Jason Williams’ Cannes Diary: Day 1

Jason Williams, ECD at Leo Burnett Melbourne is Australia’s representative on the Cannes Radio jury. Williams, along with most of the Australian and NZ jurors, is of course reporting exclusively for CB. 

Radio entries are up 31% this year! That’s a crap load of radio spots, 1700 in fact.

We’ve spent the last two days in 3 groups searching for the freshest ideas.

I’m very fortunate to be amongst 14 brilliant judges from all around the world. I’m also very fortunate to be judging on the top floor of the Palais, where we have sunlight all day and amazing views of Cannes.

I feel for the jurors in the other categories, locked in dark rooms for hours on end. We’re able to walk around, lounge in beanbags or sun bake. Plenty of vitamin D keeps the jury upbeat.

Just finished and I’m wishing I studied a few languages in high school, many of the entries haven’t been translated and you really need to concentrate.

It’s encouraging to see how innovative radio has become, smart phones and the digital world have revitalised the medium. Still, I enjoy the purity of simple, well crafted and entertaining spots. There’s definitely going to be some strong work amongst it all.

Tomorrow will be a big day as we’re choosing and refining the shortlist to discover what will be potential Radio Lions for 2012.