"I loved cutting together simple commercials about margarine or soft drinks - all kinds of silly products - but I tried to make the commercials different"

In this quote, Renny Harlin, a prominent filmmaker known for his work in action and thriller genres, assesses his early career in the marketing market. His words offer insight into both his imaginative spirit and his initial foray into film production. Harlin speaks fondly of his deal with commercials, particularly highlighting the ordinary products he was charged with promoting, such as margarine and soft drinks. Despite the simple and typically minor nature of these products, Harlin discovered pleasure in the process of creating commercials, which suggests a real passion for the craft of filmmaking, despite the subject.

The term "silly items" conveys a sense of humor and maybe a little bit of ridicule for the trivial nature of these items. Nevertheless, Harlin does not permit this to undermine his innovative process. Rather, he welcomes the obstacle, seeking to instill each industrial with a special touch. His reference of trying to "make the commercials various" highlights his innovative frame of mind, suggesting a desire to stand out and bring fresh point of views to conventional marketing formats.

This technique can be viewed as an early testament to Harlin's creative aspiration and his inherent requirement to press boundaries, a quality that would be crucial in his later success in directing function films. By trying to distinguish these commercials, Harlin was honing his abilities in storytelling, pacing, and visual creativity, all essential components of filmmaking. Additionally, his fondness for this work recommends an understanding of and gratitude for the medium's power, regardless of the project's scale.

In general, the quote showcases Harlin's devotion to creativity and development. It highlights the idea that even when dealing with apparently irrelevant subjects, there is a scope for creative expression and individual growth. This philosophy most likely fueled his transition from commercials to major Hollywood productions, where his distinct style and decision to challenge standards continued to grow.