The Insight
Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some
of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.
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A packed conference featuring talks from Mr Bean, Barry from EastEnders and a reanimated Josef Stalin might attract an audience but, really, what would that audience learn? shots’ Culture Editor Amy Kean takes the mic to bemoan the onslaught of on-stage celebs.
Why bravery means business
What can brands learn from the likes of Harry Styles and Bad Bunny? Carmen Rodriguez, Global Chief Growth Officer and Partner at GUT notes their success represents a cultural shift away from safe mass appeal towards bold, participatory identity building.
Ciao, Panini: The future of collectables is both physical and digital
The World Cup is upon us and, for households around the world, so too is the tradition of Panini sticker albums. But with Panini set to lose it's fifty-year-old license after 2030's tournament, Christina Miller, Chief Social Officer EMEA at VML, looks at the changing nature of collecting and what it means for marketers.
TV’s comeback: Small brands, big opportunities, immediate results
Despite the continued growth of social media platforms and the fragmentation of media budgets, TV is still king when it comes to viewing time. Andreas Ohlbach, Head of Client Services at Transmission, believes that even smaller brands can successfully put their trust - and their money - on the screen.
Prompt vs perspective: Cannes Lions and the war for creative authority
AI has flattened craft, shifting value from execution to judgement. The Moon Unit believes that, this year at the Cannes Lions, the industry will be forced to decide whether creativity is defined by what can be made, or by what’s truly worth making.
How to get awards judging completely wrong in five easy steps
With a raft of advertising awards shows throughout every year, and with the Cannes Lions just around the corner, Ross Taylor, Group Executive Creative Director at Havas Play London, shares the things he believes jurors at any show should try to avoid.
When it comes to playfulness, joy pays dividends
World War Seven Managing Director and Partner, Sloane Skala, believes that the atmosphere on a set, the camaraderie and the joyfulness, leaches into the work. If you're attempting to make a comedy spot but things are tense and clients are anxious, building playfulness into the whole operation lights the fuse for creativity.
The highest level of creativity is play
With too many layers and too much conversation, the art of play with advertising has been lost. MakeMake Founder Angus Wall says the industry needs to relearn the ability to enjoy itself.
What cycling 1,000km across the Alps taught me about leadership
As this year's Fireflies cyclists prepare for the arduous ride into Cannes, Amy Coomber, Chief Creative Production Officer at Neverland, reflects on her inaugural ride in 2025 and the lessons she learned about ambition, resilience and teamwork