Filmmakers In Advertising

This week, Justin chats with Ben Steinbauer, Emmy award-winning film, television, and commercial director, and cofounder of The Bear, a production company and creative studio based in Austin, Texas.
Ben shares his journey on becoming a documentary filmmaker with the breakout hit, Winnebago Man, starting a successful production company, and navigating the industry from Austin to LA, and back. He shares about his deeply collaborative philosophy on filmmaking and his commitment to giving to back to the next generation of filmmakers.
We dig into:
How a mixture of ambition, timing, and the early days of YouTube helped shape his creative path
His own podcast, Doc Walks, which he co-hosts with Keith Maitland. (We highly recommend it.)
Why building a core team and growing together over time is essential to a sustainable creative career
Humility as a key ingredient in the creative process
What it really means to create stories that resonate beyond trends

Ben also reflects on how the most impactful work doesn’t come from chasing what’s popular, but from exploring what is personal, specific, and deeply interesting to you.
If you’re looking to make richer, more layered work and build a creative life that lasts, this episode is for you.
Links:
Ben’s Work
The Bear | Production Company
Doc Walks Podcast 
Winnebago Man | Feature Documentary
Documentary Subjects Wanted - James Wagner

Shoutouts from Ben & Justin:
Brooklyn Coffeeshop
Subway Takes

If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. 

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.
Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com 
Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - [email protected]

Join us for the third in our series of director interviews from the roster of Cry, the creative and post studio behind this podcast. This week Justin chats with director & editor, Ryan Vera about his creative process, finding the flow state, and maintaining authenticity in a noisy world.
In this discussion, Ryan touches on his early days at Cry (formerly Abandon Films), and how he found his voice as a creative force, both directing and editing. 
He discusses the musicality of editing in a flow state, doing his own sound design, and creating a space that’s conducive to deep work. Ryan touches on project case studies, executing a creative vision, and bringing a genuine, human perspective.
Ryan even explores the philosophical and existential challenges faced in the cluttered world of digital content creation and the impact of AI on the industry. He gives valuable insight about finding joy in real relationships and the value that brings in a media-filled world. Overall, Ryan’s thoughts & reflections offer grounded wisdom & practical tools you won’t want to miss.
Links:
Ryan’s Work
Limbitless | Bionic Kids
Atlanta Hawks | We Are Atlanta
If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. 

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.
Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com 
Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - [email protected]

This week, Justin chats with Darren Foldes, Partner and Head of Films at Sibling Rivalry, an integrated creative company based in New York and Los Angeles.
Darren discusses his path to Sibling Rivalry, all the way from growing up around New York City with a father who worked as a cameraman for ABC Channel 7 News, to taking a paid internship in Los Angeles, co-writing and producing kids films for MGM, and then leaving the feature/TV world to make the switch to advertising and working as an Executive Producer. 
A major theme that Darren shares  is how great work emerges from collective spontaneity, happy accidents, and creating an egalitarian, psychologically safe environment where the best idea wins. Some of our favorite topics include:
Advertising’s broader value through brands’ positive impact, economic contribution, and “edutainment”
The case for increased California advertising tax credits to support local crews and the wider economy. 
Leading with clarity, patience, and appreciation rather than fear
Darren’s DJ background, including being asked to play a late-night event for a famous musician. (listen in to find out who)

Darren’s interview provides seasoned insight, fun stories, & a reminder of the power of kindness in our creative field. He speaks to so much of what resonates with us at Cry, and we think it will speak to you too.
Links:
Sibling Rivalry’s Site
Darren’s LinkedIn
Darren’s DJ Playlist
Projects Darren is especially proud of:
Apple "Bounce" spot
Nike “You Can’t Stop Us” spot
If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. 

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.
Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com 
Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - [email protected]

Join us for our first video episode, now available to watch on Youtube! This week, Justin chats with Dan Blaney, an accomplished head of production, now working as Executive Director of Production at Fig. 
Dan has an impressive resume that includes roles at Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, Apple, and more. The discussion explores various subjects including what it really means to be a great producer in advertising, not just as a manager of budgets and schedules, but as a creative partner, mentor, and problem-solver.
Dan shares personal stories from his career working on major campaigns for brands like Bud Light, AT&T, Apple, and the Jordan Brand, including behind-the-scenes insights from large-scale productions, Super Bowl activations, and high-pressure shoots where there’s only one chance to get it right. He emphasizes the significance of viewing roles beyond transactions, encouraging creative voices, and maintaining passion and dedication in the advertising field.
Dan also discusses what makes creative collaboration succeed: from choosing the right directors and production partners, to creating space for ideas to come from anywhere, and knowing when to speak up to make the work better. Throughout the episode, Dan emphasizes a simple but powerful philosophy: there’s always a way to make it happen, regardless of budget or scale.
This episode offers practical insight, hard-earned perspective, and a refreshing reminder that great work comes from curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. You don’t want to miss Dan’s insights here.
Links:
Dan’s Site - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/
Bud Light: Up For Whatever - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/#/bud-light-up-for-whatever/
The Talk: P&G - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/#/new-page/
If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. 

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.
Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com 
Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - [email protected]

Join us for the second in a series of director interviews from the roster of Cry, the creative and post studio behind this podcast. Next up on the list is none other than Mwita Chacha, an expert at documentary storytelling.
Mwita’s work has been featured on HBO Max, Discovery+, CNN, Vox, PBS, and yes, even a Vimeo staff pick. He’s even had the opportunity to do a project for CNN with Wolf Blitzer on the Holocaust Museum. His latest feature documentary, To The Ends, explores real-time storytelling in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. Needless to say, his work has touched the hearts of many, and we think you should check it out if you're not already familiar. 
Mwita’s conversation with Justin explores Mwita’s journey into filmmaking, inspired by his father’s nonprofit work in Tanzania, organically developing into a career. They discuss Mwita’s approach to creating authentic interviews, which is a game-changing system. They also discuss ethical considerations in documentary storytelling and how Mwita’s diverse experiences shape his perspective on filmmaking. 
If you are curious on how you can level-up your documentary storytelling techniques, you’ll want to make sure you listen to this one.

Links:
Mwita’s Work
Mwita’s Site
Mwita’s Instagram
To The Ends Film

Resources:
Uncover Your Story Guide & Handbook
The Dignified Storytelling Handbook - Free Resource for Storytellers
If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts. 

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.
Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com 
Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - [email protected]