Romain Chassaing: Fusing music videos and movies
With his ability to create fantastic, narrative-led music videos that feel like short films, Romain Chassaing has already taken the promo world by storm. David Knight talks to a director who is now repeating that feat in the commercials arena.
Crown Jewell: How IPJ became commercial and music video king
After a staggering fourteen ad shoots in 2019, it's safe to say that Ian Pons Jewell has 'broken through'. David Knight talks to the director about how his music video roots, as well as the his ongoing flirtation with the form, has created such relentless creativity.
Changing the face of automotive advertising
Spindle's Aldona Kwiatkowski has fused automotive commercials with a fashionable flare, notably with her work for Mercedes. David Knight talks to the Polish-born director about her 'melancholic mindset' and the necessity of the female gaze.
Commission control; how promo commissioners see the music video world
Last year our contributing editor (and sometime commissioner), David Knight, spoke to some of his contemporaries about the state of the promo business and the role of the commissioner. This month, during our Music Video focus, we thought it a perfect time to revisit the insightful piece.
Emmanuel Adjei on the Dark Ballet of music videos
Off the back off two showstopping promos for Madonna, David Knight speaks to the Amsterdam-based director about his ability to craft films with depth and imagery that burns in the memory.
COPA90: Giving the Beautiful Game a media makeover
Since its inception in 2012 COPA90 has put itself at the heart of football, creating a new way for fans to interact with teams and players, and championing inclusivity over animosity. David Knight examines the company's impact on the sport's coverage and why brands are so keen to be on their team.
Kim Gehrig: Cutting edge creativity
It might surprise the online trolls but the director of Gillette’s controversial We Believe ad started her career bigging up the boys, helming music videos for the likes of Primal Scream & Gomez. But from the moment she shot her first ad she’s been making work that challenges, questions and empowers. Though she still knows how to have fun doing it.
The agent provocateur of animation
Smashing out animated promos for the likes of Radiohead, Run The Jewels, The Killers and many more, Chris Hopewell's punk rock approach has shaken up the world of stop-motion and given it a Mohican to boot. David Knight meets the Black Dog Films director.
Mike Maguire takes a bite out of comedy
Former creative and previously one half of a successful directing duo, Mike Maguire is now a high-flying directorial king of comedy in his own right. Here he talks about his work, inspirations and why he owes everything in his life to advertising.
Breaking comedic boundaries with Hamish Rothwell
The New Zealand director discusses how his idiosyncrasies have helped propel his career, and why challenging expectations is key.
It's all go for Damian Kulash
OK Go frontman, Damian Kulash Jr, talks to David Knight about putting practical considerations aside in favour of the alchemical while also ‘building a structure’ so a little thing like impending fatherhood doesn’t encroach on his happiness.
Hiro Murai Steps From the Shadows into the Spotlight
Currently breaking the internet with his new promo for Childish Gambino's This Is America, we take a look back at director Hiro Murai's rise from viral video-maker to music video auteur.
