On My Radar: Alaster Jordan​​

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

The Rocket Mortgage Jason Momoa spot always makes me laugh. In short, he gets home he takes off his muscles and wig, nicely performed and directed, and a cute idea.

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

Nothing very cool or interesting, sadly. I use BBC Sport a lot, spending a lot of time in the US means I tend to crave sensible English stuff.

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

I just got a probe that tells you if your expensive artisan gin is actually just cleverly re-bottled mass produced gin.*

*not real, but it would be amazing.

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

I’m a bit disappointed lately in how underwhelmed I have been with films that I keep being told are amazing. I guess 1917 is the best this year in many ways, especially the set design and cinematography, but I haven’t seen Parasite yet…

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

If you are into storytelling then Twelve Angry Men is pretty special. It’s almost entirely set in the jury room at a trial. Hottest day of the year, the jury are sweaty, smoking away, and ready to condemn a young kid based entirely on their own prejudices. Henry Fonda's character steers them one way then another, but the way the director changes the camera angles and lenses as the day progresses is incredibly clever, yet simple, adding to the claustrophobia, tension and intensity. Also, 21 Jump Street.

What’s your preferred social media platform and why?

Insta, because I’m quite old.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

I don’t know! Maybe American Pickers, because I love old junk, and I’m an idiot. I’m enjoying Hunters, it’s got a quirky edge to it.

What’s your favourite podcast? 

I’m rubbish with podcasts, I don’t even listen to my mates' ones. The Peter Crouch one is the only one I’ve spent any time in a relationship with.

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently? 

The Andy Warhol exhibition last year was interesting. We all think we know all about him and his work, but there was a lot more going on really.

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

Technology, and the relatively low cost of software now means that editing tools are often in the wrong hands. Also, the rise in the amount of ‘deliverables’ is not necessarily a positive thing.

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

A bit more honesty and integrity all round would be a good start.

Who or what has most influenced your career and why? 

Without a doubt, David Garland, who was a partner at DGW, which produced a lot of very talented editors over about a 10-year period. I assisted him for about five years all together. He taught me everything and pretty much handed his editing career to me to run with. He had great taste, great judgement, and a focus on the idea and the point of the script that many editors forget about while trying to show off their talents.