Notions — Ken Has Notions https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/ Notions by Ken Williams, from Ken Has Notions. en-gb Poem of the month: The Raven https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-raven/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-raven/ Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT November’s poem is by Edgar Allan Poe. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe. Partly because it’s Halloween, and partly because the Baltimore Ravens were named after it (the only sports team named after a poem?), and they have a huge game against the Bills today.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.”

Read the rest of The Raven at the Poetry Foundation

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> What people said about The Break https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/what-people-said-about-the-break/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/what-people-said-about-the-break/ Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Twelve years and more than 100,000 views on, the comments still get me. FilmThe Break We made The Break in 2014: a family with nowhere to live, a beach, and one small act of kindness. Since Omeleto put it online it has passed 100,000 views, and people are still leaving comments.

Here are a few.

]]> Hertford skies: October 2026 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/hertford-skies-october-2026/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/hertford-skies-october-2026/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT PhotographyHertford skies A month of looking up in Hertford.

The moon through wind-blown leaves

A helicopter between telegraph wires and storm clouds

A crane against a hazy sky, the sun flaring in from the right

A bird crossing a deep blue sky above a wooded hill

A small orange plane framed by chestnut branches

A helicopter, lights on, under a heavy grey sky

A jet overhead in a pale, flat sky

Two gulls silhouetted against a dark cloud

Big clouds and gulls over a Saturday morning football pitch

Follow along at @hertfordskies.

]]> Villans 2 Villains* 1 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/villans-2-villains-1/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/villans-2-villains-1/ Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT HeadlinesFootball Top work from the Observer Sport. Not Super Caley Go Ballistic levels, but up there.

For the record: “Super Caley Go Ballistic, Celtic Are Atrocious”, The Sun, February 2000. Still the benchmark.

]]> Farewell, Carol Feeley https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/farewell-carol-feeley/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/farewell-carol-feeley/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT One of the best to ever do it. Farewell Carol Feeley, one of the best to ever do it.

Signing off with an old Inside Out® Community team of the year. Not too shabby.

]]> Copywriter love https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/copywriter-love/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/copywriter-love/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Copywriting Copywriters are clever, sound and never dull. 20 years in and yet to come across a bad egg.

Happy World Copywriter Day to all I’ve crossed paths with. And Chandler Bing.

]]> Poem of the month: Another September https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-another-september/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-another-september/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Every September, the same poem: Thomas Kinsella’s. Poem of the monthThomas Kinsella On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

Every September I send the same one: Another September, by Thomas Kinsella. Every February, it’s his Mirror in February. I studied both at school, and Kinsella is a personal favourite.

More on Thomas Kinsella at the Poetry Foundation

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: Asleep and Dreaming https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-asleep-and-dreaming/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-asleep-and-dreaming/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT August’s poem is by Stephin Merritt. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Asleep and Dreaming, by Stephin Merritt, the songwriter behind the Magnetic Fields. Four short verses about watching someone you love sleep, and a middle eight that might be the most honest thing ever written about love and looks.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: Heat https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-heat/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-heat/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT July’s poem is by H.D. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Heat, by H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), from her first collection, Sea Garden, published in 1916.

O wind, rend open the heat,
cut apart the heat,
rend it to tatters.

Fruit cannot drop
through this thick air—
fruit cannot fall into heat
that presses up and blunts
the points of pears
and rounds the grapes.

Cut the heat—
plough through it,
turning it on either side
of your path.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Hert of the Town screening at Beam, Hertford https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/hert-of-the-town-screening/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/hert-of-the-town-screening/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT What started as a short web series became a 90-minute feature documentary. FilmHert of the Town Hert of the Town kept growing as the season unfolded. So did the ambition.

By the end, we’d captured Hertford Town FC’s best season in years and screened the finished film to a packed audience on Father’s Day. A brilliant way to celebrate a club that’s become such a big part of the town.

A full cinema at Beam, waiting for the film to start

It was one of those projects where everyone went above and beyond. Our tiny crew pulled it out of the bag, the club trusted us with incredible access, and the players and staff gave us a story we loved telling.

The Hertford Town goalkeeper, number 1, on the big screen

Celebrations in the clubhouse, on the big screen

An interview from the film, on the big screen

A young fan waving a Hertford Town flag in front of the screen

]]> Poem of the month: Summer https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-summer-betocchi/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-summer-betocchi/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT June’s poem is by Carlo Betocchi, translated by Geoffrey Brock. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Summer, by the Italian poet Carlo Betocchi, in Geoffrey Brock’s translation.

Read Summer at the Poetry Foundation

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> The Scribbling Squire https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/the-scribbling-squire/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/the-scribbling-squire/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT AIMusic The copy team was playing with Suno today. I feel my essence was captured.

The tech is scary as hell, but the way my kids reacted to the song gave me hope. They loved it. I think they’ll use AI in ways, and create work, that we can’t imagine.

Full disclosure: this is me in hopeful mode. Tomorrow’s mood may be more dystopian.

Listen on Suno

]]> Poem of the month: A poem about lettuce https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-lettuce/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-lettuce/ Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT May’s poem is by Edward Lear. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is by Edward Lear, from Chapter IX of The History of the Seven Families of the Lake Pipple-popple.

I love this poem.

Lettuce! O Lettuce!
Let us, O let us,
‘O Lettuce leaves,
‘O let us leave this tree and eat
Lettuce, O let us, Lettuce leaves!

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: The Journey https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-journey/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-journey/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT April’s poem is by Mary Oliver. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is The Journey, by Mary Oliver.

It’s always slightly embarrassing when you go to research a writer you’ve never heard of and are immediately met with the line “one of America’s best-selling poets”. But now I know. And I’m very happy to discover her and her work.

I love this one. The pacing and the language. The second half reminded me of David Lynch: his shots of roads especially. I love those.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Factoclock 2.0 starts here https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/factoclock-2/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/factoclock-2/ Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT FactoclockSide projects Factoclock is coming back!

My all-time favourite side hustle has been dormant too long. The domain is secure (someone has snaffled the version without “the”, sadly). I’m going to build it myself in Replit.

]]> Poem of the month: Motto https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-motto/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-motto/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT March’s poem is by Bertolt Brecht. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Motto, by Bertolt Brecht, from his Svendborg Poems.

I adore this. It gets me every time. The tone and simplicity. It’s like a perfect ad for art. But I have to say, I wish it wasn’t so relevant. I’m tired of the dark times.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Ugly Commuter #2 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/ugly-commuter-2/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/ugly-commuter-2/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Available for all your aesthetically challenged background artist needs.

If you’re going to make a cameo in your own film, you might as well have some fun in the credits.

]]> Poem of the month: Mirror in February https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-mirror-in-february/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-mirror-in-february/ Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Every February, the same poem: Thomas Kinsella’s. Poem of the monthThomas Kinsella On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

Every February I send the same one: Mirror in February, by Thomas Kinsella. Every September, it’s his Another September. I studied both at school, and Kinsella is a personal favourite.

Read Mirror in February at the Poetry Foundation

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: Imagination https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-imagination/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-imagination/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT January’s poem is by James Baldwin. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Imagination, by James Baldwin, from his only poetry collection, Jimmy’s Blues.

It’s in Jimmy’s Blues and Other Poems.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-stopping-by-woods/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-stopping-by-woods/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT December’s poem is by Robert Frost. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost.

I learned this in school and it’s one of the few poems I can recite. I did so at a party a few years ago (because I’m a terrible singer). It landed quite well, I’m happy to report.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Every scene https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/every-scene/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/every-scene/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT InspirationFilmmaking Like all writers, I’m a procrastinator. I try not to beat myself up about it; it’s part of the process. But when I really need to get words down on paper, I come back to these words from Mike Nichols. Every scene needs to be one of four things:

A negotiation.
A seduction.
A discovery.
A fight.

Note: I’ve seen this list with and without “discovery”, so this may not be the exact quote. But I prefer it with it in.

]]> Blanket makes the Shiny List https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-shiny-list/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-shiny-list/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT FilmBlanket Very happy to see our short, Blanket, make the latest Shiny List. Thanks, Shiny Awards.

Watch Blanket here.

Credits

]]> Cheap engagement https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/cheap-engagement/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/cheap-engagement/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Anyone sharing that cropped Chip Shop ad at this point is doing it for cheap engagement.

The intent, although clumsy, has always been clear and a very understandable explanation and honest apology has now been given.

To share it further with the hope of getting some likes and comments is far worse.

Bad ideas are OK too. That’s what the Chip Shop Awards are for.

]]> Poem of the month: Sea-Weed https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-sea-weed/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-sea-weed/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT August’s poem is by D.H. Lawrence. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Sea-Weed, by D.H. Lawrence, from Pansies.

Writing from County Kerry, where the beaches are big and empty and the water is cold and often sea-weedy. I love this short reflection. It’s about resilience and being present. And it reminds me of Geof’s favourite joke, circa 2019: why was the water yellow?…

Sea-weed sways and sways and swirls
as if swaying were its form of stillness;
and if it flushes against fierce rock
it slips over it as shadows do, without hurting itself.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: Like a Heatwave Burning https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-like-a-heatwave-burning/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-like-a-heatwave-burning/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT July’s poem is by John Stammers. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Like a Heatwave Burning, by John Stammers.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: Corduroys https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-corduroys/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-corduroys/ Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT June’s poem is by John Kenney. It’s a doozy. Poem of the month I’ve been sending a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues on the first of every month for about 16 years. This month’s is a doozy.

Corduroys, by John Kenney, author of Love Poems (for Married People).

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> When I’m stuck https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/when-im-stuck/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/when-im-stuck/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Advertising This is one of the things I seek out when I’m stuck: Dougal Wilson’s talk at It’s Nice That’s Nicer Tuesdays.

Dougal is one of the greats.

]]> Poem of the month: Mother to Son https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-mother-to-son/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-mother-to-son/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT April’s poem is by Langston Hughes. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is Mother to Son, by Langston Hughes.

I mostly know the name Langston Hughes because he was mentioned as a Beat writer from time to time. He had a tough time of it really: racism, McCarthyism, and probably a life lived in the closet. I don’t know much of his work, but I love the line “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair”. Crystal Stair is a great name for something.

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Poem of the month: The Point https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-point/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-point/ Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT March’s poem is by Kae Tempest. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is The Point, by Kae Tempest.

I saw Kae at All Points East a few years ago, and their performance of People’s Faces blew me away. The last line is such a simple call to arms. Lovely to start the month with a little hope.

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Thanks for your feedback https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/thanks-for-your-feedback/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/thanks-for-your-feedback/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT FilmFeedback Thanks for your feedback.

In 1984, Universal’s Sid Sheinberg suggested Back to the Future be retitled Space Man From Pluto. The title, happily, survived.

]]> RIP Jon Kenny https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-jon-kenny/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-jon-kenny/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe BreakIrish film I was very saddened to hear of the death of Jon Kenny. One of Ireland’s best-loved comedians, we were grateful to have him as part of the cast in The Break.

His scene in the shop with Ronan Leahy is one of my favourites, and was often mentioned by viewers as one of the most memorable. RIP.

Read his obituary in the Irish Times: Jon Kenny: portraits of Irish eccentricity that mingled hilarity with sadness.

]]> Starburster https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/starburster/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/starburster/ Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Music video This is brilliant work. Creatives at the absolute top of their game.

Fontaines D.C., “Starburster”, written and directed by Aube Perrie.

]]> Poem of the month: The Glass Essay https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-glass-essay/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/poem-of-the-month-the-glass-essay/ Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT May’s poem is by Anne Carson. Poem of the month On the first of every month, I send a poem to a random, and ever-expanding, group of past and present colleagues. I’ve been doing it for about 16 years.

This month’s is from The Glass Essay, by Anne Carson.

Read The Glass Essay in full at the Poetry Foundation

Want to join the Poem of the month mailing list? Email kenmwilliams@gmail.com.

]]> Where everyone plays https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/where-everyone-plays/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/where-everyone-plays/ Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT AdvertisingFootball I was reminded of this today. Football fandom is so hard to get right tonally but this nails it. So good.

Coca-Cola, “Where Everyone Plays”, launching its Premier League partnership in 2019.

]]> Hot take: “must have agency experience” https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/hot-take-agency-experience/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/hot-take-agency-experience/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT AdvertisingIn-house In-house creative teams should refuse to work with any agency that puts “must have agency experience” in their job descriptions.

It’s lazy and full of notions. And a little rude.

]]> The poisoned chalice https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/john-lewis-christmas-saatchi/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/john-lewis-christmas-saatchi/ Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Following adam&eveDDB had the potential to be the ultimate poisoned chalice, but Saatchi & Saatchi have nailed this year’s John Lewis Christmas ad.

]]> Bob’s back https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/bobs-back/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/bobs-back/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Killers of the Flower Moon and now this. Bob’s back!

Brilliant work from Mother.

Uber One, “Best Friends”, starring Robert De Niro and Asa Butterfield, by Mother London.

]]> One of the best things about this country https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/channel-4-change-climate/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/channel-4-change-climate/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Absolutely love this. Channel 4 continues to be one of the best things about this country.

Channel 4, “Change Climate: What Are Those With Power Doing About It?”, from the Change Climate season.

]]> Together we go further https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/eurostar-together-we-go-further/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/eurostar-together-we-go-further/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT Advertising This is so well made. Excellent work, adam&eveDDB.

Eurostar, “Together We Go Further”, by adam&eveDDB and DDB Paris, made with Riff Raff and The Mill. Chief creative officers: Richard Brim and Alexander Kalchev. Creative director: Paula Hochberg. Copywriter: Edward Usher. Art director: Xander Hart.

]]> God bless corner shops https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/god-bless-corner-shops/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/god-bless-corner-shops/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT Creativity God bless (good) corner shops and the clever creative people that run them.

“Like a cat with nine lives”: how the British corner shop has survived and thrived, the Guardian

]]> Scorsese at 80 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/scorsese-at-80/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/scorsese-at-80/ Sat, 07 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT Film What a thrill to spend Saturday afternoon listening to Martin Scorsese talk cinema with Edgar Wright.

An all-time great, at 80, he’s still sharp, encyclopedic and inspiring. It highlighted the folly of the inherent ageism of the creative industries.

]]> RIP Tony Cullingham https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-tony-cullingham/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-tony-cullingham/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT Advertising RIP Tony Cullingham. I didn’t know him personally but he was a constant source of inspiration on LinkedIn. Huge loss. Condolences to all who knew him.

Read this lovely tribute to him: Tony Cullingham: A Tribute, Creative Salon.

]]> Channel 4, again https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/channel-4-idents-2023/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/channel-4-idents-2023/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT Advertising More brilliant work from Channel 4.

Channel 4’s 2023 idents, full film.

]]> The Break passes 100k views https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/the-break-100k/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/the-break-100k/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Break Nice to see our short, The Break, still finding an audience and pass 100k views on Omeleto.

]]> Harmony on set https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/harmony-on-set/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/harmony-on-set/ Sun, 05 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav We shot Gustav on a day when United played Liverpool, and thanked Zlatan and James Milner in the credits for maintaining harmony on set.

]]> A brilliant night for Irish film https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/a-brilliant-night-for-irish-film/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/a-brilliant-night-for-irish-film/ Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT FilmIrish film What a brilliant night for Irish film.

And the rise and rise of Barry continues…

Barry Keoghan won Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 BAFTAs for The Banshees of Inisherin. Years earlier, he was in the cast of our short, The Break.

]]> An Oscar nominee in the cast https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/an-oscar-nominee-in-the-cast/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/an-oscar-nominee-in-the-cast/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Break Fantastic to now have an Oscar nominee in the cast of The Break. I have only happy memories of Barry on set and it was obvious back then that he would go far. Not sure any of us thought how far, and how soon, but he deserves every success.

]]> Our top 10 films of 2022 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/top-10-films-2022/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/top-10-films-2022/ Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT FilmFilms of the year In keeping with a tradition as old as Daisy, here’s Ken and Denis’s top 10 films seen in 2022.

It’s been a great year for film, with the highlight being the little Irish film that could, that hopefully the whole world will be talking about come March.

Ken’s list

  1. Ali & Ava
  2. The Tragedy of Macbeth
  3. Drive My Car
  4. Hit the Road
  5. C’mon C’mon
  6. Everything Everywhere All at Once
  7. The Worst Person in the World
  8. An Cailín Ciúin
  9. Triangle of Sadness
  10. Moonage Daydream

Denis’s list

  1. Top Gun: Maverick
  2. The Batman
  3. All Quiet on the Western Front
  4. The Great Beauty
  5. An Cailín Ciúin
  6. Athena
  7. Reds
  8. The Outsiders
  9. McEnroe
  10. The Banshees of Inisherin
]]> Nigella loves Ocado https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/nigella-loves-ocado/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/nigella-loves-ocado/ Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT AdvertisingOcado And it’s live.

When it comes to writing about food, it doesn’t get much better than Nigella. It’s been a total pleasure working on this project. Thanks to all who made it happen.

Ocado’s announcement on Facebook: “Can we get a drumroll please. In fact, make it two. And throw in a bread roll, a spring roll, and a California roll, too, because we have big news.” It welcomes Nigella Lawson to the Ocado family.

]]> Marty and Doc https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/marty-and-doc/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/marty-and-doc/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT Film I’ll never love any characters like I love Marty and Doc. Perfectly cast and performed by two brilliant actors who didn’t become arseholes.

The Back to the Future trilogy might be better than the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Godfather trilogies.

Relax, I said might be.

]]> RIP Dan Wieden https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-dan-wieden/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-dan-wieden/ Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Like the very, very best creatives, Dan Wieden transcended his discipline. I watched Art & Copy on a weekly basis at the beginning of my career and think about this segment all the time. RIP.

Dan Wieden, co-founder of Wieden+Kennedy, in an excerpt from Art & Copy (2009), directed by Doug Pray.

A Dan Wieden quote painted on a white wall, on giving creative organisations permission for disorder. It ends: “Excellence is not a formula. Excellence is the grand experiment. It ain’t mathematics. It’s jazz.”

]]> Two weeks https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/two-week-holidays/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/two-week-holidays/ Tue, 30 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT Creativity Obvious post alert but… two-week holidays are at least twice as good as one-week holidays.

I’m just back from my first two-week holiday in 10 years. We’ve been splitting summer breaks into two shorter breaks since we had kids, and the extra week is a total game changer.

I had no laptop, no access to emails and barely checked my phone (I did maintain my Wordle and Duolingo streaks, however). I’ve returned relaxed and refreshed and happy.

If you can take a two-week break, absolutely do it. I’m planning my next one already.

]]> Our top 10 films of 2021 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/top-10-films-2021/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/top-10-films-2021/ Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT FilmFilms of the year In a tradition as old as at least one of Ken’s children and all of Denis’s… it’s Ken and Denis’s list of their favourite films seen for the first time this calendar year. Happy New Year.

Ken’s list

  1. The Farewell
  2. Another Round
  3. Dune
  4. The Power of the Dog
  5. Rialto
  6. Attack the Block
  7. Rocks
  8. Quadrophenia
  9. Kajillionaire
  10. Tenet

Denis’s list

  1. Dune
  2. Annette
  3. The Last Duel
  4. A Quiet Place Part II
  5. The Power of the Dog
  6. The Hand of God
  7. Klute
  8. Censor
  9. Songs for While I’m Away
  10. Proxima
]]> Nicely done, Channel 4 News https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/nicely-done-channel-4-news/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/nicely-done-channel-4-news/ Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Nicely done, Channel 4 News.

]]> Listen to Frank https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/listen-to-frank/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/listen-to-frank/ Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT Creativity Listen to Frank.

]]> Welcome Home https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/welcome-home/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/welcome-home/ Wed, 12 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Was reminded of the absolute brilliance of this today. We really need another Spike Jonze feature film.

Apple HomePod, “Welcome Home”, directed by Spike Jonze, starring FKA twigs.

]]> RIP Robert Hershon https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-robert-hershon/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/rip-robert-hershon/ Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT Poetry RIP Robert Hershon, author of one of my favourite ever poems, Sentimental Moment or Why Did the Baguette Cross the Road?

It’s a poem I quote often as the most perfect summation of parenthood. It’s so true and original and funny.

]]> Here’s to your dream https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/heres-to-your-dream/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/heres-to-your-dream/ Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Inspiring stuff. Well worth a read.

“I don’t care who you are, here’s to your dream” is my favourite line in an ad, ever.

Guinness, “Surfer”, by AMV BBDO, directed by Jonathan Glazer, 1999.

]]> Best Actor for Brian Robinson https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/brian-robinson-best-actor/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/brian-robinson-best-actor/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT FilmCultured Our man Brian Robinson won Best Actor at the Press Play Film Festival last week. Here’s his crumby acceptance speech.

Brian won for Cultured, which he co-directed with Dáire McNab.

]]> Whatever’s comfortable https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/whatevers-comfortable/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/whatevers-comfortable/ Thu, 09 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Advertising Was reminded of the tremendousness of this today.

Southern Comfort, “Beach”, from the Whatever’s Comfortable campaign by Wieden+Kennedy New York. Music: Odetta, “Hit or Miss”.

]]> Feeding the nation https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/feeding-the-nation/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/feeding-the-nation/ Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT OcadoAdvertising Been an interesting few weeks, to say the least.

]]> The Break, in lockdown https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/the-break-in-lockdown/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/the-break-in-lockdown/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Break Six years ago we made a film about a homeless family living on the beach. It was a post-crash poverty film; we never thought the recovery would lead to more homelessness than the crash.

Also never thought it would work as a family self-isolation film.

Anyway, it was a great shoot with a fantastic cast and crew. Watch The Break above.

]]> Blanket at St Patrick’s Film Festival London https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-st-patricks-film-festival-london/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-st-patricks-film-festival-london/ Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT FilmBlanketIrish film Delighted to be part of this year’s St Patrick’s Film Festival London with Blanket. Immigrants represent.

Thanks to all the cast and crew, and to Irish Film Festival London.

]]> Blanket at Back to Front 2020 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-back-to-front-2020/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-back-to-front-2020/ Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT FilmBlanketIrish film We’re delighted to be part of this next month.

There’s a lovely collection of shorts and it’s for a great cause, so please pop in if you’re in Dublin.

Blanket screens at Back to Front 2020, a selection of short films curated by The Kitchen Collective in aid of Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. Saturday 15 February 2020, 2pm and 4pm, Stella Theatre, Devlin Hotel, Ranelagh.

]]> Cultured, day 3 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/cultured-day-3/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/cultured-day-3/ Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT FilmCultured Co-director Dáire McNab doing his thing on day 3 of the Cultured shoot.

]]> Cultured, day 1 https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/cultured-day-1/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/cultured-day-1/ Tue, 14 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT FilmCultured And we’re off. Cultured shoot, day 1.

]]> Another Whopper on the side of a bus https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/another-whopper-on-the-side-of-a-bus/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/another-whopper-on-the-side-of-a-bus/ Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Advertising This is one for the ages.

Burger King, by BBH London, parked outside Westminster ahead of the December 2019 general election.

]]> War is hell. People are great. https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/war-is-hell-people-are-great/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/war-is-hell-people-are-great/ Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT Creativity War is hell. People are great.

Thanks, Dave Trott.

Tinned Meat, by Dave Trott: the First World War tank crew who named their tank after a brand of tinned meat, for a laugh.

]]> Lift in the Irish Times https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/lift-in-the-irish-times/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/lift-in-the-irish-times/ Sat, 12 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmLift Nice mention for Lift in today’s Irish Times.

]]> Karen Barry on The Six O’Clock Show https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/karen-barry-six-oclock-show/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/karen-barry-six-oclock-show/ Fri, 04 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmLift Here’s Karen Barry, the subject of our latest film, Lift, on last night’s Six O’Clock Show.

]]> Back to the Richard Harris Film Festival https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/richard-harris-film-festival-2019/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/richard-harris-film-festival-2019/ Fri, 20 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmIrish film Delighted to be heading to Limerick and the Richard Harris Film Festival next month.

The team there have always been great supporters of our films and we’re very happy to be going back.

]]> The poster for Lift https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/lift-poster/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/lift-poster/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmLift We’re delighted with the poster for the new Stanley’s documentary, Lift.

Thanks to Richard Hughes for a most excellent design.

]]> Blanket shortlisted at the Kinsale Sharks https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-kinsale-sharks-2019/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-kinsale-sharks-2019/ Thu, 05 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmBlanketIrish film Delighted to be shortlisted at this year’s Kinsale Sharks for our new film, Blanket. Thanks, all.

]]> Lift in the Irish Examiner https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/lift-in-the-irish-examiner/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/lift-in-the-irish-examiner/ Mon, 29 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmLift Lovely piece in the Irish Examiner on Lift, our documentary about Cork powerlifter Karen Barry, ahead of its premiere at IndieCork in October.

Read it in the Irish Examiner

]]> The first poster for Blanket https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-first-poster/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-first-poster/ Thu, 20 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmBlanketIrish film Very excited to share the first poster for our new film, Blanket.

Designed by the marvellous Richard Hughes.

]]> That’s a wrap on Blanket https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-wrap/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/blanket-wrap/ Sat, 20 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT FilmBlanketIrish film That’s a wrap on Blanket. Thanks to our amazing cast and crew.

Coming summer 2019.

]]> Gustav at Oxford International Film Festival https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-oxford-international-film-festival/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-oxford-international-film-festival/ Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Delighted to be heading to Oxford International Film Festival with Gustav.

]]> Gustav at Palm Springs ShortFest https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-palm-springs-shortfest/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-palm-springs-shortfest/ Fri, 22 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Delighted to be a part of this fantastic festival.

If you’re lucky enough to be there, you can catch Gustav in the Face the Music programme at the Camelot Theatre at 3:20pm.

]]> Gustav at the Young Directors Awards https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-young-directors-awards/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-young-directors-awards/ Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Delighted to be included in this year’s nominations. Thank you, YDA.

And thanks to all involved with Gustav, especially old man Denis Fitzpatrick.

]]> Gustav wins Best Film at Assurdo https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-best-film-assurdo/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-best-film-assurdo/ Tue, 15 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav We won!

Huge thanks to all at Assurdo Film Festival in Milan for naming Gustav as Best Film. We’re delighted.

Thanks to all the team.

]]> Best International Director at Portland https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-portland-best-international-director/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-portland-best-international-director/ Fri, 20 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Very happy to take home this prize in a very competitive category at a fantastic festival.

Thank you, Portland Comedy Film Festival and team Gustav.

]]> Gustav at Irvine International Film Festival https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-irvine-international-film-festival/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-irvine-international-film-festival/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Gustav’s American run continues.

]]> Back home in Cork for the film festival https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-cork-film-festival-2017/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-cork-film-festival-2017/ Sat, 11 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustavIrish film Nice coverage in the Cork press ahead of the film festival.

Gustav screens twice: Thursday at 12pm at the Gate cinema, and in the Best in Cork programme on Sunday at 3pm in the Everyman.

]]> Best Director at the Richard Harris International Film Festival https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-best-director-richard-harris/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-best-director-richard-harris/ Mon, 30 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustavIrish film Really humbled to win Best Director alongside Denis Fitzpatrick at the Richard Harris International Film Festival last night. We’re really delighted. Thanks to all involved.

I’d like to dedicate the win to Simon Fitzmaurice, who I never met but who is a true inspiration. If you haven’t seen his films, you should seek them out.

Thanks all! Go Gustav!

]]> The Final Fairytale in Västerås https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-vasteras/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-vasteras/ Fri, 20 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Final Fairytale The Final Fairytale is nominated for Best One Minute Film at the very cool Västerås Film Festival in Sweden. And it plays in the Ozone today at 14:15.

]]> The poster for Gustav https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-poster/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-poster/ Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustav Love our poster for Gustav. Thanks, Richard Hughes.

]]> The Final Fairytale, at 35,000 feet https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-aer-lingus/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-aer-lingus/ Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Final Fairytale If you’re on a long-haul Aer Lingus flight over the next few months, be sure to check out our film, The Final Fairytale, on the in-flight entertainment.

]]> One Minute Wonder https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-cardiff/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-cardiff/ Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Final Fairytale Delighted with this.

Thanks, Cardiff, and the amazing Final Fairytale team.

]]> Gustav’s world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-world-premiere-galway/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/gustav-world-premiere-galway/ Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmGustavIrish film Very happy to announce that Gustav will be having its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh next month. Can’t wait. Thanks to all involved.

Who is Gustav?

]]> The Final Fairytale is off to Santa Barbara https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-santa-barbara/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/final-fairytale-santa-barbara/ Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT FilmThe Final Fairytale The Final Fairytale is off to Santa Barbara. Very fancy.

]]> The Dawn O’Porter Show, live https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/dawn-oporter-show-live/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/dawn-oporter-show-live/ Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT Morena MorenaPodcast I produced a live recording of The Dawn O’Porter Show podcast for Morena Morena, with Gok Wan, Melanie C and Glamour editor Jo Elvin on the panel. A full house, a tray or two of champagne, and one very relaxed French bulldog.

And I met a Spice Girl.

The live panel on stage: Dawn O’Porter, Gok Wan, Melanie C and Jo Elvin, with an audience in front

Melanie C, Dawn O’Porter, Jo Elvin and Gok Wan at the Morena Morena backdrop

Dawn O’Porter and Gok Wan talking on stage

A packed audience waiting for the show to start

A tray of champagne flutes

Melanie C laughing on stage

A French bulldog asleep on a lap in the audience

Dawn O’Porter with a microphone in front of the backdrop

Ken Williams and Melanie C at the Morena Morena backdrop

]]> Good luck Justin https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/good-luck-justin/ https://kenhasnotions.com/notions/good-luck-justin/ Wed, 09 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT AdvertisingOcado A fun Google Ads one-off for Ocado. When Sainsbury’s boss Justin King stepped down, anyone searching his name found a send-off from us at the top of the page.

Good luck, Justin.

]]>