We are thrilled to welcome new-land director Libby Burke Wilde to answer our Quick Fire Fifteen!

Based in London, but originally from Lancashire, Libby’s work balances a range of music videos, to striking commercials and cinematic documentaries. Often striving to drive social change, she also works across scripted fiction and emotional storytelling, expertly immersing her audience in new worlds and subcultures. Her work is often focused on translating human stories into engaging portraits and narratives that shine light on socially complex topics.

Her short film ABSENT was created with charity Freedom4girls to address the stigma and struggle around period poverty. The film recently won Gold at Kinsale for ‘Best Short Film Under 5 Minutes’ along with two Silver Screen Awards at the Young Directors Award 2020. ABSENT also took home ‘Best Commercial and Branded Content in Long Format’ at the Berlin Commercial Awards, Bronze at Kinsale Shark Awards for Charities and Trusts, Gold at the Gerety Awards, and ‘Best Film for Change’ at the Bolton Film Festival (BAFTA qualifying).

Through her career, Libby has worked with talent such as BRIT breakthrough artist Arlo Parks, UK pop legend Lewis Capaldi, Hozier, and London Grammar among other renowned artists. Her commercial clients include Marshall, HP, Queen Rules, Jim Beam, and Ben’s Original. She is an excellent addition to the new-land family.

1. What bands or artists are you listening to most right now?

The Beatles, Lizzo, Haim, Tom Misch, Self Esteem, Fontaines DC, Arctic Monkeys...

2. First record you bought?

Probably Hanson Middle of Nowhere, but I like to remember it being Oasis (What’s the story) Morning Glory…

3. Favourite podcast?

Today in Focus - Guardian podcast. I listen to it every single day.

4. Last gig?

I was lucky enough to film Fontaines DC live at the Lexington during lockdown, so although it’s not technically a gig, it was the last soundcheck / gig venue / live music situation I was in!

5. Favourite album cover?

"The Freewheelin’" Bob Dylan. It reminds me of Sundays at home with my dad.

6. Karaoke Song

"Jolene" - Dolly Parton

7. Favourite music video?

"Firestarter" - The Prodigy

8. Favourite movie / soundtrack

When Peaky Blinders first came out I was blown away by their use of music. I had never seen modern music in period drama before and I thought it was so fucking cool. 

Not my fave movie, but I loved the movie / music combo in Submarine (Alex Turner did the score).

9. Direct a music video for any artist?

Nirvana.

10. Your film director idol?

Ava DuVernay - what a force.

11. What can’t you live without?

Ice cold water. I love it so much.

12. What are you reading?

Animal - Lisa Taddeo

13. What or who is the greatest influence on your career?

My friends, all of them.

14. Best use of music in a commercial?

The Guinness ‘Surfer’ ad is unreal isn’t it?

15. What band or artist is your guilty pleasure?

Dave Grohl says there are no such things as guilty pleasures in music...

Too right! Thanks Libby!