Director’s Brief – 10 Questions with James Anderson @ Clockwork Films

Director’s Brief: 10 Questions is a new Q&A series from Campaign Brief that shines a spotlight on the broad mix of talent shaping Australia and New Zealand’s commercial directing scene. This edition features multi-award-winning comedy director James Anderson, represented by Clockwork Films. A seasoned producer, director, and team leader, he’s known for telling stories with heart and humour. Here, Anderson answers CB’s 10 Questions…

Sum up your directing style in three words?

Adaptable, enthusiastic and creative.

Was there a specific ad that made you think, “I want to do this for a living”?

I was lucky enough to start my career a long time ago in television, being a shooter director on music travel shows. So many times I would find myself in the most mad situations and think, how is this a job? I never looked back.

What’s your all-time favourite ad?

I have new favourite all-time ads every week. There are so many amazing spots being made but thinking of a classic, I am still a sucker for Whassup?” by Budweiser. Such a simple idea delivered perfectly.

In your experience, what’s the secret to a smooth director-agency-client vibe?

Humour and good vibes. Even if the subject or brand is a serious one, people want to work with people whom they enjoy creating with. I don’t take things too seriously. There is always a solution to any problem and plenty of laughs that can happen when we are in the thick of it.

Where do you go (or what do you do) when you need to recharge your creative batteries?

I’m terrible at doing this, to be honest. It’s probably just spending time with my family or beers with my mates.

Ever had a happy accident on set that turned out to be a game-changer?

I once shot a big international ad in the Utah desert to double as the surface of Mars. Something cracked one of the elements inside one of our lenses during transit, but it created this incredible imperfect halo and bokeh effect, which turned out to be just the look we wanted to sell the visual.

What’s an up-and-coming trend in commercial filmmaking you’re pumped about?

The obvious answer is AI, but it just doesn’t get me jazzed, to be perfectly honest. I like that brands are starting to push back at social norms more again. I think we have reached peak PC, so from here it only gets better I reckon. Bring on the comedy that shocks.

If you could direct a dream ad for any brand, which one would it be?

I’d love to get on a job with one of the brands that really push their humour to another level. Brands like Old Spice or Geico.

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone trying to get into directing ads?

Honestly, I get asked this all the time, but it’s so hard to give someone advice on how to become an ad director. Most just fall into it, I reckon, but all have experience telling stories. So just start telling stories and sharing them. Also, go have lots of beers with smart, creative people in the industry. Being in people’s minds when they are looking for a director is key.

What are your top 3 ads you’ve directed?

1. 100% Pure New Zealand ‘Get NZ on the Map’

This was a huge campaign that was picked up all around the world. It was madness. This was the 2nd in the series where I directed Sir Peter Jackson from a New York office at 3am in the morning.

2. Yeastie Boys ‘Blokequet

Gotta love a charity gig. Great campaign idea that pokes fun at blokes not opening up about their feelings

3. Ford ‘Ranger!’

A lovely simple idea that caught on around New Zealand. I still hear of people
playing the game!

View more of James’ work here

Contact Clockwork Films to chat further: Aborah Buick, Executive Producer: +61 421 688 486 | aborah.buick@clockworkfilms.tv