David Rolfe the newly minted director of branded production at DDB, Chicago reveals his issues with Swedes and his new god theory.

What's the most exciting reel you've come across lately?
My friend and former colleague Jessica Dierauer showed me the latest from Carl Erick Rinsch of RSA. She gets credit and he's not terribly new but that's a great reel.

The best cost-cutting tip you've picked up over the years?
When in a bind, a production budget should perhaps be inversely proportional to the value of a director's car collection.

The best turndown line you've ever heard?
I always go after Swedes during August for some reason. They're always vacationing on some remote island in the Mediterranean. It's of course a very legit excuse, but it usually perturbs me to the degree that I don't call again for a bit. That is until the following late July...

Your stress relief of choice?
Basketball, Burgundy and Beacon Street Studios.

What's your reputation in the industry (in your opinion)? Impassioned yet not hyperbolic about the work's potential, uncompromising, cheap, bit of a stresser and loves a good dinner (not cheap).

The most memorable "act of god"?
I feel pretty fortunate about the forces involved with me moving to DDB. I was very happy at Crispin Porter + Bogusky but I feel like a really interesting position has been created for me to develop. DDB is an amazing agency and I'm in a great new city. That may make Grant Hill god, I'll ask him.

The most memorable display of diplomacy?
That's easy. Rupert Samuel on any given day. Or it could be me getting him (us) out of trouble on those special days.

Most outrageous proposal anyone has made to you?
[Director] David Lachapelle asked me to vigorously rub the creases out of a certain derriere model's upper thigh on a busy live set. With oil. It was the only time in six years I didn't obey Alex (telling me to stop).

What do you most like to see on the catering table?
My mellowed-out ass.

David Rolfe, former co-head of broadcast at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Miami, joins DDB, Chicago this September as director of branded production.