmmaking.  If you are curious on how you can level-up your documentary storytelling techniques, you’ll want to make sure you listen to this one. Links: Mwita’s WorkMwita’s SiteMwita’s InstagramTo The Ends Film Resources: Uncover Your Story Guide & HandbookThe Dignified Storytelling Handbook - Free Resource for StorytellersIf you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City. Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - michaelhrtmn4@gmail.com

    46 min
  3. 06/03/2025

    #036 Best Idea Wins with Matt Johnson | Haymaker

    Today, we chat with Matt Johnson - Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Haymaker - the independent, Emmy-winning, full-service advertising agency. Matt takes us through Haymaker’s origin story: from launching with no clients or office to growing into a respected agency over the past eight years. With a background at industry heavyweights like 180LA and 72andSunny, Matt brings a wealth of experience and insight into what it takes to see ideas through towards proven results.  We discuss standout projects like Pluto TV’s Proud to be a Potato, 23andMe’s Despicable Me crossover: Genetically Me, and the promotion of the digital release for John Wick 2 as one of their first jobs as a new agency. He unpacks how bold ideas, collaboration, and risk-taking played pivotal roles along the way - also sharing the value of failure, stressing the importance of taking a learner’s stance rather than an expert’s stance. Matt also gives practical examples on how he navigates the rapid pace of agency work, the impact of having supportive partners, and the importance of a collaborative culture that iterates ideas into the best product possible. Trust us, this is one you don’t want to miss. Links: Pluto TV | Proud to be a Potato 23andMe | Genetically Me - with Illumination Entertainment John Wick 2 | Digital Release Seattle’s Best Coffee | Smoother Days with Joel McHale Episode Edited by Jake Petsch jakepetsch.com | petsch.jake@gmail.com If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City. Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - michaelhrtmn4@gmail.com

    1h 7m

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Demystifying the world of Filmmakers in Advertising. Interviewing directors, copywriters, producers, and more in the world of advertising and commercial filmmaking. | sponsored by Cry | http://filmcry.com