Alex
Derwin
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company
Rick Barry
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position
Co-Founder & CCO
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website
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when
28 May 2026 16:50
about the speaker
Over a career spanning twenty-five years Alex has helped create and shape some of the most iconic brands in the UK, the US, and Australia. In his pursuit of effective advertising, he has raised Voodoo spirits in Louisiana, created 8-foot-tall, anatomically correct hearts in a Portland basement, and pulled a hamstring while showing off to a Premier League footballer in Liverpool. Alex was the Chief Creative Officer at BMF until late 2024 when he co-founded the independent creative studio Rick Barry.
when
at ciclope
Comedy remains one of advertising’s most powerful creative tools. But in a market like Australia, which is shaped by different cultures, influences and sensibilities, making people laugh is rarely straightforward. What feels sharp and effective locally, can quickly lose meaning, tone or impact when campaigns travel across regions and audiences.
This session explores the challenge of creating comedy in an increasingly global industry. Balancing local nuance with broader appeal, navigating client expectations, and making the punchline land across different audiences.
The auditorium is located on Level 2 of The Rebel Theatre.