BEST TV
Winner: KIA Australia '
Zombie Proof'. "Urghhhhhhhhhhh." It's easy to assume this is my reaction to the vast majority of automotive advertising out there. However, in this instance, it's actually my best celebratory zombie impression. I really enjoyed watching this spot. Not only as a self-proclaimed zombie apocalypse fan (sounds pretty morbid, I know) but also DIVISION and the Innocean team have killed it with the production value. Pun intended.
Runner-up: Slather SPF '
The sun is not your friend'. I love stuff like this. Kinda strange. Kinda dark. Kinda amazing to be honest. "So why didn't it win, damn it?!" Well, I can't believe I'm gonna say this. But I think it just went a bit too far. I thought the message of getting people outside to enjoy the sun safely was pretty spot on, weirdly funny, and based off a true human insight. But then it all went a bit Total Recall (the original).
BEST PRINT
Winner: McDonald's '
The Gherkin Transfer'. I love this print execution because I too hate the Gherkins, and often (every time) find myself transferring them to someone else. Or treating the dog. This in turn made me smile and think back to the last time I had a McDonald's with my kids. Campaigns like this - based on real fan behaviours - will always do well because they resonate with people and with that comes emotional connection with the brand.
Runner-up: Kiehls '
Pubic display type'. I'm a sucker for good copy. And in short, I just really appreciated the first execution headline. I thought it was witty and bold (not bald).
BEST OUTDOOR Winner: Uber '
Statue'. Yet again, a campaign that speaks to people (London Gatwick's diverse travellers in this instance) through relatable and emotional scenarios. It's been pretty hard to avoid these ads over the past week or so. And for good reason. They're funny. They're different. And given Gatwick can be a right pain the arse (fitting metaphor) to get to and from, they're also useful.
Runner-up: Luv-A-Duck '
Get Ducked'. We can all be guilty of overthinking and overanalysing stuff in advertising. But when driving past a billboard at 'something fast' mph, there's very little time for either. Which is why I liked this execution. It's quick to get, it's kinda funny, and it's provocative given how much lamb is loved and celebrated down under.
This week's guest judge is
Adam Bodfish, executive creative director, McCann Birmingham.
They say, the creative adult is the child who survived... sadly, my hairline didn't.
But my appetite for creativity has grown stronger by the day.
This hunger for originality, innovation, and building brands has enabled me to work with some of the best brands and agencies in the world - present company included.
I have successfully developed and implemented fully integrated and results-driven work for clients including Samsung, Nespresso, Diageo, HSBC, McDonald's, Bosch, Sea Shepherd, Thomas Cook, RAC, Kenco, Nestle, Whirlpool, and Land Rover. And my work has picked up at the usual suspects, such as Cannes, Effies, LIA, One Show, AWARD Awards, Kinsale, Campaign and Spikes Asia
