Natural is a production choice: What child performers reveal about authenticity
Drawing on his experience supporting a young family member’s acting career, Toronto-based writer, filmmaker and independent researcherJoshua W.J. Brown argues that authentic child performances depend not on the absence of production, but on more thoughtful casting, temperament, direction and expectations.
Around the world in 80 minutes: Ed Sayers’ odyssey
Filmed solely on Super 8, Ed Sayers’ crowdsourced feature debut, Super Nature is a timely exploration of life on Earth and our relationship with it. The director/producer talked to shots about how the medium’s "painted memories" inspired him to create this fragmented, flickering love letter to the natural world.
Awards and altruism: How adland decides where to give away its creativity
As charities fight harder for funding and agencies harder for an audience’s time and attention, what makes a cause worth saying yes to? Jonathan Grant looks at whether pro bono work can only thrive if it’s good for everyone involved.
The necessity of choice
TJ Sponzo, newly appointed as Commercial Director at Electric Theatre Collective, explores what a 60-year-old French film made of still photographs can teach us about advertising, at a time when AI is reducing the need for creative decision-making.
How KDSP and John Hillcoat found the key to therapy
Putting people's internal monologue to music might not be the first thought when promoting a mental health platform, but with its latest campaign for Grow Therapy, KDSP did just that, with heartfelt and humorous results. shots speaks to Brock Kirby and director John Hillcoat to find out what makes the campaign sing.
Cracking the connection code
As online ennui and a renewed appetite for IRL meet-ups grow, Caroline Sparkes, Director of Global Brand Marketing, Sparks, suggests we reevaluate the power of offline networking and creative connections.
The human factor: How the industry is getting real
This year’s Cannes Lions saw the focus pulled on human versus machine, putting the AI tools that have entered the arena firmly in their place. Tim Cumming speaks to a range of industry voices as a new sense of the reality and power of human creativity dawns.