TV IS A CATCH-22.

To get a job writing TV spots, you need to have already written them. But if you haven’t already written them… you see the issue. Early in my career, I solved this problem by creating SpecBank.com, a site that connects creatives with up-and-coming directors to build their reels together. It was a big success: Today, the Spec Bank community includes 300 directors, 100+ creatives and more than 1,000 scripts. Dozens of spots have been shot, including several that were broadcast by clients.

THE SITE

SPECBANK.COM
The members-only site features a sortable script database, interviews with industry pros, a Q&A blog, and many other resources to help directors break into commercial directing. 

NOTABLE SPOTS

Over the years, there have been several member-produced spots that have gone viral, won awards, and been purchased and broadcast by clients. Here are some of my favorites. 

TIDE TO GO – "COUPLE"
This "gay marriage" spot, directed by Mark Nickelsburg and written by Shiraz Gani, instantly went viral, and was mentioned in news outlets worldwide for weeks after its release.  

JACKPOCKET – "NIGHTMARE"
This lottery spot was sold to Jackpocket to promote their app. Directed by Chris Akers and written by Aron Fried.  

OC FAIR – "FAIR FARMER"
Directed by Stephen Schuster, this spot was purchased by the client and run as their flagship TV spot for months leading up to the event.

VAN CLIBURN – "REACH"
Finalist for the Cannes Young Directors Award. Directed by Aaron Kodz and written by Alex Harvey.

LABELS ARE FOR JARS
The non-profit ran this spot widely using donated media. It also earned the director a spot in the New Directors Showcase. Directed by Sammy Albis and written by Brian Hayes

NEW YORK LOTTERY – "BIEBER"
A fun spot that also went viral. Directed by Jonny Lumbley and written by Aron Fried.

EVENT

"ON THE SPOT"
I also created On The Spot, a speed-dating-style event that lets promising new commercial directors share their work, eight minutes at a time, with EPs and CDs from top production companies and agencies. (Who's that handsome guy with the microphone?!)

PRESS

PODCAST APPEARANCE

Enjoy my smooth baritone as I recount the history of Spec Bank during a guest appearance on the popular commercial directing podcast “Respect the Process with Jordan Brady.” So juicy were my tidbits, the interview became their first two-part episode in over 400 shows.