On My Radar: Mikael Nakkas

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

I’m going with Greenpeace Wasteminster, mainly because it’s so different to anything I’ve seen recently. The mix of wittiness and the seriousness of its messaging, is so well balanced and impactful.

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

I’d love to know the amount of hours I’ve spent on Vimeo Staff Picks. It became a slight obsession even before starting out in the industry and it still serves me well.

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

Pioneer DDJ-200 [below]; definitely an early lockdown purchase, and anyone who knows anything about it will laugh at the model (as it’s essentially a child’s toy), but it’s provided some entertaining moments nonetheless… cue air horn.

What product could you not live without?

I’ve become quite particular about my notebook. It’s always a Moleskine, and it has to be the hardcover style, with lines inside. Someone bought me one that was a soft cover once and I returned it. I'm now that person.

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

Rocks; an incredible ensemble of young actors.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Fish Tank. You forget you’re watching a film and these are actors playing characters. It’s the highest compliment I can pay to the storytelling. I love Andrea Arnold.

What’s your preferred social media platform?

I don't really use any for personal use anymore, but Instagram for inspiration is good [and] the saved feature is useful. I wish they would get rid of the likes and displaying the number of followers though. 

What’s your favourite TV show?

Can’t think of a favourite currently but the ones I’ve watched recently which I’ve really enjoyed are Ethos, Normal People and When They See Us [below].

What’s your favourite podcast?

I’m yet to get into podcasts. I think I spend too much time on music streaming platforms instead. 

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

My partner works in the art industry, so I’m usually going to a fair few; with Covid it’s been on pause a bit but I’m looking forward to going to the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair again.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

 From my experience, and in a positive way, I would say the attitudes of those working in the industry. People want to work with nice people; it always makes the experience more enjoyable and I believe as a consequence, brings better results.