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the Insight

Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.

Laura Graham by Laura Graham on 12th March 2024

The 2024 Academy Awards recognised some of Britain's creative filmmaking talent. Laura Graham, Managing Director at Collective Studios, celebrates their success and reveals how her favourite Oscars film could also be a lesson for advertising.

12th Mar
The belle and The Bear: what the ASA's CK U-turn says about objectification

The belle and The Bear: what the ASA's CK U-turn says about objectification

The ASA's ban of FKA twigs' Calvin Klein campaign, because it objectified her as "sex object", was criticised by the singer and by others who noted that The Bear's Jeremy Allen White escaped regulation for a far saucier ad. Kirsty Hathaway, ECD at JOAN, comments on this reversal and wonders if International Women’s Day played a part.

8th Mar SHORT FILM & DOCUMENTARY FOCUS
Only connect: how content is becoming king again

Only connect: how content is becoming king again

The world of branded content encompasses everything from Love Island to TikTok influencers via Netflix docos, product demos and YouTube shorts. Tim Cumming talks to a range of industry creatives refreshing the concept of content.

6th Mar
Brand videos: creating the best tales ever told

Brand videos: creating the best tales ever told

Brand stories can be an effective tool for increasing audience engagement, and with a recent rise in online video consumption, there's never been a better way to weave your yarn. From content personalisation to creative collaboration, Dimitri Kyprianou, Group Managing Director of Go Inspire and Max Heineman, CEO and Co-Founder of Toldright, share strategies for hitting the storytelling sweet spot.

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A Wicked game; the power of musicals in advertising A Wicked game; the power of musicals in advertising
5th Mar

AWickedgame;thepowerofmusicalsinadvertising

If brands can hit the right note, then getting involved with one of the many movie musicals hitting cinemas can pay dividends. Here, Clare Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Pearl & Dean, sings the praises of partnering with song and dance films.

1st Mar SHORT FILM & DOCUMENTARY FOCUS
In edit we trust: nailing the cut on sensitive projects

In edit we trust: nailing the cut on sensitive projects

Encouraging disputes in the editing room might seem risky, but respectful creative debates play a crucial role in the filmmaking process. Drawing from his own experiences of cutting delicate topics, Absolute Editor Ollie Burn emphasises the transformative power of collaborative editorial decisions on short films, advocating for a clear purpose and commitment to storytelling integrity.

1st Mar
Size isn't everything; why small towns can offer big returns

Size isn't everything; why small towns can offer big returns

Your money can go further if you tap into creative resources in small to mid-sized cities, says Dessert Before Dinner producer and director Andy Kelemen.

29th Feb NEW TALENT FOCUS
Portrait of the artist; why 9:16 is in the frame

Portrait of the artist; why 9:16 is in the frame

Earlier this month production company Presence hosted the inaugural 9:16 portrait film festival, which saw work from new directors in competition. Here, Presence Founder and EP, Danny Fleet, explains the ethos behind the event and discusses the current landscape for new directing talent.

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What brands can learn from the Taylor Swift effect What brands can learn from the Taylor Swift effect
28th Feb

WhatbrandscanlearnfromtheTaylorSwifteffect

Underpinned by an undying commitment to her audience, pop megastar Taylor Swift's influence extends far beyond the music and drives significant economic impact worldwide. Esther Scriven, Senior Creative Strategist at Imagination, explores the secrets behind Swift's success and the lessons she offers for brands seeking engagement and long-term loyalty.

22nd Feb
Does Sora mark the end for directing as we know it?

Does Sora mark the end for directing as we know it?

With OpenAI's new text-to-video software leaving slack-jaws around the industry, The Moon Unit speculates if we're looking at a new chapter in filmmaking.

21st Feb NEW TALENT FOCUS
To find new talent, cast the net internationally

To find new talent, cast the net internationally

Streaming platforms have given people the chance to experience a more varied selection of music, TV and film. So, asks Adrienn Major, Founder at POD LDN, shouldn't advertising have a more global outlook when it comes to talent?

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shots is powered by Slate

The smartest way to manage, present and pitch your work.

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