On My Radar: Diogo Kalil
LOBO director Diogo Kalil celebrates the ingenuity of the Las Vegas Sphere, the power and portability of the iPad, and the thought-provoking themes of Love Death & Robots, as he reveals what's on his creative radar.
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What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?
The Las Vegas Sphere is a standout for me. Whether it's the technology behind it or the creative concepts that can now be projected on such an innovative medium, it's difficult to separate the two. It represents a blending of cutting-edge tech with out-of-the-box creative thinking, offering a platform for entirely new types of visual experiences. For me, the way technology allows creativity to reach new heights is the real story here.
What website(s) do you use most regularly?
Aside from the usual social media and information platforms, I frequently use web applications, particularly tools like Fable. They offer creative solutions for visual work, and their AI-powered feature Prism stands out as a quick and intuitive tool for animators. I see web applications as a fascinating and rapidly evolving space, driving innovation in creative fields.
What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?
A Nvidia RTX 4090 video card. This powerful setup is essential for my work with generative AI, allowing me to render complex images, animations and simulations with greater speed and accuracy. As AI-driven design continues to rise, having the right hardware is crucial for staying at the forefront of the industry.
What product could you not live without?
The iPad Pro has become indispensable for me. It strikes the perfect balance between portability and power, functioning as both a tool for quick sketches and a platform for more complex design work. It's like having the versatility of a laptop and the immediacy of a smartphone, all in one.
What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?
Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City really caught my eye. His meticulous attention to detail and the unique, handcrafted art direction are consistently inspiring. Every frame feels like a carefully composed work of art.
What film do you think everyone should have seen?
O Alto da Compadecida is a must-see. It’s a quintessential Brazilian comedy based on a story by Ariano Suassuna, blending humour and folklore with stunning art direction. The film captures the heart of Brazilian cinema with its vibrant storytelling and distinct visual style, showcasing the richness of the culture.
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What’s your preferred social media platform?
I prefer X (formerly Twitter) for its ability to connect people from all around the world. Whether you're interested in science, arts, sports or entertainment, the platform offers real-time engagement with experts and enthusiasts alike. It’s a hub for a broad range of information and ideas.
What’s your favourite TV show?
I’m not a TV person, but I really enjoyed Love Death and Robots. It brought back the nostalgia of the 80s movie Heavy Metal, with its collection of sci-fi shorts in varying visual styles. The series explores dark, thought-provoking themes while offering stunning, diverse animation styles, rekindling that sense of wonder I felt as a kid.
What’s your favourite podcast?
I don’t have a specific favourite, but I occasionally tune into podcasts that cover scientific discoveries, historical events or even delve into imaginative conspiracy theories about 'aliens from the past'.
What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?
The immersive exhibition at Casa Batlló in Barcelona was a revelation. Seeing how cutting-edge digital technology can blend seamlessly with a historic, iconic space was truly inspiring.
If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?
Major Lazer would be my choice. The mix of rhythms, styles and collaborations allows for a wide range of musical experiences. It’s like getting multiple genres and voices in one artist.
If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?
I wouldn’t necessarily change the core structure, I believe things evolve naturally, but the urgency can be overwhelming at times. It would be beneficial to have more time for deeper research, conceptualisation and planning before jumping into execution. The pressure to deliver quickly often stifles the creative process.
Who or what has most influenced your career?
It’s hard to single out one person since many have influenced me, but technology, without a doubt, has been the biggest influence. The constant evolution in tools and platforms drives the storytelling in my work. Whether it's animation, design or advertising, the possibilities expand with every new tech development, making it both challenging and exciting to keep pushing boundaries.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.
When I was in my 20s, I had a rare case of bladder cancer. I actually dropped treatment midway because I was so determined to continue working and the treatment didn't allow me.
