Creature feature: the fantastical world of John Nolan
From a bench-pressing rodent to filling Jurassic World with dinos, John Nolan has been flying the physical effects flag for over a decade. David Knight talks to the animatronic master about the importance of capturing magic in-camera.
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.
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.
Music videos with a message
From Black Lives Matter to Brexit England, debating issues of the day via sound and vision can lead to potent pieces of work. David Knight explores how artists, their labels and video directors are approaching mixing politics with promos.
Charlie Stebbings; Not just any food director...
As the director of Mark's & Spencer's famous 'food porn' campaign, Rogue's Charlie Stebbings is no stranger to making things look simply too good to eat. Here, David Knight discusses the ingredients that go into making truly tasty commercials.
Romain Chassaing: Fusing music videos and movies
With his ability to create fantastic, narrative-led music videos that feel like short films, Romain Chassaing has already taken the promo world by storm. David Knight talks to a director who is now repeating that feat in the commercials arena.
Crown Jewell: How IPJ became commercial and music video king
After a staggering fourteen ad shoots in 2019, it's safe to say that Ian Pons Jewell has 'broken through'. David Knight talks to the director about how his music video roots, as well as the his ongoing flirtation with the form, has created such relentless creativity.
Changing the face of automotive advertising
Spindle's Aldona Kwiatkowski has fused automotive commercials with a fashionable flare, notably with her work for Mercedes. David Knight talks to the Polish-born director about her 'melancholic mindset' and the necessity of the female gaze.
Commission control; how promo commissioners see the music video world
Last year our contributing editor (and sometime commissioner), David Knight, spoke to some of his contemporaries about the state of the promo business and the role of the commissioner. This month, during our Music Video focus, we thought it a perfect time to revisit the insightful piece.
Emmanuel Adjei on the Dark Ballet of music videos
Off the back off two showstopping promos for Madonna, David Knight speaks to the Amsterdam-based director about his ability to craft films with depth and imagery that burns in the memory.
COPA90: Giving the Beautiful Game a media makeover
Since its inception in 2012 COPA90 has put itself at the heart of football, creating a new way for fans to interact with teams and players, and championing inclusivity over animosity. David Knight examines the company's impact on the sport's coverage and why brands are so keen to be on their team.
Kim Gehrig: Cutting edge creativity
It might surprise the online trolls but the director of Gillette’s controversial We Believe ad started her career bigging up the boys, helming music videos for the likes of Primal Scream & Gomez. But from the moment she shot her first ad she’s been making work that challenges, questions and empowers. Though she still knows how to have fun doing it.
