Ipar L’Aimable, known to his friends as “Ips,” is global creative director at Zero Degrees West in London. He wears his heart on his sleeve … alongside his tattoos. Ips specializes in creative storytelling across all mediums. A passion for innovating and creating has taken him from New York Film School via a brief stint at law school, to Los Angeles, Toronto, Beijing … even all the way to Shoreditch.

Following an early career in animation, a move into advertising and entertainment has allowed him to combine strategy with narrative, the blood that flows through his veins. When Ips isn’t conjuring up creative, he spends his time going to remote holiday destinations with his wife, listening to movie scores, and supporting his friends’ creative endeavors as jewelry designers, brewers, musicians and artists. He strongly believes in the creative community and upholding the craft that keeps us inspired, imaginative and curious.

We spoke with Its for our Backstory series, where we chat with folks in the entertainment industry about their creative inspirations and more.

Ips, tell us…

Where you were born, and where you live now.

Born in a flurry of drama and tears on an October night in North London—Tottenham, to be precise—and now residing in Greater London on the fringes of Epping Forest after some stints in New York and L.A. and Shoreditch.

Your first job in the industry.

I started my life in the industry as a lowly art department runner on various productions at Pinewood Studios. Working for creative icons—by just being in their vicinity and watching them—gave me impetus to strive for better, keep a close eye on the finer details and stay true to wanting to be a storyteller.  When I wasn’t dreaming of bigger things, sweeping, painting, prop making/fixing, set dressing and crafting the perfect cup of tea were my primary human functions… whilst also completing my animation degree at Ravensbourne.

A breakthrough moment in your career.

I wouldn’t say there was any singular breakthrough moment in my career. I think that over the last 15 or so years I have had many milestone moments that have shaped me into who I am now, personally and professionally. Working at Pinewood Studios, film school in New York, living in Fairlawn, New Jersey, writing in L.A., editing, animation and vfx supervision from Beijing to Toronto, then moving to advertising, deep diving into human behavior and then back into entertainment.

Three movies you couldn’t do without.

Three! That’s it?!

The Goonies. Ah, it was a simpler time back then, where imagination and friendship were the connection between kids. As a child my head was firmly planted in the clouds, popping a John Williams tape in my Sony Walkman and running around with my mates to the “Raiders March,” thinking I’m Indiana Jones. The camaraderie and togetherness of the characters, the journey they go on, the bonds that form between them, the conviction of their actions. That’s what mates are for… even when you’re in your thirties.

The Shining. Watched it from the top of stairs at seven years old when my folks thought I was asleep. Not a perfect viewing experience through balustrades but it had a lasting effect. The first movie that really showed me that film is a moving piece of art that can evoke visceral emotion in the viewer. The cinematography, score, performances and how the visual symbolism can lift the different forms of narrative was compelling. I’ve been a Kubrick fan ever since.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Never before had I ever seen such spectacle on the screen… six times to be exact. Humans and animation together, in-camera special effects creating the illusion of interaction, Disney and Warner Brothers characters sharing the same frame, film noir, zany comedy, Hollywoodland crime mystery. Basically, everything I ever wanted as a kid and still piques my interest as an adult.

Honorable mentions: Bladerunnner, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.

Your favorite movie quote.

“Goonies never say die.”

Your favorite movie trailer or poster.

What We Do in the Shadows. The cut sinks its teeth right into the creative jugular! Starting with the found footage—paying homage to the Blair Witch Project—before jumping into the madness of their lives then introducing the characters, all to whet your appetites on what it’s really like to be a vampire.