Louis Theroux At Cannes: I Play The Awkward Card Shamelessly And Relentlessly
B&T is live and loud at Cannes Lions and yesterday we attended Louise Theroux’s “The Power of An Authentic Voice” session, presented by the BBC. Chloe Noel De Kerbrech reports.
Katty Kay, the BBC’s US Special Correspondent interviewed Theroux in what was a very eye opening 30 minutes.
When asked about his early career and what techniques he used to get to the heart of his interviewees, Theroux said “it’s my hopelessness [that] was the unique quality I brought to the job”.
He credits Michael Moore with “seeing something” in him and a “level of incompetence that he thought might be helpful” in the US market.
Of this market, Theroux added that his personal brand was widely accepted because “with an English accent, one has almost diplomatic Immunity” in the US.
He believes that because he was “over educated and under socially unqualified”, he was perfectly setup for these types of interviews.
He further adds that he believes his warmth and humanity helps draw out the stories. What makes his voice and his work authentic is that he has a naturally inquiring mind and is always looking for something honest, insightful, and intriguing from his interviewees.
He’s learnt throughout his career to never stop the camera running as it’s often in the unscripted scenes that he finds “surprisingly funny moments of unexpected comedy”.
On his more recent interviews and the shift in the media landscape, he adds that “weirdness has become mainstream” and that in the US, those who used to be on the outer echelons of society are now widespread, however that there are still a “myriad of ways that [he] continues to be uncomfortable” on camera.
Latest News
Why Advertisers Cannot Overlook The Benefits Of Generative AI
Are you a little late to the generative AI party? Well, pull your popper & toot your whistle to this essential read.
Wednesday TV Ratings: Aussies Sign Up For Taronga Zoo
Once again, animals proving a ratings winner for the networks. And, no, we're not lumping the Matildas in there.
If You Can’t Beat The System, Cheat The System: Hardhat Launches ‘Cheat Codes For Challenger Brands’.
Independent creative and CX agency Hardhat has launched an Australian-first suite of growth accelerators; ‘Cheat Codes for Challenger Brands’.
Melinda Petrunoff: Pinterest Predicts Is A “Cheat Sheet” For 2024
We have 18 days until Christmas but for many in the marketing business, the biggest present has already arrived — Pinterest Predicts. The firm’s yearly look at the trends to come has become an integral part of campaign planning for many, with Melinda Petrunoff, Pinterest’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, describing it as […]
IAB Launches Fourth Module In Its Marketing Measurement Innovation Series
IAB Australia has launched ‘Evolution in Market Mix Modelling’, the fourth module in its Marketing Measurement Innovation Series, which has been developed by IAB Australia’s Ad Effectiveness Council. The module explores what is driving the increased use of MMM and how the technique is evolving with advances in computing power and machine learning to provide […]
Scope3 Expands Carbon Measurement Capabilities To Include DOOH Advertising
Scope3, the collaborative sustainability platform leading the decarbonisation of media and advertising, announced the addition of digital out-of-home (DOOH) to its emissions measurement. With DOOH ad spending predicted to grow from $17B in 2023 to nearly $24B by 2028, measuring this channel brings us one step closer to understanding the total impact of digital advertising […]
VOZ Enters Final Phase Of Total TV Viewing
This headline can be made so much more appealing by reading it with a Darth Vader-like inflection.
Selfies! Swipes! Scrolling! It’s The Best Of The Best Social Media Directors, Presented By Finecast, Part Of GroupM Nexus
Social media's far more than faffing about with videos of the office dog, as these digital maestros attest.
Thinkerbell Unveils Pringles “Shoot From The Chip” After Winning Competitive Pitch
Other than heroin, nicotine and Sex In The City re-runs, is there anything more addictive than the Pringle chip?
Now Open For Registration – NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific
NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, is now open for online registrations for the main conference. Jointly organized by the National Retail Federation and Comexposium, Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific will take place from 11 – 13 June, 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore and is expected to draw thousands […]
“He Cannot Die Without People Knowing What He’s Done”: Alan Jones Accused Of Indecently Assaulting Young Men
As sad as it is to say about these unsavoury allegations, why does it not come as any real surprise.
B&T TV – Jasmin Bedir On Why Trade Media Needs To “Drop The Shade”
Much like the arrival of tequila shots, you know you're in for a rollicking good time when Jasmin Bedir gets involved.
Kmart Does Christmas Via Dentsu Creative
Kmart is always B&T's one-stop shop at Christmas. Particularly for people we don't overly like.
Wavemaker Promotes James Boardman To Chief Strategy Officer
James Boardman amps up his Dungeons & Dragons creds as he's named Wavemaker's chief strategy officer.
When It Doesn’t Feel So Good Being Bad – It’s 2023’s Top Banned Ads
Other than a Cannes Lion, there's arguably no greater honour in advertising than getting your ad banned by a watchdog.
Taylor Swift Named Time’s Person Of The Year, Beating Out Putin, King Charles & Barbie!
Did you spend 172-hours staring at your computer screen & still didn't get Taylor Swift tickets? Stare some more here.
Petbarn & Greencross Vets Create Live Parasite Tracking Tool Via Howatson+Company
Could your incessant itch & dark urine actually be a sign of parasite infestation? Mark this as a must read.
Imogen Hewitt Promoted To Publicis’ Chief Media Officer ANZ
Imogen Hewitt ascendancy at Publicis continues apace. Not that she's to be known as Dame Imogen Hewitt.
Icon Agency Nabs Michael Knox From Think HQ
We're still three weeks off the 31st, but already it's a "new year, new me" for Michael Knox as he joins Icon Agency.
James Warburton Resigns From Seven
James Warburton calls time on his Seven career. Also refusing all calls from Rugby Australia.
DBC2 Appoints Jason Fisher To Newly Created Role Of CEO
Following a period of significant client growth, leading auto marketing agency, DBC2 has appointed Jason Fisher (lead image) to the newly created role of CEO. The appointment is part of DBC2’s long term growth strategy ahead of the agency announcing a brand refresh and expanded proposition in early-2024. As a new shareholder of the business, […]
ACCC To Crackdown On Influencers & Businesses For Misleading Advertising & Dodgy Reviews
ACCC announces crackdown on dodgy influencers and online reviews. Which, it must be said, is their job.
Alastair Baker Promoted To Havas’ National Head Of Planning
Havas' Alastair Baker has a spring in his step and a song in his heart today following work promotion.
Three New Hires At Amplify
Extra pressure on Amplify's Nescafé Blend 43 catering tin today with the arrival of three new recruits.
Troye Sivan Named GQ’s Man Of The Year
Shannon Noll once again savagely cruelled by the GQ judges as KFC work goes unrecognised at Man Of The Year awards.
Indy Clinton, The Matildas & Fitzroy Garage Party Honoured At 2023 TikTok Awards
B&T a lucky attendee at last night's TikTok Awards. Disappointed not to see any cats playing piano, however.
Digital Advertising Excellence: A Blueprint For Maximum Engagement & Sustainability
Much like the importance of daily flossing, this is a gentle reminder of the damage crap creative can do.
What Are You Waiting For?! Enter TikTok Young Lions Now!
We're certainly not young, talented and trendy but you likely are, so enter the TikTok Young Lions comp!
Boomtown’s Final Masterclass Of 2023 Attended By Almost 100 Media Reps
Don’t treat regional media as a charity, but a real growth opportunity: That’s the message from Boomtown’s final masterclass of 2023, attended by almost 100 media industry representatives from across the nation. The masterclass was part of a series of educational sessions, delivered by Boomtown, the media collective championing advertising in regional Australia. The sessions […]
Mister Cartoon & Turtle Wax Partnership Launches In Australia & New Zealand Via DIJGTAL
DIJGTAL launches ‘The Art of Car Care’, an exciting partnership between renowned LA street artist and icon, Mister Cartoon and Turtle Wax in Australia and New Zealand.
GTA VI Trailer Smashes YouTube Viewership Records
This trailer marks great news for spotty teenagers and socially awkward people around the world.
REVEALED: The Staggering Rental Price Network Seven Paid In Exchange For Bruce Lehrmann Interview
Wish Mr Lehrmann would simply disappear from your TV screens and newsfeeds? Alas, B&T's not seeing it anytime soon.
Telstra Fined $3m By ACMA After Wrongfully Charging Customers
Do you fume every time the phone bill arrives? Take the rage 'next level' with this dodgy Telstra news.
Qantas, Optus, Andrew O’Keefe! It’s 2023’s Most Momentous F#ck Ups!
Typically, B&T likes to champion the best & the brave. However, today we're honouring 2023's most memorable calamities.
Government To Establish Copyright & AI Reference Group To Help Protect Creative Industries
It's industry news from Canberra that thankfully doesn't involve public servants misbehaving at the taxpayers' expense.
You Can Now Buy A Single McNugget To Celebrate Its 40th Birthday
McDonald's famous menu item, the McNugget, turns 40 this year. And cardiothoracic surgeons everywhere are celebrating.