SMUGGLER

Little Black Book: Guy Shelmerdine speaks with LBB’s Addison Capper about the delightfully surreal launch film for Stiller’s Soda, Ben Stiller’s playful reimagining of the classic soda commercial. The launch film, Introducing Stiller’s Soda, casts Stiller as a well-intentioned spokesman whose pitch slowly unravels into a bizarre, ASMR-infused exchange with Justin Theroux. Guy discusses how he and Stiller struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern humour, blending glossy ’80s aesthetics, slow-motion pours, and meticulous craft to create a parody that feels both cinematic and unexpected.

Little Black Book: For its debut brand campaign, OpenAI swaps sci-fi for sincerity, showcasing how ChatGPT fits into the small but meaningful moments of daily life. Directed by Miles Jay and in collaboration with Isle of Any, the 35mm-shot films turn prompts into poetic closing credits, framing real user stories like cinematic finales. The campaign balances warmth, craft, and emotional authenticity, spotlighting AI as a quiet co-creator in people’s lives.

Little Black Book: A playful, behind-the-scenes dive into the making of Randy Krallman’s Telstra sci-fi campaign starring Steve Buscemi. The spot transforms cybersecurity into an intergalactic workplace drama, blending retro-futuristic design, dry humor, and a cinematic mix of practical and visual effects. With nods to Kubrick and classic space operas, the production balances high-concept world-building with sharp comedic timing.

The Guardian: A House of Dynamite is a terrifyingly precise nuclear endgame thriller built on an 18‑minute countdown that’s replayed from multiple standpoints. Tightly structured and driven by intense ensemble performances, the film balances emotional control with flashes of high-stakes drama as world leaders face the unthinkable.

Creative Review: Simon Davis and Jason Sondock, the directing duo behind rubberband., have developed a distinct visual language that blends bold storytelling with a genre-bending style. Their work with iconic brands and musicians, coupled with a passion for shooting on film, has made them key players in the creative world. Their journey began in New York, where they were inspired by the vibrant energy of the city and the artists they worked with, including A$AP Mob.

Forbes: Directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, ‘Heartstrings’ has been nominated for Outstanding Commercial at the 2025 Emmy Awards, marking Apple’s eighth consecutive nomination. Viewed over a billion times, the spot tells the moving story of a father, a daughter, and a guitar, bringing the conversation around hearing loss to a global audience with empathy and cinematic craft. As featured in Forbes, the film centers on AirPods Pro 2 user John Pelletreau, whose real-life experience adds authenticity to a campaign that redefines accessibility as both innovative and deeply personal.

Buena Vista Social Club earned an impressive 10 Tony Award nominations this year, including Best Musical — along with a Special Tony Award honoring the legendary band. The recognition celebrates the extraordinary team behind the production, with nods spanning performance, direction, design, choreography, and more.

The Financial Times: “Sing Street” is a joyful, music-driven escape that channels the energy and defiance of 1980s youth through an exuberant production and irresistible cast. The live performances and original songs capture the era’s spirit and emotional power, and the show beautifully executes the transformative and expressive force that music can be.

Mission Magazine: C Prinz, the visionary movement director behind Charli XCX’s Brat tour and Doechii’s unforgettable Grammy performance, opens up about her creative process and journey of overcoming struggles to shape powerful, boundary-pushing performances. In conversation with Juno Kelly, Prinz discusses how she channels raw energy and bold artistic choices to redefine cultural expression.