Ben Walker (Third to the left).
AdNews asked Australian creatives to share their experiences at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. The Do Collective's chief doer Ben Walker reports from the front line.
First impression, first day?
Cannes never eases you in gently (especially after a delayed flight) - straight into sunshine, serendipity and shoulder brushes with someone you only just realised was the global CMO of something massive. The Croisette hums with energy, optimism and more linen than a Manchester shop!
Cannes never eases you in gently (especially after a delayed flight) - straight into sunshine, serendipity and shoulder brushes with someone you only just realised was the global CMO of something massive. The Croisette hums with energy, optimism and more linen than a Manchester shop!
Is there a creative theme this year or is everyone too busy in the cocktail tents?
There’s a thread emerging, it’s about human creativity reasserting its place in an AI-saturated narrative. It’s less about tech for tech’s sake and more about why we create in the first place.
Cannes survival tip?
Embrace the chaos. Say yes to the random breakfast invite, the house that seems like a detour, the panel you didn’t plan to attend. The real magic’s in the off-agenda agenda. Do it then think about it after.
Inspired? By?
Yes by collisions of thinking. By the people who cut to the chase. By those who listen more than they pitch. Also inspired by the Collins House, why do what everyone else does, do something different and better. If the future of creativity had a living room, that would be it.
Who has the best giveaways?
Dept by far, their swag is store worthy!
There’s also a lot of cheap plastic crap that’s a shame to see still around.
Bonus: Cannes curveball moment?
Mo Farah selfie moment telling my friend an outright no to a picture only to be playing with him!
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