Nobby’s Cannes Diary – part three
David ‘Nobby’ Nobay, creative chairman of Droga5, Sydney, isrepresenting Australia on the Direct jury.He’s just finished day three of judging and writes exclusively forCampaign Brief, the only Australian trade press in Cannes this year.Other Aussie and Kiwi jurors will be contributing exclusively to the CBBlog over the next week, so make sure you check in daily, hourly,every minute…
Before you ask, that long thing in my mouth yesterday was a Sheesha (sp?) pipe, after a rather long spell of judging at this year’s Dubai Lynx. I don’t put just anything in my mouth, contrary to popular rumour.
Speaking of marathon sessions, I just left judging at the Palais, and it’s 9.30pm. I’m shagged. Oh, and it’s pissing down again, which was quite welcome, as it actually woke me up a bit and prevented me from collapsing face down on the Croisette in exhaustion. It’s amazing the rivetting debate that can ensue from a simple bit of direct communication. To be honest, most of what made it onto the shortlist wouldn’t have even been called “direct” back in my schooldays at O&M Direct, but, as our Chairman Pablo enjoys explaining, it’s really all about storytelling and engagement, which is lovely.
What’s even more lovely is the amount of Aussie/NZ stuff which has made the final cut. (And no, I didn’t have to put anything in my mouth to get us there.) The work stood out like the proverbials, and it was clear that, as a region, we’re well ahead of the pack. I can’t say too much, other than some of the catagories look more like the results from AWARD than something as global as Cannes. We really have surpassed ourselves, at least at finalist stage. That said, don’t crack open the Blue Nun just yet. Experience of Cannes juries reminds me that it’s not over til the fat lady sings and the crowd starts whistling. Things at the top of the finalist list, often have a habit of tumbling south once the wrong juror gets the bit in their mouth and jumps up on the soapbox, but it’s a bloody healthy start, regardless.
Still, at least I’m reaching the final post, with metal debate all through Sunday here, and the show on Monday. It was funny seeing the second wave of Aussie jurors frollicking about at lunchtime; all fresh-faced and bouncy – unaware of the gruelling days of hell and bad coffee that lie ahead. DiLallo seemed particularly chirpy, and Rocky had a wolfish grin that I’m sure will start to fade after another day in the rooms.
More as it happens…
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