Navigating the Spotlight with Commercial Director Cameron Harris

Commercial director Cameron Harris joins the podcast to break down what it really takes to direct high-pressure commercial work especially when celebrities are involved.

With a background that spans top agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, Clemenger BBDO, and Leo Burnett, Cameron shares how his years on the agency side shaped his directing approach and gave him a unique advantage on set. From collaborating with creatives to managing expectations with A-list talent like Martin Short, John Cena, and David Beckham, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of modern commercial directing.

In this episode, we cover:

• Making the transition from agency creative to director
• How collaboration builds trust and improves the work
• Directing celebrities with confidence, preparation, and respect
• Why preparation is the key to staying calm on set
• The challenge of making comedy feel premium, and why brands need to fully commit

This episode is packed with practical insight for directors, creatives, and filmmakers navigating agency relationships, celebrity talent, and high-stakes production environments.

🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

The CDP sits down with Scott Pugnetti of Equals Management to break down the international model, pitch reform, how to win (and lose) bids, and what makes a portfolio actually convert. We dig into real talk on transparency, paid pitching, global opportunities, and why your website is probably holding you back. If you’re a director building a career, this one’s essential.

https://www.equalsmgmt.com/

This episode dives deep into director Jon Schwartz’s creative process from building iPhone animatics to crafting full 3D previs in Blender to nail complex, motion-controlled camera shots. Jon breaks down his Joybird commercial, revealing how he kept repetitive phone scenes dynamic, convinced the client to embrace kinetic motion-control cinematography, and merged practical set design with VFX for a seamless look. He shares how tools like the Milo rig can save hours on set when properly prepped, why wide lenses make small sets feel massive, and how tight collaboration between director, production designer, and agency elevates the final spot. https://itsjonschwartz.com/

Syra McCarthy shares how her background as an actor shapes her directing bringing empathy, clear communication, and play to fast paced commercial sets. She talks building trust with talent, running takes to find flow, and using tone references that help actors shine, https://www.syramccarthy.com/ https://www.softholdcollective.com/ https://evenodd.studio/

Jon Bregel, filmmaker, director, and coach, shares his journey from skateboarding and filming skate videos to co-founding Variable, a production company built on community and passion projects that earned 13 Vimeo Staff Picks and big-brand clients. Despite the success, burnout pushed him to leave and re-center his life, eventually moving to China where he rediscovered himself. Now coaching filmmakers, Jon emphasizes aligning careers with personal values, sustaining creativity through personal projects, and building supportive communities. He advocates for radical authenticity, warns against tying identity solely to career success, and stresses that the future of directing lies in values driven storytelling. https://jonathanbregel.com/ https://www.thenourish.community/

In this episode of The CDP we met with Parker Schmidt and dive into his creative approach, and he gives a detailed breakdown of a recent Dodge commercial spot. Parker shares his unique journey into directing, beginning as a downhill skateboarder traveling internationally, which exposed him early to creative motion and still photography. He transitioned into advertising after attending Miami Ad School in Berlin, where he honed his skills in pitching, concept development, and understanding the strategic bridge between insight and execution. Parker emphasizes the importance of the human element in his work, whether it’s sports, automotive, or luxury projects. His style is a blend of emotional storytelling and conceptual art direction, often pushing the boundaries of traditional automotive commercials by focusing less on the vehicle itself and more on the ethos and emotional narrative around it. He describes his approach to pitching as a practiced skill involving clear, concise storytelling with an emphasis on simplicity and emotional resonance.

🎙️ New Episode Out Now: Director Lori Schmon on Creative Values, Agency Life, and Super Pretzels 🥨🎬

Lori pulls back the curtain on the pros and cons of directing within an agency—from being part of the process early on to navigating triple-bid client requirements that can limit opportunities. She opens up about how becoming a mother reshaped her creative lens, emphasizing the power of values in storytelling and the ongoing challenge of bringing emotional depth into product-driven work. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes of a whimsical Super Pretzel spot she directed—featuring LED walls, tight timelines, and clever production design that turned budget constraints into creative opportunity.

Follow Lori:

Instagram @lori_schmon

https://www.lorischmon.com/

Kody Kohlman, is a commercial director and photographer known for his gritty, moody, and visceral style. The discussion covers Kody’s career evolution from a photo assistant to a distinguished director with a unique visual voice. He shares insights into his artistic approach, creative process, and his philosophy on directing and photography. A significant portion of the episode focuses on breaking down a recent 30-second Timberland commercial that Kody directed, diving into the shoot’s conception, challenges, collaboration, and the impact of the project on his career. The podcast also touches on Kody’s personal projects, inspirations, working with crews, client relations, and the importance of staying true to one’s style and values in a competitive industry.