The Inspiration
Ever wondered what fills the world’s most creative minds?
Feed your inspiration with our regular columns.
Cannes Contenders 2026: Brazil
Cannes Contenders 2026: USA
Cannes Contenders 2026: France
As we draw inexorably closer to this year's Cannes Lions festival, we head to France to begin our annual appraisal of the year's most creative work, as Matthieu Bouilhot, Creative Director at BETC Paris, casts a critical eye over some of the country's best hopes for metalware.
Playlist: Maxi Blanco
This week we chat to Landia director Maxi Blanco, who talks us through some poetic, political, and cinematic music videos plus his love for Phil Collins.
Peer Review: Daniel Eceolaza
FORM director Daniel Eceolaza reflects on music videos that feel like literature, how everything is a work in progress, and why Aki Kaurismäki lives on his desk.
On My Radar: Crobin Leo
Gravy Films director Crobin Leo recommends a "quietly devastating" movie, chooses a potentially polarising TV show, and reveals that people-watching can have an inspirational pay-off.
Andrew Laurich: A Few Of My Favourite Things
The Fancy Content / Flying Fish comedy director talks us through the posters (stolen), Emmys (not his own) and golfing equipment (damaged) that keep his creativity flowing.
Peer Review: Jeremy Maneval
Known for his work across the fashion and music industry, Consulate editor Jeremy Maneval shares with us his love for Thelma Schoonmaker, editors who establish a language of their own, and buzzy C words...
On Location is a column that gives a boots-on-the-ground look at some amazing cities, brought to you by local production experts.
Playlist: Dave Bostelman
This week we hear from Entropico's Senior Account Director Dave Bostelman, where he speaks about the sad fact that discoveries are now by algorithm, the death of AI slop, and his strange Britney Spears Spotify playlist...
On My Radar: Martin Piroyanski
Martin Piroyanski, a director at 1stAve Machine Buenos Aires, appreciates the work of John Lennon more each passing year, wishes certain meetings didn't happen, and loves cooking up culinary delights under pressure.
On My Radar: Juliana Curi
Honor Society's award-winning director and storyteller, Juliana Curi, on the inspiring nature of Rio's carnival, the importance of social cinema, and the "shocking gap" between male and female directors in the advertising industry
Playlist: Johanna Cranitch
This week we hear from Little Beast's ECD and founder Johanna Cranitch, where she talks about recording the original Sesame Street band, big changes within the industry, and gives us some deep insight on her favourite promos.
Peer Review: Stacy Peterson
Known for her emotionally resonant storytelling rooted in human truth, Cut+Run editor Stacy Peterson shares her love of Mulholland Drive, Spike Lee documentaries, and explains how her dentist helped her land her first runner job.