The Client Expert - Ryan Ovadia

Video Description

▶ About This Episode: What happens when a client's vision challenges your own? In episode 11 of the Reframed podcast, Dylan Hahn sits down with commercial director Ryan Ovadia, who’s worked with brands like Instagram and Meta, to talk about the true collaborative nature of commercial filmmaking. Ryan opens up about pitching, building treatments, and the beautiful chaos of set life—from weather battles to camera transitions and creative compromises. He shares what it takes to win a commercial bid, how to communicate with actors and clients, and why not every project should demand your emotional depletion. ▶ Sources: • Connect with Ryan Ovadia • https://ryanovadia.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/encyclovadia/ • madebybanter.com • Instagram "More Cameras, More Fun" • https://vimeo.com/840260144 • META @meta | @instagram • Creative Program Manager: Amara Cusella • Head Of Creative Growth: Sean Pryor ▶ About The Reframed Podcast: “Reframed” is a filmmaker podcast that poses fresh and insightful questions to filmmakers. It offers a compelling look behind the scenes, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the film industry and the creative minds that drive it. ▶ Find Inspiration with Frame Set: • https://go.frameset.app/42cNhiG ▶ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:39 - Being a “Commercial Director” 04:35 - Why Are Commercials So Artistic Now? 07:00 - Big Brands, Big Emotions 08:52 - Instagram Spot Breakdown 12:05 - How Ryan Got The Job 13:24 - What The Heck Is An RFP? 15:24 - Respecting The Process 22:42 - Dang. What a Previs 24:21 - Choosing the Right DP 28:22 - Fighting for Your Creative Vision 31:24 - The Famous Rolling Camera Move And Transitions 38:48 - Other Camera Movement 40:46- VFX Work in Post 42:31 - Nobody Fuck With The Turtles 43:05 - Weather And Other Challenges 45:18 - Framing For Vertical 46:38 - What Made This Piece? 47:26 - Feeling Prepared on Set 50:24 - A Filmmaker’s Biggest Fear 53:05 - Making Work Without Burning Out 1:00:30 - Should I Start a Production Company? 1:03:40 - What Makes a Good Director? 1:04:21 - What Big Sets Are *Really* Like 1:08:00 - Working with Clients 1:17:48 - Lessons Still Left to Learn 1:20:54 - The Rock Polisher Analogy 1:22:12 - What the Audience Really Wants 1:23:36 - The Subtle Art of Pitching 1:28:32 - Thank You Ryan