[Pam in Cannes] Farewell to Cannes

So how do I feel now that Cannes has ended? Uitgeput, sat, klapped, finito, exhausted, done, finished – sheesh, an onslaught it is. The continual stimuli of seeing amazing work – on all levels; being promoted by someone somewhere all the time; networking, networking, networking; oh yes, and party, party, party. Yikes, seriously pummeled.

Remember I made the reference to the big idea earlier in the week, asking: Isn’t that what Cannes is all about, and why aren’t we talking about it? Well, the last seminar I saw was magnificent, presented by Chuck Porter of Crispin, Porter & Bogusky. He had two guests – one no other than Joe Pytka. It was heaven for me as Pytka was our directorial icon of the late ’80s. The topic of the seminar was, no matter what the medium it’s all about great stories. He outlined what makes a good story: surprise endings, indelible characters, involving the audience, ordinary people who become heroes, a little shock value, practical jokes. All you creatives are going to like this – he also said: No focus group in the history of advertising has ever written a good story!!

Joe Pytka is a really big, scary man. I can’t imagine anybody arguing with him in a pre-production meeting; in fact, I can’t imagine anybody doing anything but absolutely agreeing with him. He has won no less than 110 Lions. He also mentioned that storytelling is a gift and crosses all mediums. He showcased some beautiful work through the years.

I think Cannes Lions themselves are struggling with the new media and confused about who they are addressing and I think the difficulty is that so many marketers visit Lions now, things have become a little unfocused. Whilst attending seminars this week I kept thinking about the fact that they are not talking about idea’s that work in the mediums. It was a little frustrating for me.

I watched some of the shortlist: some scary PSA’s, a few that are hard to forget. A few great car and toiletry ads.

So the winners??? South Africa, you’ve got to raise the bar, change the bar, push the bar… or whatever it takes, we have to do better than we did this year.

I hate Cadbury’s Gorilla – sorry, but if that’s the standard it epitomised Cannes Lions for me this year. I am also raising an eyebrow about Halo 3; some may see it as beautiful work, but as a film Grand Prix? Titanium – yes. Microsoft was such a big presence here this year, mmmmmmmm – makes you think.

Oh there, there old jaded me. Hungover from the closing gala last night, with its magnificent fireworks, a brilliant DJ and yip, too much bloody wine!

So till next year guys, au revoir.
Pam

Two Silver Film Lions for SA

All the winning work from Cannes Lions 2008, including the Film, Titanium and Integrated winners, is now available to view online, along with their credits, at www.canneslions.com/winners:

• Film Lions: www.canneslions.com/winners/film/.
• Titanium and Integrated Lions: www.canneslions.com/winners/titanium/
• Film Young Lions Competition: www.canneslions.com/winners/younglions/?medium=FILM
• Agency of the Year: www.canneslions.com/winners/special/?medium=AOY
• Network of the Year: www.canneslions.com/winners/special/?medium=NOY
• Palme d’Or: www.canneslions.com/winners/special/?medium=PALME

For more about Cannes Lions, go to www.canneslions.com.