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On My Radar: B.Monét
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NM Productions director B.Monét talks software, cinema and 'spooky' TV shows as she reveals what's on her creative radar.
What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?
I thoroughly enjoyed NYFW23 by Sportscar. I find the piece to be cutting edge and very forward thinking. I love provocative material because it makes me think differently on how to create a story.
Credits
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- Director Sarah C Prinz
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Credits
powered by
- Director Sarah C Prinz
Credits
powered by
- Director Sarah C Prinz
What website(s) do you use most regularly?
Lately, I’ve been using Shotdeck for inspiration for upcoming projects. It has the largest collection of hi-def, fully searchable movie images in the world.
What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?
I can only think of software at the moment. I have downloaded the most recent version of Final Draft, an industry standard screenwriting software. For me, it’s important to stay on par with industry standard and Final Draft just keeps getting better and better, especially with all their newest features. Additionally, I’ve been dabbling with ChatGPT trying to see what’s happening there, too!
What product could you not live without?
It would be challenging to live without my Minolta 35mm camera. There’s something so beautiful about capturing a moment in time that will never happen again. We’re living and dying at the same time. Hearing that sound of the camera snap a moment is legendary to me. It’s like a person’s humanity freezes in time. And I love immortalising people through motion and photos. Those closest to me know how much I love to document a moment, it truly makes me feel alive.
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What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?
A film that really struck me deeply was Xalé, directed by Moussa Sène Absa. I am fascinated with how he weaves heart-breaking realities in such a poetic and meaningful way. It was such a moving movie and I love revisiting work where there is always something to learn.
What film do you think everyone should have seen?
Watermelon Woman is a classic, and I think everyone should see it. Cheryl Dunye does an amazing job of telling a first person narrative within the broader context of the story. I love how she discusses sexuality, desire, pleasure and individuality. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary and narrative elements in this film. She’s truly one of a kind and masterfully creates her own genre, one might say.
What’s your preferred social media platform?
Don’t laugh, but I’m obsessed with YouTube. You can get a dose of everything, from something inspirational, to shorts, music videos and even masterclasses. I’ve been editing more and I’m so thankful for all the folks who are so willing and open to share their knowledge with us. I absolutely love that! TikTok is cool too, but I have to be careful not to be on for too long.
What’s your favourite TV show?
I absolutely love Black Mirror! The storytelling is brilliant, and I love all the unexpected twists and turns. It’s also very telling to me how accurate and sometimes spooky the topics can be. It’s almost like they are predicting the future somehow. I also love all the political, racial and social commentary it discusses. And I love how the storytellers treat the audience like engaged participants. Can you tell I’m obsessed?!
What’s your favourite podcast?
I especially love Natalie Lue’s podcast, Baggage Reclaim. I’m saddened that she recently stopped her podcast, but love her ability to be so raw and real while also deeply vulnerable, transparent and accountable. She helps me to get my shit together.
What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?
I went to an Ibou Ndoye exhibition and it was so inspirational. I love how he uses textiles, patterns and colours to show groups of people. It’s stunning how he sees the beauty in everyone and finds the most unique way to show their humanity.
If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?
Probably Bob Marley. He has such soul and passion behind his voice. When he sings, I feel like I’m in the audience right there with him. I also love how he wasn’t afraid to speak up about the injustices happening to Black people and humankind. He was such a powerhouse and I love the messages in his songs.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
I would encourage the industry to give more opportunities to under-represented communities. I find that there are many initiatives around diversity and inclusion, but rarely are those things really making a lasting impact. Many people in the industry seem to interpret this as a systemic issue. They’ll select a Black director to work with Black talent for example, but there is a lack of diverse talent throughout the industry in general. I want to see more people of colour on creative calls and generally throughout the creative production process.
It’s not my job to educate anyone on why we should hire under-represented communities, but I want to acknowledge this until we, as an industry, diversify our talent pool further. I hope, going forward, clients and agencies are more open to new and emerging talent, and are open to hiring talent who may not have as much experience as another but they have ‘something’. You never know what someone has inside of them until you take a chance on them.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
I would say that my family has influenced me tremendously. My parents and sister are always encouraging me to push the limits in this industry. Sometimes, they’ll give suggestions or feedback. It always means a lot to me when they lend a listening ear, through all the ups and downs of this industry. They are with me through thick and thin and that means the world to me.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
I’d love to write a book of poems one day.
