On My Radar: Jonny Tully
Jonny Tully, colourist at Cheat London, talks phones, films and Boba Fett as he reveals what's on his creative radar.
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What is the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?
The latest iPhone 13 Pro ads (shot on the iPhone) are pretty cool. They clearly did a great job shooting the films but the capabilities of the latest model are still very impressive. The three ads do a great job of showcasing the phones new features; cinematic mode, low light performance and the 3x optical zoom. All with some great humour added in.
Apple – Detectives
Apple – Pavel
Apple – Basement
What website(s) do you use most regularly?
Shotdeck is just excellent. Its ever expanding library of stills is all indexed with technical details and spans such a wide range of cinema. The search function was particularly useful for a recent project where we were grading a digitally shot bar scene. The neon signs needed to look like they were shot on film a few decades ago and it pulled up some great references.
What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?
After years of waiting, my wife and I finally purchased a new HDR TV. With a six-month-old baby we don't get out much at the moment, so we’re really enjoying it!
What product could you not live without?
Probably my phone. Aside from being able to stay in touch with everyone, and access to the internet, the camera capabilities are very impressive. I have a lovely mirrorless Fuji at home, but having something that’s always in your pocket that can capture a decent family photo is wonderful.
What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?
I thought the cinematography for Dune was phenomenal, and over the Christmas break I watched Don't Look Up, which was hilarious.
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What film do you think everyone should have seen?
I remember Amelie really blowing my mind when it came out. Aside from looking absolutely brilliant it’s a beautiful film with wonderful characters. Twenty years later and it still leaves a smile on my face. Yann Tiersen's soundtrack is perfection too.
What’s your preferred social media platform?
Instagram is wonderful for seeing what everyone has been working on and, of course, to showcase your own work and connect with people.
What’s your favourite TV show?
The Wire will always stand out as such a strong piece of work. The depth and evolution of the characters is unbeatable. Currently I'm watching the Boba Fett series as I’m a sucker for anything Star Wars.
What’s your favourite podcast?
I’ve never been big into podcasts, but Cinematographers on the Loose, by Lorenzo Levrini and Tommi Terminet, is really interesting. They’ve interviewed some great directors and DPs, and share a wealth of knowledge.
What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?
We took our baby to the Anicka Yi In Love With The World exhibition, at the Tate Modern. There are several octopus-like creatures floating through the Turbine Hall. It’s great fun to watch. We took our baby but I think we enjoyed it just as much as he did. Next on the list is the LUX exhibition at 180 studios.
What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?
I remember everything being focused on broadcast/TVCs when I started out. Now there is so much online content and it’s great when it’s being created at the same high standard.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
Better accessibility and opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
The grading team at Smoke & Mirrors, where I started in the industry. They always made time to show me what they were grading, reviewed my work and trained me. Without their guidance and encouragement my progression would have been very different.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
I was quite skinny growing up, so everyone called me Stick until I moved to London when I was about 25-years-old.
