Cannes Lions 2014 has more delegates and more entries than ever, and as the last few people descend on the South of France in time for the first award ceremony in just a few hours time; quite simply, as you’d probably expect, it’s buzzing, almost business as usual in Cannes.
But before all the madness begins, I’ve caught up with friends to get a little insight from some of the guys on the juries. There was a real sense that the work has gone up another level yet again; the judging is tougher, the days longer locked in those rooms with no windows, and more focus on just the idea, rather than the results. It’s all about possibility rather than feasibility.
And whilst there doesn’t seem to be an Aussie ‘Dumb Ways To Die’ campaign dominating the shortlists, there is plenty of great work on centre stage, with what looks like a wider variety of campaigns getting noticed. Beyond Australia, there is a lot of unexpected or lesser known work surfacing that seems set to be hitting the shortlists, lead by the South Americans with another huge creative push this year.
Meanwhile in the Palais, there have been some great sessions, kicking off with ‘The Hoff’ talking about brand relevance (although I’m just not sure how relevant he actually is anymore) all the way to the guys from FrameStore giving us a behind the scenes look at the innovation techniques and thought process behind creating the oscar winning ‘Gravity’ film with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.
So, as I walk towards the ‘Aussie Welcome Drinks’ where some 80+ Aussies will catchup before the first awards show, I’m wondering how we’ll fair tonight, with hope that Australia continues to bat above its weight in Cannes once again.
Aden Hepburn
Managing director & DCD
VML
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at adnews@yaffa.com.au