The 2025 year-end Director's Panel is here! Each year, Matt and Oren have a little cocktail party with some of the past year's guests. It's a chance to reconnect and chat about what went well, what didn't, and what they're hopeful for in the coming year.

Carlyn Hudson, Jamaal Parham, and Mercedes Bryce Morgan participate in this first-ever, on-camera, live-to-tape panel. And if you've got questions about the impact of AI on Hollywood and the impact of how movies are getting funded on A-list talent, then this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Bringing together directors who have attended TIFF, worked with Jake Gyllenhaal, have films on Hulu, travel the globe, and know how to utilize the JOBS Act to fund films yields a diverse range of topics. And this crew talks about the need to do more with less, finding time to be creative, and further pushing the boundary of what's possible in an 8-hour shoot day. And yeah, AI is a big subject on everyone's minds. But is it really a threat? Or are we all whale hunters nearing extinction?

There's a lot of hope and ideas in this episode. Happy New Year, everyone!

Find Mercedes on IG @mercedesbrycemorgan or https://www.mercedesmorganfilm.com/

Find Carlyn on IG @carlynhudson

Find Jamaal on IG @jamaalparham and @jamsandbash

---

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod

Matt's Endorsement: Fire extinguishers. AND, the fire department. 

Oren's Endorsement: Download everything from your phone related to your work projects, weekly () or on some fixed schedule) so you can find it later. Also, James Cameron's interview on "The Town" podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-james-cameron-on-avatar-misconceptions-ais-skynet/id1612131897?i=1000738091636

Mercedes's Endorsement: Photoshop's Remove Tool (currently in Photoshop Beta version)

Kind of like Harmonize.ai (which adds shadows and reflections when you add objects to photos)

Carlyn's Endorsement; Send words of affirmation to people you appreciate.

Jamaal's Endorsement: Akari Sauna with 2 locations in Brooklyn, NY, Greenpoint and Williamsburg https://www.akarisauna.com/. And use saunas as your time to develop creative ideas. Also the book "The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era" by Thomas Schatz https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780805046663/thegeniusofthesystem/

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

Bella Gonzales https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7543234/ brings a ton of insight about being a cinematographer on series like Pen 15, Fargo, Alien: Earth, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.

It’s a really inspiring episode that made Oren want to pick up a camera and operate again. On the other hand, Bella is a self-described lighting-focused DP (Director of Photography). And her conversation with Matt and Oren details how her approach to cinematography enhances, and perhaps even creates, the world of the show more so than an operator-focused DP.

Bella also gets into the playbook for Fargo and the rules of the road that create its uniquely offbeat look. And Bella lays out how this makes audiences feel more like they are inside the story.

You won’t want to miss this unique episode with a cinematographer who passionately explains the techniques she uses in the art of her craft.

Find Bella on Instagram @bellagonzalesdp

---

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod

Matt's Endorsement: Ethan Hawke on social media

Oren's Endorsement: a400 round base monopod https://www.ifootagegear.com/products/monopod-a400-roundbase

Bella's Endorsement: "The Duellists", movie by Ridley Scott https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075968

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

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/JustShootItPod

Matt'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-4

Oren'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/JustShootItPod

Matt's Endorsement: "Noir-vember", the film-noir watch-commitment for November

Oren's Endorsement: GifSki https://gif.ski/ gif maker

NEDA'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/JustShootItPod

Come to our event! RSVP at https://events.justshootitpod.com/

Dec 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM 

Lawless Brewing Co.

5275 Craner Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 91601

Matt'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 Card

Simon'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/JustShootItPod

Matt'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/JustShootItPod

Matt'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.

Will Bridges https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2782297/ shares his method for making every meeting an opportunity. And he explains what he did that let him come from 10 years of working random jobs and trying to make shorts here and there, to becoming the newly discovered talent, suddenly writing for hit series like “Black Mirror” and “Stranger Things” as well as being a co-creator with Charlie Brooker.

Matt and Oren get Will to open up about what he learned from "Shaun of the Dead" and how those filmmakers pitched. And they break down the process of showing decision-makers a concept and the steps needed to get them to truly understand what it will look like, feel like, and clearly see the audiences it will resonate with.

If you're looking for ideas to improve how you direct actors, you too will get a lot from this episode. And Will goes into the secret of freeing up established actors to do their best work. And he's got some warnings about key mistakes many directors often make

---

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod

Matt's Endorsement: "Paprika" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0851578

Oren's Endorsement: Mike Birbiglia's "Working It Out" podcast https://www.podpage.com/mike-birbiglias-working-it-out/ and Za'atar spice https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Za'atar

Will's Endorsement: "Tumor", the graphic novel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumor_%28comics%29 

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

Matt and Oren celebrate 500 episodes! That's basically one episode per week without dropping a beat, not even on Thanksgivings, since 2015.

And while it's true "Just Shoot It" has changed a lot over the years. So too has the film & TV industry. It all started with a focus on auteur filmmaking. But the podcast took a definite shift towards commercial directing over the years.

And while both Matt and Oren have successful careers and get paid to actually do what they love doing, neither broke out in a way that made them lose touch with what it really means to make it in the film and TV industry. Through the ups and the downs, both for the industry as a whole and for their individual careers, they've ridden the same rollercoaster as you.

Matt talks about some dark times and how he made it through. And Oren and Matt both exchange techniques and ways of thinking that they picked up over the years to help them succeed faster. In the end, they wrote their own rules instead of waiting to "suddenly be discovered". 

Sure, luck was involved, but in a lot of ways, they learned to help luck take root. 

It's a real up-close look at where Matt and Oren are today in their careers, a look back at how they got there, and some introspection about what they might have done different.

You can't miss this episode if you're looking to find tips and tricks to make it in film or TV in 2025 and beyond.

---

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod

Matt's Endorsement: Molegirl aka "Tunnel Girl" on TikTok

https://www.fastcompany.com/91299852/tiktoks-tunnel-girl-is-digging-again-much-to-the-internets-delight

https://www.tiktok.com/@engineer.everything?lang=en

Oren's Endorsement: Adobe's Firefly Boards https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly/features/moodboard.html

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

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 guys get into a broader discussion how AI will change video and the impact AI will have in an already saturated marketplace of creatives. And they wrestle with tough questions like, what kind directors won't be replaced by AI?

Like a lot of filmmakers, Seth's real passion is making good work. And he gets into his 9-year journey to complete his latest film, "Sketch". Did it change his life completely? The short answer is no. But you'll want to hear how making his feature film transformed how he worked from Nashville as a commercial director.

This is the VFX episode you won't want to miss. And you’ll hear some great tips for making a Spielberg-reminiscent, Amblin-inspired movie for today's audiences.

Find Seth on IG @thesethworley

---

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod

Matt's Endorsement: Evan Monsma's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@EvanMonsma

Oren's Endorsement: 

"Why You Should Shoot It Twice" from Frameset https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSrlQdtuLi0

The latest episode from the podcast "Lonely Island and Seth Meyers " https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/laser-cats-5/id1738121304?i=1000732778308

Edgar Wright on "Smartless" podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/edgar-wright/id1521578868?i=1000731238799

Seth's Endorsement: Sho Pizza Bar https://www.shopizzabar.com/ 

The album "Getting Killed" by the band Geese. https://geesebandnyc.bandcamp.com/album/getting-killed 

The soundtrack from "It Follows" https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-follows-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-deluxe/1842890406

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