Politically incorrect creativity

Seriously now…where and when were these ads published? No one is questioning the creativity of the concepts (as it is very much a subjective matter according to most critiques) nor is anyone questioning the quality of execution. What is being questioned is the legitimacy of participating with ghost ads (ads that never ran or ads that ran once due to loopholes in the awards criteria) and if they should be allowed to compete with real ads (ads that ran for real, for real clients without any special doctoring  for the awards). In my personal view the playing field should be leveled and everyone should play by the rules. It is not accepted to win by any means and take the industry for granted, risk the reputation of the award organizers (as happened in the Dubai Lynx scandal also known as the Lynx Gate). Winning by cheating has a snowball effect, they win, then publicize their win thorough PR and Advertising campaigns, which attracts more clients (depriving you from a fair chance at winning business). Your friends in the industry risk becoming redundant while copycats are get promoted and earn the big bucks as a result of either ignorance of their management or consent of their upper management!!!

Harvey Davidson – The agency that copied these ads also copied

 Question: Are they mocking you?

Answer: Hell YES.

http://www.coloribus.com/focus/harley-davidson-ads-of-freedom/11320305

http://www.coloribus.com/focus/harley-davidson-ads-of-freedom/11320355/

http://www.coloribus.com/focus/harley-davidson-ads-of-freedom/11320255/

CANNES LIONS WITHDRAWS TWO LIONS WON BY MOMA PROPAGANDA BRAZIL

London, 21 July 2011 – Following discussions between the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and Moma Propaganda São Paulo, Brazil, the organisers of the Festival are withdrawing both the Silver Lion won in the Press category and the Bronze Lion won in Outdoor awarded for the Kia Motors air conditioning dual zone campaign ‘Teacher’ and ‘Princess’. Commenting on the withdrawal, Philip Thomas, Festival CEO said: “The Cannes Lions rules state clearly that if requested, proof must be provided that campaigns ran and were legitimately created for a fee-paying client. Despite many conversations, Moma Propaganda have not provided the proof we require and therefore the Lions have been withdrawn.” “In addition, as stated in our terms and conditions, we reserve the right to take further action against individuals listed on the credits who cannot prove the veracity of the entries to our satisfaction. On this occasion, a decision has been made to ban any work created by those credited on the entry for one year. Therefore entries will not be accepted from these individuals for the 2012 Cannes Lions Festival,” added Philip Thomas. 58th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, 19-25 June 2011, Cannes, France The International Festival of Creativity, also known as Cannes Lions, is the world’s leading celebration of creativity in communications. As the most prestigious international annual advertising and communications awards, over 28,800 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy honouring the most creative film, print, outdoor, interactive, radio, design, sales promotion & activation, film craft and integrated advertising, as well as the best media, direct marketing, PR, titanium and creative effectiveness ideas. The Festival is also the only truly global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. Over 9,000 delegates from 95 countries attend seven days of exhibitions, screenings, as well as 57 high-profile seminars, 20 workshops and master classes presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders. As the networking and learning opportunity of the year, Cannes Lions is the must-attend event for anyone involved in brand communication.

Dubai Lynx 2011 – How was it for you?

Published in Gulf Marketing Review, May 2011. Page: 30.

A Spirited Defense

Blog Anubis’ Louai Alasfahani Tells It How It Is

By: Copyranter.

Monday, 28 March 2011

I catch up with Louai Alasfahani at the Dubai Lynx 2011 and ask him about his thoughts of this year’s work as well as the future of the region’s creative.

Like him or hate him, you gotta respect this man for just telling it how it is. If you don’t know who Louai is, all you have to do is google his name or just check out his blog at: http://bloganubis.com/ 

Louai’s blog broke the story on FP7’s Fadi Yaish and the scam work which tainted our region a couple of years back. The scandal ultimately created a massive shake up at FP7 and eventually forced Dubai Lynx to revoke FP7’s ‘Agency of the Year’ accolade as well as various awards and ban them from entering any work into the Lynx.

To put it bluntly, bloganubis will name and shame you if your cheating in the region. Check out Louai’s blog and his thoughts here (sorry for butchering your name Louai).

Four new accolades for Paragon in the 2008 – Kuwait Arab Advertising Awards

Published in Al Qabas on the 11th of August 2008. Page: 35.

IAA Kuwait Chapter 1st Young Creative Challenge

Deadline extended by popular demand till the 13th of April 2011.

Deadline extended by popular demand till the 13th of April 2011.

Sliming creativity is becoming cheeky

THE ORIGINAL? Fibra Life Low Fat Thin Shake – 2005 Headline : Slim Faster Source : Cannes Archive Online,  Agency : AG407 (Brazil)

LESS ORIGINAL Trim Low Fat Milk – 2008 Tagline : Fat-Breaker Source : Adsoftheworld Agency : Leo Burnett Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Special thanks to my partner http://www.joelapompe.net for sharing this. Cheek to Cheek / Joue contre joue

Don’t Miss Learning, Networking And Inspiration Opportunities At Dubai Lynx

The Dubai Lynx Festival offers seminars and workshops with fascinating insights from top speakers, as well as the opportunity to view the best work coming out of the region. Join us from 27-29 March for an unrivalled focus on MENA’s creativity.

You can also enjoy a fantastic programme ofevening events, perfect for forming new business contacts and catching up with colleagues, as well as relaxing after the Festival’s intensive learning sessions.

Social events include a networking drinks receptionand the Creative Club Party. You will also have the opportunity to witness the industry-defining work at the unmissable Dubai Lynx Awards Gala and then celebrate until the small hours at the first official Dubai Lynx Afterparty, hosted by Big Kahuna Films, at one of Dubai’s hippest nightclubs, Trilogy.