ON The Spot selected three impressive 2001 First Cut contenders and asked them about their careers. What would they be doing if they weren’t helmers? And which spots stand out as their personal favorites?

Zach Math

Alternative profession: ‘If I wasn’t shooting spots, I would most likely be attending law school right now. I also love pottery.’

Outlook on the Canadian commercial industry: ‘Supporting young artists is a way of encouraging growth.’

First commercial job: ”Skateboard Charlie’ for Heavy.com’

Fave spot: ‘I like all three of them. I recently sold ‘Nerd Club’ (for the Canadian Dental Association) to TMN-The Movie Network.’

One word for the judges: ‘Here is the work and hopefully people will see what you see in it. That’s all you can really ask for.’

Representative: Generator Films, Toronto.

Mentor or personal hero: ‘Jonathan Glazer. If I have half the career he has had, I’ll be pretty happy.’

Kathi Prosser

Alternative profession: ‘A documentary filmmaker.’

Outlook on the Canadian commercial industry: ‘Every time any aspect of our industry has been slow, I’ve never felt it. I actually do feel positive about it. I never noticed the slowness until people told me it was slow.’

First commercial job: ‘Sears/Nevada ‘WigWam’ and ‘Lounge’.’

Fave spot: ‘Shoezies ‘Gold/Girls Night Out.’ That was a blast. I really enjoyed casting the young girls and watching them dance and sing. It was fun.’

Representative: The Partners’ Film Company, Toronto.

Mentor or personal hero: ‘I have a couple of friends that I see as inspirational mainly because they’re bohemian anarchists.’

Jordan Toms

Alternative profession: ‘A rock-star hockey player. Like Guy Lafleur, who had an album.’

Outlook on the Canadian commercial industry: ‘I’m filled with positivity about it. Just getting the international recognition that we’re starting to get augurs well for young directors. It’s rolling in a good direction.’

First commercial job: ‘The PSA ‘Life’s Grate’ to help the homeless.’

Fave spot: ‘The Apple Jacks ‘Kaboom’ commercial I did. There was cool art direction and the kids got completely splattered with yogurt.’

Representative: The Players Film Company, Toronto.

Mentor or personal hero: ‘Floria Sigismondi.’