Best Oren Kaplan Podcasts (2025)

1
The Horrors of Seth Worley’s "Sketch" - Just Shoot It 499 1:35:40

Play Pause

2d ago1:35:40

1:35:40

Seth Worley https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2124394/ made money selling tools for filmmakers. And Matt and Oren get him to talk about ways filmmakers can make side-income today. Can filmmakers make money selling plug-ins and stock footage? And if so, how? But why make side-income as a filmmaker or working commercial director? Simply put: AI. And the gu…

1
Crafting Violent Endings w/John-Michael Powell - Just Shoot It 498 1:31:03

9d ago1:31:03

1:31:03

How do you define your voice as a director? John-Michael Powell https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3119508/ talks about his new film "Violent Ends" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6902560 and the career journey that brought it to theaters. When the entire faculty of his art college told him to give up on becoming an artist, John-Michael moved to Los Angeles.…

1
How to Pitch with Style w/Maya Margolina - Just Shoot It 497 1:28:15

17d ago1:28:15

1:28:15

Maya ‘Mayachka’ Margolina https://mayachka.com/ talks about her work with luxury brands like Coach, Rihanna's Fenty, Mercedes Benz, and MCM and how she craft treatments that get her work. And she reveals her own struggle to avoid being derivative while acknowledging that everything is derivative, at least somehow. In this episode, Oren and Matt unp…

1
The Film Fixer w/Janek Ambros - Just Shoot It 496 1:13:02

24d ago1:13:02

1:13:02

Janek Ambros https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4471783/ doesn't use social media for self-promotion. And he tells up and coming filmmakers, you have to be annoying. Because in reality, that's what everyone in this industry is doing, including A-Listers. Besides if you're under 30, you're not supposed to know any better. So swing for the fence!! With a Su…

1
The Chilling Truth behind 'Bone Lake' w/Mercedes Bryce Morgan - Just Shoot It 495 1:09:01

1M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Mercedes Bryce Morgan https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5521959/ talks about building the career that got her "Bone Lake" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26783625/. From several Marshmello videos, episodes of Stargate Origins, and ten-by-tens, Mercedes has learned a lot. One of her techniques is the pre-pitch meeting. That's a get together (on zoom of cours…

1
Getting Schooled By No Film School's GG Hawkins - Just Shoot It 494 59:20

1M ago59:20

59:20

Matt and Oren reveal their backstory in this collab with G.G. Hawkins and No Film School. https://nofilmschool.com/u/lostingraceland And you won't want to miss what it was like before smartphones , back when there was a barrier to entry to making video or film. It was totally different from today. Or was it? OK today, almost anyone can use a smartp…

1
Don’t Make Your Movie! w/Tom Morris & Carlyn Hudson - Just Shoot It 493 1:10:38

2M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Tom Morris https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2730235/ joins Carlyn Hudson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3972277 https://www.instagram.com/carlynhudson to talk about their views on making that signature feature film that everyone dreams of, one that is an iconic piece of IP that launches a Jordan Peele-career. And Oren and Matt dive into what that means w…

1
Engagement Farming w/Matt & Oren- Just Shoot It 492 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

Matt & Oren dive into answering your questions. It's a new format and we hope it clicks! And whether it works or not, there's a new way you can let them know. There's questions from early career filmmakers. What is the one piece of gear filmmakers buy early on, but don't need? What's the best way to invest $100 in film gear? How do you write dialog…

1
Putting A TV Show Together w/ Matlock and She-Hulk Showrunner Kat Coiro - Just Shoot It 491 1:21:11

2M ago1:21:11

1:21:11

Marvel director Kat Coiro https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0192478 covers everything from working with day players to why directors have to take acting classes. Once an actor herself, Kat has mastered the art of infusing enthusiasm into every set and using that energy to supercharge collaboration. Kat's worn every hat—writer, actor, director, producer, …

1
Marketing Yourself w/Matt and Oren - Just Shoot It 490 48:02

2M ago48:02

48:02

After an amazing DP/cinematographer has an unfortunate schedule change, Matt & Oren whip up a discussion about social media and listener notes about their websites. And Matt talks about how his LinkedIn post got noticed. And there's a surprising little twist that might make some listeners uneasy. Later, they dig into a listener question. And that l…

1
Vibe Checks w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 489 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

Matt & Oren discuss the feeling dogging every freelancer: "Will I ever work again?" They dig into who they recommend when they can't take an awesome job, and how that has paid it forward in good ways. Maybe it's all about who you vibe with. But what is that, exactly? And what if a brand or agency does a vibe check on you? Surprisingly, it's like a …

1
Update Your F**king Website! w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 488 1:14:03

3M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

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 do…

1
Turning 'Keily: Homecoming Dweeb' into a Feature w/Emily Elizabeth Thomas- Just Shoot It 487 1:29:15

3M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

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 d…

1
Crafting your Directing Brand w/Jamaal Parham - Just Shoot It 486 1:19:16

3M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

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…

1
Joseph Kahn Gives Audiences the Ick (in a good way) - Just Shoot It 485 1:03:34

3M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Legendary director Joseph Kahn https://www.josephkahn.com/ talks about his new movie "Ick" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31795447/. And Matt and Oren get him to share how this creature feature came about as a kid-friendly movie and the challenges he faced in making a script written for a $100 million budget shot during COVID and the WGA & SAG- AFTRA…

1
What Makes a Good Producer w/Kelly Christensen - Just Shoot It 484 1:09:30

4M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Kelly Christensen built a toolkit for crafting a lasting career as a commercial producer. And he shares what directors can do to stand out and keep getting hired. Matt and Oren chat with Kelly about what makes his secret sauce. And you may be surprised to find out about the many layers and why it's different for each person. Sure, collaboration mat…

1
What Makes Something Cinematic? w/Carlyn Hudson - Just Shoot It 483 1:07:17

4M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

What does cinematic mean to you? Carlyn Hudson https://www.carlynhudson.com/ joins Matt and Oren fresh off completing her latest short, "Waffle". Is cinematic just a slick look? Is it about lighting? Or is it whatever Midjourney gives you when you ask for a cinematic style? It's always a party when these three are together, with lively discussion, …

1
Being In the Mix w/Matt and Oren - Just Shoot It 482 57:38

4M ago57:38

57:38

Matt’s back from the Chattanooga Film Festival, and Oren just wrapped a whirlwind gig in Thailand. Jet lag not included. Yay!!! This week, they unpack the age-old question: is it still essential to live in L.A.? Is the cost of living worth it? And what does long-term career sustainability actually look like? It’s an episode about experimentation an…

1
Making Creative Decisions w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 481 59:22

4M ago59:22

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 els…

1
"Don't Tell Larry" w/Greg Porper and John Shimke - Just Shoot It 480 1:15:12

5M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

The directing duo from "Don't Tell Larry" detail their eight-year journey to turn the phrase, "Don't Tell Larry", into a world, a web series, and feature starring Eg Begley., Jr., Dot-Marie Jones, Patty Guggenheim, and Kiel Kennedy. And they chat with Matt and Oren about how their background in unscripted TV prepared them but also left gaps when it…

1
Editing Chimp Crazy's 1,500 hours of Footage w/Evan Wise - Just Shoot It 479 1:07:04

5M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

"Chimp Crazy" is HBO's top-watched documentary. But being from the team that made Tiger King is both a plus and a minus. In this episode, writer, producer, and editor Evan Wise https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2188036/ chats with Matt & Oren about the hurdles they faced and the moment he knew this doc would be good. We explore the importance of personal…

1
How to Choose a DP w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 478 47:42

5M ago47:42

47:42

Matt and Oren dive into the process of finding the right cinematographer or DP for your project, breaking down key factors like reputation, working methodology, artistry, specialties, reel, website, and even foreign language skills. They also explore how budget impacts these considerations. Like what shifts when you're working with $50K versus $2 m…

1
Adventures from Set w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 477 1:06:24

5M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Matt and Oren break down their approach to directing on set—from working with celebrity talent like Neil Patrick Harris to navigating the challenges of directing kids. It's a glimpse into their lives as directors. They also explore how user-generated content and influencers are changing the types of projects advertisers want to create and opening n…

1
Building "Friendship" w/Cinematographer Andy Rydzewski - Just Shoot It 476 1:22:59

5M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

The skyrocketing success of "Friendship," starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is tied to its distinct visual style. Cinematographer Andy Rydzewski https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2198503 shares the recipe behind the film’s look, breaking down key choices in framing, lighting, and camera techniques. Matt and Oren dive into the details, nerding out over…

1
Directing The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow" w/Trey Edward Shults - Just Shoot It 475 1:03:26

6M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Trey Edward Shults https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4099092/ has been called a visionary film director. Matt and Oren chat with Trey about his bold leap into auteur filmmaking—what it means to claim that title and how he made it happen. What did he learn as a nineteen-year-old loading IMAX film for Terrence Malick on the edge of a live volcano? And is g…

1
Editing "The Studio" w/Eric Kissack - Just Shoot It 474 1:16:20

6M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

Ever wonder how "The Studio" perfected comedic timing using oners and one-shot scenes? Eric Kissack, who edited the entire season for Seth Rogen, shares his tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the show comes together. When the funniest people in the world need to ensure a script or edit is hilarious, they turn to Eric. Matt and Or…

1
Crafting Spy High for Amazon w/Jody McVeigh-Schultz - Just Shoot It 473 1:17:32

6M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Jody McVeigh-Schultz shares his journey from editor to director of Amazon’s *Spy High*. Matt and Oren quiz Jody on exactly what made him the right fit for the job. And they delve into the techniques he uses to uncover hidden stories in footage directors might overlook. Jody also opens up about landing an agent—and what he wishes he had done differe…

1
Production Pivots w/ Carlyn Hudson - Just Shoot It 472 1:10:20

6M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Carlyn Hudson returns! Matt and Oren dive into the art of game-time decisions on set—when to stick to the plan and when a last-minute change is worth the risk. It's a great discussion about leadership, with hands-on, real-world insights that go beyond theory. Carly shares her take on navigating tough calls, balancing respect for the crew, maintaini…

1
Back to Basics, AI, & Travel Tips w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 471 1:02:33

7M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Matt and Oren are back to basics and pushing creative boundaries. Whether it's tackling passion projects, experimenting with constraints like shooting anamorphic on the vertical, or using AI to spark human creativity, they’re finding new ways to innovate. And hey, sometimes a mocktail and a first-class movie night are all you need for fresh inspira…

1
SNL or Die w/ Oz Rodriguez - Just Shoot It 470 1:20:57

7M ago1:20:57

1:20:57

Can a well-timed email get you on SNL as a director? Oz Rodriguez made it happen. But TV was a whole different game back then! The formula, though, remains the same: great comedy actors make comedy directors look great. Oren and Matt chat with Oz about how directors can cast incredible comedic talent. Plus, Oz spills secrets on getting the best per…

1
Deep Thoughts w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 469 1:02:40

7M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Matt and Oren take a hard look at the current state of the film and TV industry in the wake of the LA fires, pandemic, strikes, AI, and streaming. It’s some real talk about the challenges facing production, including tax incentives, union rates, and the ongoing struggle to keep jobs from leaving the LA area. And they explore potential solutions to …

1
How to Make a Rock Opera for Hulu w/ "O'Dessa" Director Geremy Jasper - Just Shoot It 468 1:12:16

7M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Geremy Jasper https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3017455/ , the visionary behind the stylized rock musical "O'dessa" on Hulu https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26304178 , shares the journey of bringing his ambitious project to life, from signing acclaimed talents like Sadie Sink and Regina Hall to crafting an original album for the film. Despite having just one…

1
Honest Feedback w/ Pete Chatmon - Just Shoot It 467 1:21:22

8M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

Pete Chatmon is one of those select few directors who is constantly working as a director on TV episodes from Ghosts, to Yellowjackets, Chicago Fire, and lots more. He's the host of the podcast Let's Shoot. Matt and Oren quiz Pete on how he sets people up to receive feedback and tough notes. And Pete talks about the importance of knowing what does …

1
F*** My Shoot w/Laura Murphy (Part 2) - Just Shoot It 466 1:08:08

8M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

AWESOME EVENT! Help victims of the California wildfires (*) by attending a screening of a new episode of "Yellowjackets" with a discussion with Director Pete Chatmon at Let's Shoot at Dynasty Typewriter, Wed. Mar 19, 7:30 PM. Live and Streaming tickets are available at https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/calendar-squad-up?event-id=106932 (*) All proc…

1
F*** Marry Kill w/Laura Murphy (Part 1) - Just Shoot It 465 1:01:12

8M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Laura Murphy chats with Matt and Oren about directing her new film "F*** Marry Kill" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22528200 And they talk about the process to become a director on a film like this, is there a list you need to be on? And what can directors do to get on the "list"? In this first of a two-part interview, you can hear whether being on t…

1
Conquering Production Hurdles w/ Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 464 1:07:51

8M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Oren's on another commercial shoot and Matt's just started another new show! Everything's great, or is it? Matt and Oren chat about why the vision you pitch can be really, really hard in reality. Especially as budget, storyboard, timings, weather, and the nuances of handling this particular client unfold. And the guys go deep into a discussion of t…

1
Directing My Dead Friend Zoe w/ Kyle Hausmann-Stokes - Just Shoot It 463 1:16:49

9M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

First-time director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes IG @kylehausmannstokes https://www.instagram.com/kylehausmannstokes/ shares how he landed Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman for his film "My Dead Friend Zoe". https://mydeadfriendzoemovie.com IG @mydeadfriendzoe https://www.instagram.com/mydeadfriendzoe/ And he chats with Oren and Matt about why his pitch was so …

1
Good Times w/ EP Eric McCasline - Just Shoot It 462 1:38:51

9M ago1:38:51

1:38:51

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 s…

1
A Director and a DP Get Lost w/ Andrew Kightlinger & Idan Menin - Just Shoot It 461 1:19:14

9M ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Director Andrew Kightlinger [email protected] 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 i…

1
Choreograph Your Career w/Daniel Russell - Just Shoot It 460 1:12:26

9M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

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…

1
LA Stories w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 459 1:06:15

9M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

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 ba…

1
New Year, New Goals w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 458 1:06:10

10M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

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 o…

1
Finding Success in 2025 w/Carlyn Hudson, Maureen Bharoocha, and Roxy Shih - Part 2 of 2 - Just Shoot It 457 1:10:12

10M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

"Survive til '25", mission accomplished! But what really sustained the Hollywood and LA production scene -- TV, TikTok, commercials, or movies? Matt and Oren are joined by Maureen Bharoocha, Carlyn Hudson, and Roxy Shih in this panel discussion. The crew is back together since their last in-person episode in December 2023. And in this first of a tw…

1
Finding Success in 2025 w/Carlyn Hudson, Maureen Bharoocha, and Roxy Shih - Part 1 of 2 - Just Shoot It 456 1:02:44

10M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

"Survive til '25", mission accomplished! But what really sustained the Hollywood and LA production scene -- TV, TikTok, commercials, or movies? Matt and Oren are joined by Maureen Bharoocha, Carlyn Hudson, and Roxy Shih in this panel discussion. The crew is back together since their last in-person episode in December 2023. And in this first of a tw…

1
10 Tips from Thailand w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 455 1:07:29

10M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

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:…

1
Finding Your Filmmaking Superpower w/ G. G. Hawkins - Just Shoot It 454 1:12:39

11M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

How can you give your film a big budget look, on a tiny budget? Matt and Oren chat with G. G. Hawkins about her latest feature, "I Really Love My Husband" and all the ways she gave it a premium look without spending a lot of money. G. G. started her career on the corporate side of monetizing podcasts. And she shares what she learned about pitching …

1
Freaking Out w/ Oren & Matt - Just Shoot It 453 41:42

11M ago41:42

41:42

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…

1
Twisting Genres in "Samson" w/Ruth Du - Just Shoot It 452 1:11:17

11M ago1:11:17

1:11:17

What's the secret to getting accepted into director development programs? Are you making these common mistakes when pitching by email? How can you standout and launch your movie directing career? Matt and Oren chat with Ruth Du about how she broke into Hollywood as a film director. And she talks about what makes her latest film, available on Apple …

1
Storyboarding & Previz w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 451 57:56

11M ago57:56

57:56

Are previz and storyboarding really worth the time and effort? What's the best way to work with a storyboard artist? And, what if you don't have access to a storyboard artist? Oren & Matt chat about how previz and storyboarding can make you a more efficient and effective director. And they share tips and tools for creating your own previz and story…

1
Turning Passion into Profit w/Jordan Brady - Just Shoot It 450 1:09:46

12M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Jordan Brady, live from the Lee Strasbourg Institute! In this special IRL version of Just Shoot It! Oren and Matt chat with commercial director and host of the podcast "Respect the Process", Jordan Brady, about building a career as a commercial and film director. Jordan is a 100% self-taught filmmaker whose directed four narrative feature films, th…