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/