Interviews
Advertising Industry Powerhouse Brandon Cummings Branches Out into Film Production
It’s easy to get discouraged when our dreams don’t come to fruition, but it’s important to remember that failure is not the end of the road. Just because one path didn’t work out, it doesn’t mean that all doors are closed. The filmmaker in question serves as a great example of this. So, don’t be afraid to try again and again, and don’t give up on your dreams just because one door closed. Keep going and you’ll find a way to achieve them.
As a producer, writer, and creative director at Harmon Brothers, a renowned advertising agency, Brandon Cummings has made significant contributions to the company’s success. His work has generated substantial revenue for clients and has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including Webby, Telly, and AAF awards. In addition to his work in advertising, Brandon also has experience in the film industry. He served as an executive producer on the award-winning short film “I Have No Tears and I Must Cry” and is currently co-producing the upcoming film “Limone” with writer, producer, and director Sohrab Mirmont.
About You and Your background ?
i am Brandon Cummings From a young age I always loved film. The movie, “That Thing You Do” was really inspirational for me. I watched it when I was 12- and I seriously believed I had the chops to make it as a drummer in LA. I pursued music throughout my 30’s and eventually settled down to have a family.
The dream of being creative never died- it just changed to commercials and film. I worked as a sales professional, transitioned to marketing, and was able to parlay that experience into a job as a writer/producer/creative director at the ad agency Harmon Brothers.
Being around so many creative making commercials was inspiring. I made some jumps to work on passion projects for friends and now find myself building my own agency and along with a portfolio of films I’m working on developing.
How do you convince yourself with things that you have to shoot for a film but you actually don’t otherwise believe ?
I try not to shoot things or work on project I don’t believe in. Life is too short. I’m lucky that I get to surround myself with passionate creators who want to make great art – in both commercial and film.
Your Scripting Process ? Your approach to casting ?
I love getting feedback on scripts. And I really love spending time as characters and asking myself – “what would they do?”
In the fall of 2022 I spent time in Venice to location scout for a film I’m working on with Persian filmmaker, Sohrab Mirmont. As we walked through locations I read the script and really tried to feel the character come alive.
I love being surprised when casting. Knocked off my chair. Seeing things I never expected. Learning new stuff about the character and story. I like to give talent a lot of space to create and always try to respect the effort they’re bringing to the audition.
How much does your life influences your story telling and the characters that you bring to life ?
I haven’t been able to tell a lot of those stories yet, but they’re coming soon.
How do you work on yourself to become better in your field learning , observing , reading ? Type of things you keep yourself involved with
I love learning. I think everything I learn can help me become a better storyteller. I learn every day from my two kids- the way they solve problems, the way they see the world through a sometimes magical lens. They’re pretty incredible. I’m obsessed with languages and speak French. I’m studying Spanish and Italian.
Continually learning music and working on my drumming. And obviously learning from consuming film and commercials. I really love studying the history of advertising and diving into the minds of greats like Olgivy. How they think. How they see the world. Sam Walton of Wal-Mart believed that he could learning something from EVERYONE. I feel the same.
Filmmaking is team work. Tell us about your team and what sort of pre planning gets done before you decide to make a film. Tough things about making films and what keeps you going despite those tough things ?
The team is everything. EVERYTHING. I really love building the right team for each project. Sometimes we make a decision and something’s off. We have to pivot. I think building a team requires a lot of trust. And if someone on the team isn’t performing- I feel a personal responsibility to help them perform, or make a pivot for the good of the rest of the team. Filmmaking is a really crazy gig. The hours are insane. The sacrifice can be crazy. If you’re going to do this, you might as well do it with people you like. I really admire creative’s like Adam Sandler. He works with a lot of the same people on most of his films- and somehow it works. I hope that in 20 years I’m still creating with my friends and continuing to make new ones.
Title Of Your New Release
I Have No Tears and I Must Cry
What is the central theme of film ?
Everyone knows an immigrant. What most people don’t know is the heartbreaking stories of fear and pain and loss and deportation that so many immigrants face. Far too often, decisions that impact generations are in the way-too-powerful hands of government officials.
The logline: Maria Luisa is ready to escape immigration limbo, but when her green card interview takes an unexpected turn, she faces the anxiety of losing the life she had planned.
How many days it took you to shoot ? What locations it has been shot at ?
We shot in 2 days. Really fast- but we had an amazing crew of creatives and talent.
Share your thoughts about production process . Any interesting trivia about its making ?
A lot of amazing people came together to help make this short a reality. The filmmaking community in Utah is pretty incredible. We had a shoestring budget but were able to pull it off. I think one of the more interesting things about the film is that our main actor, Alejandra Herrera was in the movie Roma.
What platforms will the film be released ? Date of release ?
The world premier is obviously here at Sundance. We have a script ready to make the feature and hope to find distribution partners here at the festival.
Any other project you are working on ? Some details about the film ?
I have a few projects I’m really excited about. The first, is a film called Limone, with award winning director Sohrab Mirmont. We’re in preproduction right now and plan to film this fall in Italy. It’s a beautiful story about a Venitian taxi boat driver who lost his will to live. Really touching.
I’m working with teen sci-fi/fantasy author, Maren Alder to bring her book, Shadowborn to the big screen in 2025. Teenage girls love this book and her audience is fanatical.
Have a project with writer Ashley R. Cummings and her script, Foreigner that second rounded at the Austin Film Festival. It’s a thriller/comedy about a young woman who takes a DNA test and goes on a journey to find her roots. Really fun Russian Mob stuff.
Also working with some really talented friends Benji Allred and Kurt Knight on a story about a Catholic priest who wrestles with right and wrong in the face of tragedy. I grew up extremely religious and I love stories that explore nuance in the context of religion (sometimes extreme nuance).
We have a few more shorts planned with the same director, Luis Fernando Puente, who wrote and directed I Have No Tears and I Must Cry, but they’ve been put on the backburner for Sundance. I couldn’t be happier about it!
How do you deal with Negative Feedbacks ? How do you stay balanced with Positive Feed back ?
I try to take everything with a grain of salt. If someone says they hate something, that doesn’t mean it’s horrible. And just because someone says they love something, doesn’t make it good. Sometimes are just is, and feedback is just an opinion.
Growing up playing music I was trained to seek out feedback and try and get better. I love hearing great things- don’t get me wrong. But I also realize that I’m relatively young and still have so much growing and learning to do.
How did you hear about CarryOnHarry ? Any message for Studio ? Any Suggestion that we can make it better ?
Hey! My publicist, Josh Mitchell connected me with you. Thanks for the opportunity!
IMDB Link
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3250158/
Your Official Website
http://www.grouprojectmedia.com
Linkedin Handle
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncummings/
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Understanding Podcasting Microphones: An In-Depth Guide for Beginners and Professionals
Types of Podcasting Microphones
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are the most popular choice for podcasting. They convert sound into electrical signals using a diaphragm, coil, and magnet. These microphones are robust, can handle high sound pressure levels, and require less gain than other types. This makes them excellent for capturing voices in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. The Shure SM7B and the Electro-Voice RE20 are industry standards among podcasters.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are sensitive and tend to capture a wider frequency range compared to dynamic microphones. They require phantom power to operate and are ideal for capturing subtle vocal nuances, making them great for voice work in studios. Notable condenser microphones include the Audio-Technica AT2020 and the Rode NT1-A, both widely admired for their clarity and depth.
Lavalier Microphones
Lavalier microphones, or lapel mics, are small, clip-on devices ideal for interviews and on-the-go recording. They ensure hands-free operations and are particularly useful for video podcasts. Wireless options add flexibility, allowing hosts to move freely during recordings. Popular choices include the Rode SmartLav+ and the Sennheiser ME 2-II.
USB Microphones
For those looking for simplicity and convenience, USB microphones are perfect. They connect directly to a computer without the need for additional equipment. While they may not deliver the same quality as XLR microphones, models like the Blue Yeti and the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB are excellent for beginners and home podcasters.
Important Features of Podcast Microphones
Frequency Response
Frequency response defines how a microphone reacts to different sound frequencies. Most voices fall within the 80Hz to 15kHz range, so a good podcasting microphone should adequately capture this spectrum. A flat frequency response is usually preferable, allowing for a more natural sound.
Polar Patterns
The polar pattern of a microphone determines its sensitivity in various directions. The most commonly used patterns are:
- Cardioid: Ideal for podcasting as it captures sound from the front while minimizing background noise.
- Omnidirectional: Captures sound from all directions, useful for roundtable discussions but picks up more ambient noise.
- Bidirectional: Captures sound from the front and rear, suitable for interviews between two people.
Sensitivity and Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
Sensitivity measures how effectively a microphone converts sound into an electrical signal. A higher sensitivity microphone captures softer sounds without requiring additional gain. Sound pressure level (SPL) measures how loud of a sound the microphone can handle without distortion. Choosing a mic with appropriate SPL ratings is crucial, especially in louder environments.
Essential Accessories for Podcasting Microphones
Pop Filters
Pop filters reduce plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” sounds) that can cause distortion. They are typically made of a screen or foam, which diffuses rapidly moving air before it hits the microphone diaphragm.
Microphone Stands and Boom Arms
Proper positioning is critical for optimal audio capture. Microphone stands and boom arms allow podcasters to adjust their microphone’s position easily while keeping hands free for notes or gestures.
Shock Mounts
Shock mounts prevent vibrations and handling noise from reaching the microphone, ensuring cleaner recordings. They are especially useful when recording in less controlled environments.
Audio Interfaces
For those using XLR microphones, an audio interface is necessary to convert the analog signal into digital for your computer. Popular models include the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the PreSonus AudioBox USB, which provide excellent sound quality and ease of use.
Tips for Choosing the Right Microphone
Define Your Needs
Consider your podcasting style. Are you recording solo, interviews, or panel discussions? The type of conversations you have will dictate your microphone choice.
Budget Considerations
While it’s easy to get carried away with high-end equipment, plenty of budget-friendly microphones offer excellent quality. Determine a budget that allows for good quality without breaking the bank.
Test Before You Buy
Whenever possible, test microphones in-store to find the sound that best suits your voice. Listening to the audio capture can significantly influence your decision.
Read Reviews and Watch Tutorials
Before investing, check online reviews and tutorials. Many YouTube channels offer in-depth sound tests and comparisons to help you make informed choices.
Maintenance and Care for Podcasting Microphones
To extend the lifespan of your microphone, regular maintenance is vital. Here are some key maintenance tips:
- Keep it Clean: Dust and saliva can accumulate and affect sound quality. Use a soft cloth to wipe down your microphone regularly.
- Use Windscreens: For outdoor recording, use a windscreen to prevent wind interference and protect the mic from moisture.
- Store Properly: When not in use, store your microphone in a protective case to prevent physical damage.
Enhancing Your Podcasting Experience
Investing in a good microphone is just the beginning. To fully get the most out of your podcasting experience, include thorough planning, effective editing software, and quality recording space. An acoustically treated room, for example, can significantly reduce background noise and enhance vocal clarity.
Understanding the nuances of podcasting microphones will empower you to make informed decisions that improve your production quality. Armed with the right microphone and accessories, you can deliver a rich audio experience, engage your audience, and elevate your podcasting journey to new heights.
From the BalleBalleRadio Entertainment Desk
Manoj Bajpayee, a celebrated actor known for his powerful performances, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the pervasive influence of PR machinery within Bollywood. Bajpayee argues that the industry’s increasing focus on public relations often overshadows genuine acting talent, leading to a skewed perception of success and merit.
Bajpayee’s comments come amidst ongoing debates about the phenomenon of ‘National Crush’ titles and the superficiality of fame. He suggests that such manufactured hype can be detrimental to the careers of trained actors who dedicate themselves to the craft, but may not possess the resources or inclination for extensive self-promotion.
He emphasized the importance of acting prowess over PR stunts, highlighting the potential humiliation faced by actors who have honed their skills through rigorous training, only to be sidelined by individuals prioritizing media visibility. Bajpayee’s own career, alongside that of fellow actor Piyush Mishra, serves as an example of sustained success built on consistent, quality performances rather than fleeting PR campaigns.
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