On My Radar: Daniel Brown

What’s the best ad campaign you’ve seen recently?

I’m always amazed at GEICO’s ability to run multiple campaigns all concurrently, all with different long running jokes. The one with Peter Pan starring that kid from Wet Hot American Summer is pretty great.

And I really loved This Girl Can for Sport England that was done out of the UK.

What website(s) do you use most regularly and why?

Probably news sites and a sci-fi blog or two.

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

I got a new computer the other day because I had to.

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?

I have them all and they collect dust. But you can follow some amazing artists and illustrators on Instagram. 

What’s your favourite app on your phone and why?

Sun Seeker. I love shooting with natural light whenever possible so it’s really invaluable on scouts.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

TV is so amazing right now, but the end of Mad Men blew me away. They told a complete story, had a purpose and made something amazing. It was a novel - just told over eight years.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

The last film I saw that blew me away was Bullhead.

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

Brushing my daughter’s teeth last night.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

I think it's always changing, but I think when digital cameras started recording images that could almost truly match the look and latitude of film, that was revolutionary.

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

Maybe the contests. I understand why someone would want people to work for free, but that whole concept doesn’t sit well with me.

What or who has most influenced your career and why?

[Director and title designer] Danny Yount gave me my first actual job, so I'm forever in his debt.