On My Radar: Martin Raffier

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

The latest commercial from Coinbase is completely insane. They created this PS2-style 3D world, but shot it in live-action. They built costumes and sets that recreate the low-res textures and weird visual feel of old video games, even using camera angles you usually only ever see in those games. The concept is brilliant, and the execution is somehow even better.

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

As the massive geek that I am, I have this little routine where I end up getting lost on Wikipedia almost every night when I have time. I’m insanely curious, and even though reading the Wikipedia page for something like windows might sound painfully boring, I actually learn a ton about history, design, and cultural differences between countries. At first it’s really just me feeding my curiosity, but it ends up helping my work a lot. Depending on the time period, the place in the world, or the kind of character I’m designing for, I’ll know exactly what kind of windows would make sense in the environment.

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

I barely buy any tech stuff. My filmmaker friends actually roast me when they see my PC setup. But it does the exact same job as the setups you’d find in professional editing suites — maybe even better, just because I’m used to it. The last actual 'tech' thing I bought was probably a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, around three years ago. And, to be fair, they completely changed my life… but it’s not exactly the wildest anecdote.

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

One Battle After Another. Not the most original answer, but credit where credit’s due — it was exceptional.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Two years ago, I watched The Act of Killing. It deals with a subject that’s barely talked about, even though it’s one of the greatest tragedies of the last century. When I finished it, I genuinely felt like everyone should see that film at least once.

Besides that… Harry Potter.

What’s your preferred social media platform?

I’m kind of cheating here, but I’d say YouTube. I basically grew up with it — it shaped my internet culture, my sense of humour, and I still use it almost every day. It’s also what made me want to become a director in the first place, and honestly taught me a huge part of the craft.

What’s your favourite TV show?

Too Old to Die Young. Just thinking about it gives me chills. There’s this constant tension all the way through, an incredibly immersive atmosphere, unforgettable scenes, and the kind of rotten universe I love, where every single character is completely consumed by their own flaws.

What’s your favourite podcast?

I’m a huge podcast listener, and I’ve got a recommendation list as long as my arm. I’m gonna give a few, because it’s easy to find lists of great movies, but somehow way harder when it comes to podcasts: Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen, The Stalker, Sweet Bobby, and Finding Drago. Con artist stories every time. Now that I think about it, maybe I should write a film about that someday.

What have you been most inspired by recently?

Recently, probably a graphic novel called Chartwell Manor. Comics are honestly one of the art forms that inspire my work the most, and Chartwell Manor is the last truly great one I’ve read. It’s funny, moving and visually stunning.

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

Kanye West… Yes, I know. But if I’m getting stranded on an island with just one discography, I can’t afford to not have Flashing Lights in my life.

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

I’m a bit nostalgic for old-school commercials. The kind where you basically made short films, only revealing the product at the very end with a clever twist. It made ads way more memorable and actually enjoyable to watch. In the US there’s still a bit of that culture, but in Europe I feel like it’s become pretty rare. It’s something I try to bring back as much as I can in my own work.

Who or what has most influenced your career?

Like most directors, I think my work is really just a mix of all the art that’s influenced me over time. Naming specific people would be too hard — the list is way too long — so I’ll build on what I said earlier and go with comics in general. That’s probably what inspires me the most when it comes to how I think about images, how I approach framing and editing, and how I structure stories.

What scares you the most?

The opening scene of The Triplets of Belleville.