Joshua Tree Filmmaker Retreat Marks 5th Year with a Mission: Find Your Voice
Commercial Directing Film School has announced the 5th Annual Filmmaker Retreat Joshua Tree will take place from October 1st through October 4th of this year. Reaching this five-year milestone, the retreat remains focused on a singular, grounded truth, according to founder Jordan Brady of True Gentleman. The theme for this session is “No POV, No Work.” Says Jordan, “In a crowded marketplace, a filmmaker’s only true leverage is their specific, human perspective.” For information on how to register for this event, go here. Attendance is strictly limited.
For half a decade, the retreat has served as a sanctuary for directors, editors, and cinematographers to strip away industry noise and reconnect with their creative identity. This year’s retreat will remain strictly focused on the filmmaker’s individual point of view.
“Directing is all about having a point of view, not just on the project, but towards your storytelling,” Jordan continues. “Finding Your Voice" is The only way to stop chasing trends is by ‘Finding Your Voice’ and start leaning into a vision only you can provide.”
The retreat boasts impressive results, Jordan adds: “The ‘Joshua Tree Effect’ is measured by alumni who consistently move into top-tier commercial representation and helm global campaigns.”
Says commercial director Kevin O'Brien, “Jordan’s retreat was one of the best investments I've made in my career. You’ll learn about yourself, find tried and tested processes for winning jobs, and build a community. It's a must-attend.”
Capped at just 15 filmmakers to ensure transparency and mentorship, the retreat is a 360-degree career reset. The all-inclusive experience removes logistical barriers so participants can focus entirely on their trajectory:
• The 4 R's: Actionable sessions on Reels, Relationships, Revenue and Repeat Business and How to Win the Pitch are just two modules, for example.
• High-Performance Environment: Each Filmmaker gets their own private room, all meals on site prepared by a resident chef, and Magic Mind mental performance elixir.
• Radical Community: Lasting professional alliances forged through shared meals, hike and a curated Tequila tasting sponsored by True Gent.
• The Desert Reset: A guided expedition into Joshua Tree National Park to find perspective outside the frame.
The Howler reached out to Jordan to get a deeper dive on the Filmmaker’s Retreat, including its origin, its structure and what filmmakers can get out of the process. Here’s what he had to tell us.
What motivated you to launch the retreat? Was this an outgrowth of your work with the Commercial Directing Film School?
Jordan Brady: The retreat was borne from attending film festivals, hanging with filmmakers and from our one-day, intensive Bootcamps. Filmmakers fly to LA for the Bootcamp and always express they wish there was a day two. So this is three days and three nights, chilling with like-minded professionals of all backgrounds, talking shop and sharing our personal journeys.
I think what appeals to everyone is to be in a place with other humans, not fully off-grid, but being present with like-minded filmmakers.
Is there a selection process involved in signing up for the retreat, or any qualifications that are required for signing up, or is this a first come, first served format?
It’s first come, first served. We’ve had all levels, and not just directors. Writers, actors, DP’s, agency creatives, producers and a production designer have all taken part. I do a call with anyone on the fence to talk them out of coming. The last thing I want is for someone on the fence. It’s an investment in your career, but some might be better off using the money towards their short film.
Describe a typical day for those attending the retreat? What does the agenda look like?
Jordan: Thursday night we have a screening in the Sanctuary, which is our headquarters. It’s loose, we unwind and get to know one another with a “Greet & Howdy.”
Everyone stays in their own rustic, private room. We meet at the on-site cafe, and the food is great. It’s a custom-menu for the participants I plan with the chef. I have a suggested prompt for each meal. So the discussion at one breakfast was; “How are you getting most of your opportunities?” Another was "Describe your dream project and what are you doing about it.” We have modules I teach, they’re very interactive Q&A sessions. I play actual Zoom calls, talk through career management and ultimately how to infuse your voice into every shoot.
On Saturday we take a party bus into Joshua Tree National Park for a hike and lunch. That’s where lasting friendships are made. I try to get one-on-one time during the drive and hiking around. Saturday night’s fire circle is an intimate session. True Gent also sponsors our top shelf tequila tasting. (Non-alcoholic options abound, too.)
My EP/Producer Kim Bradshaw came and did a Q&A that everyone loved. Real talk, real numbers.
Are attendees required to do anything in preparation for the retreat? What do you tell them they should be doing or thinking about before they make the trip to Joshua Tree?
Jordan: Many have attended my Commercial Directing Bootcamp or taken an online course, but they’re not necessary. Every year has seen a filmmaker return for a second trip. I do an onboarding call over the summer with everyone, so I just ask them to really think about their dream spot, or kind of film, spot, show that they aspire to do.
What made you choose this venue for the retreat? What role does it play in the event? And would you ever consider holding the retreat in a different region of the country?
Jordan: I’ve had three films play at Slamdance, and they asked me to do a seminar on Indie filmmaking vs. Commercial Directing. Since it was during the pandemic, they held it at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, with screenings outdoors. It’s on magical, indigenous grounds and I felt a calling. This is it. Slamdance introduced me, and now we’re at year five.
I’d love to hold the Filmmaker Retreat in Tulum. I’ve talked with Marcus Nispel about coming to his compound in the Bahamas. And Asheville, NC has a vibe that works too.
What should attendees expect to have learned or gained after taking part? What do they take home with them?
Jordan: I want each filmmaker to leave with actionable steps to make that dream project come to the screen, to create lasting friendships and build a renewed sense of passion for what we do.
