On My Radar: Jason Lau

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

Technology can be a bit noisy at times, but I think Apple’s The Greatest is still a standout spot that highlights how technology can truly help people. It’s a simple, authentic, and emotional spot that’s produced well. 

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

I love taking a deeper dive into interesting subjects or people, so Wikipedia and Google are a usual starting place, but I’ve been playing around with various AI sites from ChatGPT to Perplexity lately. I also love to look around Zillow for home inspiration. 

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

I recently bought a Tonal and I’ve been obsessed with it! It has a beautiful touchscreen and uses algorithms to plan your workouts. If you’re looking for a workout without having to think about what to do next, it’s for you! It’s like a personal trainer that gets me to work hard and stay on track, but I don’t have to leave the house.  

What product could you not live without?

Rice; all varieties.  

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

If a docuseries counts, I enjoyed Living to 100: Secret to Blue Zones. Not that I want to live to 100, but I found it fascinating to learn about how people were living around the world to have more vibrant and healthier lives - it inspired me! But... I’ll probably never give up a good burger. 

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Drop Dead Gorgeous! Who doesn’t love a dark comedy about pageants in the Midwest?

What’s your preferred social media platform?

I hate to admit it, but I love TikTok. I have no idea how to make one - nor do I have the time - but I love to scroll and scroll. There are so many creative people out there and it's quite admirable. I’ve also learned about so many new things that have changed my perspective. And it’s finally captured my algorithm perfectly! 

What’s your favourite TV show?

Whenever I just need a good laugh, I always turn on The Golden Girls. The jokes, the one-liners, the cast, the good feels. It’s a classic! 

What’s your favourite podcast?

I love a true crime podcast. Serial and Dirty John are classic favourites. I’ve just started listening to Letters from Sing Sing, so we’ll see how this one shakes out. If I wasn't in production I think I’d be a prosecuting attorney or be in the FBI or CIA (but I hate guns).

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

I recently visited the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and saw the John Waters Pope of Trash exhibit. I found a new appreciation for all the wacky work he has done and its lasting impact on culture! I also visited The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather. Oh, how far we’ve come! But also, the art of great film, especially in storytelling, still stands the test of time. I went home and rewatched the Godfather trilogy, since it had been about 30 years since I last saw it. I still couldn’t look away. It makes you an offer you can’t refuse! 

If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?

Elton John for sure! Artists are still collaborating with him and re-inventing his music.