Dove film wins Cannes Lions award

Lots of advertising is really simple. The film by Dove for the Self-Esteem fund by Ogilvy & Mater Canada is a perfect example. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a fast-forward shot of a girl being made-up for a photo shoot, with the subsequent photo being Photoshopped. And the strapline is... well, I wouldn't like to spoil the suspense. Check it and the other winners now at Cannes Lion Live.

Cannes Lions: "Should we laugh? Should we whistle?"

Interesting post from an assistant brand manager of Campbell Company of Canada. Although largely an agency get-together, some brands send teams to Cannes to check the latest trends. Nicolle Nordmann, I must say, seems to be doing it diligently (remember what I said yesterday: some people come to work) as she has been sitting through full days of screenings - a heavy experience. I'll let you read through her thoughts, but one things I found amusing was her sign-off. She was a little taken aback by the very loud reaction to bad ads in the hall. "I'm wondering what the creative outcome would be if we, as clients, were this candid with our feedback at creative presentations? Should we laugh? Should we whistle?" Submit your creative work to the client's clapometer? Now there's a thought. Read the full article in Media in Canada.

Cannes Lions: Behind the noise, real talk

From running Cannes or Bust for some time now, I can see a very definite pattern. Journalists globally feel obliged to mention the parties, the beach and the excess. It's as if editors worldwide wouldn't believe people come here for something other than a "jolly". But I've got news for them: work does actually get done here! Imagine that!

So it was interesting to read an article in India's Economic Times about some of the discussions being held at the Cannes Lions. Like other "content" industries, advertising is being massively affected by the switch to digital. Much has been written about the impact of the game "Second Life", and how brands can connect with a whole new audience. IBM have apparently sunk $100 million dollars into it. But Norm Johnston, managing director of Digitas, has his doubts - to put it mildly. “We’ve done a couple of workshops with clients in Second Life and it’s full of a lot of perverts... it’s a mad risk for IBM to spend $100 million on it. It’s a complete waste of money.”

The ideas being bandied about at Cannes now could affect the industry over the coming two to three years. Everyone is looking to bring their clients to new levels of awareness (and probably spending). The price for backing the wrong horse, however, could be very stiff. If your company is considering investing in Second Life. Maybe you should throw an eye at the article. Or maybe you should attend the Cannes Lions next year.

Cannes Lions: Converging branding and direct marketing

Award-winning Richard Rosen will discuss his method of converging branding and direct marketing at the 54th International Advertising Festival in Cannes from June 17. “The essential link between marketing and branding is uppermost in everyone’s minds now,” said Alastair Tempest, director general of the Federation of European Direct and Interactive Marketing (FEDMA). “This seminar will be the keynote within the direct marketing segment."

Rosen’s presentation is titled, "Everyone is talking about the need to bring brand and direct together, but no one is offering the ‘how’, until now". “We’re all in the same boat, trying to drive acquisition and build customer loyalty faster with fewer resources,” Rosen explained. “Europe has had tremendous success with direct marketing and many are actively trying to integrate brand and direct. I’m having a great time helping them finesse the process and improve their financial results.”

"Singing waitress" lands record deal

The British press is covering the story of Victoria Hart, an 18 year-old waitress who was chosen to sing at a George Clooney event at Cannes this year. Until recently, she was working at a London club that employs singing waitresses, but is now apparently looking at a number of record contracts. Hello magazine claims one of the deals is worth £1.5 million - which is surely pure speculation. Hart has a warm, playful voice and specialises in 40's style big band tunes. She will be appearing at the Glastonbury festival on June 24. Her debut album is being released in the UK and Japan.

To catch some of her music, visit Victoria Hart.