)
On My Radar: Sam Katz
)
Sam Katz, Executive Producer at DOGEATDOG, professes his love for a giant IKEA shopping bag, admits that he's a salesperson's dream, and asks that you please don't request a joke when you next meet him, as he reveals what's on his creative radar.
What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?
The piece of advertising that really stuck out for me recently was actually the IKEA billboard by Oxford Circus that Mother created. Topshop's former flagship store in London’s Oxford Street is being turned into an IKEA and, on the outside, is a giant 3D billboard of the famous IKEA shopping bag. It’s such a perfectly simple, eye-catching brand announcement that I love walking past on my way into the office.
What website(s) do you use most regularly?
Without sounding like too much of a cliché, definitely LinkedIn. I often find myself scrolling and scrolling, and this is when I stumble across some magic, or someone that I haven’t reached out to in a while. It’s a great tool for work in our industry as it can be incredibly informative and really helps me keep up to date with what's going on out there.
What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?
Well, for someone who goes out there doing a lot of sales, I am very easily sold on things myself. I went to get a phone upgrade and was adamant beforehand that I would haggle them down on costs and be strict with them on not paying too much… However, I ended up leaving with a new phone, a BT Sport subscription and an Apple watch, so that didn’t quite go to plan.
+ membership
Access the world's largest advertising database. With an intuitive toolset that helps you explore, present and collaborate more effectively.
Learn More
What product could you not live without?
Along with everyone else in production, my phone. I mean, without it, how else am I going to pester you lovely agency folk while I'm on the go? Unless you still accept faxes.
What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?
This is a tough one, it’s like the age old question 'what’s your favourite film?'. I always freeze and panic-choose. I would say, over the last year, it’s got to be Triangle Of Sadness. I thought it was so bonkers at points, and almost random at times, but never felt as though I lost track of the narrative or what it was trying to say.
What film do you think everyone should have seen?
I think one of the most special films I have ever seen is Life is Beautiful (1997), by Roberto Benigni. This film is one that I think manages to toe the line of dealing with an incredibly sensitive subject, yet brings out a narrative that is so heartwarming. A must-watch film!
What’s your preferred social media platform?
Probably Instagram but, to be perfectly honest, I am definitely guilty of using it too much. I recently came back from a holiday with friends in Turkey and, for some reason, none of us could get any data where we were. I have to admit it was one of the nicest holiday’s I have had in a while as all of us were actually forced to talk to each other. I know CRAZY!
What’s your favourite TV show?
This is a tough one, but I think I am going to have to go with Succession. The writing and character development in this was incredible. I don’t think I have ever got so attached to characters that are fundamentally all unlikeable. Brilliant all the way through.
What’s your favourite podcast?
I am a huge sucker for the Off Menu podcast. As someone who is very into my food, it's an easy listen and great for those long car journeys.
What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?
My lovely gang over at DOGEATDOG and I all had a little school trip to go see the Gabriel Moses exhibition at 180. I thought it was absolutely amazing, and almost unbelievable to see the amount he has achieved - and is clearly continuing to achieve - at his age. He already has such a breadth of work and such a distinct style that can take people years to find.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
This is a really tough one, as I feel everyone probably has different experiences from one another, from job to job. I often say to people, friends and colleagues, how much I love what we do. I find it addictive, exciting and constantly changing which for me is super important. If I had to draw on previous experiences and maybe things that I would love to change / become more consistent throughout the industry – It would be transparency. I love it when someone is up front and transparent with me, if our director is a backup, if a reel just isn’t what they are looking for - I always appreciate the straight line of communication.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
You know what, I am a firm believer that each step in my career, each change of role and job, every time I work under someone new or with a new company, I am picking up great snippets of advice. I would find it hard to pick just one as each experience is as invaluable as the last. I would also say that having moved from freelance to in-house has had a huge influence on me realising where I am best placed.
I feel as though, since working in a team and being thrown into a role that forces me to go out and get both my company and its name out there, showcasing our fantastic directors, this is the role that I am best suited for. I would definitely say that people management and understanding what people want is the side of production I gravitate most to.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
When I was 14 and 15, I did stand-up and improv comedy, opening at a comedy festival at both the Roundhouse in Camden and Riverside in Hammersmith. Though, please don’t ask me to tell you a joke every time I see you!
