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

Tony Yacenda https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2829241/ , the director from "Chad Powers", "Dave", "American Vandal", and a ton of commercials, joins Oren and Matt. And in this episode, Tony gives us a look into how he jumped like four levels to get his first big break on American Vandal.Then Matt and Oren get Tony to share what it means to rebalance how you think about your role and what makes you an effective team player. Why? Because what you think is right can be a lot different on a show with higher network exposure and increased performance pressure. Wanna sneak-peak? Have the confidence to do your role really well, and care less about how it impacts other people's jobs. Without being an a**hole.Finally, the three share strategies for being an artist who takes every note, without robotically being a yes-man and without sacrificing the cohesiveness of your creative vision. It's a great episode that may flip how you think about directing. And it just may help you skip levels in your career as a director.Find Tony on Instagram @tyacenda---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: "Paddington 2", the movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4468740/ , Flavacol, flavoring for popcorn, and Wonder Boom bluetooth speaker https://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/shop/p/wonderboom-4Oren's Endorsement: Genius Scan pdf scanning app https://help.geniusscan.com/ Also Premiere Pro has a one-click tool to object mask, in the Beta app.Tony's Endorsment: "Going Dutch", the TV show on FOX. And watch it TV-TV, cable or antenna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commercial director NEDA joins Matt and Oren in their first-ever interview from Eastern Europe! NEDA talks about how she gets unique shots, even when working with kids. She shares how she balances freestyle with agency needs and discovers techniques to capture real moments where the kids are being real, and not pretending or acting.Then Matt and Oren get her to explore what type of director can pull off a one-name brand, like NEDA. And the three explore what happens when your career reaches a point where it seems you get asked too often to do what you’re known for. It sounds like a good problem to have, but it can reach an extreme that limits your ability to expand your reel and grow as a creator.You won’t want to miss this episode about getting unique shots, building your unique style, and having the freedom to keep updating your style as you grow your tastes and stay relevant to today’s trends and audiences.You can find NEDA on IG @minka_jones---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: "Noir-vember", the film-noir watch-commitment for NovemberOren's Endorsement: GifSki https://gif.ski/ gif makerNEDA's Endorsement: "Twin Peaks", the original David Lynch TV series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Cellan Jones https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0148116 shares the story of his rise from the mailroom at BBC to become a director on "The Diplomat", "See", "Ballers", and "The Expanse".Then Matt and Oren get Simon to share some tips for working with star talent, like Mark Wahlberg, on his latest film "Family Plan 2". What's the difference between how Mark comes to set compared to Jason Momoa? And what are the factors that go into deciding whether to use a Podcar or a process trailer? The guys get into a lot more, and you can't miss this episode.The three wrap up with a chat about the gritty, cutting-edge films that came out of the 1970s. And they ask the question on everyone's mind: Will we soon see a new renaissance in cutting-edge filmmaking in the next year or two? Find out in this week's episode!Find Simon on Instagram @simon.cellanjones---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodCome to our event! RSVP at https://events.justshootitpod.com/Dec 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM Lawless Brewing Co.5275 Craner AvenueLos Angeles, CA 91601Matt's Endorsement: Use a warming tray / chafing dish and make hosting parties easier.Oren's Endorsement: "Task" on HBO. "I Love LA" on HBO. And the Robinhood Gold Credit CardSimon's Endorsement: Plant crocuses; yellow is great! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Semanoff https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1032608/ shares how he made the break from camera operator to director. Lots of people want to do the same and you might be one of them. So you'll want to hear Ben tell you the one simple question too many people forget to ask. Matt and Oren also get Ben to open up about what makes a camera operator stand out. And the three talk about how Ben found himself in the unique position of being an irreplaceable crew member. And why that was a critical step to directing on Ozark, Stanger Things, and his newest show, Black Rabbit as well as long working relationship with Jason Bateman.You won't want to miss Ben's thoughts on why you need to always bring ideas to set, what it means to shoot the show in prep, and how to decide where to put the lens.Find Ben on Instagram @bsemanoff---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: The streaming service Peacock, because they feature Universal's old monster movies.Oren's Endorsement: Actors, in your auditions, be sure to perform an action that brings to life the location and fits the character you're auditioning for. Maybe even add yourself a line before the scene starts.Ben's Endorsement: Logitech G-Series Fits self-shaping, custom fit earbuds https://www.logitechg.com/en-sg/products/gaming-audio/fits-true-wireless-gaming-earbuds.985-001188.html And the book, "An Actor's Companion: Tools for the Working Actor" by Seth Barrish https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/169498881-an-actor-s-companion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonah Feingold https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3783212/ talks about connecting with your parasocial audience to create the films you want to make. And he shares why he got in front of the camera in his latest film, "31 Candles."Matt and Oren get Jonah to talk about filming in New York and how a living city creates one-off opportunities that plus your scene. And the three chat about product placement and the real benefit filmmakers can get from YouTube. You can connect with Jonah at jonahfeingold.nyc  and on IG: @jonahfeingold---Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPodMatt's Endorsement: "They Came Together" w/ Amy Kohler and Paul Rudd https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2398249/Oren's Endorsement: whisper.ai voice to text https://whisperai.com/Jonah's Endorsement: "Broadcast News" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092699/ . And do a silent take when on set. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.