My Creative Heroes: Zak Emerson

Trained in fine art painting at Central Saint Martins, Zak Emerson's cinematic approach reflects his keen eye for detail. His journey from a storyboard artist to a director has been marked by a unique blend of painterly cinematography, visual wit, and emotionally resonant performances. Zak's work has a sincere quality that leaves audiences smiling and occasionally reaching for a tissue.

Awards line Zak's path, from Cannes Lions to Kinsale Sharks, ICADS to Promax, The One Show to Eurobest Grand Prix. His critically acclaimed body of commercial work stretches across the UK, EU, and USA, having directed for brands including Vauxhall, Amazon, Pandora, Boots and Skoda. He thrives on collaboration, working seamlessly with diverse, open-minded creative partners. Zak's personal life, particularly his role as a father to two kids, influences his work, infusing it with authenticity and warmth.

Beyond the glitz of the industry, Zak is an avid ultra-runner, rock climber, and snowboarder. As co-founder of backdropjournal.com— his passion for photography and adventure takes him to captivating, off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Let’s talk about some inspirational folks you might not have on your radar. Here are a few of my all-time favourites:

Chris Voss – The Artful Negotiator

Don’t let that tough-guy FBI exterior fool you; Chris Voss is a master of negotiation.

Now a MasterClass instructor, he’s taught me that selling a mind-blowing creative project isn’t just about pushing hard—it’s about helping others see your vision. His approach is all about building trust and authenticity.

In a world where buy-in is king, learning Voss’s techniques is like having a secret weapon in your back pocket!

Thelma Schoonmaker – The Queen of the Cut

Let’s give it up for Thelma Schoonmaker, Martin Scorsese’s legendary editor.

She’s behind some of the most powerful moments in cinema, from Raging Bull to Killers of the Flower Moon.

Her genius? Knowing what to cut out.

Inspired by her magic, I recently transformed a festive whodunit called Woodie's Christmas by zeroing in on a squeaky old gate and a surprising teenage neighbour. That edit turned it into an award-winning holiday favourite—proof that sometimes, less really is more!

Mick Herron – The King of the Everyday Spy

I can’t help but have a bit of a man-crush on Mick Herron, the genius behind Slow Horses and a bunch of hilarious spy novels that have made their way to the screen.

His characters are wonderfully flawed and relatable, capturing the everyday struggles of the underdog. Herron’s knack for blending humour with raw humanity inspires me to tell stories about real-life heroes—stories that hit home in just a few moments. 

Jimmy Chin – The Legend with a Lens

As if being a world-class climber and photographer weren’t enough, Jimmy Chin has also stepped into documentary filmmaking with hits like Free Solo and The Rescue. His ability to blend breath-taking landscapes with tales of human resilience resonates with me as a mountain-loving ultra runner and backcountry snowboarder. Check out the snowboard magazine I co-founded a few seasons back, BackDropJournal. Get out there in the fresh air!

Steven Spielberg – The Master Storyteller

Last but definitely not least, we have Steven Spielberg, the storytelling powerhouse. Sure, he’s known for summer blockbusters, but he’s also crafted epics like 'Schindler’s List' and 'The Colour Purple'. What I love about Spielberg is how seriously he takes kids. For him, their passions matter just as much as adults. I do a huge amount of work directing kids and this is a vibe I encourage – so whilst they might appear cute, they sure don’t feel it – and this is what cuts through to the audience. 

For me, being creative means constantly surrounding myself with fascinating people, thought-provoking art, and inspiring places—whether it’s a gallery, a cinema, or the world outside. As a director, you can see a small glimpse into my world but the real spark comes from working with fearless teams and ambitious ideas that bring stories to life in many unexpected ways.