On My Radar: Aaron Kovan

What the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?

Since we’re not able to shoot anything at the moment, I’m liking a lot of the UGC work coming out of this whole covid-19 thing. The Jack Daniels With Love, Jack really hit home for me. The cover of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors is a great track for this video and just seeing real people getting creative and adapting to social distancing was inspiring. It showed that staying at home isn’t all that bad. I really appreciate the execution as it was all made from Energy BBDO staffers homes. Respect! I don’t really like whiskey, but I loved this ad.

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

I click on nytimes.com a few times throughout the day to keep me updated with everything going on in this crazy world. I love seeing work other agencies and brands are doing, so AdAge, to keep updated and inspired on our industry. And, of course, shots.net. You do an amazing job showcasing creativity in our industry on all levels and have the utmost respect for the craft of what we do and for our industry. 

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

Yet another Sonos speaker. Can’t get enough music in all the rooms of my home. 

What product could you not live without?

My phone. Calling and texting is the most common way for me to communicate and stay in touch with family, friends and work. 

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?

I really enjoyed Parasite. It was packed with terrific direction, strong performances from the whole cast, great story writing and beautifully crafted cinematography. 

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

For me, this question plays into my age and when I started to really appreciate film. 

Pulp Fiction: It boasts groundbreaking direction, cinematography, screenwriting, soundtrack, and extraordinary performances (Thurman, Travolta, and Jackson). Pulp Fiction had an immeasurable impact on both mainstream and independent filmmaking in the '90s. 

Kids is a great one too. Another film from the 90s that was honest, raw and was real-life growing up in NYC right in front of you. I related to it, as I grew up not too differently.

What’s your preferred social media platform?

I think Instagram. Right now, I use it a lot for inspiration, researching new artists like directors’ animators and designers. It has become more of a production resource for me and less about sharing my own personal photos or videos or liking others.

What’s your favourite TV show?

I am loving Killing Eve right now. The character development is really strong and really keeps me engaged, and I love the locations. Paris, London and the other parts of Europe the show takes place in are visually interesting and stunning and the show captures their textures in really nice way . 

What’s your favourite podcast?

Talking to Ourselves with Omid Farhang. I love hearing people in our industry drop knowledge and talk about their history. I have mad respect for this one, and for Omid as a creative. 

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

Tom Slaughter: Primary Colors at the Parrish Art Museum in Watermill, New York. Bold, bright simple and arresting pieces. I am drawn to the simplicity of his work.

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

The need for more content, and the platform moves from broadcast TV to OTT and social media platforms. 

Who or what has most influenced your career?

I don’t want to mention specific names but some legendary agency producers and creative directors I have worked with have definitely influenced and pushed me to the producer I am today. I don’t skateboard anymore but the lifestyle and art and design from it all has played a major influence in my career. Hip-hop music and fashion are also part of my history and current make up.  

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

I love tacos and sushi and not sure which I prefer more but I can eat a lot of both. I think I ate 10 tacos at dinner last week.