On My Radar: Tim Hardy

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

I think my real standout piece of work over the last year has been the Droga5 work for Amazon Prime, directed by Steve Rogers. The Vikings script particularly is superb, with a fantastic performance and laser sharp idea, it was a really standout campaign. It’s definitely one I would have loved to have worked on.  

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

I generally drive myself mad constantly looking for some nugget of hope on Brexit on the Independent website. It’s like crack, as I refresh hoping to see something actually happen. It never does though...

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

Solar panels for my house. It changes how you do everything at home. It’s midday, the sun is shining, quick put the washing machine on!

What product could you not live without?

My TV.

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

I really enjoyed the Mid90s Jonah Hill debut feature about a group of skaters. Beautiful performances and a wonderful end.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

I would say Silent Running , a sci fi film from 1972 starring Bruce Dern. I remember watching it as a kid and it had a huge emotional effect on me, and as a warning to the environmental catastrophe we are now facing it’s incredibly prophetic. I won’t give too much away but I dare you to watch and not have a tear welling up by the end.

What’s your preferred social media platform and why?

Not a fan.

What’s your favourite TV show?

Ohhh... so many. All time favourite, maybe Sopranos, but then I also love a history doc, so World at War has to be up there as well. As for now, I’m really enjoying Succession; it has a classic storyline of a family at each other’s throats and some of the best lines I’ve heard in long time.

What’s your favourite podcast?

Not so much a podcaster. I did just listen to the entire Radio 4’s Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy radio play which was very good.

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

I saw Book of Morman a few months back and it blew my mind. Can't recommend it enough;  get tickets if you haven’t seen it.

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

Less drinking and smoking.

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

More drinking and smoking!

Who or what has most influenced your career and why?

I think it would have to be the TV of my youth. I was obsessed with telly, including the ads that have stayed with me and definitely influenced the way I work.

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.

I’m an open book.