Be an OG

Is it me? I started watching Citadel on Amazon Prime the other night. I had a real sense of déjà vu.?It’s a heady mix of The Bourne Identity, James Bond and a bit of Mission Impossible thrown in for good measure.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s escapism at it’s best. But as a lover of the big (and small screen), it frustrates me that it just feels like it’s a lazy way to make a show. ?By being exactly the same as what has gone before.?With very little originality on top.?Just some fresh faces.

In fact, there has been much written about how much Hollywood relies on sequels and remakes.

Is it running out of original ideas?

Is it too high risk to guarantee a great box opening weekend with something unknown?

Is it because they know they have a huge fan base out there so better to appeal to existing customers than acquire brand new?

Is it simply an acknowledgement of the original film’s considerable value and therefore hard to resist?

To be fair, there are many sequels or remakes that I have loved.?Top Gun Maverick last year one example of the former, The Departed perhaps an example of the latter.

But give me originality every single time please. In my viewing watchlists and in my work life.

I still smile when I see brands and agencies doing something truly one-off. Spectacular in their uniqueness and differentiation.

It takes guts on the client and agency side to push for excellence and innovation. It’s easier to repeat a successful formula.?But we should all want to do our best work and to find ways to convince others to give us the autonomy, endorsement and support to challenge convention and be extraordinary.

So, who has sparked this thought in me today on a Wednesday morning, the longest day, in June?

I’m picking one. “1” actually. 1Password. Not least because it features one of my absolute favourite actors, Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool to most of us, owner of Wrexham FC to others.

Funny, surprising, right on the money. Back of the net for this brand! Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfG6ksdavtY