the Inspiration

Ever wondered what fills the world’s most creative minds?
Feed your inspiration with our regular columns.

23^rd Jan MUSIC VIDEO FOCUS

Playlist:LeoAguirre

We spoke with Park Pictures director Leo Aguirre about his Minolta TC-1 and Korg Kaossilator Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer, experimental jazz playlists, and the inner workings of the promo industry.

22^nd Jan

SophieJones:AFewOfMyFavouriteThings

16^th Jan MUSIC VIDEO FOCUS

We hear from Art Practice directing duo WAXXWORK consisting of Timothy Casten and Vikesh Govind. Here they talk about representation in music videos, the wonder of Google Docs, and watching their Director’s Label DVD collection.

15^th Jan

Peer Review: Peter O'Brien

With a background in sound design, Emerald Pictures director Peter O'Brien has crafted sensitive and impactful campaigns for brands from the Irish Heart Foundation to Sky. Here, he discusses the people who inspire him, how great sound creates a story and why patience is a director’s greatest asset.

14^th Jan

On My Radar: Manuel Borde

Manuel Borde, Global Chief Creative Officer, Commerce at VML, has a tough time choosing his favourite TV show, but instantly knows what he would alter about the current advertising industry set-up, as he reveals what's on his radar.

13^th Jan

Radical Friend: A Few Of My Favourite Things

JOJX director Radical Friend (aka Kirby McClure) talks us through the crystal amphibians and lucky feet-warmers that keep his creativity flowing.

9^th Jan MUSIC VIDEO FOCUS

Playlist: David J East

David J East is a partner and creative director at Imagine This. Here, he chats about the dream of working with the Gallagher brothers, looking at paintings for inspiration, and his love of penguins.

7^th Jan

On My Radar: Mr. Francois

Director Mr. Francois, repped in the US by Slash, talks AI promptography, the poetic nature of sports, and the life-affirming qualities of potatoes, as he reveals what's on his radar.

Around the world

On Location is a column that gives a boots-on-the-ground look at some amazing cities, brought to you by local production experts.

11^th Aug

OnLocation...Shanghai

MPC Shanghai Creative Director Barry Greaves gives us a tour of this incredible city, spanning the historic Bund to the Jing'an temple and its surrounds, offering something for everyone who visits.

30^th Jun

OnLocation...Barcelona

Barcelona is an expanse of delightful architecture, incredible food, and beautiful beaches, and we asked Jordi Molla, Production Ambassador for Twentyfour Seven to give us a guided tour of his city.

28^th Jul

OnLocation...Budapest

From Angel Films' production service mavens Zsofi Kende and Enikő Palchuber, comes a guided tour around Budapest, from rooftop bars to ancient amphitheaters, plus some recommended Hungarian street food.

9^th Jun

OnLocation...Athens

Maria Kopanou, Executive Producer, Green Olive Films, gives us the foodie's tour of Athens, shows off the beachfront locales, and recalls her fondest Akropolis memory.

2^nd Jun

OnLocation...Vilnius

Ema Čielytė, Production Manager at Magic Vilnius, guides us around the city; it's luxurious hotels and well-stocked whisky bars and its love of hot air balloons, and explains why the capital of Lithuania is the 'g-spot' of Europe.

6^th Jan

Sammi Cohen: A Few of My Favourite Things

Caviar commercials director Sammi Cohen, helmer of the terrific Netflix movie You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah, talks through the filmmaking trinkets and furry essentials that helps them get creatively charged.

17^th Dec

Peer Review: Dylan Maranda

Sequoia Content director Dylan Maranda celebrates stripped-back storytelling, film as a form of escapism, and The Lord of the Rings behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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17^th Dec

On My Radar: Coke Youngblood

Butter composer Coke Youngblood reveals what's on his current creative radar, saying he's a fan of Dr Rick, appreciates "weird" and "interesting" movies, and just wants the industry to have more fun.

12^th Dec

Playlist: The Reids

We chat with the Anonymous Content directing duo The Reids (Will Reid and Ed Reid) who recently won Best New Director at the UKMVAs, about making money with music videos, being fans of the iPhone 15 Pro, and some choice music promos.

11^th Dec

Peer Review: Bonnie + Alison

Repped by Good Times, directing duo Bonnie + Alison specialise in comedic work and wearing coveralls on set. In their signature witty way, the pair share their inspirations from Tim & Eric to the Coen Brothers, and explain why for them, story and humour always comes first.