intern FAQs
Halfway through their internship, Hydra9 has been full of surprises. They are a funny, talented, driven, flawed, beautiful and compassionate bunch. I definitely have the flawed part in common with them, but some of them have qualities I can only dream about. Wish we had more time to help develop their aim. Part of being new at something is you're new at it. So it's not always fair to judge their first attempts. Measuring their true talent is dependent on a bunch of variables. How many shots did they get to show their quality? Were they given enough time (never)? Did they have the right tools (cameras, programs, tutorials, etc)? Did they play from their fucking heart?
What sucks about advertising is so much of our "quality" is measured using dated standards. Sure, the same rules apply when it comes to simplicity, relevancy and execution. But new variables are in play like momentum, advocacy and... view counts. Social is such a buzz word these days, I want to punch myself in the face. But social doesn't mean anything if you don't have anything of value to say. Which to me spells a new golden age for advertising, where unique perspectives outside of old advertisng formulas will be valued commodities for social exchange.
Which brings us full circle to Hydra9. Here are the top FAQs I've had about our interns:
Q: Are you going to hire any of them?
A: Most likely (Only halfway there, impatient ones).
Q: What's your criteria for hiring?
A: Have potential. Be prompt. Be organized. Be mature. Have a lot of talent.
Q: How do they demonstrate talent?
A: We meet every week and share ideas that don't suck. If they're smart, they'll find a way to show their talent.
Q: Are you a tough boss? Would you rather they follow your ad rules or maverick out and do something great?
A: Follow my rules. Most great ideas are from new perspectives. How can we cultivate new ways of looking at the world if we make our people follow old rules? Be fearless in your thinking. Have fun doing it. Apologize if it fails. Move on.
Q: Do you have a favorite Hydra9 intern?
A: Yes. The 10th one, when they all come together. Awww...
Q: How are they doing OVERALL?
A: Potential? 10 Effort? 10 Talent? 6.5
Q: 6.5? What's holding them back?
A: Some are shining, some are trying too hard. These guys are on a one-of-a-kind adventure that is halfway over. They should enjoy every moment and inspire their brains to see new perspectives. Their natural talent should do the rest. That's why they're here right? It can't be for the money.
