The Insight
Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some
of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.
)
As the UK becomes an idiocracy, with anti-immigration rhetoric gaining traction and AI-generated news being treated as real, our culture editor Amy Kean wonders, ahead of her talk at this year's shots Out of the Box event in London which will cover a similar theme, whether we're more gullible than ever, or just dodging reality completely?
The power of niche communities
Meroweh Ansari-Beni, Head of Video at social media agency Coolr believes that by meaningfully tapping into evolving subcultures and micro trends, brands can be authentic without trying to appeal to everyone at once.
Portals in plain sight: Why smart glasses could reframe OOH
With Meta recently announcing its new AI-powered smart glasses, Saj Nazir, SVP Media Creativity at Mediahub, comments on why this is such an interesting development for OOH – a medium that continually reinvents itself.
Beyond stills and film: How fashion brands are adapting to a new media landscape
Bianca Redgrave, MD of Studio Private, explores how fashion and luxury brands are seeking campaigns that live across fragmented platforms, delivering an experiential wow factor beyond traditional channels.
How nostalgia can offer clarity in an overstimulated industry
Before social media feeds and the chase for virality, advertising was built around a single strong idea; one that could stand on its own without the noise of algorithms and trends. Han West, Partner at Washington Square Films, explores how today’s interest in nostalgia could help advertisers reconnect with that simpler creative mindset.
On nostalgia: No country for old meh!
As we confront global chaos, domestic grudge matches and ethical WTFs, there’s the temptation to turn to nostalgia. But, asks Ian Grody, CCO at Giant Spoon, should we resist?
Advertising freelancers need a champion – and fast
The UK Government recently announced the appointment of a Creative Freelance Commissioner. Here, Jon Williams, CEO at the Liberty Guild and member of the UK Creative Council whose report helped to expedite this, shares how this needs to work in adland, where freelancers are 70% of the workforce, yet are still treated as an afterthought.
Reel nostalgia: Why cinema works for brands’ seasonal stories
'Tis almost the season to be jolly... but there are a few notable dates before we hit that particular time of year. And, says Clare Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Pearl & Dean, when it comes to nostalgia, there's no better place for a brand to be than in a darkened cinema.
Why we need to stop talking about sustainability
Coinciding with Climate Week NYC, shots launches a new strand examining the creative sector’s role in building a resilient, future-fit industry. Sustainable transformation advisor Amelie Lambert opens the series with a look at what we really mean by ‘sustainability’, challenging the obfuscation around the term and calling for clearer narratives for the health of people and planet.