The New Talent Focus

Who are the rookie directors/producers/creatives who’ve been waiting in the wings to level-up ad-land? Where do you find them, how can we nurture them, and what fresh ideas will they bring?

Insight

Technology, talent & changing times; what lies ahead for new directors?

The democratisation of technology has ushered in a golden age of content creation as well as an explosion in aspiring directors. But just how easy is it to spot, nurture and help emerging talent succeed in 2024? Production companies, agency producers and directors’ reps talk to Selena Schleh about the road ahead for new directing talent.

Talent

Jesse Lewis-Reece's new tricks

From obsessive-compulsive disorder to sight loss and trans identity, former skater boi turned filmmaker Jesse Lewis-Reece explores complex issues and marginalised communities with a maturity that’s rare for a young director. And, as Selena Schleh finds out, adland is starting to take note.

Talent

Abdi Ibrahim: the full picture

Drawing inspiration from the stories of people around him, the self-taught Somali-American filmmaker/photographer brings human narratives to life through sublime vignettes spanning music videos, commercials, and branded content. From shooting on the streets of Seattle to directing for Apple, he tells us how he carved his own path in the industry.

Talent

Hugh Mulhern: Organised chaos

From singing prosthetic stomachs to AI augmented ravers, Hugh Mulhern’s dazzlingly dynamic – and dizzyingly depraved - mixed-media music videos have established the Riff Raff director as a bold new talent – but, as he tells shots, that’s only a small part of his identity.

Talent

Young agency producers: hopes and dreams of the next generation

Biscuit Filmworks and Electric Theatre Collective proudly hosted their tenth annual Young Producers Dinner at East London's Bistroteque last night [1 Feb]. shots joined in the revelry and chatted with guests to discuss their experiences of entering the industry and the potential challenges that lie ahead.

Insight

Advertising's triangle of happiness

In his latest column, Will Sansom blends Maslow’s Hierarchy with modern workplace challenges, giving the creative industries a five-point-plan to address the nurturing of young talent.

Inspiration

Rebeca Huntt: A Few Of My Favourite Things

m ss ng p eces filmmaker Rebeca Huntt gives shots a look through the yogic, blooming and memory-capturing items that fill her Mexico-based creative den.

Talent

shots Unsigned: Joshua Armstrong

In our latest chat with unsigned directing talent we hear from Last Dog Films founder and director Joshua Armstrong. Here we talk about his latest short horror film inspired by the internet hoax MOMO. We also hear about his passion behind his projects, DIY VFX endeavours, and 20 years of filmmaking.

Talent

Meet the new romantics

Though they’ve worked in the industry for a decade, as VFX artist and designer respectively, Jay Stephen and Ralph Briscoe only launched themselves as directorial duo The Romantix a year ago. They got off to a good start – winning their first commercial pitch – two of Channel 4’s award-winning 2023 idents. Their inspiration? The night they first met, they tell Tim Cumming.

Talent

Making the cut: Nomad editors on entering the industry

From DJing to dance school, new talents Serena Rossi and Elyse Raphael's obsessions with editing were inspired by their rhythmical roots. Now repped by NOMAD, they've cut work for big brands from Puma and Adidas to Nike and FIFA respectively. shots caught up with the pair to discuss entering the industry and advice for young creatives.

Talent

Fresh eyes, high hopes

Award-winning DP Stuart Harris, has worked on such films as Ken Russell’s The Boyfriend and David Hare’s Wetherby, as well as more than 4000 ads and music videos, including Pink Floyd's High Hopes. Currently co-head of cinematography at the National Film and Television School (NFTS), he also runs the School's D&AD-sponsored course, Directing Commercials. Here he shares top tips for newbie ad directors.

Talent

UNCANNY by name…

With their experimental, process-driven approach, director duo George Muncey and Elliott Elder – aka UNCANNY – are pushing the boundaries of traditional practices in film, design and photography to breaking point – and reshaping them into something strange and utterly compelling.

Insight

The YDA chairperson talks ability, opportunity and maverick attitudes

Medb Riordan, Academy Films' Joint MD and Partner, is the jury chairperson for this year's Young Director Award. Here, she talks about the challenges involved in building a directing career, the skills needed, and why more trust needs to be put in creative risk-taking.

Inspiration

Gale Maimane: A Few Of My Favourite Things

Radical Media new signing Gale Maimane talks us through the noise-cancelling, non-caffinated, nifty-cooking items she keeps around herself to maintain creative inspiration.

Insight

Making the ‘creative maze’ easier to navigate

The creative industries thrive when those within them are from a diverse mix of backgrounds, but entry can be impossible if you don't even know where the door is. Lizzy Cooney, Provocation Manager at Born Ugly, argues the case for a more open and accessible industry in a bid to benefit all.

Insight

Prompt Engineers; the new wave of emerging talent

This month we've been talking about new talent; emerging creatives and directors honing their skills in order to find a place in the industry. But what if those skills are changing? What if there's a new job role that will supersede the more traditional advertising ones? The Moon Unit investigates...

Insight

Portrait of the artist; why 9:16 is in the frame

Earlier this month production company Presence hosted the inaugural 9:16 portrait film festival, which saw work from new directors in competition. Here, Presence Founder and EP, Danny Fleet, explains the ethos behind the event and discusses the current landscape for new directing talent.

Insight

To find new talent, cast the net internationally

Streaming platforms have given people the chance to experience a more varied selection of music, TV and film. So, asks Adrienn Major, Founder at POD LDN, shouldn't advertising have a more global outlook when it comes to talent?