the Talent
From Junior Creatives to ECDs, delve into career highlights (and lowlights) in our in-depth profiles.
Weird Seance summons… Lynne Parker
Despite the wealth of brilliant female comedians - think Katherine Ryan, Sara Pascoe, Jo Brand - many still think 'women aren't funny'. Lynne Parker [fourth from right], is the founder of Funny Women and a champion of female comedians. She talks to Amy Kean about why so many men (and too many women) think females aren't funny, the creativity of comedy, and her ongoing mission.
The Way I See It: Laurent Simon
Currently the CCO of VMLY&R, Laurent Simon’s track record encompasses co-creating the first major John Lewis Christmas blockbuster, The Bear & The Hare, upholding the excellence of BBC2’s idents while helming the ship for BBC Creative, and bagging the Cannes Lion Effectiveness Grand Prix for Adam & Eve. He tells Tim Cumming about military strategies, the 'happiness hit' that awards bring and the value of diversity.
Maria Garrido's lessons in listening
As the Jury President of the Entertainment Lions at this year's Cannes, Maria Garrido, Global CMO, Formerly Vivendi, is on a mission to give ear to all voices on the panel. She talks to Carol Cooper about tuning into to true brand value, tuning out of BS and being booed on stage.
The people who make the spots you love, covering all aspects of production, post and sound.
Lessons to be learned
Known for his soulful films exploring pressing social issues, New Orleans-based filmmaker Abraham Felix was signed by Curfew earlier this year. Here, he tells shots about his inspirations and passion for filmmaking and about the creation of his award-winning campaign The Unspoken Curriculum, produced by Windy Films for the Boris L. Henson Foundation.
YDA winners Nono+Rodrigo send an SOS from a planet in peril
Directing duo Nono+Rodrigo's epic short, Terra Cene, won a Gold Screen in this year's YDA category Changing the World Frame by Frame. Here, they tell shots about time capsules, terrifying countdowns and how shooting in Ukraine made it a dream project.
Emma Branderhorst's Spotless triumph
Emma Branderhorst's powerful and affecting short film highlights the impact of period poverty on a young girl's life. Here, Branderhorst explains her journey from in front of to behind the camera, how she put her faith in a brilliant but untested actress, and why winning YDA gold means the world.
Ani Acopian's adventures in aviation
Los Angeles-based filmmaker, social media maestro and tireless innovator Ani Acopian joined Park Pictures in June. She’s garnered attention for her witty short-form content, such as A World Artists Love for AWAL, and her spoof dating website for Amazon. She told shots about playing with boundaries, altering perceptions and her love of drones.
Cinematic visuals with a disruptive edge? Better call Sau
Greatcoat Films' Newham-born director Sau Ali has built a solid portfolio within six short months in the business, including music videos for artists including Henny Knightz and Raptum, as well as branded content for Samsung, New Balance and Vice. Here he tells shots how short-form filmmaking can nurture a blockbuster spirit.
shots Unsigned: Sean Wehrli
In our latest edition of chats with unsigned directing talent we speak with Sean Wehrli. Here he talks us through his music video for Clans, his big music promo inspirations, and pivoting to take advantage of circumstances.
Sebastian Hill-Esbrand's Family secrets
Sebastian Hill-Esbrand picked up a Gold Screen at this year's YDA for Family, his powerful charity film for the BC Centre on Substance Use. Here, he discusses his start in skateboard films, the difficulties in casting and the impact of imposter syndrome.
Poetry in motion
Fuelled by an immense imagination, multi-faceted creative Caleb Femi unites words and visuals to magical effect, effortlessly moving from page to screen and back again with a body of work that spans poetry, short films, commercials, TV and even a live catwalk show. Whatever the field, he tells Selena Schleh, the story remains his north star.
YDA-winner Ebeneza Blanche takes aim
SMUGGLER director Ebeneza Blanche picked up a Gold Screen in the Music Video category for Little Simz's Point & Kill at this year's YDA. Here, they talk about college studies, Nigerian culture and having their work recognised.
Celebrating shots' 30th anniversary, industry luminaries pair up with up-and-comers in the field to talk shop and interview each other.
Creative Correspondence: Ringan Ledwidge & Nina Meredith
Ad legend Ledwidge talks to Rattling Stick rising star Meredith about beginnings in journalism, shooting a Christmas icon and underrated Jack Nicholson movies.
Creative Correspondence: Kai-Lu Hsiung & Alice Bloomfield
For our latest Creative Correspondence, industry legend and RSA Films Global MD Kai Hsiung is in conversation with new signing and former BFI Future Film Fest Black Dog Films Award winner Alice Bloomfield about breaking into commercials, the importance of testing the water and how the industry has changed for women.
Creative Correspondence: Sam Sneade & Ellie Johnson
Editing legend Sneade chats to the newly promoted partner at tenthree, Johnson, about the progression of their careers, the lack of industry rockstars and how cultivating talent is the most important part of the job.
Creative Correspondence: Kate Stanners & Mia Silverman
Saatchi & Saatchi's Global CCO, Kate Stanners, and up-and-coming Saatchi Art Director, Mia Silverman, discuss their respective careers, how the job has changed (and stayed the same), and why the growing need to deliver at speed can lead to bad work... but doesn't have to.
Creative Correspondence: Joe Guest and Lucy Berry
Final Cut's legendary editor speaks to up-and-coming top talent Berry in the latest of our Creative Correspondence conversations.
Creative Correspondence: Anthony Moore & Dylan Holmes Williams
Kicking off 2021's Creative Correspondence is multi-award winning sound designer, the Founding Partner and ECD of Factory, Anthony Moore, and Stink Rising director, talented short film maker and YDA winner, Dylan Holmes Williams.
YDA winner Eugen Merher on the creation of a small-town folk tale
Director Eugen Merher won two silvers and a gold at this year's YDA for his compelling film The Boy Who Couldn't Feel Pain. Here he shares his created inspiration, from computer games to Wim Wenders, and reveals his fascination with capturing a particularly American brand of desolation.
Joost Biesheuvel on winning a YDA with his tale of mismatched love
Director Joost Biesheuvel picked up a Gold Screen (Video Art) for his short film Cats and Dogs, produced by Vigics, at this year’s YDA. Here, the composer-turned-filmmaker talks about troubled relationships, the joys of collaboration and the magic of metaphors.
Jack Howard: The clown prince of content
We speak to the established YouTuber and fledgling commercial director Jack Howard about how to make the transition, as well as finding out how OB Management's Jez Murrell is guiding him through the funny business of brands.
Sindha Agha on how to make a YDA-winning how to series
The Corner Shop director, Sindha Agha, won Gold at the Young Director Award for her funny, honest and touching film How to Get an Abortion. Here, she discusses casting, colour and faking it till you make it.
shots Unsigned: Corry Wiens
In our latest edition of chats with unsigned directing talent we speak with Corry Wiens. Here he talks us through his short film Defy the Odds, a producers nightmare of a shoot, Camaro breakdowns and a desire for more commercial directing.
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YDA-winner CARAZ on the memories of butterflies
Montreal-based director CARAZ won two Gold Screens for Video Art and Short Film (Up To 6 Mins) in this year's YDA. Here she shares how, through her observation of tiny details in the development of the dance, the concept for the piece gradually unfurled and took wing.
YDA-winner Steve Bache talks Fatjona
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg director Steve Bache picked up a Gold Screen in the Film School (6 mins and over) category for their short film, Fatjona at this year's YDA. Here, they discuss being inspired by real events, moral dilemmas and learning to trust your inner voice.
YDA-winner Thomas Deknop gives us the lowdown on Binge Loving
Director Thomas Deknop picked up a Special Jury Prize in the Short Film (6 to 30 mins) category for his short film, Binge Loving at this year's YDA. Here, he talks about being obsessed with movies and stories, working with first-time actors and playing with genre conventions.
Bradford Young's superhuman story
Bradford Young is a DoP with an amazing pedigree of work behind him and, more recently, a director who this year picked up both two YDA Golds and a Cannes Lion Grand Prix for his stunning Paralympic spot. He talks to David Knight about artistic filmmaking, liberation and leaps of faith.
YDA-winner Katariina Aule takes us to see Heiki On The Other Side
Director Katariina Aule picked up a Special Jury Prize in the Short Film (6 to 30 mins) category for her short film, Heiki On The Other Side at this year's YDA. Here, she discusses the film produced by Nafta Films, talks about the best decisions of her life, trusting the process and future plans for the industry.
Directing quartet 4 THE COOL on striking YDA Gold through father/son bonding
When directing brothers Michel & Nico decided to spend lockdown collaborating with their ten-year-old boys, Sacha and Robinson, on a filmmaking educational project, little did they realise it would lead them to viral success and awards aplenty. We sat down with both fathers and sons to find the secret to staying Forever Young.
shots Unsigned: Solmund MacPherson
For our latest chat with an unsigned directing talent we hear from Solmund MacPherson, as he talks us through his short film Wolf in Dude’s Clothing, being raised in the wings of the theatre, and delegating while directing.
Patrick Milling-Smith: Setting the stage for Lion-worthy film craft
The SMUGGLER co-founder, film and theatre producer, and 2022 Cannes Lion Film Craft Jury President speaks to Jamie Madge about his big breaks, stage smashes, and how the moving image remains relevant in increasingly virtual times.