On My Radar: Lee Parker
Lee Parker, Executive Creative Director of Promotions at Sky Creative Agency, admits he needs to limit his use of one particular website, reveals he has a one-page pitch for a sequel to a classic 90s movie, and states that Larry is always right.
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What the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?
Nothing has blown me away of late. I like reactive, quick turn-around work that does good and has heart. The ITV Get Britain Talking work, and the response to the BLM Diversity ‘controversy’ press ads were great examples of this.
What website(s) do you use most regularly?
Spending far too much time on The Athletic site at the moment. They have signed up some top-notch sports journalists, and the range of articles released each day is superb. I really recommend it.
What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?
Sonos Move was an essential bit of outdoor tech for the eight days during which we had sunshine a while back.
What product could you not live without?
My Garmin Fenix watch. It kicks my lazy arse into gear and brings on the guilt when I’ve not been running enough. Running really helps clear the noise from my head
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What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?
The reprint, reissue of Flash Gordon is just sublime. You could literally touch Brian Blessed’s beard. It looks amazing in 4K... Gordon’s Alive!
What film do you think everyone should have seen?
Point Break. Not the god-awful remake, the original. 100% pure adrenalin. If anyone is interested, I have a one pager for a prequel I’ve been sitting on for 20 years.
What’s your preferred social media platform?
Twitter; love it or hate it, it's still one of the fastest ways to get goal alerts. Sad but true.
What’s your favourite TV show?
Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David has it so right. There are just so many classic episodes you can watch from any point, in any season. You don’t need to know the story line/arc, just know that Larry is always right.
What’s your favourite podcast?
I’m not really a podcast person so don’t have any standouts.
What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?
Has anyone been out of late? I’m so behind... let me know what I’ve missed.
What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?
Not really a significant change, but there's a lot of fake fawning and back-patting going on in the old social media world between agencies and creatives. Calm down, people. It may be a good bit of copy, or decent ad, but you’re not saving lives here.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
See above, great to celebrate the outstanding work, but defining popular culture takes time and not every ad will do that.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
Without doubt, my wife. Without her guidance, influence and support I’d still be in Leicester somewhere, doing god knows what. Within the industry, I have to be honest and say my current team at Sky Creative influences me and brings the best out of me every day.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
I love to surf. I’ve got to it late in life, but I will master it. I’m a big lad, but I’m not giving up (I’ve not written myself into the Point Break prequel by the way).
