the Talent
From Junior Creatives to ECDs, delve into career highlights (and lowlights) in our in-depth profiles.
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 Young Arrows: their aim is true
Launching this year, The Young Arrows puts the focus on the up-and-coming talent who are sure to change advertising in ways we haven’t even imagined. The Arrows' Co-Chairwomen, Clare Donald and Jani Guest, tell Tim Cumming about what we can expect.
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.
The people who make the spots you love, covering all aspects of production, post and sound.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.