Our weekly Industry Profile takes a look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we head to Sydney to meet director of Supervixen Studios, Morten Rowley.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
6 Years, 7 Months, 18 days, 4 hours, and 32 seconds at time writing. But it changes all the time.
How would you describe what the company does?
We work with our clients in the film and advertising industry on new creative, then turn that into something they can use.
What does your role involve?
Everything from consultancy, conceptual and strategic planning across branding, direction, production, animation and anything in between.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
A lot of film work that I can't talk about. Also working with HotelsCombined on global rebranding and developing their mascot in the last year has been the most fun we've had with a campaign yet.
The key word here is working 'with' rather than working 'for' a client. It's very collaborative and open, the way it should be. We treat all our clients like part of our team.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Running a business in an industry like ours has really highlighted the battle of art versus money. They can co-exist nicely, you just need to be realistic. There’s huge satisfaction that comes from laterally thinking your way out of a creative hole on a daily basis.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
I’ve spent most of the last 20 years in the effects/moving picture industry, but always in lead creative roles that has meant spending much of my time working closely with/in agencies. It’s an enlightening perspective to have.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
You have to adapt, constantly. That might mean ditching what you know and rethinking your plans every other month, or you might become irrelevant, which seems to be happening a lot as we delve deeper into the digital age.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I am actually an attack helicopter.
Top networking tip:
If you have to sell yourself, rather than your work, you're doing it wrong.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Din Tai Fung.
My favourite advert is:
One I can skip after five seconds.
My must-have gadget is:
Probably illegal in most states.
My favourite media is:
There's a lot to be read between the lines of online forums when people speak freely from the safety of their basements.
My favourite TV show is:
Out of the broadcast stations, the static between channels probably has the strongest storyline. As far as streaming content goes: Mr Robot.
The last book I read:
A workshop manual on wheel bearings.
My mantra / philosophy is:
82% of all statistics are false.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I want to be the change I want to see.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
I'm not doing this for a living, I just happen to get paid for what I love to do.
In five years' time I'll be:
Explaining to a jury why they shouldn't take a five-year-old interview so seriously.
Define your job in one word:
Occupation.
What's your poison:
So far I've found dimethylmercury to be untraceable.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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