2020's most read articles
From swimming through snow and shooting post-Covid, to feeling like an imposter and managing mental health, these are the 10 most read articles on shots.net over the course of 2020.
10. How to swim up a mountain
In this entertaining campaign, Coors Light introduces a chilly swimmer as he paddles his way around a snow-capped vista. In February we spoke to director Sam Pilling and VFX lead Ben Turner about how they powered the powder.
9. Let's go to Plan B: Dispatches from the first shoot post-quarantine
In late May of this year Tombras Creative Director, Tony Ciampa, attended his first shoot in a post-Covid world. He reveals his thoughts about that processes, what worked best, and what you could expect on your first shoot in a new era.
8. The story of Our Stories
July saw the release of an epic film that brought together the UK's terrestrial TV channels we spoke to Sam Walker, director of and one of the creatives behind the film, about its making.
7. The terrifying reality of ageing women & why the ad industry needs to reset its definitions
In March we had a special focus on new talent - and invariably young - talent. But what about the older generation, those *gasp* over 35? In her column, Amy Kean uncovered the hidden - and not so hidden - biases, of advertising's approach to ageing.
6. How to... imagine live-action shoots in a post-COVID-19 world
In April, SVP & Director of Video Production at RPA Advertising, Isadora Chesler, gave us a closer look at the challenges productions faced as they emerged from the coronavirus crisis.
5. The Imposter Virus, and why hurt people hurt people
Have you ever felt under-qualified, over-promoted or out of your depth? asked Amy Kean. If so, it's not you, it's them: the bullies and belittlers whose own pain compels them to spread torment like a virus. From a 15th century misogynist to an experience much closer to home, in November, Kean examined how Imposter Syndrome isn't something you have, it's something you're given.
4. Crown Jewell: How IPJ became commercial and music video king
After a staggering fourteen ad shoots in 2019, it's safe to say that, by January 2020, when this article appeared, Ian Pons Jewell had 'broken through'. David Knight talked to the director about how his music video roots, as well as the his ongoing flirtation with the form, has created such relentless creativity.
3. Music Video of the Year: The Chemical Brothers
Way back in January 2020 we had our Music Video Focus. As part of that special feature we talked to the those behind one of our two shots Awards Europe 2019 Music Videos of the Year. In this piece, Outsider directing duo Dom&Nic, and The Mill's ECD Jonathan ‘Wes’ Westley, explained the nuts and bolts of making The Chemical Brothers' Free Yourself.
2. How young agency producers see the world of advertising
Biscuit Filmworks & Electric Theatre Collective's annual Young Producers Dinner took place in February. We caught up with some of the attendees to ask them about the challenges they face in their roles, what inspired them to get into the industry and why it's important not to feel alone.
1. Feeling depressed? Have a bagel (and other weak attempts at creating company culture)
Free snacks and unlimited coffee does not a happy organisation make. Having seen first hand the toxic nature of some companies' so-called culture, and the debilitating effects of shameful contracts, back in June, Amy Kean stated that the industry needs to be far more accountable for the mental well-being of its employees.