Dave Bowman’s Cannes Diary: Day 3, 4 and 5
Dave Bowman, joint ECD of Whybin\TBWA Sydney, is Australia’s representative on the Cannes Lions Direct jury. Bowman, along with most of the Australian and NZ jurors, is reporting exclusively for CB.
Okay, so where was I? Over the course of day four, we’ve somehow gotten ourselves a shortlist. There have been more than a few heated discussions about certain entries. Some were filled with arguments that seemed to carry water from both sides of the fence, others not so much. I learnt that the idea of friendship is particularly strong and powerful in Latin America during one such exchange, for example. As it turns out, friendship is far more important there than in any other part of the world. This was a supporting argument for one of the stranger campaigns I’ve seen this week.
Anyway, with 27 opinions in the room you’re always going to get some strange results further down the list. But, by the time it gets to the metal conversation we really do feel we’re starting to find the best of the bunch. The agreement at this end is pretty much universal. “Dumb ways to die” is certainly a favourite for all. As is the Starhub “third eye” campaign out of Singapore. So simple, and powerful. Just can’t help feeling it would have had even more impact had it enjoyed a few more months to build it’s ever-growing army of micro-volunteers. But, we’re spoilt for choice. When it comes time for Grand Prix judging, Mark Tutsell, our jury president really does do us a credit by maintaining order and encouraging all of us to think long and hard about our final decision. The vote ends up happening three times (by secret ballot) in an effort to break a deadlock between the two campaigns I’ve just mentioned and finally we have a result. That you already know by now as I’ve been hopelessly late in getting this diary entry to Lynchy. McCann takes it out and by the time they do, the gents already have another Grand Prix trophy in hand. I suspect that Mr Mescall and friends from Melbourne are going to have quite the week. And deservedly so.