the Inspiration

Ever wondered what fills the world’s most creative minds?
Feed your inspiration with our regular columns.

25^th Oct DIVERSITY FOCUS

AdrianaLegay:AFewOfMyFavouriteThings

The Final Cut editor tells us about how playing records is a warm ritual and how being a Black French woman from Paris means needing some serious sunglasses.

19^th Oct

OnMyRadar:EwurakuaDawson-Amoah

14^th Oct

Playlist: Shimmy Ahmed

We chat with the Dark Energy Films director Shimmy Ahmed about many classic music videos her boring tech choices and her ambivert personality.

12^th Oct

On My Radar: Ezra Hurwitz

Ezra Hurwitz is a director at Spy Films and here he explains how the iPhone is a creative partner and why a recent HBO show was crafted with "unwavering mindfulness and skill".

11^th Oct

Nick Martini: A Few of My Favourite Things

Stept Studios founder, and former pro-skier, Nick Martini talks us through the timepieces, photography and bell-ringing that keeps his creativity on track.

6^th Oct

BUTTER Music and Sound's Music Supervisor/Head of A&R, Kayla Monetta, talks us through how a decade in the music industry can prepare you for the role and how learning how to get over song-attachment is an important job lesson.

5^th Oct

On My Radar: Mikael Nakkas

Mikael Nakkas, Executive Post Producer at Wash, doesn't want you to laugh at his favourite lockdown purchase, gets lost in an Andrea Arnold film, and isn't a lover of a particular, iconic 70s film.

30^th Sep

Playlist: Andrew Donoho

We chat with Tomorrow director Andrew Donoho about his Radiohead admiration, high-quality promos and technology hacks.

Around the world

On Location is a column that gives a boots-on-the-ground look at some amazing cities, brought to you by local production experts.

11^th Aug

OnLocation...Shanghai

MPC Shanghai Creative Director Barry Greaves gives us a tour of this incredible city, spanning the historic Bund to the Jing'an temple and its surrounds, offering something for everyone who visits.

30^th Jun

OnLocation...Barcelona

Barcelona is an expanse of delightful architecture, incredible food, and beautiful beaches, and we asked Jordi Molla, Production Ambassador for Twentyfour Seven to give us a guided tour of his city.

28^th Jul

OnLocation...Budapest

From Angel Films' production service mavens Zsofi Kende and Enikő Palchuber, comes a guided tour around Budapest, from rooftop bars to ancient amphitheaters, plus some recommended Hungarian street food.

9^th Jun

OnLocation...Athens

Maria Kopanou, Executive Producer, Green Olive Films, gives us the foodie's tour of Athens, shows off the beachfront locales, and recalls her fondest Akropolis memory.

2^nd Jun

OnLocation...Vilnius

Ema Čielytė, Production Manager at Magic Vilnius, guides us around the city; it's luxurious hotels and well-stocked whisky bars and its love of hot air balloons, and explains why the capital of Lithuania is the 'g-spot' of Europe.

28^th Sep

On My Radar: Mark Leiss

AFX Creative Founder Mark Leiss highlights a brilliant film that was "one incredibly long effect", explains how the 2012 Japanese tsunami impacted the wider advertising industry, and reveals why he loves hanging out with "like-minded maniacs on machines".

27^th Sep

Amirah Tajdin: A Few Of My Favourite Things

Kenyan film director and artist Tajdin talks us through the items that keep her creatively inspired, including a green zebra, a corner altar and a drawer full of literature.

+ membership

Access the world's largest advertising database. With an intuitive toolset that helps you explore, present and collaborate more effectively.

Learn More

shots is powered by

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

Request a demo

22^nd Sep

Peer Review: Chelsea Pistono

Chelsea Pistono, Senior Flame Artist at Uppercut, lifts the lid on the unsung heroes of the commercial construction process, explaining how VFX isn't all computer-generated, otherworldly visuals and giving a shout-out to the magicians that combine tech and art.

21^st Sep

On My Radar: Sean Fazende

Uppercut editor Sean Fazende finds flipping through vinyl therapeutic, gets lost with the help of his ear buds, and is glad to see the back of digi betas, as he reveals what's on his radar.

16^th Sep

Playlist: João Retorta

We had a word with Bullion Productions director João Retorta about his vast range of inspirations, a deep list of music promos and his failed drumming experiences...