The Reality Focus
In a post-truth, deepfake world, what does 'real' even mean? This Focus explores how filmmakers and creatives construct, distort and capture reality, from documentary storytelling and authentic performances to visual trickery, CG and AI, and why human imperfection and emotional truth still matter.
The human factor: How the industry is getting real
This year’s Cannes Lions saw the focus pulled on human versus machine, putting the AI tools that have entered the arena firmly in their place. Tim Cumming speaks to a range of industry voices as a new sense of the reality and power of human creativity dawns.
How Matt Lenski used AI to champion humans in The Last Commercial
The Arts & Sciences comedy director imagines advertising’s final bow in a short that finds the funny side of an industry’s existential dread. Here, Lenski tells Jamie Madge how he balanced live-action performances with generated imagery, and why it’s a director’s job to avoid the scourge of ‘Beep Boop Cinema’.
Filming reality in an age of fake feelings
After two decades in advertising, filmmaker Christopher Theodore moved into documentary. Here he explores the uneasy relationship between unscripted and fiction and what it means to claim an image is real in an age when almost anything, including emotions, can be fabricated.
How Research Arts rewired its workflow
Research Arts’ surreal experimental film Automatic blends AI tools with traditional CG to explore robotics and machine aesthetics. Here, the director discusses using AI to develop bespoke problem-solving tools, and how new technology can be brought into the animation process thoughtfully and intentionally.
Greenhushing or greenshouting: How to market the message of climate catastrophe
As we face up to the alarming realities of climate change, Tracey Lee, Strategic Advisor to Creatives for Climate, answers questions about how the ad industry can put its influence to good use by creating awareness and change without causing panic.
Awards and altruism: How adland decides where to give away its creativity
As charities fight harder for funding and agencies harder for an audience’s time and attention, what makes a cause worth saying yes to? Jonathan Grant looks at whether pro bono work can only thrive if it’s good for everyone involved.
How KDSP and John Hillcoat found the key to therapy
Putting people's internal monologue to music might not be the first thought when promoting a mental health platform, but with its latest campaign for Grow Therapy, KDSP did just that, with heartfelt and humorous results. shots speaks to Brock Kirby and director John Hillcoat to find out what makes the campaign sing.
