BBH's Dom Goldman on First-Time Directing

BBH London creative director Dominic Goldman is one of the creative minds behind great advertising projects such as Asos Urban Tour, Barnardo's Break the Cycle and Axe Even Angels Will Fall.

But now he's more than the creative mind on this film for The Mayhew Dogs Home as he takes a seat in the director's chair for the first time. The spot, called Unloved [above] is for a charity close to Goldman's heart and below he discusses why he took the project on, what the most difficult part was and whether he thinks he'll direct again.

This is your first directorial effort; have you been thinking about directing for a while?

Actually, no.

So why did now feel now was the right time to direct?

I shared the script with with some producer friends who have dogs and they suggested I should try and direct this myself. A little daunted, I decided to take the challenge on.

Tell us a bit about the client for which you made this film; it’s a subject close to your heart so was that deciding factor in taking the director’s chair?

I felt strongly about doing some work to help a good animal charity. I was introduced to the Mayhew and they were so grateful and enthusiastic. The atmosphere was really positive and the animals they were able to take in were so well cared for. I had a clear vision in my head and just really wanted to help.

You wrote the script too; did you know you would be directing when you wrote it?

I didn’t. I simply wanted to make something that, as an animal lover, I would want to see.

Where did you get the inspiration for the idea of the film?

When I used to come home to my dog, no matter what had happened, he was always beside himself to see me. You have to experience that feeling to know how powerful it is. I had done some work for animal charities in the past, and felt it was long overdue that I did some more.

How conscious were you not to go down the neglected/abused animal route?

Very conscious. Whenever an abused animal ad comes on TV, I always switch it off. Ironically I’m very likely to donate, but can’t bare to see them suffer.

I wanted to write something that revealed a positive truth about what our pets do for us. Hopefully still able to elicit an emotion, but in a different way.

What were you most worried about when it came to taking on the director’s role?

That I could do it all justice. My biggest fear was messing it up and not helping such an important cause. Lives actually do depend on this one.

If just one dog is re-homed and enjoys fifteen years of life with a good family, it will all be worth it.

What was the first day on set like?

I hadn’t slept well, and I was nervous. The first time I’ve ever said the words ‘And Action’, made me and some of the crew laugh.

Everyone was so patient and helpful. There was a great atmosphere on set. It kind of felt like I was back at art school, learning a new craft – it was fun.

What was the most difficult part of the project as a whole?

Doing rounds and rounds of casting, trying to be sure I’d made the right call with the actors. Would we believe them?

You were supported by Moxie; what did they bring to the project and how did they help you adapt?

I’m so grateful to everyone at Moxie. I couldn’t have done this without their patience, love and support.

You’ve worked on a slew of great TV commercials at BBH; was that the best sort of film school you could have?

Prior to this, I guess being next to a director and going through all the production processes was a kind of apprenticeship. Despite this, there’s so much more that goes into it than I had expected - I certainly appreciate how hard it is now. I’ve had a little taste and have a renewed respect for proper directors out there.

Are you keen to direct again and is something you’d consider as a full time career?

I really enjoyed the experience, and if the opportunity arose, absolutely.