Director Scottie Cameron on shooting old school, taking risks in film, and working with The Calile - GQ
The unconventional Australian director has found love from some of the world’s biggest brands, on the back of his unique style of shooting. We find out a little of the method behind it all.
By GQ on 6 August 2024
Scottie Cameron is not exactly a household name as far as directors go, but you’d have no doubt seen his idiosyncratic and colour-filled markers in your day-to-day life. He’s worked with some of the world’s biggest brands on their motion work. Jacquemus and Speedo are two of his most recent collaborators, the latter project starring Australian actor Dacre Montgomery. He’s worked all the way up with Apple and New Balance on their campaigns too.
But now, he’s back home. Well, for another project anyway. His assignment was with the Brisbane landmark hotel, The Calile. In last year’s first-ever World’s 50 Best Hotels listing, The Calile debuted at number 12, and offers a leafy oasis in the heart of Brisbane’s burgeoning dining scene.
Cameron brings his quirky visual expression in a new campaign for the brand, and plays on the difficulty of securing a daybed by the pool when staying there. “My work is always pretty concept based,” Cameron tells GQ, “so it was approached similarly to previous projects. It’s just a matter of solidifying the creative idea and then we can work out how to best execute that.”
At a glance, you could compare much of the surrealism and bright colours of Cameron’s work to someone like Wes Anderson. The shots are very considered, and colour use is captivating rather than overpowering. It’s a method of work that Cameron has honed over years, relying on the simplicity of ideas and concepts, that are eventually executed without pretence, or Cameron’s overly considered hand.
Below, we spoke to Cameron about why he loves the old-fashioned vibe, avoiding getting into personal trends, and his tip on securing a daybed.
GQ Australia: Can you tell us a little about your project with The Calile—what drew you to working with a hotel?
Scottie Cameron: “Hotels are such great locations to shoot because you have everything right there in one place. There are so many different people and personalities coming and going in hotels that there's always going to be an interesting angle for a story. When they look as nice as The Calile, it makes everything a lot easier, as you’re not too concerned with production design having to make things look a certain way.”