Brady Corbet Made ‘Zero Dollars’ Directing ‘The Brutalist’ — So He Directed These Commercials Next

Brady Corbet recently disclosed that he earned nothing while directing “The Brutalist,” the critically acclaimed film featuring Adrien Brody, which won an Oscar.

On the “WTF” podcast, Corbet shared that numerous filmmakers he’s talked to this year, whose movies have been nominated, are struggling to cover their rent. He emphasized that they aren’t compensated for marketing or promoting their films.

Corbet shared with Maron that he had received his first substantial paycheck in a while, thanks to directing three commercials in Portugal. He referred to this chance as one that seemingly appeared out of nowhere and which he eagerly seized. Now, those well-crafted ads have finally been released.

In my perspective, although the scope and structure may vary, the essence of directing stays consistent whether I’m working on a full-length movie or an advertisement. It’s always a matter of mastering the rhythm and visual elements – a challenging puzzle to solve. But at heart, it’s all about weaving a compelling narrative that carries significant impact, much like a long-form film aspires to do. This Bloomberg campaign serves as a testament to the fact that you can indeed create something profound, something thought-provoking, just as a lengthy film aims to be.

Corbet, up for nominations in best picture, director, and original screenplay at the Academy Awards, isn’t alone among Oscar-nominated filmmakers in talking about the challenges of living off solely independent filmmaking. For instance, Sean Baker, who took home four Oscars for his $6 million dramedy “Anora,” has also directed commercials for fashion brand Kenzo and fast-food chain Taco Bell.

In a 2017 interview with Vulture, Baker shared that since he doesn’t have a family or children, his chihuahuas are the only companions he relies on. He expressed that what truly matters to him is having access to healthcare and a stable living situation (which he currently enjoys in his $1,200 apartment in West Hollywood). He added that he doesn’t prioritize material possessions or wealth; instead, he values the ability to create art without being tied down by a conventional job.

Watch Corbet’s three Bloomberg ads below.



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2025-03-07 00:20