Making Creative Decisions w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 481

Making Creative Decisions w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 481

Author: Filmmakers Matt Enlow & Oren Kaplan June 26, 2025 Duration: 59:22

Matt and Oren dig into the creative choices director's make. And they kick it off by looking at the growing influence of AI on the process. 


They also tackle casting and why it’s more than just finding the “right” actor. But also, what makes for the right actor in a commercial? Comedic timing, tone, understanding the game, our grasp of something else? 


They also share how many actors they callback and put on avail. And what happens when an actor crushes the audition but doesn’t book it. Do you tell them?


You'll find some tips on how to invite creative collaboration, whether wardrobe, production design, or with your DP, in a way that encourages suggestions for plus-ing the production. But, without sounding like a film school director who doesn't know, or is too afraid, to make choices.


---

Get a great deal on Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/shootitjune NEW LINK!! 


Matt's Endorsement: If you have a Loog Guitar for kids https://loogguitars.com/, get a guitar strap. King C. Gillette Cordless Beard Trimmer https://gillette.com/en-us/products/beard-care/king-c-gillette-beard-trimmer  


Oren's Endorsement: Ira Glass on Mike Birbiglia’s podcast https://youtu.be/eIzW5RHpeFQ?si=dcJqxqKlT9c6iaAI


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


Behind every film you've ever loved is a collection of hard-won lessons, creative struggles, and moments of pure luck. Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing pulls back the curtain on that process. Hosted by working directors Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, this podcast operates like a long-form conversation between peers, delving into the granular details of building a life behind the camera. Each episode features an interview with a filmmaker, but the focus is less on promoting projects and more on dissecting the craft. You'll hear directors, writers, cinematographers, and other artists break down their approach to story development, the visual language of a scene, working with actors, and the practical realities of navigating a career. The discussion is grounded in the hosts' own experiences, making the advice tangible and the pitfalls relatable. This isn't abstract theory; it's a field guide compiled from the trenches. Whether you're an aspiring director, a seasoned screenwriter, or simply fascinated by how movies are truly made, this podcast offers an honest, unvarnished look at the art, business, and relentless problem-solving that defines filmmaking. Tune in for a masterclass that feels like a coffee shop chat, where the goal is to demystify the journey from script to screen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing
Podcast Episodes
3 Career-Changing Emails - Just Shoot It 433 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:39
In this episode Carlyn Hudson joins Matt and Oren to read some of the most impactful emails that they have sent and received in terms of moving their filmmaking careers forward.Matt's Endorsement: Don't Change your Email…
Step-Friends w/Selyna Warren & Melissa Read - Just Shoot It 432 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:02
Selyna Warren & Melissa Read hop on the pod this week to talk about showrunning Foursome on YouTube Premium as well as their new proof-of-concept Step-Friend!Matt's Endorsement: Romeo & Juliet on CriterionOren's Endorsem…
Opening Shots w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 431 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:09
It's another Matt & Oren episode! This week the fellas do a deep dive into the importance of an opening shot, what kinds of shots to avoid, and how to find and craft the perfect opening shot for your project!Matt's Endor…
Pitching Strategies w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 429 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:33
It's another Matt & Oren episode! This week, the fellas do a little catching up and discuss pitching strategies and treatments!Matt's Endorsement: Meaningful Meeting SpotsOren's Endorsement: Time Shifter App, Lactaid Mil…
Negotiating Your Directing Rate w/Scott Feinstein - Just Shoot It 428 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:24
This week, Matt & Oren chat with industry-veteran, Scott Feinstein, about his commercial director consultation services and what it takes to break into the business! Matt's Endorsement: Carl's Jr CommercialOren's Endorse…
Meditations on Directing w/Nina Meredith - Just Shoot It 427 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:48
This week, Matt & Oren chatted with Director Nina Meredith about her commercial and documentary filmmaking career, along with a breakdown of her latest project!Matt's Endorsement: Richard Linklater InterviewOren's Endors…
Lessons In Cinematography w/Jason Oldak - Just Shoot It 426 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:37
ASC-nominated Cinematographer, Jason Oldak, hops on the pod this week to chat with Matt & Oren about his career leading up to working on the hit AppleTV show, Lessons in Chemistry, starring Brie Larson!Matt's Endorsement…
The Last Movie Ever Made w/Nathan Blackwell - Just Shoot It 425 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:38
This week, Nathan Blackwell hops on the pod to chat about his new Indie/Sci-Fi/Comedy feature, The Last Movie Ever Made! Matt's Endorsement: Eating SeasonallyOren's Endorsement: ScriptnotesNathan's Endorsement: Veratasiu…

«1...678910