How to Turn One Client into Repeat Work, with Directing Duo the Nott Bros.

Filmmaker Andrea Nordgren went to Brand Storytelling at Sundance 2026 wanting to direct something in the vertical space. She landed her first vertical series, a SAG romance thriller, after she cast a local actress in a commercial and that actress later invited her to direct. On set she made her shot list on the day, blocked four actors in a 9:16 frame in one kitchen, and shot on a Sony FX3 with the camera flipped and no first AC to pull focus. She also kept continuity while one home stood in for several different ones.We also chat about how brands like Crocs and Procter & Gamble are experimenting with vertical video, and I talk about my own vertical series, House of K. We cover Andrea's path from substance abuse counseling to commercial director, and the human trafficking awareness spot she wrote and directed. We talk about why a director's voice comes from their body of work and their reputation, and why generosity beats gatekeeping. Andrea closes with what "respect the process" means to her: trust it, and never skip the prep.

Filmmaker Azim Miah's is a director and editor from Northampton whose journey into filmmaking began not with fancy gear or industry connections, but with a built-in webcam and a love of making spots. Now he's creating ambitious films with limited resources—and pursuing a purpose bigger than himself: helping make the British film industry more accessible to underrepresented creators. We talk self-doubt, making spec spots, finding collaborators close to home, and why respecting the process means appreciating the people who make the work possible. Check out his Hubba Bubba spot, The Trade.

Biff Butler is an editor and the founder of Papercut, an editorial company built around craft, collaboration, and a strong creative culture. Before post-production, Biff played in a touring rock band, an experience that helped him learn how to bring different creative voices together. He began his editing career at Rock, Paper, Scissors, where working alongside leading talent helped shape his approach to the craft. Today, Butler believes the best work comes from trust, open conversation, and making space for ideas from everyone in the room. In this conversation, he reflects on why respecting the creative process—and the people behind it—can lead to better work.

Commercial Director Robert Boocheck joins me for a candid conversation about the realities of freelance commercial directing—the uncertainty between jobs, the pressure of unpaid pitches, and the work it takes to stay in the mix. Robert shares how he tracks bids across production companies, approaches treatments, decides when to trust his instincts over AI, and makes the case for staying involved in post-production. Along the way, we discuss the loneliness behind the highlight reel and why freelance directors need to manage not just the creative work, but also their outreach, relationships, and business. Also check out his fun instagram. POSH DUO The original 2-in-1 styling wax stick. I use Posh Duo to keep my hair fly and my beard on point. Free shipping for RTP listeners. Get the Posh look. A portion of the proceeds from every stick sold goes to Wigs For Kids. Free shipping. ONLINE FILMMAKING COURSES - DIRECT WITH CONFIDENCE Each of my online courses come with a free 1:1 mentorship call with yours truly. Taking the Shadow course is the only way to win a chance to shadow me on a real shoot! DM for details. Want to level up your commercial directing game? Use code "virtual" to take $50 off! MAGIC MIND - MY MENTAL PERFORMANCE EXILIR Save hugely on Magic Mind with this link. — This link is the way. Thanks, Jordan My cult classic mockumentary, "Dill Scallion" is online so I'm giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children's Hospital. I've decided to donate the LIFETIME earnings every December, so the donation will grow and grow annually. Thank you. "Respect The Process" podcast is brought to you by Commercial Directing FIlm School and True Gent, aka True Gentleman Industries, Inc. in partnership with Brady Oil Entertainment, Inc.

James Beshara is an angel investor, podcaster, philosopher, musician (see OPENSTATE_), founder of Magic Mind and friend. We explore how to choose the right opportunities, find the work that feels like your true calling, and stay committed to it without becoming overly attached to the outcome. James shares the idea of Swadharma—the work you're naturally wired to do—and offers a thoughtful perspective on creativity, purpose, and building a life that feels aligned. James is a high-output creative individual, so here's some links you'll want to checkk out. OPENSTATE_ Apt.ai free code TRYAPT100 The Daily Vedantic Yoga For Your Intellect Enjoy! POSH DUO The original 2-in-1 styling wax stick. I use Posh Duo to keep my hair fly and my beard on point. Free shipping for RTP listeners. Get the Posh look. A portion of the proceeds from every stick sold goes to Wigs For Kids. Free shipping. ONLINE FILMMAKING COURSES - DIRECT WITH CONFIDENCE Each of my online courses come with a free 1:1 mentorship call with yours truly. Taking the Shadow course is the only way to win a chance to shadow me on a real shoot! DM for details. Want to level up your commercial directing game? Use code "virtual" to take $50 off! MAGIC MIND - MY MENTAL PERFORMANCE EXILIR Save hugely on Magic Mind with this link. — This link is the way. Thanks, Jordan My cult classic mockumentary, "Dill Scallion" is online so I'm giving 100% of the money to St. Jude Children's Hospital. I've decided to donate the LIFETIME earnings every December, so the donation will grow and grow annually. Thank you. "Respect The Process" podcast is brought to you by Commercial Directing FIlm School and True Gent, aka True Gentleman Industries, Inc. in partnership with Brady Oil Entertainment, Inc.