On My Radar: Nicky Flemming

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

This Girl Can; It’s encouraged a lot of women out there to get themselves fit – it embraced what it is to be a woman without resorting to the typical, prejudiced way that advertising can sometimes utilise; there are no skinny, neat, model-like women in it.

I have seen a lot of people using the hash tag #thisgirlcan, celebrating fitness, so it feels like it’s been effective and has influenced people in a really positive way.

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

Twitter; to briefly catch up with what is happening out there. I am always in a rush, so the brief news and snippets of info is perfect for me.

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

I bought an Amazon Echo. It’s changed the way we live at home. We’re always asking it to play us music and tell us cinema and train times, recipes, facts and even jokes. I have yet to get ‘her’ to control our heating and lights. We were intrigued with the AI and highly recommend it; it’s quicker than Googling and she usually always knows the answers, she tells some silly jokes too.

What’s your favoured social media platform?

Facebook. Is that a bit sad? I still love catching up with what people are up to when stuck on public transport on the way home.

What’s your favourite app on your phone?

Nike+ running app, as I have recently been doing a lot of running.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

There’re so many. I am a Netflix addict. I found Making a Murderer riveting and am currently watching the OJ doco O.J: Made in America for the same reason.

What film do you think everyone should have seen and why?

The Big Blue; it has to be the extra-long version. It has stunning cinematography and an outstanding soundtrack, not to mention the equally fascinating and gorgeous Jean-Marc Barr.

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

Laying in bed just before sleep. It’s where my mind starts whirring. The whole day plays out; things I have done and things I can achieve and plan to do.

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

I think the lower budgets and the lack of time which I fear takes us away from the craft of our business. We have harsher conditions in which to create a 30 or 60 second masterpiece. The process of production is being squeezed like never before.

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

I would like to see more female directors and creatives, there are still not enough in the industry, I know #freethebid is trying to change that but it’s going to take some time. We need more Vicki Maguires and Rosie Arnolds.

What or who has most influenced your career and why?

Trish Russell at AMV; she put me up for the job at [production company] Godman many years ago. She always gives people an opportunity and believes in them. Thanks, Trish!

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know

I am running a half marathon this Sunday [March 19] at Hampton Court Palace. It’s not something I usually do. I’m not really a runner at all but it’s for a great cause for The Royal Marsden for ‘George and the Giant Pledge’ and it’s not too late to sponsor me a tenner!