On My Radar: Rob Soucy
Newly signed to Odelay Films, US director Rob Soucy talks crossed lines during a lockdown commercial shoot, and the people and films that make him laugh as he reveals what's on his comedy radar.
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Which of your ads caused you the most hilarity? Either in script development or production.
During the pandemic, I was shooting a spot in South Africa but we couldn’t fly out of Cape Town for a month because of lockdowns. We were filming a party scene with surfers on the beach when heavily armed federal police showed up and shut us down on live TV.
Apparently, they thought we were throwing a REAL party, so they pulled the plug. It was hilarious because there were tons of news reporters running around waving microphones in our faces, as we were working with the client to reschedule the shoot in real-time. Was it tense? Sure, but somehow in the end… like always… we made it happen.
What website(s) amuse you the most?
YouTube… but more specifically The Daily Dose of Internet.
Who in the world do you find most funny?
Professionally, Charlie Murphy (the late comedian, brother of Eddie Murphy). Personally, my Dad. Ironically, I have smoked a joint with both of them.
What’s the funniest/best film you’ve seen over the last year?
A short from Sundance named Ricky by Rashad Frett. It’s not funny, but it’s captivating.
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What film do you think everyone should have seen?
Being There by Hal Ashby. The humour, execution and performances are masterful.
What’s your favourite TV comedy show?
If we’re talking all-time favourites I would probably have to say The Larry Sanders Show. It’s the only time I’ve seen 'show business' relatable on a human level. My favourite current comedy show is out of Brazil, called Portos dos Fundos. Their consistency is unmatched.
What podcast makes you laugh?
Like most people, usually, if I listen to a podcast, it’s about some absolutely horrid and heinous true crime.
What product could you not live without?
Literally every product that I make an advertisement for. Besides that, probably my guitar. I always have one by my side, even on set!
Above: The director is rarely seen without his guitar.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
I love this job and don’t have many complaints, but can we just take a second to imagine a world where everyone gets paid to pitch?
What’s the most significant change you have seen in the ad industry since you started working in it?
I have noticed that everybody is taking crew safety, mental health and 'burnout' more seriously.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
The two folks that have had the most 'hands-on' influence in my early career are probably director Richie Keen and DP Mike Berlucchi. Richie is SO funny, and when I used to edit for him, he reassured me that my jokes could 'keep up' in a room of professionals. Mike introduced me to commercials and shot all of the spec work that built the foundation of my reel.
Southern Comfort – Southern Comfort - My House
Arizona Lottery – Dream Big
Above: Soucy drew inspiration for his Southern Comfort spot from an old Rosemary Clooney tune.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
When I was a teenager I was a roadie for Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson during their Minor League Baseball Stadium tour.
Your spots Arizona Lottery Dream Big and Southern Comfort My House have amusing soundscapes; how much do you think sound/music affects comedy?
Yes, sound and music are always working with the visuals to deliver a joke, even in their absence. The music in the My House spot is actually an old song I would sing with my grandfather when I was a little kid. I knew the song had a 'Lynchian' quality that helped underline the delivery of the joke. This is a fun example of using 'the personal as universal' in ads to connect with the audience.
