Going Native: Sydney

Why is Sydney like a tub of finger paint? We’re not sure really but it’s how Adrian Shapiro, executive producer at Sydney production company Scoundrel, sees his home city. Something to do with fun times and colour probably....

What is the best thing about working in advertising in Australia?

For a small market we have some incredible creative talent, which means there are always a lot of great pieces of work around.

What is the worst thing about working in advertising in Australia?

Budgets can be challenging. Another issue is that work can be quite parochial and ideas can be misunderstood internationally.

If you are booking a hotel in Sydney, where would you choose to stay?

If you’re after a great spot to be positioned while in Sydney you can’t go past Bondi Beach. The Adina in Bondi offers serviced apartments with a range of awesome restaurants, bars and beautiful beaches on your doorstep. If you want to go a bit more upmarket, the new QT in Bondi would be a good option.

What advice would you give to a visitor?

Enjoy the beaches around Sydney and get out into the national parks to see some of the beauty that’s nearby.

What’s the best Australian ad you have seen in the last year?

8 Bar Eagle Woman.

What do you miss when you are out of the city?

My family first and foremost, and then I miss the beauty of Sydney. There is nothing more amazing then flying back in to this city when you’ve been overseas on a shoot and you come in over the harbour. It feels like home once you see the bridge and the beautiful water. 

What’s the best place to eat in Sydney?

I like Riley St Garage in Woolloomooloo, North Bondi Fish, and for a big meat meal you can’t beat Hurricane’s Grill down at Bondi Beach.

And the best place to have a drink?

I like it a bit grungier so I’m a big fan of Frankie’s Pizza, which is a rock n’ roll-slash-metal bar that also makes amazing pizza. It’s open late, late, late!

Who do you/would you love to work with in the industry?

I love working with all the Scoundrel directors, of course. Intelligent filmmakers and good people to create wonderful pieces of advertising with.

If Sydney were a product, what would it be?

A tub of finger paint.

One table, four places. You and who?

Larry David, Quentin Tarantino, and Tom Araya.

What’s your one-line life philosophy?

Give it a rest, and then try it again with more soul.

What’s Sydney’s favourite pastime?

The favourite summer pastime would be going to the beach for sure. Sydney folk are not shy of an outdoor festival either.

If you could have one question answered, what would it be?

What is wrong with our species?