By Deone Ee in Pattaya Beach, Thailand

Fresh, new, original – these three words plagued the seven-man jury of this year's Press Lotus and Poster Lotus Jury as they waded through almost 2,000 entries in both categories.
The panel, headed by first-time Jury President Ben Welsh (pictured), who is executive creative director at M&C Saatchi Sydney, was pleasantly surprised by the quality of work they have seen so far. Despite being “terrified" prior to the judging, Welsh commended the “high standard of work and phenomenal craft" of the entries.
Andy Greenway, Regional Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi, had a slightly different opinion. “Ten per cent of the entries are very good, 90% are just average," he commented.
The jury was looking for stand-out work that was original, relevant and well crafted. Welsh explained, “Certain ads might share the same idea but it's the likeability and charm that some have over the others.".
While selecting the ‘Best of the Best' winners from the Press Lotus and Poster Lotus, the jury had a rather difficult time agreeing which agency deserved the award.
Leigh Reyes, Executive Creative Director of Y&R Philippines, said she was impressed by the quality of entries, particularly because “it is so hard to do good work, even more so, fantastic work."
Welsh says he's been delighted by the quality of this year's judges. “The jury is fantastic and there is a lot of agreement and good common vision."
The Press Lotus and Poster Lotus award show (plus Radio, Direct and Design) will be held this Friday night. The TV, Outdoor, Cyber and 360 awards will held on Saturday night.