Production house kaboom has added Jordan Brady to its directorial roster for national representation spanning commercials and branded content. Brady has directed 1,000-plus commercials, four narrative feature films, three feature documentaries, and one Netflix comedy special. Whether collaborating with the likes of Will Farrell, Charlize Theron, Penélope Cruz, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, or directing non-actors, Brady is known for genuinely connecting subject and audience--with canny timing. This talent has been recognized with numerous advertising awards including Clios, National Gold ADDYs, Promax, One Show, D Show, Pencil, AICP Show honors and more.
Brady and kaboom collaborated on a recent project, which began as a one-time experience and naturally evolved into a deeper relationship resulting in they’re now joining forces.
“I’ve followed Jordan’s work for a long time,” related kaboom owner/EP Lauren Schwartz. “However, what I came to learn during the course of this collaboration was how idea-driven, engaged, prepared, and respectful he is about the process. He’s a super funny guy with a thoughtful approach to life. And he truly exemplifies allyship, dedicating time and energy to efforts that make a difference.”
Brady noted, “Lauren is such a pro, and the entire experience--taking place during COVID no less--was both fun and incredibly managed. But the defining moment for me was when she joined me to attend the protests happening in downtown Portland. She didn’t have to be there--she wanted to. It was personal for both of us, and an honest connection that led to many other conversations including a plan to make our collaboration ongoing.”
Behind many of Brady’s pursuits is the goal is to counteract apathy with empathy. From a filmmaking bootcamp, to a fundraising hot sauce, Brady carries a deep belief in the power of community and unearthing simple actions to help others. His ability to connect is also at the core of his podcast “Respect The Process,” featuring candid conversations about craft with some of the advertising industry’s most effusive and compelling characters.
A former stand-up comic, Brady channeled his experience and vast network of professional humorists into a feature film trilogy about what it means to be a comedian. I Am Comic features the likes of Phyllis Diller, Sarah Silverman, Jim Gaffigan and Margaret Cho candidly reflecting on what it means to be a comedian; I Am Road Comic lifts the curtain on what life actually looks like on the road with Marc Maron and other stand-ups; and I Am Battle Comic takes audiences and comic George Lopez on a unique and ultimately life-changing mission to perform for military troops overseas.
The transformational experience of entertaining service-people was recently highlighted by The 4A’s Conscious Creatives. In a filmed interview, Brady discusses applying filmmaking skills to change-making initiatives, and why giving back can also be a laughing matter.
Brady had been freelancing since the start of the year after a long tenure at production house Superlounge. He also had a recent, now former relationship with Accomplice Media for representation in the Midwest.