the Talent
From Junior Creatives to ECDs, delve into career highlights (and lowlights) in our in-depth profiles.
Chaka Sobhani: The Way I See It
Now Global CCO at Leo Burnett, Chaka Sobhani spent over 10 years as a filmmaker and in TV, where she set up ITV Creative and worked on content for shows ranging from The X Factor to Downton Abbey. Moving into advertising she’s worked on award-winning campaigns for McDonalds, Boots, Coca Cola, Samsung and more. She talked to shots about Corrie, comedy and Cleopatra.
Tony Cullingham: The Way I See It
Describing himself on LinkedIn as 'half candle, half mushroom, half geranium', Tony Cullingham is so much more than the sum of three halves. Having run the Watford Advertising Course for more than 30 years, he is now leading BBH’s refreshed creative placement scheme, The Barn. He tells Carol Cooper how it all started with gnomic notes to the milkman.
Weird Seance summons... Trevor Beattie
In the first of a new series of interviews Amy Kean celebrates the wonderful world of weird, talking to 'iconic oddballs' about their strange brains and why oddness should be elevated.
The people who make the spots you love, covering all aspects of production, post and sound.
shots Unsigned: Sascha Taylor Larsen
For our latest chat with an unsigned directing talent we hear from Sascha Taylor Larsen, as he talks us through his 80's influenced music video Donnie Dix, making films with the family camcorder and filmmaking challenges.
Weird Seance summons… stevexoh
As Amy Kean continues her search for some of creativity's weirdest inhabitants, she talks to artist and writer stevexoh about unusual names, unexpected journeys and uncovering the secret of living.
The Way I See It: Tim Godsall
Internationally renowned for his comedic, character-driven commercials, Anonymous Content director Tim Godsall has produced high-profile, awards-laden spots for brands including Axe, Old Spice, Southern Comfort, Xbox and many others. Here he shares stories of breakfast chocolate, a David Kolbusz T-shirt mix-up and a surprising celebrity-in-the-bathroom situation.
Ruganzu ‘Riggs' Howard: On the comedy frontline
Ruganzu ‘Rigg’s Howard is busy honing his comedy chops after teaming up with Epoch Films and fellow director Matthew Swanson, both of whom talk to Tim Cumming about the practice and politics of comedy.
Creative Correspondence: Traktor and Rick Russell
From belligerent bellies to cheesed-off chickens, from Super Bowl chart-toppers to promo perfection, editor Rick Russell and directing supremos Traktor have had a long and fruitful working relationship, one which often tickles our collective funny bone. Here they talk about their methods, how they stay on top, and why their partnership works.
shots Unsigned: Eli Powers
For this months interview with unsigned directing talent, we talk with Eli Powers about his short film Fish, the mundane realities of day-to-day life and big inspirations that have guided him on his journey.
Angelo Cerisara takes a leap forward
The winner of the shots Awards EMEA New Director of the Year 2021, Angelo Cerisara talks to Tim Cumming about how a teen obsession with parkour led to a career behind the camera as a fast-rising star.
The Way I See It: Erik Wilson
Cinematographer Erik Wilson's impressive CV includes Paddington, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, smaller gems like Submarine and the BAFTA-winning Tyrannosaur, music videos for the likes of Elton John and Ed Sheeran, and ads for BT, Sky, Tesco, McDonald's and more. He tells Carol Cooper about hiding from the limelight, avoiding chasms with Ben Stiller and letting the music lead the shoot.
shots Unsigned: Andrew Telling
For this months interview with unsigned directing talent, we talk with Andrew Telling about his short film Dolgoch, his DIY mentality, shooting in 16mm, and finding his documentary aesthetic.
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.
Nathan James Tettey's road to success
Nathan James Tettey is steeped in music videos; David Knight talks to the talented Tettey about his journey from teenage shoots with a promo-directing cousin and various jobs in production companies and record labels, to directing videos for some of the UK's biggest acts, including Dave and Ghetts, and now a multi-faceted role at Untold Studios.
The Way I See It: Phil Lee
Now creative director at BAFTA and Emmy-nominated creative community, Untold Studios, Phil was previously video commissioner at XL Recordings, where he spent 21 years helping to create award-winning visuals for stars including Adele, Radiohead, M.I.A and FKA Twigs. Here he shares his thoughts on litter, long service and living in the moment.
YDA winner Vincent Gibaud on his animated award winner
In the last of our focusses on 2021's YDA winners, Vincent Gibaud discusses his Gold Screen win in the Animation category for his haunting short, Two Nightmares in My Story, for Face à l’Inceste.
YDA-winner Christian Schilling on visualising the power of friendship
Christian Schilling's spec spot for Duracell picked up a gold trophy at the YDA 2021. Here he discusses how his mother's music box, a dip in a white-water river and – possibly – Forrest Gump all contributed to the making of his epic film.
How David Dearlove made the YDA laugh
David Dearlove is a creative and an award-winning director who won a Gold Screen in Best Use of Humour at this year's Young Director Award for his brilliant parody of short film tropes. Here, he talks about why he made his film and why a farmer's field isn't as cheap to use as you might think.
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YDA-winner Kelsey Larkin on creating a dancing virus
Winner of the YDA's additional contest, Born To Create Drama, Larkin explains her Covid-themed film.
How Svend Colding's film charmed the YDA to win gold
Svend Colding picked up a Gold Screen in the Film School (6 minutes and over) category for It's So Charming at this year's Young Director Award. Here, he talks about his desire to direct, figuring out his story and wanting to 'smash the patriarchy'.
YDA-winner Kevin Wilson Jr. unpacks his winning work
Chelsea director Kevin Wilson Jr. picked up a Gold Screen in the Changing the World Frame by Frame category for his film Unboxing, and Gold Screen in the Commercial category for his film Widen the Screen at this year's YDA. Here, he discusses YouTube unboxing channels, authenticity and vulnerability, and using filmmaking to talk about bigger issues.
Vincent René-Lortie on his YDA win and what the future holds
Director Vincent René-Lortie picked up at Gold trophy at this year's Young Director Award for his quietly mesmeric short Sit Still, starring a seven-year-old krump dancer. Here he talks to Joel Meadows about the making of the film and his plans for the future.
Lena Beug; levelling up
Director Lena Beug talks to Richard Linnett about levelling the advertising playing field, the inspiration she gets from the city of New York and about her own career goals and ambitions.
Zornitsa Dimitrova's YDA winning streak
With three YDA golds, in Film School (6 mins and over), Charity and Short Film, plus a Special Jury Prize, Zornitsa Dimitrova's A Dark Moment of Faith took this year's competition by storm. Here she explains the genesis of the project and her plans for the future.
shots Unsigned: Ragini Bhasin
For this months interview with unsigned directing talent, we talk with Ragini Bhasin about her short film Ghazaal, the origins of the story, script improvisation and building a refugee camp.
YDA-winner Oliver Bernotat on capturing The Catch
Winner of the YDA's additional contest, Born To Create Drama, director Oliver Bernotat discusses delving into the fertile forest that is a child's imagination.