On My Radar: Andrew Christou

What’s the best ad campaign you’ve seen recently?

Recently? Well, gotta go back a few and pick Red Bull: Stratos Is that even a campaign? I think it is. I knew everything the brand stood for in one giant leap. I have not seen anything that effective since. There is tons of great work out there that I wish I had done, but, Red Bull owns it for me as they completely understood the spirit and magic of possibility.

What website(s) do you use most regularly and why?

Gawker. They’re reporting real news with Onion headlines.

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought and why?

Portable USB charger. I was tired of everything dying all the time.

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?

Facebook, because it’s, uh, BOTH Instagram and Twitter all in one…

What’s your favourite app on your phone and why?

Dubsmash. You’ve never heard a six-year-old girl laugh harder and that is pure joy. Until she pees. Then no one is laughing anymore.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

Narcos. From the writing, filmmaking and performances to the edit and flow of the series, it’s bar none the best thing on TV right now. It also inspired my Halloween costume this year – I went as Pablo Escobar (my moustache and dad bod are just about right) and my kids went as charred Avianca passenger zombies. (Too soon?)

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

The Thin Red Line. To tell a story without using traditional arcs is a must in our business.

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

At 36,000 feet hurtling towards Los Angeles. A rather large woman brought her own cheeseburger on board and was wheeling the perimeter like a child might eat an ice cream sandwich. It was at that exact moment when inspiration hit me.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

The ask of doing more with less. It can be done but it’s unsustainable. I feel retention takes a hit, as well as great client relationships.

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

Everyone needs to slow the fuck down a beat. Its better to get it right than get it out there fast.

What or who has most influenced your career and why?

Dan Wieden. He was a tremendous mentor. He pushed us for more and more and better and funnier and smarter every single day, but always knew when to say: "Stop, that’s it. Go sell that and don’t fuck it up…"