Director’s Brief: 10 questions to Hannah Ariotti @ Taxi Film Production
Director’s Brief: 10 Questions… is a new Q&A series from Campaign Brief that shines a spotlight on the diverse talent shaping Australia and New Zealand’s commercials directing scene. Kicking off the series is commercials and narrative director Hannah Ariotti @ Taxi Film Production.
Sum up your directing style in three words?
Energetic, Collaborative, Playful
Was there a specific ad that made you think, “I want to do this for a living”?
John Lewis – The Man on the Moon. Still hits.
What’s your all-time favourite ad?
Impossible. That’s like asking for my favourite movie. I’ll cheat and give you 3:
Apple – 1984.
Oakley – See the Game Differently.
Nike – Find Your Greatness.
In your experience, what’s the secret to a smooth director-agency-client vibe?
Listening.
Where do you go (or what do you do) when you need to recharge your creative batteries?
Outside. Or, my childhood home in Central Queensland. Nature is healing.
Ever had a happy accident on set that turned out to be a game-changer?
This happens all the time – we post-rationalise, naturally.
Years ago, I had a location fall through that meant we had to shoot in a warehouse with a pared back setup, and it ended up being a much more powerful scene. I learnt from that: simple is usually best. Less is more.
What’s an up-and-coming trend in commercial filmmaking you’re pumped about?
Mixed reality (like Apple Vision); the marriage of filmmaking and games design to create infinite immersive storytelling possibilities.
If you could direct a dream ad for any brand, which one would it be?
2032 Olympics, and Formula 1’s LV brand partnership.
What’s the best advice you’d give to someone trying to get into directing ads?
Develop interests and hobbies and become an expert on the things you enjoy. That’s the niche everyone tells you to find!
What are your top 3 ads you’ve directed?
1. LEGO Christmas
2. Goodlife Gyms
3. TCL
Hannah is exclusively represented by Taxi Film Production.
See more of Hannah’s work click here.