On My Radar: Courtney Eady

Working as a freelance editor for the past six years on a wide variety of content before taking on a full-time role in January at Havas Worldwide’s Studio Six in New York, Courtney Eady has completed jobs for clients including American Express, General Electric, CitiBank and The Mets.

As well as her commitments at the agency today, she still finds the time to play an active role on the committee for the FBAC Art House Theatre, providing insight on what films should be released at the venue and acting as a juror for its annual film festival.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Eady holds a BA in Film & Media Arts and makes a point of watching at least three movies per week to keep up with her craft. Below she expands on her love for the medium, what websites and apps she regularly uses and how she’d like to see the industry change for the better.

What’s the best ad campaign you’ve seen recently?

Actually just yesterday I saw a great commercial from TAG Heuer from their Don’t Crack Under Pressure campaign. It’s cinematic, nostalgic, and inspirational, all the while remaining genuine. All qualities that I value in good advertising.

What website(s) do you use most regularly and why?

Most definitely Netflix. As a movie lover and as an editor I like to watch as much as I can to keep up with what’s new. I’m always so inspired when I see what other artists are creating.

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought and why?

GoPro Hero3 Black edition with a car mount. I took a cross country road trip from New York to Arizona and recorded everything.

Facebook or Twitter?

Twitter for sure. People on twitter usually know about current events before the news even does.

What’s your favourite app on your phone and why?

Over the past year, I’ve become a rabid audiobook listener, so I’d have to say my Audible app. It’s great to use my commute time to catch up on books I’ve been meaning to read.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

I am addicted to Breaking Bad. From the very first episode I was impressed by the creative editorial and storytelling devices they used. The acting, the writing, the story, all became more absorbing with each episode and you can’t really say that about many shows out there. Everyone’s going to remember Walter White.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has remained my favourite movie since it came out 10 years ago for too many reasons to count. I’m also a huge Hitchcock fan, and for me it doesn’t get better than Vertigo.

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

While walking in my neighbourhood in Brooklyn. The people in New York are amazing. Walking has become sort of meditative for me, ideas and solutions I didn’t even know I had come to the surface. There’s something about being in motion that clears out the cobwebs.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

Most agencies are less specialised and more focussed on providing a full 360 experience (branding, all digital platforms, video/motion and traditional campaigns). Social media has exploded and has such an important role in advertising.