WiseNoise 08: Generalism is a Superpower

In this episode, I spoke with Jonny Mowat — a Graphic designer turned film director who's written and directed the short films 'The Organist' and 'Behold, this dreamer cometh', and the brilliantly sarcastic Dooklt Brewery ‘football survival’ ad.

Here's the full advert to watch as we discuss it: https://vimeo.com/1193140335

We talk about the leap from Freytag Anderson to film sets, why being a generalist beats being a specialist (most of the time), the courage it takes to do stand-up comedy and why that same fear applies to pitching creative work, and what it's like directing a beer ad designed to help non-football fans fake it through match day.

Plus: the Bingo Wheel of Wisdom serves up a few curveballs, and Heavy Dessert lands on the eternal debate — specialist vs. generalist.

Topics covered:

• Transitioning from graphic design to film directing

• The Midgees prop gag philosophy

• Why sarcastic design is underrated

• The Dookit Brewery ad and solving absurd human problems

• Heavy Dessert: generalism as a superpower

• Dream clients: Adult Swim & The Lonely Island

Check out Jonny's work: www.jonnymowat.co.uk

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