How To Break Into Commercial Directing
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Webinar hosted by: RJ Collins
Award-Winning Writer & Director; Founder at Everdream
RJ Collins is an award-winning writer/director, renowned for founding the trailblazing directing collective Everdream. Their viral Tesla spec commercial revolutionized branded content, demonstrating the immense potential of young filmmakers. His unique talent for blending narrative depth with commercial appeal quickly established him as a preferred director for top-tier brands, elevating the art of storytelling in the advertising industry. RJ has perfected the art of winning commercials through his unique approach to treatments and pitches. His creative prowess carried into narrative with his Streamy-nominated mini-series "Simi Valley," a personal reflection of his upbringing, and his acclaimed sci-fi script "Vapor," which won the ScreenCraft Grand Prize and earned praise from Oscar-winner Diana Ossana. He's also behind the buzzed-about horror-adventure short "Dropping," featuring talents like Reign Edwards, Devin Druid, and Mia Threapleton, with plans for a feature adaptation. Currently, RJ is working on his pioneering debut feature, "Left Alone," a screenlife thriller starring RJ Mitte, aimed at transforming disability representation in film. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
A-List filmmakers such as David Fincher and Ridley Scott started their careers directing commercials. Directing commercials can be a great way to make a living, gain valuable experience working with cutting edge technology and prepare yourself to direct movies.
Plus! Receive an exclusive handout that will help you build your commercial directing career!
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned director looking to transition into the lucrative field of commercials, or someone simply passionate about visual storytelling, directing commercials is an exciting and fruitful creative career path.
Many of the most well known film directors started working in commercials and honed their craft working on branded commercial content. And some directors have built long lasting and successful careers only directing commercials for an array of clients. However, how do you break into the commercial directing industry? And once you’re in, how do you forge a successful career for yourself?
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn how to create and build your career as a commercial director from an industry leader who built his directing career from the ground up. Teaching you everything you need to know about the business and craft of directing commercials is RJ Collins, the pioneering mind behind Everdream and the viral Tesla spec commercial that redefined branded content.
RJ has built a career at the nexus of deep narrative and commercial sensibility, becoming the director of choice for top brands through his innovative approach. His foray into film and TV includes the Streamy-nominated "Simi Valley" and the ScreenCraft-winning script "Vapor," earning accolades from Oscar-winning screenwriter Diana Ossana. His latest endeavor, the buzzworthy horror-adventure feature film "Dropping", is on track to roll cameras in summer 2024.
As a commercial director, there is a constant balance between honing your pitching skills to book work and developing your directorial style so you perpetuate a lasting career in the marketplace. In a jam-packed 90 minutes, RJ will teach you not only how to develop your style, brand, and relationships to ensure you have a successful commercial career, but also how you can leverage your work as a commercial director to move into film and television work.
This course is a golden opportunity for you to learn how to become a go-to director for clients across the commercial industry and use that to propel your directing career.
PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive Director Treatment Template to create winning pitches to help hone your commercial directing work.
If you’re a director in any medium with a passion for visual storytelling, this webinar is a must!
What You'll Learn
- Personal Success Story (Who is RJ Collins) and Industry Insights:
- Hear inspiring personal anecdotes and success stories, including the instructor's journey, highlighting the effectiveness of spec work in establishing a directing career.
- Understanding Commercial Directing:
- Gain a comprehensive overview of the commercial directing landscape, from agency roles to storyboarding.
- Learn how directors are hired and break into the industry, setting the stage for your own career launch.
- Building a Spec Portfolio Early On:
- Discover the importance of spec work in your directing career right from the start.
- Learn how to create compelling spec commercials that showcase your potential and skillset.
- Developing Your Directorial Niche:
- Use specialized worksheets to identify and develop your unique directorial style.
- Understand how to channel your passions into creating content that resonates with your intended audience.
- Mastering the Art of Pitching:
- Learn the Three Cardinal Rules of pitching and treating to consistently secure commercial directing jobs.
- Understand how to prepare for production, enhance existing ideas, and impress clients with your unique approach.
- Gain access to downloadable treatment templates and example treatments.
- Targeting Brands and Establishing Your Niche:
- Follow a step-by-step process to identify brands that align with your style and vision.
- Learn how to effectively approach and engage with these brands to build your niche in the industry.
- Industry Trends and Styles:
- Stay ahead by understanding current market trends, including shifts to direct-to-brand strategies.
- Explore how directors are increasingly involved in the creative process and the latest visual styles in commercial directing.
- Networking and Professional Relationships:
- Develop strategies for effectively networking within the industry.
- Learn how to build and maintain professional relationships with brands, agencies, and production companies.
- Collaborating with Clients and Agencies:
- Understand how to use your treatment template to excel in collaborations with clients and agencies.
- Personal Success Stories and Industry Insights:
- Hear inspiring personal anecdotes and success stories, including the instructor's journey, highlighting the effectiveness of spec work in establishing a directing career.
- Interactive Q&A and Exclusive Offers:
- Engage in a Q&A session for personalized advice and insights.
- Receive a free director's treatment template and the chance to win a one-hour coaching session through RJ’s giveaway.
About Your Instructor
RJ Collins
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