In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to James Nash, Global Digital Marketing Manager from our London studio.
A bit about me…
Born and raised in Kent, I have an equal love for the countryside and the city. From walks in the sheep fields near my apartment, to catching a last-minute gig somewhere across town, my calendar is usually jam-packed with a broad range of activities in both places.
From growing up as a theatre kid, I can’t remember a time when the arts weren’t a core personality trait; musicals, galleries, cinema, live music, the list goes on… all of which are still a big passion. My creative outlet continues to be playing guitar and I’m getting back into drawing after a hiatus. A few years ago, I picked up an 80s Nikon that I mostly shoot 35mm black and white with. Film captures the moment in such a way that a phone doesn’t come close to, making it now my go-to accessory when travelling.
Amongst my varied list of interests, I’m also an animal lover (with a fear of snakes like Indiana Jones), I follow the NFL and Motocross, and I like to think I’m a cowboy at heart – the boots are a daily and there’s rarely a time when country music isn’t playing.
The creative experience that influenced me the most…
The one experience that stays at the forefront of my mind is Download Festival’s sold-out 20th anniversary, ‘DL20’. Four days headlined by Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, and two no-repeat sets from the living legends, Metallica.
Having been at Download the year before, the difference in my experience was massive. I remember walking into the arena on the first day and seeing Metallica’s custom staging from their M72 World Tour. The goosebumps… six dominating pyro-loaded production towers circled the historic main stage, creating an immersive and intimate experience, even with over 100,000 people in the crowd. I’ve been to many live events before (my first concert was at Wembley in 2014), but the atmosphere at DL20 made it feel like anything was possible.
A pinch-me experience.
© Brett Murray
My industry hero is…
I’ve spent most of my career to date working in Film & TV, moving over to Imagination and the world of experience design in 2023. I’ve always been in marketing, well, I sort of fell into it after an apprenticeship and never left – bouncing around social media, marketing, new biz, and settling back in digital marketing as a whole.
Naturally, I am a sucker for Steven Bartlett’s work, mostly since the birth of Flight Story and joining Dragons’ Den. He fascinates me as an individual and businessman, and I’d like to think that all of the hours of podcasts are helping with my own marketing journey.
The piece of work I’m most proud of…
I’ve been privileged to be involved with many exciting projects over the years, from being on set with Marvel Studios, to meeting Quentin Tarantino, and even presenting the Best Film award at the BFI London Film Festival.
However, I am most proud of my chapter at Technicolor Creative Studios, managing the global digital marketing across The Mill and Mikros Animation. As a child, I loved Spongebob Squarepants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (who’s kidding, I still do), so to work for the studio animating these characters was a dream moment for me. Having Emmys, BAFTAs, and Oscars around the office was also pretty cool.
© Technicolor Group
The piece of work that makes me cringe…
Any social media posts whilst I was an apprentice. I am grateful for the testing and learning, especially on small accounts, but they were awful looking back.
The experience I wish I had created…
The Disney Parks. Walt Disney was a visionary and we are blessed to experience his creations across the world.
Advice to my 18-year-old self…
Keep cutting your teeth. You can’t imagine where this road will take you.
What’s next?
We’re doubling down on our SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) efforts right now. A new strategy has been in place for the last six months, and we’re seeing great results. With all the changes happening across the SEO landscape, it’s a fascinating time to dig deeper.
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