▶ Find Inspiration and develop your ideas with Frame Set:
https://go.frameset.app/44hbA0a
▶ About This Episode:
Director and photographer Aidan Cullen joins Dylan Hahn to break down his commercial spot for Cosmos starring Odessa A'zion, and to discuss what makes certain performers impossible to look away from. Aidan shares insights from a decade of working with actors, musicians, and brands, including his creative collaborations with Odessa, Omar Apollo, Malcolm Todd, and more. They talk about directing talent, building creative chemistry, shooting on film, creative direction, the realities of "overnight success," and why consistency matters more than inspiration. Aidan also shares lessons from founding Nova, working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, and the mindset that helped him build a career across photography, directing, and entrepreneurship.
▶ Sources:
• Connect with Aidan Cullen
• https://www.instagram.com/aidancullen1/?hl=en
• https://www.itsnova.com/aidancullen
• Check out Nova:
• https://www.itsnova.com/
• Watch "Your Space to Dream" - Cosmos
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnpXxnocTN0
• View on Frame Set:
• https://frameset.app/search/brand/cosmos/your-space-to-dream
▶ About The Reframed Podcast:
"Reframed" is a show that helps growing filmmakers learn from the creators behind inspiring new work, offering real insights, practical tools, and a stronger sense of connection within the film community.
▶ "Your Space to Dream" - Cosmos Credits:
Production Company: @typefacestudio
Executive Producer: @Aidenmagarian
Producer: @sergiomvaccaro
Associate Producer: @matttkaufman
1st AD: @tessraih
Script written by: @aidancullen1 @markcullen12 @denyags
Director of Photography: @danielvignal
1st AC: @danrodriguezdp
2nd AC: @the_klapper
Loader: @mattvandecker
Gaffer: @davireichman
Best Boy Electric: Aji Bass
Key Grip: @b3nnyblanc0
Best Boy Grip: @adamjreichardt
Swing: @nica.fazio
Editor: @cutbykenny
Asst editor: @nicola.rios
Animation: @nikarthur
VFX: @zekefaust
Sound Mixer: @ianswifthunter
Score: @miley_duo
Sound design: @ayodouson
Production Designer: @michael.younker
Art Director: @bailey.rose.brown
Art Director: @_peterchristensen_
Set Dresser: Sid Maurer
Art Assistant: @harrysings1
Key Production Assistant: @brycehauman
Production Assistant (Prod/Cam Truck): Kirk Beneby
Production Assistant (Art Truck): @jaafaralnabi
Production Assistant (Set/Pass Van): Sakib Hossain
Production Assistant (Set/Runner): Elliott Moore
▶ Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:20 "Your Space to Dream"
02:52 Welcome Aidan Cullen
03:08 The Cosmos Campaign & Casting Odessa A'zion
05:42 Why the Edit Became a Beast
08:05 Production Design Built the Room
10:03 Shooting the Campaign on Film
12:58 Editing Around Performance
16:25 Directing Through Feeling, Not Technicality
19:15 What Makes Odessa A'zion So Magnetic?
23:39 Photographer vs Director
25:40 What Does a Creative Director Actually Do?
28:29 Building Nova for Creatives
30:18 Photographing Celebrities Without Being Starstruck
32:52 Does Creative Chemistry Matter?
35:49 1,000 Shoots Later: Still Getting Better
37:33 Creative Confessional - Giving Creatives a Voice
40:51 The Biggest Creative Confession
42:42 Why You Shouldn't Only Grow With Your Friends
45:23 Building a Career Through Long-Term Collaborations
46:08 Advice for Young Filmmakers
47:46 The Best and Worst Time to Be a Creator
49:32 Work Hard, Be Nice, Be Reliable
50:45 Thank You Aidan Cullen