On My Radar: Dave Wood

What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?

Doordash, All the Ads. It was just so playful. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the celebrity heavy, race to be the cleverest spots, but to make something so big stand out in such an unexpected, almost unscripted way, was brilliant. It was wonderfully fun, from both a maker and a consumer’s POV. 

What website(s) do you use most regularly? 

shots and Best Ads on TV, to keep an eye on all the fresh and impressive work coming out. And Netflix at night to try and distract myself from being intimidated by all the fresh and impressive work coming out.      

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?   

I wish I could say it’s the newest, latest, innovative digital director viewfinder tool, or something impressive… but it’s a remote-control car. I pretended it was for my daughter (it wasn’t). I bought it because it looked awesome (it is).      

What product could you not live without?   

My phone. It makes you realise that the past was actually pretty dumb. Twenty years ago, if you wanted a picture of a racoon you had to get into a car and go to the library. And a racoon in a funny hat? Forget about it. Now, it's all right there, in your pocket. Plus, there’s the whole fast and efficient work communications and staying in touch with the family thing.

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?

I’m a little late to the party, but the documentary Fire of Love was exceptional. True love and volcanoes are the combo I didn’t know I needed. It’s gorgeous, dangerous filmmaking and one of the best voice overs of all time. 

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Miller’s Crossing. It’s been my favourite film for 20+ years. It truly has a tone of its own, and it’s a masterclass in characterisation. When I was in film school, my buddy and I used to watch it from the POV of a particular character to see if their actions seemed motivated and real, then we’d watch it again from the point of view of a different character. Amongst all the gangsterisms, politics and love triangles we never found a flaw. I’m amazed by its tone, complexity and effortlessness. 

What’s your preferred social media platform?

I don’t spend a lot of time on social media so this might not sound very cool, but Facebook still works for me. Curated, yet insanely frivolous. Occasionally informative and rather inane. It serves me fine in moments of waiting for a train or coffee.

What’s your favourite TV show?

It’s a bit embarrassing, but lately I’ve been hooked on those struggle-based discovery channel shows like Outback Opal Hunters, and all those pre-cellular gold mining shows. I don’t know if it’s because it’s just a big treasure hunt for adults, or if I simply enjoy spending time immersed in places where I don’t feel like I have a single useable skill set. Also, 30 Rock feels underrated as a classic comedy. Its pacing and whip smart timing are on another level. 

What’s your favourite podcast?

I’m an NFL tragic, so it’s lots of Bill Simmons, Ryen Russillo and Chris Long. Plain English with Derek Thompson is always intriguing and informative. I like the constant feed of cutdown video highlights from comedian podcasts on Facebook, it’s a good way to skim through an Uber ride with a goofball by your side. 

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

I recently took my young daughter to see Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs. We forget the level of craft achieved by the ancient Egyptians (or aliens – no one’s judging your opinions). The most extraordinary live show I ever saw was Slava’s Snow Show. It’s a traditional, exquisite example of clowning from one of the European masters. Slow and emotive. Funny and complex… I’m also partial to the occasional monster truck show. 

If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?

I’ll go with the science on this. And I’m fairly certain this has already been scientifically proven for every human, and the correct answer is the Beastie Boys. 

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

I kind of like most of it. Although, maybe that little section on your video conference screen that has your name should also have to have a list of your all time five favourite ads. This would be a quick and simple way to help understand peoples influences and styles and build a language to speak through. And it would get interesting conversations started and friendships formed. Or ended. If you don’t like Terry Tate or the Budget jetpack ad…. we can’t be friends.