NZ Creative Circle Blog - now at www.campaignbrief.com/nz

WE HAVE MOVED: THE BLOG NOW AT www.campaignbrief.com/nz

2008-05-02T21:01:00.006+12:00

The new look Campaign Brief NZ Blog is now located at

www.campaignbrief.com/nz

The site has been created by the team at Rivet, Sydney. Says Head of Interactive at Rivet, Mark Ashley-Wilson (second from right): "We redesigned the blog so it is completely inline with the sister sites campaignbrief.com and campaignbrief.com/WA. Now it's over to the visitors to post how they really feel - watch-out!"

The team who made it all happen are:
Mark Ashley-Wilson - Head of Interactive
Richard de Nys - Executive Producer
Masami Iida - Programmer
Han Lee - Designer

DDB GETS BRONZE AT ANDY'S

2008-05-01T11:31:00.004+12:00

The 2008 International ANDY Awards, announced this evening in New York, awarded a total of 101 Gold, Silver and Bronze ANDYs in addition to the GRANDY Best In Show Award, which went to McCann Worldgroup in San Francisco and T.A.G., for its Microsoft XBOX Halo 3 campaign “Believe.”
DDB New Zealand won a Bronze ANDY for its out-of-home advertising in the media category for client Sky Television. Australia faired a bit better: Leo Burnett Sydney took home a Gold in the public service/non-profit category for WWF 'Earth Hour' while JWT Sydney was honored with a Silver ANDY for TV for Thrifty 'Birthday Girl'.
According to Mark Waites (pictured by CB in Sydney), Honorary Chairman of the International ANDY Awards and Creative Director and Founding Partner, Mother London, “We’re seeing an intensifying global influence in the ANDYs this year with a strong showing of winners throughout international agency networks. In addition, conducting final judging in Sydney created a terrific bond for those of us in U.S. and U.K. agency worlds, underscoring the enormous talent and resources available to everyone in the global creative community.”
He goes on to say that the work continues to reflect a departure from traditional approaches and mediums, showing greater emphasis on integrated programs with a very prominent digital component. “It’s getting increasingly difficult to believe that a stand alone TV spot is going to have any real impact these days. There has to be other elements to a successful campaign. The 2008 GRANDY, the Best in Show, was won by an incredible integrated campaign that engaged on many levels across manymediums. Without a doubt we will see this level of integration being an area for much innovation.”
The Awards Show and Party took place at Skylight Studios in New York City and was sponsored by Yahoo!, with additional support from Time Warner Global Media Group, EYE, Media Temple, Veer and Saaga 1763 Vodka.
The International ANDY Awards, now in its 44th year, is one of the world’s preeminent advertising industry award shows. Famous for its outstanding, senior caliber jury, the ANDYs celebrate creative excellence in broadcast, print, interactive, outdoor and integrated advertising.

CAMPAIGN BRIEF/BESTADS LEGENDARY DINNER

2008-05-01T11:21:00.002+12:00

The Campaign Brief/Bestads Legendary Dinner was held last night in Auckland, ahead of the AXIS Awards on Friday Night. The dinner was attended by the who's who of NZ creatives as well as international legendary guests Seb Royce, Creative Director, Glue London, Richard Ulfvengren, Executive Producer, Traktor and Pontus Lowenhielm, Director, Traktor, thanks to CAANZ.
The dinner was generously sponsored by our good friends Matt Noonan and Peter Grasse at
CURIOUS; Patrick McAteer at OKTOBOR; and Jim Hall and Stacey Wah at SOUNDTRAX.

CHETCUTI TAKES SUGAR

2008-04-30T16:40:00.001+12:00

“Small, but perfectly formed.” is how Sugar Advertising executve CD Nigel Corbett has described his new senior art director Partner, Marc Chetcuti. “He’s also part Welsh and part Italian” giving yet more evidence of his integrated background.
"Highly awarded, some of it for advertising, he helped take Clemenger BBDO in Wellington to a top five ranking in the world for integrated communications. He joins from M&C Saatchi, Melbourne and has a wealth of experience across a broad range of categories. He even did a stint producing supplements for Australian Vogue. Even more importantly, he’s got loads of energy, he’s a nice guy, and he used to have an MG."

NAGY TO CD OF CLEMENGER WELLINGTON

2008-04-29T14:00:00.004+12:00

Clemenger BBDO Wellington has appointed Paul Nagy creative director, to replace outgoing CD Mark Harricks - who's heading to the CD gig at DB Sydney.
Nagy told NZCC: "I can’t tell you how honoured and proud I am about having this gig – particularly considering I have to fill the considerable hole left by Mark Harricks, my partner since I arrived here in Wellington.
"I love this city, I love the agency and I’m lucky to be surrounded by such a talented bunch of people. We won all those Lions last year, so certainly I’ve got it all to prove."

CREATIVE RANKINGS OUT SOON

2008-04-29T13:10:00.002+12:00

The annual Campaign Brief Creative Rankings are nearly at the printer and about to be published. This year, over 500 creative make the cut, based on success at D&AD, The One Show, Cannes, Clio, AWARD, The Work and the Caxtons over the last two years. As there are so many names, there are bound to be a few who have moved on to other agencies, so please go to the

CB Blog

and download the PDF. If you notice anything wrong (about your entry or someone else's entry), please email michael@campaignbrief.com ASAP, before this Wednesday PM.

19 NZ ENTRIES SHORTLISTED AT CLIOS

2008-04-25T14:48:00.003+12:00

New Zealand has 19 entries through to the shortlist stage of the Clio Awards, which will be held in Miami next month: DDB with 5, Colenso BBDO with 4, Saatchi & Saatchi with 3 and 2 apiece to Clemenger BBDO, Wellington and Publicis Mojo.
In contrast, Australia has scored a record 44 on the shortlist. Leo Burnett, Sydney lead the Australian agency pack with 7 shortlisted, followed by DDB Sydney with 6, Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney with 4, JWT Sydney and Lowe + Rivet Sydney with 3 apeice and Clemenger BBDO Melbourne with 2.

INNOVATIVE

Business Equipment/Services
Deadlina Couriers ‘Self Destruct’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Corporate/Institutional
NZ Army ‘Bluetooth - Forest, Snow, Jungle’
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, Auckland

Direct Marketing
Air New Zealand Fashion Week ‘30,000 Feet’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Direct Marketing
Durex Performa Condoms ‘Last Longer – Redhead’
DDB New Zealand, Auckland

Direct Marketing
Volkswagen Service ‘Tiny Technician’
DDB New Zealand, Auckland

Entertainment
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre ‘Omaka’
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

INTEGRATED

Campaign
adidas All Blacks Apparel ‘Of This Earth’
TBWA\Whybin, Auckland

Integrated Campaign
Schweppes ‘Schweppes Short Film Festival’
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

Integrated Campaign
Speight's ‘Speight Great Beer Delivery’
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

INTERACTIVE

Brand Building
Deadline Couriers ‘Self Destruct’
Colenso BBDO Auckland

Viral
Ford Mondeo ‘Mondeo Balloons’
JWT New Zealand, Auckland

BILLBOARD

Business Equipment/Services
Deadline Couriers ‘Self Destruct’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Product/Service
SKY Television - Discovery Channel ‘Solar’
DDB New Zealand, Auckland

Public Service
Rodney District Council ‘Flash Before Your Eyes’
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, Auckland

POSTER

Leisure
Wellington Zoo ‘Donkey’
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, Auckland

Public Service
Accident Compensation Corporation ‘Bikes Just Appear’
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

PRINT

Media
SKY Television ‘Paris on Prison’
DDB New Zealand, Auckland

DIRECT MAIL

Collateral
Durex Performa Condoms ‘Last Longer – Brunette’
DDB New Zealand, Auckland

TELEVISION, CINEMA, DIGITAL - CRAFT

Sound Design
Coastguard
Liquidstudios NZ, Auckland

MARK HARRICKS TO DDB SYDNEY CD

2008-04-22T16:37:00.002+12:00

NZCC hears Aussie expat Mark Harricks, the multi awarded Clemenger BBDO, Wellington creative director, has been appointed creative director of DDB Sydney, filling the void left after the departure of Steve Back (to ECD of Saatchi Sydney). Harricks, who will report to national ECD and deputy chairman, Matt Eastwood, won an Integrated Lion and several Silver Lions at Cannes last year.

HARRIS APPOINTED TO SAATCHI'S PLANNING TEAM

2008-04-22T15:56:00.000+12:00

Saatchi & Saatchi has appointed Teresa Harris to the role of senior strategist, completing its new planning line up.
Harris joins from Proximity London where she spent two years as Planning Director.
Murray Streets, Saatchi & Saatchi Director of Strategy, says the move finalises the agency’s new line-up of strategists and follows the appointment of consumer specialist Debby Giness in December last year. Giness’s background includes more than five years experience as a consumer researcher at Ideaction and Colmar Brunton.
“Teresa’s appointment is another fantastic boost for the new planning team. We now have five strategists who are dedicated to seeing the world through the eyes of New Zealanders at a time when rapidly changing technologies offer fresh opportunities for people to connect with each other and share their stories,” Streets says.
A Kiwi, Teresa has spent the last eight years in the United Kingdom working across a number of service brands such as InterContinental Group hotels and Royal Mail developing through the line communication strategies and digital communications.
“She decided to return to New Zealand late last year and we've been lucky enough to now persuade her to join the Telecom team. She confesses to having an obsession with SMEs and digital communications, both of which make her exceptionally well placed to work in the telecommunications space,” Streets says.

HITCHCOCK & LANCASTER WIN CANNES TRIP

2008-04-22T14:22:00.002+12:00

Colenso BBDO, Auckland has won the 2008 OMA Out of Home Awards for their Deadline Express Couriers 'Exploding Billboard'. Apart from $50,000 worth of free media to the agency, the creative team, Jamie Hitchcock & Josh Lancaster, win a trip to Cannes this year.

CURIOUS FILM WINS SIR JULIUS VOGEL AWARD

2008-04-22T01:04:00.004+12:00

Curious Film is the only Australasian production house to be recognised at this year’s Sir Julius Vogel Awards for science fiction, fantasy and horror.
Voted by the general public, the distinguished Sir Julius Vogel Awards run annually as part of the New Zealand National Science Fiction Convention in Wellington.
"We were so surprised to win this year's Sir Julius Vogel Award," says Pete Grasse, General Manager at Curious Film, "But the award represents everything we are passionate about in advertising – communication, storytelling, effectiveness, robots, quality production standards, and sci-fi and fantasy fandom."
Curious Film was nominated for its

We've got it made

spot, directed by Josh Frizzell, the spot shows popular Kiwi actor Oliver Driver being assembled on a robotic factory floor out of shiny white plastic, over which a soft human exterior is added. The human robot is packed into a tiny cardboard box with a label that reads, 'Buy Kiwi Made', a concept developed by Oliver Maisey and Paul Taylor at M&C Saatchi Auckland for the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development.
The Sir Julius Vogel Awards are administered by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Association of New Zealand, which aims to foster links between fan groups and increase public awareness of the sci-fi genre, with memberships available for NZ$10 (www.SFFANZ. org.nz).

THREE NOMINATIONS FOR NZ AT D&AD

2008-04-19T15:32:00.006+12:00

D&AD announced the interim results of Awards 2008 judging today, with New Zealand scoring three Nominations and 17 In Book, placing us equal 8th in the world. Saatchi & Saatchi Auskland has two Nominations - for NZ Army 'Bluetooth' and Wellington Zoo 'Close Encounters' plus three In Book, while Publicis Mojo Auckland has a Nomination for their Speights 'Great Beer Delivery' plus two In Book.
Other NZ shops to get In Book includes DDB Auckland with five and Colenso BBDO with two.
This year, 691 entries from 35 countries have been recognised from the 25,000+ entries received. Of those, 143 have been nominated for a Yellow Pencil, which is awarded to work that sets new benchmarks in creative excellence. Winners will be announced at the D&D Awards Ceremony in London on 15 May.
As is always expected at D&AD, UK ad agencies lead the way with a total of 295 entries In-Book, more than all other countries combined!
Black Pencil Judging will take place on 12 May in London. The jury will consist of the Foremen and one judge from each original Jury. This group will decide if any work is truly groundbreaking. Previous winners include Nikeplus.com by R/GA and The Guardian newspaper redesign.
Nominated work can be viewed online from 6 May at www.dandad.org/awards08.

TOP 10 COUNTRIES AT D&AD
UK (58 Nominations, 295 In Book)
USA (32 Nominations, 63 In Book)
Germany (8 Nominations, 33 In Book)
Japan (6 Nominations, 10 In Book)
Netherlands (6 Nominations, 5 In Book)
Spain (5 Nominations, 9 In Book)
Singapore (3 Nominations, 23 In Book)
Australia (3 Nominations, 17 In Book)
New Zealand (3 Nominations, 17 In Book)
Sweden (3 Nominations, 17 In Book)

GOLD TO COLENSO BBDO AT SPIKES

2008-04-19T10:28:00.004+12:00

Colenso BBDO, Auckland won the only Gold awarded at the Outdoor Spikes presented last night in Bali, for their Deadline Express Couriers 'Exploding Billboard'. The same work also won a Silver.
DDB Auckland won one Silver and five Bronze Awards in Outdoor. The Silver for Sky Television 'Clock', 'Solar', 'Neon'; Bronze for Sky Television 'Solar' and 'Neon', Sky Television 'The Wrong Man', Sky Television 'Superman Britomart' and NZ Lotteries 'Money Bags'.
In the Radio Spikes, DDB Auckland won Bronze for Sky Television 'Wrong Number'.
Leo Burnett Sydney won the Platinum Grand Prix in Integrated. The campaign totally dominated the category, also taking out the Green Award, a Gold and a Silver.
Apart from that, only two Bronze awards were presented, one going to TBWA\Whybin, Auckland for their adidasNZRU 'Of this Earth' campaign.

SAATCHI'S GETS TWO NOMINATIONS AT D&AD

2008-04-18T16:38:00.004+12:00

The full list from D&AD is not out yet (hopefully tonight) but already it appears from attached screen grab that Saatchi & Saatchi NZ has an impressive two Nominations - for NZ Army 'Bluetooth' and Wellington Zoo 'Close Encounters' plus three In Book.

DRAFT FCB NAMED FAIRFAX ADMEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR, SUGAR GETS INDIE TITLE

2008-04-18T12:59:00.004+12:00

The 2008 FairFax AdMedia agency of the year winners were unveiled at a function in Auckland last night.

AGENCY OF THE YEAR
DraftFCB
Finalists: Colenso BBDO, DDB, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA\Whybin.

INDIE AGENCY OF THE YEAR
Sugar
Finalists: Barnes (now Catmur Barnes), JustOne, Mr Smith, Lassoo Media.

MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR
OMD
Finalists: DraftFCB Media, Mediaedge:cia, Starcom.

DIRECT MARKETING AGENCY OF THE YEAR
AIM Proximity
Finalists: JustOne, Rapp Collins Limb Walker, Saatchi & Saatchi.

CEO OF THE YEAR
Neil Livingston (Colenso.99)
Finalists: Bryan Crawford (DraftFCB), Sarah Norrie (G2), Sandy Moore (DDB).

ROOKIE SUIT
Rachael McKenzie (Saatchi & Saatchi)
Finalists: Laura Bathurst (Colenso.99), Daniel Phillips (Saatchi & Saatchi).

WILDCARD
The Hyperfactory.

Also announced were the three 2008 inductees into the Mail Marketing Service AdMedia advertising hall of Fame: Terry King, Len du Chateau, and Terry Christie.
All the details, including photos and judges’ comments, are in AdMedia April, out today.

MORE NZ FINALISTS AT SPIKES

2008-04-18T00:55:00.001+12:00

More New Zealand entries have been shortlisted at the Spikes, the Asian advertising award show currently being judged in Bali. Winners will be announced Friday night.

INTEGRATED FINALISTS

Mars 'Lingerie 4 Men'
Colenso BBDO, New Zealand

Sky Television 'Fresh - Metaphors'
DDB Auckland

adidasNZRU 'Of this Earth'
TBWA\Whybin, Auckland

OUTDOOR FINALISTS

Business Products/Services
Deadline Express Couriers 'Self Destruct'
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Business Products/Services
Deadline Express Couriers 'Self Destruct'
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Best use of Ambient Advertising: special build
Sky Television 'Neon'
DDB Auckland

Best use of Ambient Advertising: special build
Sky Television 'Solar'
DDB Auckland

Best use of Ambient Advertising: special build
Sky Television
DDB Auckland

Best use of Ambient Advertising: stunts & live advertising
NZ Lotteries 'Money Bags'
DDB Auckland

Media
Sky Television 'The Wrong Man'
DDB Auckland

Media
Sky Television 'Superman Britomart'
DDB Auckland

RADIO FINALISTS

Sky Television '17 Weeks'
DDB Auckland

Sky Television 'Wrong Number'
DDB Auckland

AXIS FINALISTS: DDB BLITZES AGENCY PACK

2008-04-17T19:02:00.004+12:00

The

2008 AXIS FINALISTS

are now on the CAANZ site, with CB Agency of the Year DDB leading the agency pack, with a staggering 61 finalists (not including Craft), over three times that of second placed Saatchi & Saatchi NZ with 19, Publicis Mojo with 18, with fourth spot shared by Colenso BBDO and Draft FCB with 17 finalists each.
Further down the chart, Ogilvy has 12 finalists followed by Clemenger BBDO Wellington with 8, TBWA\Whybin with 5, Republik with 4, AIM Proximity with 3, with Special, Rivet and JWT on 2 apiece. One finalist each to M&C Saatchi, Insight, Blackwood Communications, Y&R Wellington, Y&R Auckland and Big Communications.

KIWIS WIN AT SPIKES

2008-04-17T15:13:00.001+12:00

Several New Zealand entries have won metal at the Spikes, the Asian advertising award show currently being judged in Bali. More category winners will be announced today and tomorrow.

TV CRAFT WINNERS: BRONZE

Best use of animation/computer graphics/special effects
Fly Buys New Zealand
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

Best use of film direction - including editing, sound and music
Toyota 'Lost Keys'
Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, Auckland

Best use of film direction - including editing, sound and music
Toyota 'Lost Keys'
Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, Auckland

TV CRAFT WINNERS: FINALISTS

Best use of film direction - including editing, sound and music
Toyota 'Lost Keys'
Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, Auckland

Best use of film direction - including editing, sound and music
Mitsubishi 'Fact of life'
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

MEDIA WINNERS: BRONZE

Sports/entertainment/travel and leisure
Air New Zealand 'Grabaseat - dart around NZ'
OMD New Zealand

MEDIA FINALISTS

Best use of television
Air New Zealand 'Grabaseat - dart around NZ'
OMD New Zealand

SIMS TO CD OF REPUBLIK

2008-04-17T10:10:00.000+12:00

Andrew Sims, former CD of Sugar, has been appointed creative director at Republik.
Says Republik’s Paul McNamara: “Finding somebody with the right blend of enthusiasm, talent and experience was the key. We have some very exciting opportunities ahead of us over the next 12 to 18 months and we believe Andrew’s experience will put us in a fantastic position to capitalize on those opportunities.”
Says Sims: “I’ve joined the agency at an incredibly exciting time. They’ve got a great culture, a lot of really talented people and a brilliant mix of clients, what more could you want?”

CHUCK McBRIDE, SEB ROYCE, TRAKTOR: HEAR WHAT THE REAL NAMES IN INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING HAVE TO SAY ON MAY 1

2008-04-16T10:16:00.005+12:00

Don’t listen to the inane ramblings of the sad and bitter cowards; that snipe and jab at the successful from the safety of their anonymity. Instead, come and hear from the truly gifted. The guys that spend their lives creating great ads and celebrating great creative. The guys that are judging your work at this year’s Axis. These guys have opinions worth hearing. Their opinions count. More so than those that constantly remain nameless, and will most likely remain nameless forever.
Chuck McBride of Cutwater, San Francisco, Seb Royce from glue London, Richard Ulfvengren and Pontus Lowenhielm from Traktor are all in town. They’re more than qualified to be judges. Between them they’ve been responsible for reinventing brands like Adidas and have won every major industry award, MTV awards, and even a Grammy nomination.
Each will show their favourite ads, talk a little about their chosen subject, and stick around for a beer and questions.
If you’re more interested in making a name for yourself, than name calling, you should come along.
The Event’s on Thursday 1st May 2008 from 2.45pm – 6pm at The Maritime Room, National Maritime Museum, Hobson Wharf, Viaduct Harbour.
Tickets $99 + GST (Get the company to pay).
To purchase tickets contact Amanda Watts on 09 303 0435 or email amanda@caanz.co.nz

INVITE CREDITS:
Agency: Colenso BBDO
ECD: Nick Worthington
Creatives: Mick Stalker and Sarah Longworth

COLENSO GETS HELL

2008-04-15T11:44:00.004+12:00

After an extensive pitch process, HELL Pizza today announced Colenso BBDO as its new advertising agency partner.
Colenso BBDO won out over the other final shortlisted agency Sugar/Touchcast Next, with the initial pitch list including Draft FCB (Mint), JWT and Mr Smith.
Says Brent Smart, managing director of Colenso BBDO: “We’re stoked to win HELL. It’s a great brand with amazing potential, from both a creative and business growth perspective."
For Colenso BBDO, the win caps off a successful 12 months of new business growth that has seen major brands like Vodafone, Yellow Pages and GlobalPlus appoint the agency.
“Nick Worthington (new Executive Creative Director) has made such a great start with us and it’s fitting that we won the first pitch he’s worked on,” added Smart.

OKTOBOR SET FOR MORE CREATIVE EXPANSIONS

2008-04-14T14:57:00.002+12:00

Pre-eminent digital effects company Oktobor continues to go from strength to strength on the back of last year’s successful re-entry into the New Zealand market, with additional awards up its sleeve and a world-class digital media expert joining the team.
Sean Dekkers recently took fourth place at the Annual Boards Awards in the Motion Graphics category. These awards identify the hottest new motion and graphics talent on the planet. For Sean, this comes off the back of taking out the Compositing section at the Adobe Awards earlier this year.
Oktobor has also been successful in securing the 2008 Sir Julius Vogel Award in the Best Dramatic Presentation – Short Form category for the Buy Kiwi Made campaign.
Senior Oktobor artist Jonny Kofoed will form part of the international judging panel at the 49th annual Clio Awards in the Technique category. The awards will be announced in May in South Beach, Florida.
In addition, more fresh talent is set to join the Oktobor team this year with Mark Zeman coming on board shortly as Technical Director, further strengthening Oktobor’s digital offer.
Zemen brings with him a wealth of both academic and commercial expertise having spent the past four years lecturing at Massey University across the digital media area. Prior to this, Mark spent five years as director and lead developer at Morse Media, a leading media design studio he founded.
Zemen says the decision to join Oktobor was an easy one. “I admire their creative output which stems from having a fantastic team of creative and technically talented people. I can’t wait to start.”
Oktobor General Manager Patrick McAteer (pictured) says Zemen adds an exciting new dimension to its existing array of world-class talent: “We are now at the top of our game and will continue to generate more success, not only for ourselves, but for existing and potential clients alike.”

RESN'S MINUIT WEBSITE HONORED AT WEBBY’S AND TAKES OUT SXSW AWARD

2008-04-11T16:37:00.003+12:00

The 12th Annual International Webby Awards have recognized Wellington based interactive company Resn for their website Minuit.co.nz as an Official Honoree in the music websites category. Minuit was named along side of ten other websites developed by multinational companies such as MTV Networks, British Telecom & Microsoft MSN.
The Webby Awards received a record number of entries with more than 10,000 submissions. The judging panel included celebrities such as David Bowie, Richard Branson, Beck, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Groening, Jamie Oliver and internet co-inventor Vint Cerf.
Resn also took home the SXSW Web Award in the Best Music Website category at the 11th annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Web Awards for their work on www.minuit.co.nz. Minuit (min-wee), the Kiwi band with the French name is a high energy, enigmatic recent arrival on the international music scene. The SXSW Web Awards honors top web developers and designers chosen from entries submitted across the world.
“It is extremely exciting to see Minuit’s website continue to gain accolades from around the world. We have won three industry-defining awards, a Webby Honoree, The FWA award and SXSW! This really shows what a world-class talented bunch of creative people we have working for us here at Resn,” says Rikki Campbell the Creative Director of Resn.
Says Minuit’s Manager, Paul Dodge: “The success of our website is really helping Minuit introduce new audiences to our music in some far off places. We’re very proud that it continues to thrill the world’s web community.”
Resn Creative were the first New Zealand based company to win an FWA Site of the Day award, the first New Zealand company to win at SXSW and also first to be honored in the music category at the Webby’s. Past winners of the FWA have been some of the most influential web development firms and advertising agencies in the World including Big Spaceship, Group 94 and North Kingdom. Minuit’s website has already won the 2007 Pixel Awards - Music category and was also awarded Runner Up for Pixels Awards Best in Show. The website won bronze at the Designers Institute of New Zealand 2007 Best Awards Interactive Category.
Apart from their traditional big brand clients, Resn Creative has created websites for some of New Zealand’s top music acts including The Black Seeds, Liam Finn and Luke Buda. These sites have been hugely successful with The Black Seeds (www.theblackseeds.com) website being nominated for the coveted SXSW Web Awards 2007 Music Category and Liam Finn (www.liamfinn.co.nz) receiving over 750 000 visitors to his viral music game.

Webby Awards
http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current_honorees.php?media_id=96&category_id=44&season=12

For a complete list of Web Awards winner, visit the following site: http://2008.sxsw.com/interactive/web_awards/winners/.

OGDEN TO DEPUTY CD AT JWT

2008-04-11T10:25:00.003+12:00

JWT New Zealand has poached DDB Sydney senior writer Peter Ogden as Deputy Creative Director.
Says JWT Creative Director Angus Hennah: “It’s great to have someone of Pete’s calibre join our team. His experience on the Volkswagen account in Sydney will no doubt be of huge benefit to the Ford team.”
Says Ogden: “The move to JWT NZ gives me the chance to put my experience at play in a more senior role and contribute to the bright future that JWT is already heading towards.
“My impression of New Zealanders is that they don’t take themselves too seriously. I think this is what allows the advertising there to take a few more risks and I want to be a part of it. The move into the red zone on the CB Hot or Cold chart and the recent One Show and One Show Interactive finalists are evidence that Angus is steering the agency in the right direction.”
After a brief stint at Clemenger BBDO Sydney he made DDB Sydney home for over ten years. Whilst at DDB, he contributed highly effective and award winning campaigns for the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority), News Ltd, Telstra, McDonald's, Arnotts, Gatorade, NAPCAN (National Association for the Protection of Children from Abuse and Neglect), Audi, Wrigley's, and Volkswagen. DDB Sydney is the current CB Agency of the Year.
Prior to his time in Sydney, Ogden spent ten years in London working at Bates and BBDO.
His work has been recognized at D&AD, One Show, Clio and AWARD.

SEVEN NEW ZEALAND ENTRIES MAKE THE ONE SHOW INTERACTIVE SHORTLIST

2008-04-10T15:14:00.001+12:00

New Zealand has seven entries accepted into The One Show Interactive Annual, with the chance to go on to win metal at the awards to be held in New York in early May.

WEBSITES: CORPORATE IMAGE
Minuit ‘The World Of Minuit’
Resn, Wellington

ONLINE BRANDED CONTENT – SINGLE
Schweppes ‘Consequences’
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

ONLINE BRANDED CONTENT – SINGLE
Ford Motor Company New Zealand ‘Balloons’
JWT, Auckland

NEW MEDIA INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Casio ‘Exilim’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

NEW MEDIA INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Wellington City Zoo ‘Close Encounters - Augmented Reality’
Saatchi & Saatchi, Auckland

OTHER INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA
Deadline Express Couriers ‘Self Destruct’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

PUBLIC SERVICE/CULTURAL/EDUCATIONAL: MICROSITES
Asthma & Respiratory Foundation ‘Balloon Lungs’
Ogilvy, Auckland

PUBLICIS MOJO AUCKLAND WINS BRONZE FOR GREENPEACE 'BREATHE' SPOT AT INAUGURAL IAA RESPONSIBILITY AWARDS

2008-04-10T10:31:00.005+12:00

Publicis Mojo Auckland's

BREATHE

spot for Greenpeace has won Bronze at the 1st International Advertising Association Responsibility Awards in Washington, which honor the best social & environmental ads worldwide.
There were only 25 awards handed out and only one for the Asia Pacific region, by a jury chaired by Bob Scarpelli, Chairman and Worldwide Chief Creative Officer of DDB Worldwide.

Grand Prix : Signatures for Amnesty International by TBWA\Paris (France)
Platinium Film : Bullet for Amnesty International by TBWA\Paris (France)
Platinium Digital : Rub it for Asociación de Mujeres Anti Mutilación (AMAM Espana) by Contrapunto Barcelona (Spain)

Film Environment :
Gold : The Glove for Surfrider Foundation by Young & Rubicam Paris (France)
Silver : Money for WWF by DM9 DDB (Brazil)
Bronze : Breathe for Greenpeace by Publicis Mojo Auckland (New Zealand)

Film Social :
Gold : Everyone knows for AdCouncil and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by Merkley + Partners (USA)
Silver : Scary Tale for National Center for Eating Disorders by Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO (UK)
Silver : Kill the Gun for Choice FM by Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO (UK)

Film Corporate Social Responsibility :
Gold : Jar for General Electric by BBDO New York (USA)
Silver : Andrei for Petrom by Ogilvy & Mather Bucharest (Romania)
Bronze : Heating for Vattenfall by Lowe Brindfors (Sweden)

Print Social :
Gold : Campaign Montana Meth Project : Lipstick & Hook for Montana Meth Project by Venables, Bells and Partners (USA)
Silver : Campaign Children Soldiers : Soccer & Hanging Kids for Amnesty International by TBWA\Paris (France)
Bronze : Panda for Nobody’s Children Foundation by DDB Warsaw (Poland)

Print Environment:
Gold : Radial Turtle for California Coastal Commission by Goodby, Silverstein and Partners (USA)
Silver : Campaign Alligator / Turtle / Tree for Fundacao O Boticario by Almap BBDO (Brazil)
Silver : Campaign Climate Change for Greenpeace by Almap BBDO (Brazil)

Print Corporate Social Responsibility :
Gold : Campaign Children/ Truck / Worker for Saab by Leagas Delaney (Italy)
Silver : Campaign Palm Trees / Sun Lamp for General Electric by BBDO New York (USA)
Bronze : Reindeer for BC Hydro by DDB Canada

Digital :
Gold : WheelChair for AACD by McCann Erickson Brazil
Silver : Campaign Boy and Girl for Fundacion Ilusiones by Contrapunto Barcelona (Spain)
Silver : Screensaver for Greenpeace by Demner, Merlicek & Bergmann (Austria)

Notes :
The global jury was chaired by Bob Scarpelli, Chairman and Worldwide Chief Creative Officer of DDB Worldwide.
The other members are :
-Marcio M. Moreira, Vice Chairman, Global Professional Management, McCann Worldgroup.
-Piyush Panday, Executive Chairman and National Creative Director, Ogilvy India & South East Asia,
-Edgar Gianesi, Creative Director, Lowe Brazil,
and personalities with a specific expertise in social communications : Peggy Conlon, President, The AdCouncil (USA), Pierre Siquier, in charge of Sustainable Development at the French Association of Communications Agencies and President of Fondation Nicolas Hulot, a French NGO, Anthony Kleanthous, Global Policy Advisor, WWF (UK), Solange Montillaud-Joyel, Associate Program Officer, in charge of communications, United Nations Environment Programme, Dan Bross, Senior Director for Corporate Citizenship, Microsoft, Olivier de Montchenu, Director, Euronews and Hervé de Clerck, Founder & Dream leader, AdForum, Initiator of ACT Responsible.

DDB AUCKLAND LEADS NZ AGENCY PACK AT SHORTLIST STAGE OF THE ONE SHOW

2008-04-07T22:55:00.008+12:00

UPDATED TO INCLUDE DESIGN FINALISTS - CB Agency of the Year DDB New Zealand leads the agency pack at the shortlist stage of The One Show with an impressive 12 finalists, followed by Colenso BBDO with 7, Publicis Mojo with 5, Clemenger BBDO Wellington with 3 and Saatchi & Saatchi NZ with 2. One finalist apiece for DraftFCB, Y&R, JWT and WRC.
Over in Australia, CB Agency of the Year DDB Sydney leads the Australian tally with 13 finalists, followed by JWT Sydney and M&C Saatchi Sydney with 5 finalists apiece, Leo Burnett Sydney with 4 and Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne and CumminsNitro, Melbourne with 3.
NOTE: The One Show list is only a semi-finalist list and does not guarantee a Pencil or Merit award or inclusion in the One Show Annual. The One Show winners will be announced at the awards presentation in New York next month.

CONSUMER MAGAZINE: FULL PAGE OR SPREAD - CAMPAIGN

Swanndri ‘Swanndri’
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

OUTDOOR - SINGLE

TV3 ‘Small Skin’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

TV3 ‘Sensor Light’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Sky Television ‘Superman Britomart’
DDB Auckland

Sky Television ‘Serial Killers’
DDB Auckland

Sanyo ‘Tide’
Saatchi & Saatchi NZ , Auckland

OUTDOOR CAMPAIGN

Sky Television ‘Variety’
DDB Auckland

COLLATERAL DESIGN/POSTERS - CAMPAIGN

The National Foundation for the Deaf 'Listen to the Deaf'
DDB Auckland

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN - SINGLE

TV3 'Sensor Light'
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

COLLATERAL: POP AND IN-STORE - SINGLE

SSL - Durex ‘Brunette’
DDB Auckland

COLLATERAL PROMOTION (AGENCIES CREATING WORK FOR INDIV.)

The National Bank of New Zealand ‘Radio Pillow’
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

TELEVISION: OVER 30# - SINGLE

New Zealand Lotteries ‘Old Flame’
DDB Auckland

TELEVISION: 30/:25 - SINGLE

Volkswagen ‘Finance Director’
DDB Auckland

TELEVISION: 30/:25 - CAMPAIGN

Prime ‘The L Word’
DraftFCB New Zealand, Auckland

COMMERCIALS OF VARIOUS LENGTH - CAMPAIGN

Monaco ‘Instant Rockstar - Photographer’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

INNOVATIVE USE OF ADVERTISING - SINGLE

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre ‘Omaka’
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

The National Bank of New Zealand ‘Radio Pillow’
Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

TV3 ‘Soap’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

SKY Television ‘The Breakup’
DDB Auckland

Amnesty International ‘Freedom Pen’
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

NZ Red Cross ‘The TV Ad that Phoned You’
Y&R Auckland

INNOVATIVE USE OF ADVERTISING - CAMPAIGN

NZ Army ‘Bluetooth’
Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, Auckland

INNOVATIVE MARKETING - SINGLE

Deadline Express Couriers ‘Self Destruct’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

Air New Zealand ‘30,000 Ft. Catwalk’
Colenso BBDO, Auckland

New Zealand Lotteries ‘Money Bags’
DDB Auckland

Volkswagen ‘Tiny Technician’
DDB Auckland

SSL - Durex ‘Redhead’
DDB Auckland

Tourism New Zealand ‘Giant Rugby Ball’
JWT New Zealand

INNOVATIVE MARKETING - CAMPAIGN

Schweppes Short Film Festival
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

Speight’s Great Beer Delivery
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

Smirnoff ‘Nikolai’
WRC New Zealand

INTEGRATED BRANDING - CAMPAIGN

SKY Television ‘Fresh - Metaphors’
DDB Auckland

Speight’s Great Beer Delivery
Publicis Mojo, Auckland

HYUNDAI KIDS ARE BACK

2008-04-07T13:28:00.003+12:00

The follow up of the hugely popular Hyundai Santa Fe commercial has just gone to air New Zealand, via Assignment Group NZ. Director Tony Williams once again chosen to shoot the next chapter, launching the Hyundai i30. Dante, the hero of the first commercial returns to save Sienna in a driving and rescue sequence more elaborate than the original. Dante learnt to drive and surf as a 2 year and now he’s taken his driving skills and added acrobatics to his resume.

View the commercial

Director – Tony Williams
Producer – Maggie Lewis, Sydney Film Company
DOP – John Blick
Editor – Charles Ivory
Agency – Assignment Group NZ
Flame – Stuart Cadzow, FSM
3D – Jamie Dower, FSM
Colourists – Dave Pickett, Crash Carlucci, FSM

FAIRFAX CANNES YOUNG CREATIVE COMPETITION CALLS FOR ENTRIES: 4 CANNES TRIPS TO BE WON

2008-04-07T06:49:00.008+12:00

FairFax Media has called for entries for the Fairfax Cannes Young Lions creative competition and media competition, with trips for two to be won in each category.
The winning teams will represent New Zealand in the Cannes Young Lions competitions (against other country winners) at Cannes in June.
The deadline for entries is 5pm, April 30.
For entry details, visit

Stuff

DILALLO AND BENJAMIN QUIT JWT SYDNEY FOR JOINT ECD GIG AT LEO BURNETT SYDNEY

2008-04-05T19:53:00.005+13:00

Leo Burnett Sydney has snared ex Saatchi NZ creative team Andy DiLallo and Jay Benjamin from JWT Sydney as joint executive creative directors of the agency, replacing Mark Collis, who has headed to the ECD gig at Ogilvy Tokyo.
American born DiLallo and Benjamin (pictured, flanking Leo Burnett CEO Todd Sampson) were promoted to joint executive creative directors of JWT Sydney in August last year after joining as deputy CDs in December 2006 from senior positions at Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand. Before their NZ stint, the pair were brought out to Australia by Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney in 2003, hired by then ECD David Nobay, who was their boss at Bozell, New York.
Benjamin and DiLallo are two of the top and most awarded creative directors in the country. They rank in the top 10 in the region and their work has been continually recognized at Cannes, One Show, D&AD, Clio, AWARD, Adfest and Young Guns. They were also big part of five Campaign Brief Agency of the Year titles during their five year stint at Saatchi’s both in Sydney and Auckland.
Says Mark Tutssel, Leo Burnett Worldwide Creative Director, who was in Sydney last month judging the Andy's: "Andy and Jay have a proven ability to generate big ideas time and time again. Their award winning work speaks for itself. With Todd Sampson we now have a dynamic, new, creative management team in place, with the talent to take full advantage of the infinite creative opportunities that face our industry."

PUBLICIS MOJO LURES STEVE McKENZIE FROM LONDON TO REPLACE NICK WORTHINGTON

2008-04-05T14:13:00.001+13:00

Publicis Mojo has appointed globally acclaimed creative director, Steve Mckenzie, to the creative director gig, partly filling the role previously held by Nick Worthington, now at Colenso BBDO.
Originally from Australia, Mckenzie has been working in the UK and Hong Kong for the last 18 years with high profile agencies such as APL, St Lukes, Mother, Bates, and BMP DDB.
Leaving Saatchi and Saatchi Melbourne in 1990 to seek fame in the UK, Mckenzie went on to work on some of the world’s largest brands including American Airlines, Emirates, Volkswagen, Sony, B.T., Nokia, British Telecom, and AOL. Soon after his arrival in London he won major metal for the Mushy Peas and Peperami campaigns at Ammirati Puris Lintas.
Throughout his 20 year career he has received numerous awards including D&AD, Cannes, One Show and British Television. In 2006, he won gold for best campaign at Eurobest.
Most recently working with Dave Alberts as creative director for Grey in London, Mckenzie believes New Zealand is currently one of the most exciting places to work in advertising: “It’s unrestrained, ‘no fear’ culture is producing some of the most inventive work, not only in the region, but around the world, and I’m thrilled to be joining a creative agency that has played a major part in this,” says Mckenzie.
“Publicis Mojo has a dream client list, including an ever increasing amount of international work, and I look forward to being a part of their continued success”.
Says Publicis Mojo board member and shareholder, Lachlan McPherson: “Having someone of Stephen’s calibre join the team is quite a coup and further demonstrates Publicis Mojo’s commitment to world class creative.”
“Stephen is a big player in the global market on some big brands – we can’t wait for him to get here and begin working with him”.
Mckenzie starts at Publicis Mojo on 21st April.

AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS AUCKLAND FILM COMPANY CALLS IT A DAY

2008-04-03T17:04:00.003+13:00

After more than 20 years in operation, Auckland Film Company has chosen to close its doors within a few months.
Maggie Lewis and Peter Cudlipp (pictured on their Sydney office balcony in McMahons Point) have written a letter to staff, clients and suppliers that says it all. Maggie Lewis is returning to New Zealand while Sydney-based Cudlipp will focus on directing.

WORTHINGTON CONFIRMS CHANGES AT COLENSO

2008-04-03T13:01:00.003+13:00

NZCC has just received a note and group photo from Nick Worthington, the new ECD of Colenso BBDO, who confirmed the new hires and promotion reported on the NZCC Blog on Friday...

"Richard Maddocks left the creative department at Colenso BBDO in fantastic shape and it has consistently been the top of the Campaign Brief creative rankings, so the main thing was ‘don’t screw up’.
Anne Boothroyd’s long term partner, Maria, left a gap when she went to Taxi in Canada, leaving the door open for Emmanuel Bougneres, undoubtedly one of the most talented art directors in New Zealand, so it’s a pleasure to have him on board.
Karl Fleet, joins as deputy CD specifically in charge of the junior teams.
Aaron Turk joined the creative department as the creative lead of the digital team, ex CD of Tribal DDB in Sydney, Aaron is a true creative brain and is bringing together the two disciplines seamlessly which is very exciting.
And Steve Cochran is promoted to Creative Director.
Next on the list has to be Len Cheeseman, if I can drag him up from Wellington a day or two a week."

THE CHIP SHOP AWARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES

2008-04-02T03:34:00.004+13:00

There are hundreds of creative award schemes based upon respectable rules and regulations, but The Chip Shop Awards, based in Glasgow, are different. They focus on the creative Holy Grail – An Idea. The awards have no rules, no regulations - it’s all about brilliant ideas and brilliant ads.
All too often your fantastic creative ideas never get the chance to see the light of day, perhaps because they bombed in research, you haven’t yet won the client or your client will never be that brave to run it – Enter The Chip Shop Awards.
It’s a chance for you to shine, to show the industry just how far you can push the creative boundaries and it’s a bit of fun for you to get your teeth into.
The awards are open to anyone with a creative idea anywhere in the world. Last year the awards saw entries from as far away as California and Bahrain, showing that the Chip Shop premise is understood and admired internationally.
There are over 20 categories to choose from including; Best Use of Bad Taste, Best Work for any Brand you Haven’t a Hope of Winning, Best Use of Shocking and Invent Your Own Category.
Enter and become a Chip Shop Member online at www.chipshopawards.com and be part of this year’s awards.
The deadline for entering is Friday 23rd May 2008. Start putting pen to paper and produce those fantastic ads that you have always wanted to do, as some ideas are just too good to die.
For more information please contact the event organiser, Katy Thomson on +44 (0)141 559 6262 or katy.thomson@carnyx.com

NEW CAMPAIGN URGES PEOPLE TO SEE THE BIG POTENTIAL OF LITTLE ACTIONS

2008-04-01T17:31:00.003+13:00

Y&R Wellington and Prodigy have collaborated to create and launch a 45 sec TV

commercial

for non-profit We Are What We Do (WAWWD) movement within New Zealand to promote its global bestseller book Change The World For Fifteen Bucks.
Directed by Prodigy’s Dael Oates, the spot aims to encapsulate the essence of the book – small actions + lots of people = BIG CHANGE and inspire worldwide viewers to take simple everyday actions that can improve our environment, health and communities.
With a naturalistic tone, the piece features a series of sharp, succinct imagery of easy everyday actions described within the book, Change The World.
From turning off the tap between brushing and rinsing to turning the light off when you leave a room, each scene is communicated simply and in only enough time for the activity to register with the viewer, creating a rhythm of realistic actions that everyone can relate to and respond.

Managing Director/Creative Director: Chrissie Lahood
Creative Director: Anton Hart
Production Company: Prodigy
Director: Dael Oates
DOP: Peter Eastgate
Sound: Nylon
Post Production: Animal Logic
Music: Xavier Rudd
Editor: Adam Wills

KIWIS PICKED FOR CLIO TECHNIQUE JURIES

2008-04-01T08:41:00.002+13:00

The 49th Annual Clio Awards today announced the complete international jury for the 2008 Technique category, which includes three Kiwis - Josh Frizzell from Curious, Jim Hall from Soundtrax (pictured at the CB Legendary Lunch) and Jonny Kofoed from Oktobor - and one Kiwi expat: Paul Middleditch from Plaza Films, Sydney.
This jury evaluates a range of techniques involved in the making of ads, including areas such as direction, cinematography, animation and visual effects, editing and music/sound design. All awards will be announced and presented at the 2008 Clio Festival, May 14-17, in South Beach.

Direction/Cinematography
• Dante Ariola (jury chair), director, MJZ, Los Angeles, CA, USA
• Antoine Bardou Jacquet, director, Partizan, Paris, France
• Josh Frizzell, director, Curious Films, Auckland, New Zealand
• Kim Geldenhuys, director, Egg Films, Cape Town, South Africa
• Paul Middleditch, director, Plaza Films, Sydney, Australia
• Prasoon Pandey, director, Corcoise Films Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
• Luciano Podcaminsky, director, Rebolucion & @radical.media, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Gerard de Thame, director, Gerard de Thame Films, London, UK
• Peter Thwaites, director, Gorgeous Enterprises, London, UK

Animation/VFX
• Pierre Buffin, founder & president, BUF Compagnie Parigi, Paris, France
• Ben Cronin, flame artist/VFX supervisor, Framestore-CFC, London, UK
• Nickson Fong, CEO/filmmaker, Egg Story Creative Productions, Singapore
• Pasi Johansson, managing director, STO.PP stockholm.postproduktion, Stockholm, Sweden
• Jonny Kofoed, head of motion & design, Oktobor, Auckland, New Zealand
• Todd Mueller, creative director/co-founder, Psyop, New York, NY, USA
• Chris O'Reilly, executive producer, Nexus Productions, London, UK
• Johnnie Semerad, creative director, Semerad, New York, NY, USA
• E. Suresh, creative director, Famous House of Animation, Mumbai, India
• Achim August Tietz, managing director/technical director, Aixsponza, Munich, Germany
• Stuart White, head of 3D, Fin Design & Effects, Sydney, Australia

Music/Sound
• Christoph Blaser, composer/producer/CEO, Largoland Musicproduction, Berlin, Germany
• Drazen Bosnjak, creative director/composer/sound designer, Q Department, New York, NY, USA
• Michelle Curran, president, Amber Music, London, UK and New York, NY, USA
• Tom Eymundson, partner/director, Pirate Radio & Television, Toronto, Canada
• Rennie Gomes, composer/managing director, Yellow Box Studios, Singapore
• Jim Hall, musician composer, Soundtrax, Auckland, New Zealand
• Jason Johnson, creative director/composer, Stimmung, Santa Monica, CA, USA
• Eddie Kim, sound designer, 740 Sound Design, Santa Monica, CA, USA
• Lorens Persson, managing director, Sterling Sound, Randburg, South Africa
• Josh Rabinowitz, senior vice president, director of music, Grey Worldwide, New York, NY, USA
• Mark Rivett, senior partner/musical director, Song Zu, Sydney, Australia
• Jack Sedgwick, senior sound engineer, Wave Recording Studios, London, UK
• Joel Simon, president/CEO, JSM Music, New York, NY, USA
• Geert van Gaalen, composer/sound designer, Studio De Keuken/Dangerous Kitchen Music, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Editing
• Ricky Boyd, editor, Deliverance Post Production, Cape Town, South Africa
• Gavin Cutler, editor/founding partner, Mackenzie Cutler, New York, NY, USA
• Steve Gandolfi, managing director/editor, Cut & Run Limited, London, UK
• Adam Liebowitz, president/editor, Go Robot!, New York, NY, USA
• Sherri Margulies, editor, Crew Cuts, New York, NY, USA
• Nelson Ng, editor, Touches, Hong Kong
• John Smith, editor, The Whitehouse, London, UK
• Drew Thompson, editor, Guillotine Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia
• Tim Thornton-Allan, editor/owner, Marshall Street Editors, London, UK
• Angus Wall, editor, Rock Paper Scissors, Santa Monica, CA, USA

The 49th Annual Clio Awards will be presented during the 2008 Clio Festival, May 14-17 at the Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach. Delegates made up of advertising and design creatives from around the world will attend an array of exciting events, including the Festival Opening Cocktail Party, the annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner Gala (this year honoring Marcello Serpa, partner and general creative director, AlmapBBDO, São Paulo, Brazil), The Saatchi & Saatchi Hero Show, the 2008 Clio Future Gold | Young Creatives Program, daytime sessions featuring creative leaders from around the world, TV/Cinema/Digital, Print, Radio and Interactive Shortlist areas presented by Sands Research, Inc., evening parties and two Awards Galas announcing 2008 winners, Advertiser of the Year and Agency/Network/Production Company of the Year at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.

TBWA\WHYBIN'S ADIDAS CAMPAIGN WINS AT ADFEST, DDB WINS TWO SILVERS FOR SKY TV

2008-03-31T04:20:00.009+13:00

The Adidas All Blacks 'Of this Earth' campaign via TBWA\ Whybin Auckland (with 180 Amsterdam) won one of only three 360 Lotus Awards presented at Adfest on the weekend.
Out of 495 entries for Outdoor Lotus, only 21 awards were presented including one gold, eight silvers and 12 bronzes, and this year there was no Best of Show.
The only gold trophy was awarded to DDB Sydney for its work entitled 'Gum By Numbers-Marilyn' for Hubba Bubba Gum in the category for Street Furniture. The agency also won a silver award for Hubba Bubble.
DDB New Zealand won two silver trophies for its campaigns for SKY Television – Discovery Channel in the category of Three Dimensional large/ Highway Billboards, two Bronzes, one for Sky TV 'Superman Britomart', the other for Sky TV Discovery Channel, and two finalist for Sky TV 'The Break Up' and Sky TV Discovery Channel.
JWT Sydney won Bronze for the Thrifty 'Free Placement' concept.

BREWTOPIA WINS AT TV LOTUS
Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne won Silver for Pure Blonde 'Brewtopia' and a finalist for HBA 'Kid's Dental', Leo Burnett Sydney won Bronze for Bundaberg Rum 'Only in Australia', and DDB Auckland was a finalist for the DVD Unlimited campaign.

EARTH HOUR WINS GRAND PRIX (BEST) AT DM LOTUS
Leo Burnett Sydney's Earth Hour campaign won Gold and overall Best of DM, DDB Auckland won Bronze for Sky TV Fresh Channel 'Tissue Box' (dimensional mail) and a finalist for Sky TV 'The Prestige' (flat mail), AIM Proximity Auckland won Bronze for Educational Software 'Academic Excellence Sandwich Board', M&C Saatchi/Mark, Sydney won Bronze for Audi S3 'Not for Everyone' and a finalist for British Council 'Meet Your Hero', and DDB Sydney was a Finalist for VW 'Short Car Songs'.

EARTH HOUR WINS AT INNOVA LOTUS
Out of 53 entries received, the Grande INNOVA and one INNOVA Lotus award went to ground Tokyo for its work entitled 'Freedom Project' for Nissin Cup Noodle. The judging panel also presented three INNOVA Lotus awards to Projector from Tokyo, Earth Hour from Leo Burnett, Sydney and Hakuhodo Kettle from Tokyo.

PRESS LOTUS
M&C Saatchi, Sydney won Silver for the Herringbone campaign, while DDB Sydney had two finalists for Tonka Toys 'Sandpit' campaign, DDB Auckland was a finalist for Sky TV 'Paris in Prison'

POSTER LOTUS
M&C Saatchi, Sydney won Bronze for Polo 'Trust Fund'.

RADIO LOTUS
DDB Auckland won Bronze for Sky TV's Sky Movies campaign and Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne was a finalist for RACV Car Loans 'Disclaimer'.

CYBER LOTUS
Leo Burnett Sydney won a Bronze for Wesley Mission 'Homeless Man', while Clemenger Blue Melbourne had two finalists, one for National Australia Bank 'Celebration Dance' website and 'Xtreme Christmas' in the Games category.

FILM CRAFT LOTUS
The Sweet Shop, Auckland won Gold for Direction and Bronze for Production Design for Tooheys Extra Dry 'HarvesTED', Film Construction Auckland for Direction for Water Safety 'Baby in the Water', Goodoil Sydney won Bronze for Cinematography for Landcruiser 'Born of the Earth', @radical.media won Bronze for Special Effects for Honda CR-V 'Dress for it', Leo Burnett Sydney won Bronze for Music for McDonald's 'See Things', Liquid Studios, Auckland won Bronze for Sound Design for Sol 'Sol City'. Finalists for Curious Films, Auckland (3), Revolver, Sydney (3), Soma Films, Sydney (2), Goodoil Films, Sydney (2), Leo Burnett Sydney (1) and Cirkus, Auckland (1).

WORTHINGTON MAKES CHANGES AT COLENSO - COCHRAN TO CD, HIRES FLEET AND BOUGNERES

2008-03-28T14:29:00.003+13:00

NZCC hears Colenso BBDO's new ECD, Nick Worthington (pictured), who joined from Publicis Mojo, Auckland earlier this month, has promoted Steve Cochran to the creative director role and hired Publicis Mojo's Karl Fleet as deputy creative director and DDB Auckland's Emmanuel Bougneres as art director. (Worthington originally hired frenchman Bougneres for Publicis Mojo). More on this on Monday.

KIWI ANIMATION SELECTED AT ANNECY

2008-03-28T13:59:00.003+13:00

'Santa Needs Help' - a series of four animated ads for Auckland City Mission's 2007 Christmas campaign, directed by Tom Reilly of Flying Start Pictures with 3D Animation directed by Paul Scott-James of Toybox, have been placed into final selection at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival in France. (www.annecy.org)
Annecy is the world's leading and biggest animation festival, held annually in France. This is the first time Kiwi animation has been represented at Annecy in fifteen years. A short film, The Nightwatchman by Joe Wylie and John Robertson played there in 1993.
The spots were conjured up by Loic Cardon and Natalie Knight from Publicis Mojo and brought to life by a dedicated team who didn’t take much persuading once Jenny, the little star made from clay, batted her eyelids.
Tom Reilly and Simon Good painstakingly modelled all the miniature sets, characters and wardrobe. Jenny found her first role demanding while Santa found the late nights physically challenging. Even the reindeer mustered their best performances under lights and icing sugar.
Once the stop motion was in the can, the Toybox team worked harder than Santa’s elves. Paul Scott-James gave Jenny wonderfully emotive eyes with CGI and Rob Zohrab’s matte painted backgrounds took it to another level altogether.
Next Perceptual Engineering Audio captured the charm and quirkiness of the script perfectly. And a very professional Betty Blood gave Jenny her voice.
Tom's short films and animations have won awards in New Zealand and Europe but this is his first work to screen at Annecy.
“We used a combination of techniques to make our animation really unique. We wanted people to look at it and think ‘how the heck have they done that?’”

CATMUR BUYS INTO BARNES ADVERTISING - TO BE REBRANDED BARNES, CATMUR & FRIENDS

2008-03-28T05:08:00.002+13:00

Former DDB NZ and GPY&R Melbourne Executive Creative Director Paul Catmur has ended months of speculation by announcing that he is joining forces with rising independent agency Barnes Advertising, currently owned and led by Daniel Barnes. The new shop, to be titled: Barnes, Catmur & Friends, will operate from April out of newly acquired premises in High Street, Auckland.
"Daniel and I have a similar vision of the way the industry is moving and complementary skills. He has operated a successful, highly regarded agency with loyal clients and staff for the last eleven years. My job is to bring in another wise head to work on our clients’ business and to work on raising the creative profile of what is already a very accomplished agency."
Both Barnes and Catmur will carry the title of Creative Managing Partner dividing creative and management duties between them as required.
Says Catmur: "Clients want to be in contact with the best minds of an agency and to work directly with senior talent, yet they find that increasingly hard to accomplish. With Daniel and I both accessible and accountable to clients we believe we can reverse that trend. Barnes advertising may have been an independent, but neither the agency nor its clients have ever suffered from a lack of ambition.
“Daniel and the agency are already looking after an enviable client list including Subaru, Yamaha Motorcycles, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Langham Hotels and Geneva Health. Our first priority is, of course, to continue looking after them in the manner to which they have become accustomed."
Says Barnes: “This confirms that the worldwide trend towards high-quality independent shops like Mother, St Lukes, Naked etc is now fully breaking on New Zealand shores albeit, a little late. Of course we have a long way to go to match the success of those agencies but they have set great examples.
"Everyone knows Paul's work is great," says Barnes. "and it’s about time one of the big name New Zealand CDs jumped in and really got involved with his clients and their business. The independent scene's been getting stronger every year, just take a look at the recent Direct and Interactive awards where half the Gold awards went to Indies. Barnes advertising was itself the first indie agency to pick up the Fair Go Best Ad award. Both unthinkable a few years ago.
“There's nothing inherently wrong with the multinational agencies, but not all clients either want, or can afford, to work that way. Especially with the budgetary constraints that will become increasingly prevalent. As the economy slows, pressures increase on clients to cut costs while maintaining creative standards and no one will be better placed than us to meet that challenge."

DDB OPENS UP REGISTRATIONS FOR PORTFOLIO NIGHT 2008 - THURSDAY MAY 8

2008-03-27T17:43:00.003+13:00

Registrations are now being accepted for the ad industry’s only global portfolio review and recruitment event, Portfolio Night, which returns to New Zealand on Thursday May 8.
Sponsored and organised locally by DDB, the innovative speed-dating concept teams up aspiring young creatives on the launchpad of their careers with a cluster of award-winning creative directors. Over the course of an evening, most juniors will get their portfolio reviewed by three of the most highly-regarded creative directors in town from across the top agencies.
Says Toby Talbot, DDB Executive Creative Director: “We’re delighted to be getting behind Portfolio Night again for New Zealand. Last year’s event was terrific. We had great support from top CDs across town so it was a real industry effort.”
Says Mike O’Sullivan, Executive Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, who took part last year: “Portfolio Night is a great event and we saw some great work. Would recommend everyone in the job market to give it a go.”
Steve Cochran, Deputy Creative Director at Colenso BBDO added: “There’s nothing like spending an evening with your nose stuck in a good book. I look forward to being there.”
Places for the Auckland event, which will run from 5.30pm at DDB’s offices, are limited to just 36 creative teams. It is restricted to juniors who are students, new graduates, interns or in the first two years of their career.
Unlike most other Portfolio Night events around the world, the New Zealand event will be free.
Registrations can be made by emailing: claire.mckay@nz.ddb.com. Please state your full name/s, contact details, and a few details on where you’re at in your career. Places will be allocated on a first come basis, provided all criteria are met.
The global Portfolio Night initiative was launched last year after DDB Canada’s Chairman and CEO Frank Palmer saw potential in the idea, which had until then been localised in Canadian cities. He backed the event and negotiated the initial partnership arrangement that last year made DDB the first agency to become a Gold Sponsor of Portfolio Night and saw the event roll out globally.
This year the event is happening simultaneously in 20 cities around the world.
DDB is sponsoring the event in 10 cities including Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Toronto, Chicago, Miami and Sao Paulo.
Other global partners of Portfolio Night include Corbis, BLACK BAG and
VCU Brandcenter.

MADDOCKS ELECTED AWARD CHAIRMAN

2008-03-27T16:11:00.002+13:00

The AWARD Executive Committee have voted in a Chairman and two Deputy Chairmen for 2008 & 2009, a new arrangement of the leadership positions to replace the co-chairmen roles of previous years.
Richard Maddocks, former ECD of Colenso BBDO, now ECD at Clemenger BBDO Sydney, will be the Chairman, while Michael Ritchie, Executive Producer and Managing Director at Revolver and Darryn Devlin, Founder and Creative Partner at Kastner & Partners Sydney, will be the Deputy Chairmen.
Says Maddocks: “It’s certainly an honour to be involved with AWARD and the next couple of years are going to be an exciting time. I know the committee is up for some big things and I’m really looking forward to working with Darryn and Michael and the rest of the guys to make these things happen.
"We know we’re not going to keep everyone happy, but what we’re intent on doing is making AWARD as relevant and inspiring as it can be; to try and accommodate the various points of view in the industry without defaulting to the lowest common denominator.
"There’s so many opportunities for AWARD to grow and develop and build on the great work it’s already doing. I can’t wait to get stuck in."
Says Ritchie: “I Think Richard is perfect to head this team up. The good work done over the past two years needs to be continued....and then some. From a production company point of view, I am proud to be contributing to that."
Says Devlin, previous AWARD Co-Chairman with Paul Prince in 2005/06, says; “It is a very nice honour to be back on an exceptional committee and work with someone who I think will be a great chairman. If we continue to build on the momentum since going independent, AWARD will be a very good thing indeed."
Martin O’Halloran, CEO DDB Australia and New Zealand will lead the Business Development and Financials.
The Executive Committee will next meet on April 1st, where priorities for the year ahead will be discussed and portfolios allocated.

GREEN PARTY GETS SPECIAL

2008-03-25T16:54:00.002+13:00

Auckland creative start-up Special have picked up the Green Party account after a four way pitch in Wellington. Special’s initial brief is to create a new campaign that will launch this year's election campaign.
Says Gary Reese, Green Party Campaign Manager: “What Special offers us is unique. They’re strategically sharp and creatively innovative. We’re very excited about things to come.”
The Kingsland based creative start-up will start work on the Green Party’s account with immediate effect. Says Special co-founder Heath Lowe: “Never before have green issues been so close to the mainstream. There has been a shift in attitudes towards the Greens in recent years. They’re gaining momentum. We will help them capitalise on this.”
Special were formed in October last year by leading advertising creatives Rob Jack, Tony Bradbourne and designer Heath Lowe (pictured).
Says Bradbourne: “After winning Volvo at the end of last year, this is a perfect way to start 2008. It’s a huge opportunity. We describe ourselves as a results driven creative agency. A general election is a pretty good test of effectiveness.”

FAUDET RESIGNS FROM DDB MELBOURNE, SET TO RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND

2008-03-25T14:38:00.001+13:00

DDB Melbourne today announced the resignation of executive creative director Michael Faudet, who has spent the last three years in Melbourne and sixteen years prior at DDB Auckland and DDB Sydney.
DDB Group Managing Director Andrew Little praised Michael’s contribution to the agency: “Michael has made a significant contribution to the creative product and the exceptional growth of the agency. We have been in discussion for a while about Michael’s next steps and he has decided to take some time out after a long and fruitful career with DDB across the Tasman. I and all the staff wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
Says Faudet: “I decided it was time to take a well overdue break from the business and spend more time with my son in New Zealand. I plan to catch some fish over the next few months before pursuing new options. I wish Andrew and the team all the best.”

TOUCH/CAST NEXT'S ANDREW HAWLEY TO REPRESENT NZ ON CLIO INTERACTIVE JURY

2008-03-25T09:07:00.004+13:00

Andrew Hawley, founding partner and joint creative director, TOUCH/CAST NEXT, Wellington, will be representing New Zealand on the Interactive jury at the 49th Annual Clio Awards and Festival, to be held May 14-17 in Miami Beach.

The 2008 Clio Awards Interactive Jury:
• Matias Palm-Jensen (jury chair), creative president, Farfar, Stockholm, Sweden
• Mark Ashley-Wilson, head of Digital & Interactive Australasia, Lowe Rivet, Sydney, Australia
• Oskar Bård, director, Hobby Film, Stockholm, Sweden
• Dave Bedwood, creative partner, Lean Mean Fighting Machine, London, UK
• Joakim Borgstrom, creative director, Wieden+Kennedy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Pete Case, creative director, Gloo, Cape Town, South Africa
• Sam De Volder, creative director, These Days, Antwerp, Belgium
• Tom Eslinger, worldwide creative director – Interactive, Saatchi & Saatchi, London, UK
• Ricardo Figueira, creative director, vice president, AgenciaClick, São Paulo, Brazil
• Dominic Goldman, creative director, BBH, London, UK
• Andrew Hawley, founding partner & joint creative director, TOUCH/CAST NEXT, Wellington, New Zealand
• Elke Klinkhammer, creative director, Neue Digitale, Frankfurt, Germany
• Sean Lam, creative director, Kinetic, Singapore
• Adam Lau, creative director, Ogilvy & Mather, New York, NY, USA
• Peter Laurelli, senior copywriter, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Jean Lin, founder & CEO, wwwins Consulting, Greater China, regional director, Isobar, Greater China, Shanghai, China
• Andre Matarazzo, chief creative officer, Gringo, São Paulo, Brazil
• Will McGinness, creative director, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Tommy Means, director, Mekanism, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Pedro Panigazzi, executive creative director, Publiquest, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• PJ Pereira, former executive creative director, AKQA, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Neil Robinson, group creative director, AKQA, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Fernanda Romano, creative director, JWT London, London, UK
• Seb Royce, creative director, Glue London, London, UK
• Yasuharu Sasaki, interactive creative director, Interactive Communication Division, Dentsu Inc., Tokyo, Japan
• Florian Schmitt, executive creative director, Hi-Res!, London, UK
• Eric Segal, creative director, mcgarrybowen, New York, NY, USA
• Meera Sharath-Chandra, president and national creative director, RMG Connect India, New Delhi, India
• Jussi Solja, creative director/partner, Laundry, Helsinki, Finland
• Richard Ting, vice president, executive creative director, Mobile & Emerging Media/Applications (MEMA) Group, R/GA, New York, NY USA
• Andreas Ullenius, creative director, Akestam Holst, Stockholm, Sweden
• Hyun-Ah Yoon, creative director, d.o.E.S., Seoul, South Korea

The 49th Annual Clio Awards will be presented during the 2008 Clio Festival, May 14-17 at the Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach. Delegates made up of advertising and design creatives from around the world will attend an array of exciting events, including the Festival Opening Cocktail Party, the annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner Gala (this year honoring Marcello Serpa, partner and general creative director, AlmapBBDO, São Paulo, Brazil), The Saatchi & Saatchi Hero Show, the 2008 Clio Future Gold | Young Creatives Program, daytime sessions featuring creative leaders from around the world, TV/Cinema/Digital, Print, Radio and Interactive Shortlist areas presented by Sands Research, Inc., evening parties and two Awards Galas announcing 2008 winners, Advertiser of the Year and Agency/Network/Production Company of the Year at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.

Online registration for the 2008 Clio Festival is open at www.clioawards.com/festival.

PORTFOLIO NIGHT 6 SET FOR MAY 8 IN AUCKLAND

2008-03-20T10:51:00.001+13:00

ihaveanidea, Advertising’s Intellectual Archive, has announced that DDB Worldwide will continue as Global Agency Partner of Portfolio Night 6 on May 8th 2008.
ihaveanidea’s Portfolio Night is the largest simultaneous advertising portfolio review ever held in the world, featuring a uniquely designed portfolio review process in a 'speed-dating' setting. The event helps students and aspiring young creatives around the world break into the ad industry and involves the top creative directors in each participating city.
Says Ignacio Oreamuno, president, ihaveanidea: "On May 8, with the help and dedication of incredible Global Partners, like DDB Worldwide, who has been supporting the Portfolio Night initiative for the past three years, we will attempt to change advertising from the ground up once again. The ad industry has greatly evolved since Portfolio Night’s small yet audacious beginnings in 2003, and it is our responsibility to help our industry adjust to the future. This year we will invite not just traditional copywriter and art directors, but interactive art directors and designers as well. It will also be the first time that aspiring creatives will have the option of showing their work in the traditional format of print portfolios, or laptops."
The participating DDB offices hosting a Portfolio Night event are Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Miami, New York, Toronto and Chicago. Additionally, creative directors from DDB’s other operations (not hosting events) will be taking part in Portfolio Night events held in their respective cities. ihaveanidea will be releasing a list of cities hosting Portfolio Night events shortly detailing all DDB sponsored events, as well as those to be hosted by other ad agencies.
“By championing Portfolio Night, DDB is able to assist young people and the industry, while at the same time finding and recruiting the best new creative talent," says Bob Scarpelli, chairman and chief creative officer of DDB Worldwide. “DDB’s extensive involvement with Portfolio Night again this year reflects our belief that creativity is the most powerful force in business. The advertising community needs to foster the next generation of creative talent, and DDB is helping lead the way by taking events like Portfolio Night around the world."
Other global partners of Portfolio Night 6 include Corbis, BLACK BAG & VCU Brandcenter.
Students enrolled in advertising programs, recent graduates, and up-and-coming creatives will have the opportunity to spend valuable face-to-face time with their city’s most prestigious creative directors. Young creatives are encouraged to attend this event in one of the participating cities and have the opportunity to speak with three or more world-class creative directors.
Cost to participate is $35 in North America and is priced locally in other participating cities around the world. All aspiring creatives or juniors with an advertising portfolio must register online at ihaveanidea’s website: www.portfolionight.com

MIKE O FOR CLIO FILM JURY

2008-03-14T10:56:00.007+13:00

The 49th Annual Clio Awards has announced the complete international juries for the 2008 Television/Cinema/Digital and Design categories. Mike O'Sullivan, ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, has been selected to judge the former. All awards will be announced and presented at the 2008 Clio Festival, May 14-17, in South Beach, Miami.

The 2008 Clio Awards Television/Cinema/Digital Jury:
• Tony Granger, (jury chair), former chief creative officer, Saatchi & Saatchi New York, NY, USA
• Sofia Ambrosini, associate creative director, Leo Burnett, Milan, Italy
• Gaston Bigio, executive creative director, Ogilvy & Mather Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Olivier Couradjut, senior copywriter, BETC Euro RSCG, Paris, France
• Sonal Dabral, regional executive creative director, Asia Pacific/chairman, India, Bates 141 Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore
• Andy Fackrell, executive creative director, 180Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Ruy Lindenberg, creative vice president, Leo Burnett São Paulo, Brazil
• Steve McElligott, creative director, BBDO New York, NY, USA
• Juan Nonzioli, executive creative director, Shackleton, Madrid, Spain
• Mike O’Sullivan, executive creative director, Saatchi & Saatchi, Auckland, New Zealand
• Bert Peulecke, executive creative director/managing director, DDB Berlin GmbH, Berlin, Germany
• Alan Russell, creative director, DDB Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Thirasak Tanapatanakul, worldwide co-chairman & executive creative director, Creative Juice\G1 (TBWA), Bangkok, Thailand
• Susan Westre, executive creative director, Ogilvy & Mather, New York, NY, USA and Paris, France
• Yang Yeo, chief creative officer, JWT Shanghai, China

The 2008 Clio Awards Design Jury:
• Garth Walker (jury chair), founder/creative director, Orange Juice Design, Durban, South Africa
• Wendy Church, design director, Wallace Church, Inc., New York, NY, USA
• Scott Dadich, creative director, WIRED magazine, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Stewart Devlin, design creative director, TAXI New York, NY, USA
• Scott Stowell, owner/creative director, Open, New York, NY, USA

The 49th Annual Clio Awards will be presented during the 2008 Clio Festival, May 14-17 at the Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach. Delegates made up of advertising and design creatives from around the world will attend an array of exciting events, including the Festival Opening Cocktail Party, the annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner Gala (this year honoring Marcello Serpa, partner and general creative director, AlmapBBDO, São Paulo, Brazil), The Saatchi & Saatchi Hero Show, the 2008 Clio Future Gold | Young Creatives Program, daytime sessions featuring creative leaders from around the world, TV/Cinema/Digital, Print, Radio and Interactive Shortlist areas presented by Sands Research, Inc., evening parties and two Awards Galas announcing 2008 winners, Advertiser of the Year and Agency/Network/Production Company of the Year at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.

Online registration for the 2008 Clio Festival is open at www.clioawards.com/festival.

NEW AUSTRALASIAN DIRECTORS SOUGHT FOR SAATCHI & SAATCHI SHOWCASE AT CANNES

2008-03-13T10:29:00.002+13:00

New directors from the worlds of advertising, short film, music videos, animation and title production who want a shot at international exposure are being invited to submit entries for screening at one of the world’s most prestigious advertising events.
Each year Saatchi & Saatchi leads an international search for new directors to feature at the Cannes International Advertising Festival, held in Cannes in June.
The result – the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors’ Showcase – has become one of the highlights of the annual festival and is the best attended event after the gala ceremonies.
Previous featured directors have included Spike Jonze, David La Chappelle, Tarsem, Michel Gondry, Danny Kleinman and Jonathan Glazer.
Mike O’Sullivan, Saatchi & Saatchi Executive Creative Director, says the Showcase gives new directors the chance to shine in an international setting: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for Australian and New Zealand directors to get onto the global stage and be seen by some of the world’s top creatives. Anybody who can submit an entry should!”
To qualify, directors must have been shooting commercials for less than two years. They may also have been directing short films, music promos, titles or animation, and may not have even produced any commercials as yet. But they must be available to direct commercials now.
To enter, new directors should submit a DVD format showreel which may include any or all of the following: commercials, short films, music videos, animation, titles or new filmic techniques.
Entries will then be shortlisted for viewing by Saatchi & Saatchi’s Worldwide Creative Board, and a New Directors’ Showcase reel compiled for screening at Cannes. The Board makes its final selections based on the ability of a director to execute an idea on screen, an innovative technique or style and outstanding directorial skill.
To enter, New Zealand directors should send a DVD reel to Mike O’Sullivan in the Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland office. Australian directors should send reels to Steve Back, Saatchi & Saatchi Australia Executive Creative Director, in the Sydney office. All reels must be labelled “New Directors’ Showcase 2008” and be received by 17 April.
This year’s New Directors’ Showcase will take place Thursday 19 June, in the Grand Auditorium, Palais des Festivals, Cannes.

STEEMSON AND SWINBURNE WIN GRANDE ORCA

2008-03-11T19:38:00.003+13:00

The 13th Grande ORCA ceremony took place today at the Living Room in Ponsonby, Auckland as The Radio Bureau announced the winners of the People’s Choice, Grande ORCA and a special ‘Excellence Since Ages Ago’ award.
Creative guru and guest speaker, Ralph van Dijk from Eardrum, Sydney was on hand to present this year’s Grande ORCA to Helen Steemson and Matt Swinburne of Saatchi & Saatchi (pictured) for their TVNZ spot ‘World’s Fastest Indian’. The judges loved it’s pure simplicity and said it was “unpretentious and easy to listen to – pure radio!”
As Grande ORCA winners, both will be flying off to the Cannes Lions to see their ad judged on an international stage and as the winning client, TVNZ won a $50,000 radio schedule.
Stacey Daniels and Nathan Rarere MC’d the event which also saw the Ogilvy duo of Tom Paine and James Bowman take the People’s Choice award and a $1,000 prize for their latest addition to the popular L&P campaign. The pair also walked away with a special one-off award for ‘Excellence Since Ages Ago’ in acknowledgement of the lasting popularity of their iconic Kiwi L&P creative.
You can listen to the winning ads at www.trb.co.nz – just follow the Grande ORCA link from the home page.

NZ PERFORMS WELL AT CAPLES AWARDS

2008-03-07T19:16:00.005+13:00

Australia led the world at the 30th Caples Awards held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York last night, winning 21 awards, ahead of Germany with 20 and New Zealand equal third (with Spain) winning 12 gongs.
Kiwi shops won four First Places, three Seconds and five Thirds. Lowe Rivet Auckland won a First for Stella Artois 'Fight Club' plus two Seconds and a Third, AIM Proximity Auckland won a First for Christchurch Press 'Are you an idiot?' plus three Thirds. Blackwood Communications Group Auckland won a First and a Second, both for BIANZ 'Gingerbread Haka' (pictured), while Touch/Cast Next Wellington won a First for WETA 'Rayguns'.
Australian shops won five first Places, five seconds and 11 thirds. Lavender Sydney won three Firsts for the RTA 'Pimp our Ads' campaign while Leo Burnett, Melbourne won two Firsts, one for Suzuki 'Implants', the other for Connex 'There's no I in carriage'.
Other Aussie shops celebrating on the night incuded M&C Saatchi Sydney with two Second Places and five Third Places and BMF Sydney with three Second Places and two Third Places.
A highlight of the awards for the Australians was the awarding of Dylan Taylor, BMF Direct Sydney's creative director with the prized Caples Wunderman Award for Lifetime Creative Achievement - the first Aussie ever to be awarded this honour.

VINCENT WARD BACK FOR COMMERCIALS

2008-03-07T13:40:00.002+13:00

Dubbed "one of film's great image makers", (Jay Carr, BOSTON GLOBE), Vincent Ward emerges now after four years directing back-to-back features.
Following the 2005 release of Ward's historical epic "River Queen", starring Keifer Sutherland, Ward went straight into pre-production on his latest feature "Rain of the Children." This magical and emotional true story is Ward's most personal film to date. With his trademark dedication, Ward wrote, directed and produced "Rain of the Children", due for theatrical release in 2008.
After this period of intense film-making, Ward is finally available for commercial projects. This is a rare opportunity for creatives to work with the director. With a wealth of award-winning dramatic features to his name and Academy-award nominations to boot,Vincent Ward brings a unique talent for visual and performance based film to the world of commercials via The Sweet Shop.
You can check out more of Vincent's work here: http://www.thesweetshop.tv/director.php?dir_id=8

CLIO AWARDS LAUNCHES THE 2008 CLIO FUTURE GOLD YOUNG CREATIVES PROGRAMME

2008-03-07T09:52:00.002+13:00

Deadline for application submission is April 1, 2008

The 49th Annual Clio Awards and Festival, the global awards competition for advertising, design and interactive, in conjunction with ihaveanidea, is now accepting applications from around the world for the 2008 Clio Future Gold | Young Creatives Program, whose mission is to elevate and inspire up-and-coming talent in the advertising industry.
A total of 12 talented young copywriters and art directors under the age of 30 will be selected to attend the 2008 Clio Festival, May 14-17 in South Beach, Florida where they will be paired into six teams and engage in a 24-hour creative challenge. All work will be judged by a panel of world-renowned 2008 Clio Awards jury members and later presented to the client before an audience of Clio Festival delegates. The winning team will be awarded on stage at the Clio Awards Gala on the evening of May 16 at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
“Clio is committed to encouraging and rewarding the best young creatives,” said Tony Gulisano, managing director, Clio Awards. “This annual challenge provides the focal point to inspire, showcase and celebrate these emerging talents.”
Finalists in recent years have included young creatives from agencies such as JWT Singapore; DDB Sydney; FHV BBDO, Amstelveen, the Netherlands; Leo Burnett Kiev, Ukraine; Rediffusion DYR, Mumbai, India; FCB Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saatchi & Saatchi New York, and others.

How it works:
Qualified applicants 30 years of age or younger can visit www.ihaveanidea.org/futuregold for complete program details and guidelines, download the recommendation form to be completed by their creative director, and digitally upload a portfolio of work. Deadline for application submission is April 1, 2008, application fee is $150.
A team of experienced creatives will review all materials and select 12 applicants who represent the best talent from across the globe (two participants from each of six regions). Finalists will be notified by the Clio Awards on April 11, 2008, and arrangements made for them to receive complimentary Clio Passports granting admission to all festival events, as well as three nights of hotel accommodation.

O'NEILL JOINS CLEMENGER BBDO MELBOURNE

2008-03-06T19:50:00.005+13:00

Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has enticed kiwi expat Philip O’Neill from Whybin\TBWA Melbourne to the position of director of client services. O'Neill moved from the GM gig at TBWA\Whybin Auckland to the MD position at Whybin\TBWA Melbourne in March 2006.
Prior to Whybin's, O’Neill had stints at Ogilvy, Melbourne and DDB Auckland. He then went on to head the Tourism New Zealand account for M&C Saatchi NZ, before becoming the managing director of the agency.
O’Neill reunites with Peter Biggs, the former chief of Clemenger BBDO Wellington, now managing director of Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, who gave him his first gig at Ogilvy.

O'SULLIVAN AND HARRICKS ELECTED TO REPRESENT NZ ON AWARD COMMITTEE

2008-03-06T12:01:00.004+13:00

Seven heavyweights from the industry - five from Sydney, two from New Zealand - have joined the existing AWARD Executive Committee after yesterday's AWARD AGM in Sydney.
The new committee members are:
Steve Back - executive creative director, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney
Darryn Devlin - creative partner, Kastner & Partners, Sydney
Richard Maddocks - executive creative director, Clemenger BBDO, Sydney
Michael Ritchie - Principal, Revolver, Sydney
Martin O’Halloran - Chairman and CEO, DDB Australia/New Zealand
Mark Harricks - creative director, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Mike O’Sullivan (pictured) - executive creative director, Saatchi & Saatchi, Auckland

The new co-chairmen of AWARD will be decided in the following weeks, with portfolios allocated at the full Committee Meeting held this morning in Sydney.

They join the Existing Committee:
Ben O’Brien – JWT Sydney
Paul Bruce - BMF
Richard White-Smith
Buzz Pringle – Stellar Sound
Dejan Rasic - CRC
Gavin McLeod – Mark/M&C Saatchi
Mark Stott - Common

South Australia
Peter Withy – KWP!
Jim Robinson - JamShop

Victoria
Jim Ingram – GPY&R

Western Australia
Murray Laird – Marketforce
Brett Wheeler – RareCreative

Queensland
Fintan Kerrigan – GPY&R

Tasmania
Andrew Clough – Red Jelly

HURMAN PROMOTED AT COLENSO

2008-03-05T04:00:00.001+13:00

James Hurman has been elevated to Planning Director at Colenso BBDO.
This is a first for Colenso, an agency that has always had very senior planners but never a planning leader. Hurman will lead Colenso’s strategic product and four-strong Planning Department.
Hurman joined Colenso BBDO in August 2007 from Lowe, where he had worked closely with Vodafone before the account moved to Colenso BBDO in June last year. He has also been a planner with DDB and Mojo, where he was involved in work for Goodman Fielder, Mercury Energy, Volkswagen and Durex.
Says Brent Smart, Managing Director Colenso BBDO: “James is a top planner and a top bloke. He’s a huge talent and incredibly passionate about the work, which is what we’re all about at Colenso. When we hired James, we always had a view that he would rise to Planning Director after 12 months, but he has stepped in and shown leadership from day one, so why wait?”
Says Richard Maddocks, ex Creative Director Colenso BBDO, now at Clems in Sydney: “James has the ability to do what many attempt but few achieve; he makes the creative bit easier. That's the type of person you want heading the planning department.”
Says Hurman: “I’m stoked, but given that nine out of ten consumers say that quotes in press releases sound disingenuous, I’ll leave it there.”

SAATCHI'S LANDS SANYO BRAND WORK

2008-03-04T17:40:00.000+13:00

Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland has picked up the coveted task of handling the Sanyo brand in the New Zealand market.
Saatchi & Saatchi, through its association with Telecom New Zealand, has been working with Sanyo mobile products for the last two years and has now been assigned the whole Sanyo portfolio.
Dean Taylor, Managing Director of the Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland office, says consumer electronics is an incredibly exciting business and a huge strategic challenge: ”The next five years will see a battle between retailers and brands for the high volumes whilst maintaining the premium nature of the product. Our opportunity is to work with the CEO Bill Crichton and his team to optimise Sanyo's brand position to ensure it takes full advantage of these changes."
Saatchi & Saatchi will work across a full range of Sanyo products including all white goods, audio and visual equipment.
"Bill is a fantastic client and really understands the need to make news with creativity. His product roll-out over the next year has got the creative department massively excited,” Taylor says.

O'SULLIVAN FOR CANNES DIRECT JURY, BLOOD FOR PROMO LIONS?

2008-03-04T11:30:00.004+13:00

New Zealand's Cannes jurors this year are slowly being leaked, the latest being that Mike O'Sullivan (pictured), ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi, has being appointed to the Direct Lions jury and that Andy Blood, ECD of TBWA\Whybin has got the Promo Lions gig. The Cannes strategy this year appears to be to get the best jury of top creative people, not necessarily the best from each discipline, which is probably a good idea as over the coming years, NZ is sure to run out of world-class specialists to fill the various juries.

COLENSO BBDO HIRES AARON TURK AS HEAD OF DIGITAL CREATIVE

2008-03-04T11:12:00.005+13:00

Colenso BBDO has appointed Aaron Turk to the newly created role of Head of Digital Creative. Prior to this appointment he was the Creative Director and Managing Partner of Tribal DDB Australia.
Says Turk: "I thoroughly enjoyed my eight years at Tribal DDB but I found towards the end of last year that I needed to leave the agency and take some time out. I spent this time back in NZ fishing and with family but also found myself evaluating the advertising industry and deciding on my next challenge. I wanted to find a collaborative agency culture with world class people that talked less about digital models and integration and focused more on just doing great consumer connecting work for clients. I have found these important ingredients to be at Colenso BBDO."
Turk, a New Zealander, is one of Australasia’s most respected and awarded digital creatives. He has won his fair share of creative and effectiveness awards over the years including New York Festival, One Show, ADMA and ‘Best of Show’ titles back to back at the Montreux Festival in 2005/06. In 2007 he was selected on the Cannes Cyber Lion jury, was Digital Chairman for the ADMA Awards and this year he is judging New York Festivals.
Says Adam Good, Executive Director of Digital Innovation at Clemenger Group New Zealand: "I’m delighted Aaron has stopped fishing in the Coromandel to join us at Colenso. Aaron has those rare skills of being a digital expert, creative leader and consumer focused creator of brand experience programs. Having worked with Aaron at both Tribal and Newscorp we have a good working partnership that has delivered some innovative solutions for brands in the past. To deliver engagement ideas you need to be able to produce compelling content and deliver it when a consumer wants it and across multiple digital devices and platforms. Aaron is the best in the business at creating such solutions and he will lead our expanding digital creative team that has a focus to deliver consumer centric participatory ideas and programs."
Says Brent Smart, Managing Director of Colenso BBDO: “We are very lucky to get a guy of Aaron’s quality. With Aaron teaming up with Adam Good, I think we have the best digital partnership in this part of the world and I know we will do some great work in this space.”

WHO BORROWED MY PEN?

2008-03-01T11:47:00.000+13:00

Is there too much of a similarity between these two ideas for the same client, Amnesty International, in different parts of the world? The version that was first off the blocks (pictured top) was created last year by Aussie expat creative team Samira Ansara and Amy Hollier (with Tony Granger and Sarah Barclay) at Saatchi & Saatchi Paris, the other more recently by Publicis Mojo, Auckland...

TEQUILA\, PROXIMITY SHARES TOP HONOURS AT NZ DIRECT + INTERACTIVE MARKETING AWARDS

2008-03-01T11:27:00.002+13:00

Spectacularly increasing donations on a shoestring budget for Oxfam’s innovative pre-Xmas ‘Unwrapped’ campaign has won TEQUILA\ the top RSVP Grand Prix award at the NZ Direct & Interactive Marketing Awards for the third consecutive year. The other major award, the Supreme NEXUS, went to Proximity iD for the seventh time in eight years. On this occasion, the digital and data marketing agency has been recognised for its highly targeted e-marketing catalogues promoting individual wine offers to Progressive Enterprises’ Onecard members.
For a viral campaign to promote Oxfam New Zealand’s ‘Unwrapped’ promotion. TEQUILA\, together with animation company Krafthaus and digital supplier TouchPoint, made a ‘pop music video’ for the band “Oxfarm”. Their song, “Don’t buy crap this Christmas” enticed more people than ever before to forgo Christmas presents for their friends and family and donate money to Oxfam instead.
TEQUILA\ MD Mike Larmer was blown away by this year’s success: “It’s another great year for TEQUILA\,” he said. “But the best thing about the RSVPs is that it’s about great work that gets results. Our Oxfam piece won because it delivered outstanding results for the client, and indeed for people who need extra help all over the world,” he said.
Group CD for TBWA\Whybin\TEQUILA, Andy Blood, commented: “It takes a whole village to raise a child. And the Oxfam Grand Prix is living testament to that. A seamless collaboration between TEQUILA\ and TBWA creative teams, it also wouldn’t have happened without some very generous help from some unsung players: Joel Tobeck, Bruce at DP, and Krafthouse in Wellington.”
The NZ Direct & Interactive Marketing Awards, organised by the Marketing Association, comprise two series of awards: the RSVP Awards, for the best examples of direct and interactive marketing campaigns judged on strategy, creative, and results; and the NEXUS Awards, for the best products, services and processes that drive campaigns. The full results for this year’s awards are available at www.nzdirectmarketingawards.co.nz

RSVP Grand Prix winner
Sue McCarty, Chief Executive of the Marketing Association, said “TEQUILA\’s ‘Unwrapped’ campaign for Oxfam NZ succeeded on so many levels, not least of which was the worthy cause involving the sending of highly practical and valuable gifts from Kiwis to parts of the world in desperate need. These included teacher training, shares in coffee plantations, as well as donkeys and goats! The fresh approach taken by TEQUILA\, including a humorous viral video, allowed Oxfam to connect to a much wider group of generous New Zealanders. And all of this was achieved on a very modest marketing budget. Congratulations to TEQUILA\ for the third consecutive year!”
In addition to the Grand Prix, the Oxfam Unwrapped campaign secured two gold medals for TEQUILA\ in the Sales Generation and Shoe String Budget categories.

Supreme NEXUS winner
According to Sue McCarty, “Proximity iD has a near stranglehold on the Supreme NEXUS award, having now won it every time bar one in the last eight years. The highly sophisticated personalisation that Proximity iD has achieved with the Onecard Wine programme is truly world class, even attracting the attention of the United States Direct Marketing Association in December with an NCDM Gold medal. Well done again to Proximity iD.”
In addition to the Supreme NEXUS, the Onecard Wine programme secured two golds for Proximity iD in the Strategic Vision and Products & Services categories; four silvers in Customer & Market Insight, Innovation, CRM & Data Management, and Media & Channel Utilisation respectively; as well as a bronze medal in Production & Fulfilment.

Other RSVP Gold Medal winners
Other RSVP Gold Medal awards included three golds to Connect Communications, two of these for the SkyCity Rocket to Riches campaign and one for TelstraClear’s The Lab campaign; OgilvyOne secured a gold for the Life Pharmacy Living Card Loyalty Programme; JustONE picked up a gold for the ADT Burglar Welcome Mat; Origin Design won a gold for Contact Energy’s I Can Make a Difference campaign; Black secured a gold for This Puppy Needs You for the Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind; and TOUCH/CAST NEXT won a gold for Weta Limited’s Rayguns campaign.

Other Nexus Gold Medal winners
Other NEXUS Gold Medal awards included two golds to Tango Communications for the TVNZ OnDemand campaign; a gold to The Hyperfactory and Saatchi & Saatchi for the Augmented Reality campaign for Wellington Zoo; and a gold to justONE, e-volution and Touchpoint for SUBWAY’s SUBCARD campaign.

DRAFT FCB RESTRUCTURES IN OZ/NZ

2008-02-29T10:54:00.002+13:00

Interpubllic's Draftfcb, with over 9000 employees around the world and over 200 offices has restructured their ANZ operation.
The agency will create specialist communities (creativity, growth, strategy and one-to-one) across the Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne offices. These communities will help deliver the company’s commitment to Accountability + Creativity.
A new board has been established to effect this new way of operating, under the chairmanship of Draftfcb Auckland CEO, Bryan Crawford.
Greg Eichmann, a former CEO of the highly successful Auckland office, has returned to the group and is charged with successfully introducing this new model across the region. Eichmann will be based in Australia.
Says Crawford: “Greg’s welcome return is great news – he brings experience and a passion for the agency, and he will be a significant contributor to our future collective success”.
Other board members are David Guthrie (Finance), Michael Simons (Creativity) and Christine Barnes (Growth). Anil Kapoor is Draftfcb’s Regional President and the board reports into him.
Draftfcb's major brands include Mitre 10, Foodstuffs, BMW & MINI, Noel Leeming and Whitcoulls in New Zealand and Nivea (Beiersdorf), Kraft, S C Johnson, Angus & Robertson and Motorola in Australia.
Says Crawford: "This change is simply a smarter way to do business. We’ve got an enormous reservoir of talent in our region and this new structure allows people to work to their strengths. The days of lone gurus are long gone – we’ll get better results for our clients by having specialist disciplines collaborating and wrestling the clients’ problem to the ground and then delivering an outstanding creative business solution.
"It means people recognising that we’re operating in a virtual world and teams can work from anywhere but still be just as passionate about their work and be just as focused on results. Everyone involved is looking forward to working in this new and intelligent way.
"Our clients understand this reality in business today. Many of them have regional and global team members who, while not physically sitting in the office next door, are absolutely vital to the successful dynamics of the team. It’s the way business is moving.”

TALBOT TIPPED FOR CANNES JURY DUTY

2008-02-29T10:13:00.003+13:00

The Australian jury list for Cannes this year has been released by Canmnes reps, News Limited (see the CB Blog), with NZ, repped by Fairfax, set to follow any day. NZCC hears Toby Talbot, ECD of DDB, fresh from winning CB Agency of the Year, is tipped to get the plum Film Lions gig and four other slots are also to be filled (Cyber, Direct, Promo and Media).
As previously reported, the Design Lions Jury President this year is Derek Lockwood from Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand.

DIGIPOST DRAWS 3D TALENT

2008-02-28T15:20:00.003+13:00

Expansion at leading post production and VFX house Digipost continues at full pace in 2008, with the addition of three talented animators to the award winning 3D team.
Artists Kyla Bendall, Dan Taylor and Glen Dawick bring a wide range of skill and experience to the mix. Between them, they have worked on a large number of international TVC and feature film projects, such as the famous ‘fabric family’ Comfort commercials out of the UK and Asia, and Hollywood blockbusters like I, Robot, King Kong and the Rings trilogy.
One of the many highlights for the Digipost 3D team in 2007 was winning a Silver Lion at Cannes for the acclaimed Tiger Beer commercial, which is currently on air in New Zealand.
Says Digipost GM Stephen Douglas: “Having collected a number of international awards for our animation work, it made complete sense to build on that and offer our clients what we know is a kick-ass 3D team and some of the best animation resources in Auckland.”
For more information see their new website or contact Stephen Douglas stephen@digipost.co.nz

THE BEST ADS IN NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA AND ASIA IN THE WORK 07 ANNUAL - OUT NOW

2008-02-26T07:31:00.003+13:00

The Work 07 is out and it is the best edition yet. Complete with two DVDs this 400 page hardback annual is a must for every creative and every agency creative department in New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
For the second year O&M has edged out BBDO in the Top Network chart, followed by Saatchi & Saatchi. Saatchi’s New Zealand tops the Agency chart followed by DDB Auckland and JWT Singapore. Two legends from the region are also inducted into the CB Hall of Fame - JWT worldwide creative director Craig Davis and Ron Mather. A must-have annual of the best in the region.
TO REQUEST AN ORDER FORM CONTACT:
ginny@campaignbrief.com

CB AGENCY OF THE YEAR: DDB DOES THE DOUBLE

2008-02-25T13:44:00.008+13:00

DDB has won Campaign Brief Agency of the Year on both sides of the Tasman with both Sydney and Auckland putting in a stellar effort in 2007 resulting in a great range of work across a multitude of clients. Work that will probably go on to win awards this year, if not already done so in 2007.
Says Marty O’Halloran, chairman and CEO, Australia and New Zealand: "While I have great Managing Directors in both Sydney (Chris Brown) and Auckland (Sandy Moore), both Toby (Talbot) and Matt (Eastwood) report directly to me. Creativity is one of my passions and this is a strong signal to the network that creative excellence is DDB’s number one focus. Too many CEO’s focus on profit at the expense of the creative product. We deliberately focus on creative over and above profit. Maybe that’s why we are so profitable!"
Says DDB New Zealand executive CD, Toby Talbot: "It's been a real year of transition for DDB. If you'd asked me who was going to win Agency of the Year when I started at the end of January last year, I wouldn't have picked us to be honest. We still had a long way to go. But we won Lotteries, we hired some great new people and we became a much tighter, more focused agency. All the shit we copped on the Blog really helped too. Deep down, we've all been determined to prove those anonymous tossers wrong.
"But I guess if I was going to put it down to one thing it would have to be Marty. Matt and I owe him a huge gratitude for supporting all the changes we've made and making stuff happen fast. If there's anyone who's more excited about winning AOY than Matt and I, it would be him. Marty just loves creativity and understands how important it is to an agency's culture. You can't ask for more than that in a boss."
Adds Matt Eastwood, ECD of DDB Australia: "It's extremely exciting to win Agency of the Year in both Australia and New Zealand. Ever since both Toby and I arrived at DDB, we've tried to focus on nothing but the work. Walk the walk, if you will. Each of us quietly went about rebuilding our departments, with a renewed focus on award-winning work. And it paid off. In Sydney, the team is incredible. Each and every one of the creative department contributed to this win. But there's no secret, they simply worked incredibly hard, totally dedicated to the quality of our output. I'm very proud."

The same AOY issue also includes the annual Agency Creativity/Billings Charts (better known as the Hot+Cold Charts) for Australia and New Zealand.
To subscribe to CB, contact: ginny@campaignbrief.com

RAPP COLLINS MERGES WITH WRC

2008-02-22T02:22:00.000+13:00

The DDB Group has announced the expansion of its relationship marketing arm Rapp Collins Limb Walker through a merger with customer involvement agency WRC.
The two agencies will come together under the Rapp Collins banner to form a unique offering in the New Zealand marketplace.
Rapp Collins Limb Walker’s relationship marketing strengths will be expanded with WRC’s award-winning customer involvement and experiential approach.
In a broader strategic move, Rapp Collins Limb Walker will be known simply as Rapp Collins from 1 April. This aligns the agency more closely with DDB’s powerful Rapp Collins global brand.
DDB Chief Executive Sandy Moore explained: “This merger delivers a strategically and creatively stronger relationship marketing offering for the DDB Group, which underpins our integrated philosophy.
“WRC has built up an enviable reputation for innovative customer involvement, experiential marketing and promotions. They have been highly awarded both locally and internationally for their creativity and effectiveness, and bring to Rapp Collins Limb Walker a set of complementary but specialist skills.”
Robert Limb and Lance Walker, Rapp Collins Limb Walker joint managing directors, will continue to run the business. They believe the expanded team will offer one of the broadest skill bases in the country.
“We’re building New Zealand’s most creatively dynamic relationship marketing business – adding the dimension of customer involvement to our market-leading strategic and creative work,” Limb explained.
The expanded creative team will be headed by Executive Creative Director Wayne Pick, one of New Zealand’s most awarded creative directors who joined Rapp Collins Limb Walker in October.
Rapp Collins Limb Walker was formed a year ago when DDB acquired relationship marketing specialists Limb Walker Partners. The agency has grown rapidly during 2007 from just four staff to more than 20 across Auckland and Wellington offices.
New business wins include The National Bank, ANZ and Telecom plus integrated group work on NZ Lotteries, AMI, SKY TV and Volkswagen, together with long term clients Fly Buys, New World and CIGNA Insurance.
The merger will see WRC’s business move into Rapp Collins including Lion Nathan, Nokia, HWI and the Child Cancer Foundation.
WRC Managing Director Murray Reid has decided not to be part of the Rapp Collins business and is actively pursuing other business opportunities.

GLOBAL MOBIE MEDIA SALES NETWORK LAUNCHES IN NEW ZEALAND

2008-02-18T12:04:00.001+13:00

Snakk Media – a global mobile media sales network – today announces it has officially launched in New Zealand in an exclusive partnership with Vodafone.
Through this exclusive partnership, Snakk Media will enable brands to reach more than more than 2 million content-hungry New Zealanders through New Zealand’s largest and most compelling interactive mobile destination – Vodafone Live!.
The mobile advertising market is expected to grow exponentially over the next several years and is expected to be worth more than US$16 billion by 2011 worldwide*. In New Zealand, the mobile channel has grown by more than 300% per annum since 2000 and has become an integral part of many brands’ marketing mix.
Snakk Media Director Geoff Ross says, “In today’s crowded world, it’s increasingly challenging for brands to get in front of today’s consumers. Brands naturally want to exist where their target audience is – and their target audience is spending more and more of their day looking, listening and learning with their mobile phone. This trend will only continue, especially as new handsets such as the iPhone become widespread.
“Snakk Media is the first media sales agency of its kind to specialise in putting companies’ brands in hand. Mobile media can target and stimulate an audience in new ways and at new times of the day,” he says.
“There is one absolute trend taking place in popular culture, and this is the growth and usage of mobile. I’m rapt to be part of it.”
Darnell Dixon, Snakk Media Director of Sales, adds, “The launch of mobile advertising is a huge development for New Zealand.
“Traditionally New Zealand has led the way in interactive mobile advertising and marketing with SMS, MMS, Bluetooth and the like. However, advertising on Vodafone Live! offers a whole new opportunity for brands to connect with audiences via the most personalised digital media,” she says.
“It’s the power of ‘beyond the banner’, what takes place after a consumer clicks. The mobile destination entices further interaction – be this to view product information, enter a competition, download content, browse a gallery or click to call a contact centre or brand representative,” Darnell says.
“We have been doing fantastic work connecting brands and consumers using the mobile internet and 3G in offshore markets and are elated that we are able to now unlock this experience for New Zealand audiences. Snakk Media is delighted to be Vodafone’s exclusive partner in the launch of this new advertising frontier.”

OMNICOM ACQUIRES MAJORITY INTEREST IN SHIFT

2008-02-14T11:30:00.004+13:00

Omnicom Group Inc. has acquired a majority interest in Shift, a major digital consultancy in New Zealand.
Arguably New Zealand's preeminent design studio specializing in web-based communications and multimedia, Shift has a record of developing international award-winning websites. With an array of leading clients and offices in Wellington and Auckland, Shift has a stellar lineup of talent.
"The investment in Shift is an exciting addition to our fast growing digital capabilities in the Asia Pacific region," said Michael Birkin, Omnicom's Vice Chairman and Chairman and CEO of Asia Pacific. "We are enormously impressed with the quality of their work and the diverse range of their clients."
Selwyn Feary, Shift's founder, is equally enthusiastic about the development. "Our decision to partner with Omnicom opens up unlimited international opportunities for Shift. Our strategic goal was always to introduce our specialist solutions to the world, and Omnicom agencies are a global powerhouse of creativity and strategic acumen that will see us deliver our vision. We are confident that Omnicom will benefit from our kiwi flair and ingenuity, and the new relationship will also enhance the Shift team's ability to learn and pitch their best ideas to the global digital market."
Shift will work closely with TBWA, TEQUILA and Agency.com Worldwide, helping to enhance the TBWA\Group's digital offering on a global basis.
"We are very excited to be working with Shift as we have admired them for a long time. We hope that we will be able to export some of the 'kiwi know-how' to the rest of the world at the same time as we make our digital offering even stronger," said Keith Smith, President - International, TBWA\Worldwide.

TEAM MOVE TO TBWA\WHYBIN

2008-02-12T19:40:00.000+13:00

NZCC hears that young creative team Jessica Neale and Amy Thexton have moved to TBWA\Whybin from Colenso BBDO.

INTERNATIONAL MOBILE GURUS DESCEND ON NZ

2008-02-12T12:17:00.000+13:00

The Hyperfactory will this week bring together a panel of international experts in a ground-breaking event that will revolutionise the way New Zealand views mobile marketing and media.
Google Director of Mobile Advertising Diana Pouliot and Head of Global Monetisation for Yahoo Connected Life Michael Bayle are two of the global industry experts who will address the Movable Feast workshop. With industry-changing developments such as Google’s Android on the horizon and with Michael Bayle coming fresh from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the workshop provides an invaluable opportunity to learn what the mobile future offers from two of the world’s biggest brands.
Rich Frank, former Chairman of Disney Television, president of Disney Studios and Paramount Television Group, will also speak on the changing face of content, entertainment and media. As someone who has been at the forefront of television, the internet and now the third screen, mobile, Rich is perfectly placed to offer an unique perspective on the latest digital revolution.
Geoff Ross, founder of 42 Below and now a director of The Hyperfactory Group, is Master of Ceremonies, and will also announce the launch of a hugely exciting major new development that will have far-reaching benefits for the industry.
Vodafone NZ CEO Russell Stanners and Mark Evans, CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, will also speak, in addition to The Hyperfactory founders Derek Handley (now based at The Hyperfactory’s LA office) and Geoffrey Handley (now based in the Shanghai office).

EDEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-02-11T22:29:00.000+13:00

Film Construction’s director roster has just been joined by another star recruit – Eden.
Formerly UK based, Eden started his directing career in 1997 by not only being selected in the Saatchi & Saatchi New Director’s showcase, but by also being listed as one of the 10 Best New Directors in the World by London's Campaign Magazine!
After this impressive start, Eden has amassed a quality body of work shooting for clients in Europe, the UK, the USA and Australasia. He’s multi awarded and his mantelpiece now includes one Bronze and two Gold Lions.
“I'm chuffed to be part of the new guard at Film Construction. It feels like the right fit for me after building a solid platform of work since arriving from London. They're looking good and talking flash” says Eden.
Eden reel currently includes Australasian work for National Bank, Westpac, Telstra, AEC and SIGC, and international work for Toyota, Coca Cola, Orange, Appeal Now and Discovery Channel.
“I’ve been keenly watching Eden’s career for the last few years and I’m very excited to have him on-board – he works in an exciting visual and comedy space which is rare” says Film Construction Executive Producer Roy De Giorgio.
Eden is putting the finishing touches on Australian work for Rexona and Arnott’s, and currently looking at scripts out of Sydney, Auckland and Tokyo.
For more information, please contact Executive Producer Roy De Giorgio at roy@filmconstruction.com

SLEEPWALKER'S INTRODUCTION TO FLIGHT

2008-02-05T16:54:00.001+13:00

Creative adman Sion Scott-Wilson’s new novel, The Sleepwalker’s Introduction to Flight will be published in hardback by Macmillan UK in May. The paperback will be available through the Pan imprint.
The official launch takes place in London’s Covent Garden on May 8th, although the book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
The Sleepwalker’s Introduction to Flight has been described as:
‘A heart-rending and riotous mini-epic, a brilliantly subversive coming-of-age tale about what happens when dark and light collide, and society's marginalised find their voice.’
‘A remarkable, picaresque journey into the dark heart of suburban England.’
Scott-Wilson is thrilled by the response so far: "It’s early days but there does seem to be a bit of a buzz about it. A major London retailer has already selected ‘The Sleepwalker’s Introduction to Flight’ as their Book of The Month for May and I’ve heard that there’s going to be a brilliant turnout for the launch."

TAXI AWAITS LISHMAN IN CANADA

2008-02-05T10:52:00.000+13:00

Award-winning art director Maria Lishman is leaving Colenso BBDO, and New Zealand, to join Canada’s most creative and famous agency Taxi.
Lishman spent seven years at Colenso, starting as a designer, moving up to be Head of Design and then switching to Art Director after nagging then Creative Director Rich Maddocks for briefs. In that time she picked up two Cannes Lions as well as numerous awards at The One Show, Clio, AWARD, Axis and Young Guns.
Says Managing Director Brent Smart: “While we are sad to see Maria leave, as she is a big talent with a big future, we are happy to see her go to a world class agency like Taxi. It is another example of Colenso being a breeding ground for top creatives before they go off and do big things at the world’s best agencies, like Leo Permutico, Guy Rooke and now Maria.”

SIX KIWIS TO JUDGE NEW YORK FESTIVALS

2008-01-31T12:36:00.000+13:00

With a star line up of judges in Australia and New Zealand and a 20% jump in entries, 2008 promises to be a big year for the New York Festivals Advertising in all Media competition. The judges have been chosen from recommendations made by the industry’s top creatives, and many are multiple award winners themselves. They join judges representing over 30 countries from around the world. Judging will commence early March. Winners will be announced at a Gala event in New York in early May.

Judges from New Zealand:
Jeremy Taine, ECD, Ogilvy Auckland – TV
Tim Hall, CD, Saatchi & Saatchi, Wellington – Print
Peter Hewitt, Exec. Producer, Film Construction – Art & Technique
Jake Fitter, Lead Sr. Creative – Saatchi & Saatchi, Auckland
Nick Worthington, Executive CD, Colenso BBDO, Auckland (pictured) – Print
Josh Frizzell, Director, Curious Film

Judges from Australia:
Mark Collis, National CD, Leo Burnett – TV
Rebecca Carrasco, Executive CD, Colman Rasic Carrascom, Sydney – TV
Steve Back, ECD, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney – Print
Rem Bruijn, CD, MAKE, Brisbane – Print
Ralph van Dijk, Eardrum, Sydney – Radio
Buzz Pringle, Stellar Group, Sydney – Radio
Andrew Tinning, CD, Marketforce, Perth - Outdoor
Emma Hill, CD, Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne – Outdoor
Ashley Ringrose, Director/Founder, Soap Creative, Sydney – New Media
Aaron Turk, CD, Tribal DDB, Sydney – New Media
Jonathan Samway, Exec. Producer, Prodigy – Art & Technique
Pete Baker, The Glue Society, Sydney - Outdoor
Lee Thomson - Robbers Dog – Art & Technique

NZ AND AUSTRALIAN AGENCIES FEATURE STRONGLY IN THE BIG WON ANNUAL RANKINGS

2008-01-30T19:51:00.000+13:00

The Big Won, the international ranking of agencies across all marketing disciplines, places Australian and New Zealand agencies highly. The 2007 results covered nearly 10,000 awards presented in 73 countries to more than 1,600 agencies across multiple disciplines, including advertising, direct and digital marketing. The full list of rankings is available at

THE BIG WON

Overall, direct marketing in Australasia is clearly world class with 4 out of the top 10 dm campaigns hailing from the region. Local agencies also made it to the top ten in press campaigns, as well as alternative media, though no Australasian agency appeared in the top 10 TV, print, digital, or poster campaigns.

Key highlights:
· The region boasts world class direct marketing agencies with New Zealand’s AIM Proximity ranked second in the world out of more than 900 dm agencies, while M&C Saatchi Sydney is third, and BMF is 11th.
· Australia and New Zealand dominate the top 10 most awarded Direct Marketing campaigns in the world, with campaigns from Leo Burnett and AIM Proximity (for BNZ) sharing first place, M&C Saatchi Sydney 6th place and TBWA\Whybin Auckland in 10th position.
· In the top 10 Alternative & Innovative Media campaigns, George Patterson Y&R Melbourne ranks 6th in the world for the VB ‘Boonie’ campaign.
· In the top 10 Press Campaigns, Publicis Mojo Auckland ranked 3rd in the world for the Ketchup ‘CALM’ campaign.
· The best Television and Cinema Advertising campaign from Australasia was ‘Children see, children do’ for NAPCAN by DDB Sydney, ranked 25th in the world.
· The best Digital campaign from Australasia was BMF’s ‘A new form of currency’ for Macquarie Bank, which was ranked 17th in the world from more than 700 campaigns.
· In overall global rankings, AIM Proximity is the top Australasian agency ranked 33rd in the world out of 1,600 agencies, followed closely by M&C Saatchi Sydney at 35th, Leo Burnett Sydney at 55th, and Publicis Mojo NZ at 87th.
AIM Proximity CEO, Darryn Melrose, said: “It’s great news. The number two global ranking from more than 900 agencies is due to a variety of consistently outstanding campaigns from a broad range of clients. The close relationships we have with our clients clearly underpin what we have achieved here.
“We have also edged out our regional competition to become the most awarded agency in this part of the world across every media discipline - television, radio, press, poster, digital and direct. We are proud of this achievement.”

SAATCHI WORLDWIDE LEADERS TO GATHER IN AUCKLAND FOR FIRST OF REGIONAL SUMMITS

2008-01-30T17:35:00.000+13:00

Some of Saatchi & Saatchi’s most influential inter- national execs are set to meet in Auckland next week for the first of a series of regional summits.
The Asia Pacific Regional Meeting, scheduled for 4 and 5 February, is the first stop on the regional circuit for Saatchi Worldwide CEO Kevin Roberts and a group of his senior managers.
On the back of a highly successful 2007 for Saatchi worldwide, which saw the firm achieve significant and well-publicised gains with new and existing clients, these regional meetings will set the tone for 2008 growth, with a focus on the digital business, sustainability, and the global impact of Lovemarks.
Saatchi Auckland CEO Andrew Stone notes that it is auspicious for New Zealand to be hosting the first meeting. “It’s both an honour and an opportunity for us to learn from the leaders of our firm who maintain a global perspective. I am also delighted that they see an opportunity to learn from us, as the New Zealand agency has long been known in the Saatchi network to embody creativity, effectiveness and business success.”
Several of the attendees are household names in the creative world, including:
Bob Isherwood, Worldwide Creative Director (pictured)
Sandy Thompson, Worldwide Head of Planning
Richard Hytner, Deputy Chairman, Worldwide
Tom Eslinger, Creative Director – Interactive, Worldwide
Joining them will be the CEOs of all the Asia Pacific offices, including Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
“This meeting also provides a rare chance for the chief executives of all our offices in this part of the world to come together, share ideas, and exchange insights about trends in the region,” Andrew Stone says.

COMM BANK ANOTHER ASB?

2008-01-28T09:03:00.000+13:00

In Australia, the much anticipated Commonwealth Bank campaign created by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco is getting a caning on the

CB BLOG

. Amongst other insults, a few CB Bloggers are saying the new work is not original, with some Kiwi expats claiming it has similarities to the ASB campaign, not surprising they say, given that both Barbara Chapman, the Commonwealth Bank’s group executive, human resources and group services and CEO Ralph Norris, came from the ASB, which is owned by the Commonwealth Bank.

Here's the CB Blog article:

The Commonwealth Bank launched its long-awaited branding work from Goodby Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco on Australia Day with a mockumentary-style campaign based around the bank working with its cast of well-meaning, but culturally clueless American advertising executives and invariably polite, persistent and patient Australian clients.
Launching on Nine during the cricket, Ten during the tennis and Foxtel/Austar tomorrow, there will be a video broadcast on NineMSN with live screening at Martin Place and Hyde Park. Running for a week it will be followed by a spot featuring the Australian cricket team and then a home loans spot. A

MICROSITE

has been developed which will showcase the ads with backgrounders about the cast members, which includes a copywriter/art director called Luke and Luke.
The Commonwealth’s Bank marketing general manager Mark Buckman says the campaign hasn’t been tested with the general public – the

LAUNCH COMMERCIAL

was only finished twenty minutes before he flew back from San Francisco last night – but he is confident the general public media is savvy enough to get it. He adds that picking up on the humour is not reliant on the general public knowing the bank used an American agency.
When the first half of the commercial appeared on YouTube this morning, bloggers went into over-drive unsure whether it was a joke or the real offering, a reaction that reflects the scrutiny the bank has been under since appointing the US agency nine months ago.
Says Buckman: “It is intended to break the conventions of banking marketing and give something different that will stand out on Australian television. We saw multiple options before we landed on this campaign, which we think is bold and exciting. It’s quite provocative and is certainly different to what we have done before. We think it is really funny, sort of like Seinfeld meets The Office, but most importantly it gives us a device to communicate the many different ways the Commonwealth Bank is different to our competitors."
Goodby, which was recently named Advertising Age’s and AdWeek’s Agency of the Year, presented about three campaigns to the agency including one Buckman is calling a “safe" approach, which the bank rejected in favour of this more entertaining and edgier idea.
“In this media savvy world….being able to engage with the Australian public on an emotional level and connect with them in a way they will want to connect with us and find out more about the Comm Bank so what we have created is more like a sitcom series than it is conventional advertising," he says, admitting that it was partly inspired by the experience they had working on the campaign.
Goodby’s Steve Simpson, creative director on the campaign, says the agency is fictional and is not Goodby, but plays on Americans being a convenient foil for all the excesses of marketing and taps into the fascination for advertising.
Says Simpson: “Everyone is now a filmmaker as we see on YouTube, we invite the public to make their own commercials, user-generated content is all the rage and everyone I ever meet who finds out I’m in advertising has had an ad idea so there is this interest in what goes on behind-the-scenes so the making of this stuff becomes the subject of the advertising. There are clear stylistic nods to the Office, the way the silence is played, the awkwardness of the client’s reaction."
Print and outdoor ads, web advertising and in-brand materials will put the Bank’s message more simply, offering proof points of the Commonwealth’s new truth.
The Commonwealth Bank’s group executive, human resources and group services, Barbara Chapman says most people had a view of the bank as a traditional, established big bank, part of Australia but lacking in momentum and a bit lacking in energy: “Internally I see an organization that is quite different, it is going through a transformation of change and is focusing very much on the customer and customer service and our vision to excel in customer service is coming to life as we speak in every interaction that we have. It’s an unusual position where the perception of the bank is a little bit behind the reality."
She says 70% of its customers as nine or ten out of ten for their most recent branch interaction, making the biggest marketing challenge that of getting that perception changed among customers and staff
“It’s not just a tagline, ‘determined to be different’ is something we are going to live up to and we are living up to and will live up to that every single day. We are prepared to be judged by that commitment and that determination and it's not determined to be different from where we have been but to be different from every other bank in this market," she says.

AGENCY: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco
CREATIVE DIRECTORS: Rich Silverstein, Steve Simpson
COPYWRITERS: Pat McKay, Chris Beresford-Hill, Rick Condos
ART DIRECTORS: Feh Tarty, Will Hammond, Hunter Hindman
PRODUCERS: Barbro Eddy, Jake Grand
DIRECTOR: Eric Lynne
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Partizan Productions, Los Angeles

VIEW THE

LAUNCH COMMERCIAL

MAISEY QUITS M&C SAATCHI

2008-01-25T16:18:00.000+13:00

After two years at M&C Saatchi, Executive Creative Director Oliver Maisey has resigned from the agency, to be temporarily replaced by Sydney-based Regional Creative Director, Tom McFarlane, who will take an active role until a replacement is found.
McFarlane of course has a long and successful pedigree on this side of the Tasman, having masterminded the iconic NZ Tourism 100% Pure NZ campaign, as well as significant brand work for ANZ Bank.
Says M&C Saatchi CEO Nick Baylis: “Oliver and I have been discussing his desire to take time out from M&C Saatchi and move on to a new challenge for some time. Coming back from the festive break, he decided that now was the time to leave. M&C Saatchi is the third agency in which Oli and I have worked together, and it’s been a great partnership. While it’s sad to see Oli go, and I wish him the very best, it’s reassuring to have someone of the calibre of Tom McFarlane in a regional role to ensure that we bridge this transition in the interim. More importantly though, this is a great opportunity for us to re-energise our creative department and our product - which is bloody exciting”.
Says Maisey: “After two full on years at M&C Saatchi, I felt the time was right to take a break”.

2008 AXIS AWARD SITE NOW LIVE

2008-01-25T10:09:00.000+13:00

The official 2008 AXIS Award site is now live. Following the doctrine of change set out by Toby Talbot (Convenor of Judges), the site allows you to vote for the award night’s host, caterer, venue and after-party location. You can even vote on the local judging line-up and upload your own host and venue suggestions! A collection of nominee videos have also been prepared so you’re not voting blindly.
This is a bold and unprecedented method of creating an awards night, and one that Talbot believes will work: “When you look at the options we’re offering, especially for something as important as the choice of host, I know we’re onto something pretty bloody special”.
Download your AXIS Call For Entries booklet and have your say at

ITSYOURAXIS.CO.NZ

TALBOT'S GRAND AXIS PLAN: THREE OVERSEAS JUDGES TO DECIDE GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE

2008-01-24T12:13:00.000+13:00

Axis chairman Toby Talbot, ECD of DDB (left) outlines big, bold changes to the Axis Awards, which includes inviting three top overseas judges to pick Gold, Silver and Bronze:

Welcome to your new, improved AXIS.
This year we’ve changed a lot about your local show. Not for the sake of change, but because it seems everyone really wanted AXIS to change.
The feedback was clear after last year. You weren’t happy. At all.
When I say ‘you’, allow me to break that down for you. Creatives, suits, producers, CEO’s, MD’s, clients, directors, composers, production companies, photographers, media companies and sponsors.
Yep, pretty much all of you.
So what we’ve done is change the things about AXIS that you least liked. Obviously we can’t please everybody. But then it wouldn’t be AXIS if there wasn’t a bit of bitching and moaning, now would it.
So what’s changed?
Well for starters, there are fewer categories. We’ve got it down from a hefty seventy-two to a svelte fifty-five. Hopefully, you won’t miss the categories we killed (let’s face it, why did we have all those ‘International’ categories anyway). If you do, um, sorry.
Then there’s that hoary old chestnut, the judging.
For as long as Roger MacDonnell has been wearing long pants, questions have been raised about Axis judging. And the voices of discontent have grown louder. My theory is that the industry has shrunk which means so has the number of agencies and therefore judges. With only a handful of agencies dominating the awards, it seems to have become harder and harder to objectively judge the work.
There has to be a better way and this year, we think we’ve found it.
For AXIS 2008, we’re asking some of our most respected New Zealand creatives to cull the initial entries into a shortlist. But not the usual suspects. This time the ‘Pommie Mafia’ Creative Directors are stepping down and the younger up-and-comers are stepping up.
Then we’re going to take the unprecedented step of getting three independent, unbiased, globally significant judges - all based offshore - to decide Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Before the outcry, ‘but what does Johnny Foreigner know about New Zealand’, the answer is quite a lot really.
We are in a global business. Our work is highly visible these days given our successes at overseas awards shows. All three of our judges will be very aware of what we do here.
As for our little kiwi idiosyncrasies, campaigns like L&P have done very well overseas, so let’s not get too caught up about people ‘getting it’.
Besides, do you really want Axis to be a parochial, xenophobic show? I know I don’t.
So who are the three annointed ones?
Traktor need no introduction, but I’ll give them one anyway. Twice crowned the most award-winning directors in the world, Emmy winners, and two-time winners of the Cannes Grand Prix, this directing collective are a formidable creative force. Who can forget the MTV ‘Jukka Brothers’ or the Fox Sports ‘News from the only region you care about’ spots. We’re proud to announce that we’ve got two of them.

Chuck McBride (pictured), prior to setting up his own agency, Cutwater in San Francisco, was Lee Clow’s right hand man at TBWA\Chiat\Day North America. Think of all those amazing adidas ads that have come out of the States in the last ten years. Chuck was behind them all.
And we’re bloody excited to have Seb Royce representing digital. The CD of Glue London, Seb’s just been listed as one of the Top Ten Digital Talent by the UK’s Campaign Magazine. A truckload of awards probably had something to do with that, as well as being a super passionate creative.
These are people whose opinions you should give a shit about.
And what’s going to make AXIS night special this year is that they will be here for the show itself to hand out the awards.
What other changes? Well, instead of five Grande AXIS, this year there will be just one Grande AXIS, previously known as Best of Show. This award will be judged during AXIS week by all three judges and chosen from the various Golds they have already awarded.
Gone are the days of forests of polyboard. Your AXIS entries this year will all be uploaded to an ftp site. Except DM entries.
(Bloody DM, but what can you do).
Oh yeah, there’s one more change that will make this AXIS better than last year’s.
Clems Wellington is entering it.
See you on the night.

Toby Talbot

MARK CHAMPION, NOW WITH AUSTRALIAN AFA, POACHES JO LIBLINE FROM CAANZ

2008-01-23T12:57:00.000+13:00

The Advertising Federation of Australia has appointed Jo Libline from CAANZ as its new Events and Sponsorship Manager.
Jo has extensive background in events management and sponsorship development and support, and has worked extensively in the Australian and New Zealand tourism and wine industries.
Jo is currently the Events and Sponsorship Manager with CAANZ, where she produced and staged three major advertising award programmes.
“Jo has the perfect credentials for this key role within the AFA,” said new AFA Executive Director, Mark Champion, who worked with Jo while he was head of CAANZ.
“Her experience of running world-class marketing communications award programs and a plethora of industry events, as well as her ability to attract supporters and showcase their brands will be invaluable,” he said.
Prior to her role with CAANZ Jo came from the position of Trade Marketing Manager for the New Zealand operation of Tourism Australia and has headed up the Yarra Valley Tourism organisation.
She replaces Allison Barrett who left the AFA at the end of 2007.
Jo starts her new role with the AFA on February 25.

DIGIPOST GETS TERRIFYINGLY SUBLIMINAL

2008-01-22T11:49:00.000+13:00

The VFX team who created award winning commercials like Tiger Beer ‘In this Life’ (Silver Lion 2007), and the Cascade ‘The Natural Order’, are celebrating another success with the recent US Box Office #1, 30 Days of Night.

SEE THE TRAILER HERE

Digipost found time between making commercials in 2007 to finish the US feature, completing over 600 spine chilling shots, around 85% of the VFX in the Ghost House Pictures / Columbia Pictures horror.
Digipost executed a range of subtle effects designed to impact the audience on a subliminal level. Of particular interest is the disturbing phenomenon coined ‘digital vampire effects’ that heightens the terrifying nature of the blood-thirsty villains.
While the film’s VFX haven’t gone unnoticed, it’s fair to say the horror genre is not everyone’s cup of tea. Unless, of course, like a few agency creatives we know, you have a penchant for a little gore with your Earl Grey in the morning.
“Our team really enjoyed getting their teeth into 30 Days of Night”, notes Digipost GM, Stephen Douglas. “Doing film work as well as commercials gives us a strong VFX repertoire that inevitably benefits the TVC production side of what we do. Our team is sharper, more creative and versatile as a result.”
Douglas points out that, when it comes to advertising, the last thing anyone would suggest is subliminal manipulation, or wholesale on-screen slaughter for that matter. However, anyone looking for a super-realistic finish for their commercial project knows where to get it. “If we can creatively and skilfully deliver on a large scale feature like this, we can certainly deliver for a TVC project”.
30 Days of Night will be in New Zealand cinemas end of January.

THE HYPERFACTORY DOMINATES MOBILE MARKETING CATEGORY AT AIMIA AWARDS

2008-01-22T11:24:00.000+13:00

The world’s most awarded mobile marketing and media company, Auckland's The Hyperfactory, has been named a double-finalist in the Best Mobile Advertising or Marketing category at the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) Awards, to be announced in March.
The Hyperfactory was recognised for two mobile campaigns, both of which have already won several major mobile and marketing awards across the globe.
The Motorola ‘Say Goodbye’ campaign saw The Hyperfactory pair with Ogilvy Hong Kong to create a groundbreaking interactive campaign at Hong Kong International Airport. It allowed travellers to say goodbye to loved ones via their mobile phones by broadcasting their personal video messages on giant screens around the airport. They could also receive video messages and exclusive content from soccer star David Beckham and Chinese chart-topper Jay Chou direct to their mobile phones.
There were tens of thousands of video interactions between travellers, David Beckham and Jay Chou, and the videos made their way all over the world from phone to phone. In addition to being a huge hit with consumers, the campaign has also won big with the industry, collecting Best In Show accolades at the prestigious Adweek Buzz Awards and OMMA Awards.
The Wellington Zoo ‘Augmented Reality’ campaign (pictured) was created in association with Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington and human interface company Hitlab NZ. It featured world-first technology that enabled users to bring a 3D zoo animal to life in the palm of their hands – simply by pointing the camera on their mobile at a print advertisement. The campaign won Best Print at the Adweek Buzz Awards.
Says Geoffrey Handley, The Hyperfactory Director New Business Asia Pacific: “Many of our recent successes have been at international awards ceremonies, so it’s great to see some recognition closer to home.
“Mobile marketing is at a tipping point in Australasia right now – we’re thrilled that AIMIA has acknowledged The Hyperfactory as being at the forefront of this next digital revolution.”

OGILVY PUMPS IT UP INDEFINITELY

2008-01-21T16:59:00.000+13:00

Pump Pure New Zealand Spring Water has launched what they claim is a revolutionary advertising campaign via Ogilvy, rolling out a series of 50 individual animated television commercials.
Each fortnight a brand new

commercial

will screen, following the pursuits of a wily, animated character who’s modus operandi is to stay pumped. Through action and adventure he stays ahead of the game, narrowly escapes disaster and keeps moving on through his quick wit and agile manoeurvres, highlighting the benefits of constant hydration. Re-invigorated new packaging featuring a dynamic new wave is another component of the Pump campaign.
Catherine Woodley, Senior Brand Manager says the innovative new advertising campaign is designed to take an already successful brand to a new level: “We anticipate stronger market growth over the next two years as the Pump campaign evolves and reinforces the ‘drink, think, act’ message with the target market,” she said. “There’s never been an animated campaign like this that literally evolves or ‘rolls out’ in the same way as a television series and we think the brand’s changing story over the next two years will really capture the imagination of viewers.”
Ogilvy Executive Creative Director Jeremy Taine concurs: “Pump is such a dynamic, fluid brand – pun absolutely intended – standing still was never an option. Dan and Paul have done a brilliant job for a visionary client and we think the market will love the ride.”
Launching this Sunday January 20, 2008, the integrated Pump campaign incorporates television, outdoor, online and a new point of sale suite. It has a total rate card value of two million dollars to ensure a strong market presence. Destined to reach iconic brand status with this ambitious, innovative brand campaign, Pump is a product of Coca-Cola Amatil and New Zealand’s number one single serve water brand.

CANNES REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

2008-01-21T15:03:00.000+13:00

Delegates wishing to attend the 55th International Advertising Festival, to be held in Cannes June 15-21, can now register at: www.canneslions.com
Delegates can select a three-day, four-day or full week registration package, with access to 47 topical seminars, 30 workshops, the Content Showcase, screenings, exhibitions, four award ceremonies, two galas and the greatest networking opportunity the advertising industry has to offer.
Special registration packages are also available for young creatives and students.
Registered delegates can find information on a wide range of hotels, residences, serviced apartments and villas at www.canneslions.com
The deadline for inclusion in the Delegate Handbook is Friday, May 2.
Entries open online Thursday, January 31.

IDEAWORKS GETS WAREHOUSE STATIONERY BUSINESS FROM DDB WITHOUT A PITCH

2008-01-15T12:50:00.000+13:00

Idea Works has been appointed to handle Warehouse Stationery without a pitch, taking the business from incumbent DDB -- who still retain the bulk of the Warehouse account.
The win, one of the biggest retail accounts to move in recent times, will provide a significant platform for Idea Works growth in the NZ market. “It’s a testament to the great credentials, knowledge and perseverance of the Idea Works team”, says Lindy Shuttleworth, GM of Idea Works NZ.
Warehouse Stationery is NZ leading stationery retailer with 43 stores and an annual turnover of $200 million.
Juanita te Rito, Warehouse Stationery GM - Marketing and Property said the company had sought out Idea Works to discuss the opportunities of a partnership based on the extremely successful work the agency had taken to market for businesses such as Big W and SuperCheap Auto in Australia.
“Idea Works has demonstrated experience and expertise in bringing retail brands to life. They live and breathe retail and have a very strong commercial understanding of what makes retail tick.
“Our move to Idea Works is very exciting – as they are so much more than an advertising agency. Idea Works will partner with us on a host of strategic initiatives from brand positioning, business planning, network planning, communications strategies and environmental design.”

Y&R AUCKLAND WINS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER COULD BE A CAXTON COMPETITION

2008-01-14T21:56:00.000+13:00

A press ad for Liquorland in New Zealand has been announced as the October/November winner of the Could Be a Caxton competition, established by the Caxton Committee and supported by The Newspaper Works to recognise and showcase great creativity on a bi-monthly basis.

CLIENT: LIQUORLAND
AGENCY: Y&R AUCKLAND
COPYWRITERS: VAUGHN DAVIS & MATTHEW WEBSTER
ART DIRECTORS: SCOTT GOWLAND & JANINE WAREHAM

A Highly Commended was also awarded to The Furnace in Sydney for its Rabo Bank Topical Election series.

CLIENT: RABO BANK
AGENCY: THE FURNACE SYDNEY
ECD: ROB MARTIN MURPHY
CREATIVE TEAM: SEAN BIRK & CHAD MACKENZIE

Rocky Ranallo, Deputy Creative Director of Clemenger BBDO Sydney, and the judge of the October/ November competition, said: “The thing I like the most about the Liquorland ad is the fact that it’s been developed purely for the medium. It’s not just a magazine ad stuck in a newspaper. I also like the fact that it has a headline, which aren’t very popular these days, but are still very powerful. Ask any newspaper editor.
"Finally, I really love that I have drunk all of these wines (and then some) with the likes of Ron Mather, Lionel Hunt, John McCabe, Danny Searle, Mick Hunter, Ian Morton and Moose, and am still alive to talk about it.
"I also really liked the Rabo Bank Rate ads. You can’t help but be drawn into them. Meanwhile, the interest rate is being etched into your brain.
"But there can only be one winner, so it goes to the happiest kingdom of them all…...Liquorland.
"Now I’m off to lunch. See, it’s working already."

The creative team from Y&R Auckland wins an all expenses-paid trip to the 2008 Caxton Weekend.
The December/January competition is now open for entries. It’s free to enter and anyone can submit nominations. For more information on how to enter the Could Be a Caxton competition and the Caxtons in general, visit

The Caxton Awards

Please contact Lucia Elliott at The Newspaper Works on +61 2 9696 6300 or email luciaelliott@thenewspaperworks.com.au for further information.

RODD MARTIN HEADS TO SAATCHI WELLINGTON

2008-01-10T10:46:00.000+13:00

Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington have bolstered their senior creative resources with the full-time appointment of Rodd Martin as associate creative director and head of art. Martin’s extensive CV includes previous stints at Saatchi's Sydney, as well as creative director roles at The Campaign Palace Melbourne and Omon New York. More recently, Martin was a founding principal of Brandhouse Arnold (now The Furnace) with offices in Melbourne and Sydney, and has enjoyed considerable success as a TVC director, a skill the agency will utilise. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including Cannes, One Show, Clio, and seven AWARD pencils.
“Rodd had a freelance stint with us over a couple of months last year and quickly made himself indispensable,” said creative director Tim Hall, also an expat Aussie. “Not only does he come with a vast array of creative and business skills, but his personality and passion for great ideas make him a natural for this agency. Everyone here is thrilled to have him aboard.”
Says Martin: “Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington is going through a kind of re-birth at the moment. There’s a lot of momentum here and more and more it feels like the cheeky child it used to be.”

DDB SNARES KAREN MAURICE O’LEARY AND VERITY BUTT FROM WHYBIN\TBWA

2008-01-09T13:41:00.000+13:00

TBWA\Whybin's award winning Young Guns team will be leaving the agency at the end of January to join DDB.
“Karen and Verity have accepted a position at DDB, and will work for Toby Talbot (Bastard). We wish them well. They have been a fantastic asset to our team here,” says TBWA\Whybin ECD, Andy Blood.
Says DDB Executive Creative Director Toby Talbot: “We’re delighted they’re coming onboard, they’ll fit really well here. Although they’re hugely talented - arguably the most awarded young team in Australasia – they haven’t let early success go to their heads. They’ve remained thoroughly nice, hard working and fun.
“We’ve got a lot of young talent in the DDB creative ranks now, so Karen and Verity are coming onboard at a great time. They’ll get the opportunity to get their teeth into some terrific clients so we’ll be making full use of their talents.”
Karen Maurice O’Leary described the move as “the right opportunity, the right creative director, and the right agency.”
Verity Butt added:"This is a great way to start the New Year. Fresh challenges, new clients and a new creative director. We've had an awesome start to our careers, which has put us in good stead to be ready for new opportunities.”
The duo came to TBWA\Whybin on placement in 2004 after graduating from Auckland’s AXIS Adschool. Their winning streak began the very next day when Verity won an apple G5 at an apple ‘Director’s Day’.
Three years later, they leave with a Cannes Grand Prix, 5 Cannes Lions (3 Gold, 2 Bronze), 1 Titanium shortlist, a D&AD Silver Pencil, 1 Grande Clio, AWARD Silver and Bronzes, a One Show Bronze Pencil and Gold, Silvers and Bronze at Young Guns.
They produced outstanding work across the board for ASB, Firestone, adidas, Sovereign and also for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand.

D&AD DEADLINE 16 JANUARY

2008-01-09T11:44:00.000+13:00

With 2008 in full swing the countdown to this year’s D&AD Awards entry deadline is on.
The deadline for completing the online entry process is Wednesday 16 January 2008 – there will be a short extension to this deadline when entries submitted will incur a 10% surcharge. Entering is quick and easy and you can send any physical work after completing the online process so there is plenty of time left.
To enter, or for full information on this year's Categories, Prices and Juries go to www.dandad.org/awards08.
If you need any help or support you can contact D&AD at http://dandad.chillibean.net/perl/dandad/entry/_contact.pl - your query will be answered by a member of their dedicated team.

SAATCHI'S WELLINGTON HOT AGAIN

2008-01-07T14:02:00.000+13:00

Saatchi Wellington staff returned after the Christmas break to find their office still smoking from a fire which totaled the burger joint (Burger Fuel) and the agency car park on the ground floor.
The office is on the top floor of the building and is essentially ok but covered in smoke dust. It'll be a week before the power is restored, the place cleaned and Health & Safety will allow tenants back in.
The Merc is owned by MD, Cameron Harland's and the moped belongs to one of Saatchi art directors.
Meanwhile Saatchi Wellington is operating out of conference facilities at The Museum Hotel - Level 4, 90 Cable Street.

BBH LONDON NAMED BESTADS INTERNATIONAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR - THREE NZ SHOPS IN TOP 10

2007-12-30T13:08:00.000+13:00

For the fourth year in a row, BBH London is the BestAds International Agency of the Year, but the big news for NZ is that three world-class Kiwi shops are in the Top 10: Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand at #2, DDB New Zealand at #4 and Clemenger BBDO, Wellington at #6.
Points are based on work selected for Week's Best on BestAds during 2007 so it's a unique guage of consistent creative excellence.

The Top 10 BestAds Agencies in the world in 2007:

1. BBH London
2. Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand
3. Fallon London
4. DDB New Zealand
4. Duval Guillaume, Antwerp
6. AMV BBDO, London
6. Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
6. DDB Sydney
6. Goodby Silverstein and Partners, San Francisco
6. Mother, London

Check the BestAds Rankings to see the best performing agencies, clients, production companies and creatives during 2008. You can search by country.

BESTADSONTV.COM

is the only FREE site of its calibre in the world (why pay fees on other sites?) which is updated daily with even more world class work from more countries than ever before in all mediums, so make sure you register FREE and check in once a day, not just once a week.

SPCA 'ONLY FOR DOG EARS' SONG 'A VERY SILENT NIGHT' NOW #1

2007-12-24T14:29:00.000+13:00

UPDATE: The silent 'only for dog ears' song 'A Very Silent Night' has gone to #1 on the charts...

The Film Brewery has shot a video and TVC to support Draft FCB’s world first for SPCA - a CD single featuring a song just for dogs!
The Christmas single, A Very Silent Night, has been recorded at the highest frequencies possible for compact disc recordings, so that only dogs can hear it.
Chris Graham and Treza Gallogly got the call from creatives Alex Dyer and Colin Mitchell, on Thursday at 4pm - and jumped in paws and all – managing to turn around a full day’s shooting within 4 days (including a weekend!)…
As it happens, Graham’s brother, David, had just bred 5 new pure bred French Mastiff pups (only 6 weeks old), and seeing as this was the same breed as the photo on the front of the CD, they knew that fate meant them to shoot the ad!
The video and TVC are styled on Scribe’s ‘Not Many’’ video (which Graham also directed), and Snoop Dogg’s ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ video, the cast features 14 dogs, rapper Dei Hamo as Santa and two gorgeous models as elves.
In keeping with the CD, the TVC will be inaudible to human ears with subtitles asking the public to “buy the CD so they don’t end up in the dog house”.
All the crew and suppliers jumped in, and donated their time, equipment and services for free. In particular, Aaron Morton DoP, Animals on Q, who advised them and spent the day on set, Digital Post, who are providing all the post-production and animation, and Sam Brunette (who has 3 very large Great Danes himself), edited the video and TVC in just 2 days!!
The single is available exclusively from The Warehouse for only $4.99, and is the perfect stocking-stuffer for dogs and a feel-good fundraiser for the SPCA.
Check out a very doggy tail, at this link to TV3’s

Sunrise breakfast show

ROSS GOLDSACK RESPONDS TO 'ANNUS HORRIBILIS' COMMENT IN ADMEDIA DECEMBER

2007-12-19T13:39:00.000+13:00

Y&R chief Ross Goldsack has responded to AdMedia's 'annus horribilis' comments made in the December issue...

I am very puzzled by your “annus horribilis” comment about our year in the latest copy of AdMedia.
What are you referring to?
We won Agency of the Year. If my memory serves me correctly it was AdMedia’s award!!
We have had an above average awards year this year – AOY, creative, effectiveness, etc.
We have enjoyed a strong year financially.
Yes, we did part company with Noel Leeming mid year. But we have had one of our best new business years ever - winning:

Auckland Energy Trust
Microsoft
Bay Audiology
Metservice
Avis, Budget
Paramount

To win this business we beat out other top agencies in the country.
And on top of all this we have been awarded significant new projects from existing clients – especially in the interactive space.
Parting company with a large client like Noel Leeming always has a considerable impact. We have replaced this business (and more) with new clients. To replace a client of that size in such a short space of time is a remarkable achievement. Lowe lost a couple of big clients – look where they are now.
Our Australian cousins wanted Paul to be based over there soon after he came on board...and it didn’t work out. So what? That has nothing to do with New Zealand.

Merry Christmas,
Ross

RACHEL LEYLAND WINS 'THE TITLE'

2007-12-19T10:52:00.000+13:00

Rachel Leyland, Draft FCB Media Planner & Buyer, is the winner of the 2007 'Title' award and a trip for two to Cannes in 2008 to see first hand the greatest ad ideas in the world.
'The Title' recognises those people with less than 5 years industry experience who go above and beyond to make great ideas happen. It is not open to creatives and therefore focuses on the heroes behind the scenes who normally aren’t acknowledged.
Rachel described it as the best birthday present ever as she came up to accept her award at Cowboys and Indians Bar in the Viaduct on Monday night.
Says James Mok, Creative Director, Draft FCB: “Rachel isn’t just great for our business, she’s what makes our business”.
In congratulating Rachel and the other four finalists, CAANZ CEO Rick Osborne told the 100 strong audience “that if what we saw and heard during the judging process is the future of the industry, then things appear to be in the very best of hands."

DOMINO'S APPOINTS THE PALACE

2007-12-18T12:41:00.000+13:00

Australian owned and operated Domino’s Pizza today announced it has appointed The Campaign Palace, to lead the company’s creative advertising and below the line for its Australian and New Zealand business, effective 4 February 2008.
Domino’s CEO Don Meij said he is excited to welcome The Campaign Palace to the Domino’s team and is looking forward to a long-term, successful partnership: "Our promotional activity has been really successful over the past few months and we are expecting The Campaign Palace to deliver even more engaging promotions and advertising campaigns to our customers.
“I would also like to thank Communion and MJW Advertising for delivering fantastic campaigns and promotions over the past 11.5 years and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Domino’s Chief Marketing Officer Allan Collins said the company undertook a three-month review of key creative agencies in Australia and New Zealand to find the best agency suited to the Domino’s business: “Following an extensive selection process, The Campaign Palace stood out as the best creative agency - one that understands our consumers, our brand and the way we operate,” Allan said.
The Campaign Palace Managing Director Lindsey Evans said Domino’s values and ethics were a great fit to The Campaign Palace business: “Domino’s not only has an exciting ambition for their business and brand but a wonderful set of values and ethics which together make this such a thrilling win,” Lindsey said.

WARMEST GREETINGS FROM RINEY

2007-12-18T10:33:00.000+13:00

Since the 17th century, the people of Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, have made a tradition of hiding a small statue of a squatting boy called the “Caganer” in nativity scenes. To spread holiday cheer, Publicis & Hal Riney created a site in which people can have “The Great Pooper” drop a present in a friend’s name. Check out Riney's

cheers to NZCC

TAYLOR TO MD OF SAATCHI'S AUCKLAND

2007-12-13T08:27:00.000+13:00

Saatchi & Saatchi general manager Dean Taylor has been promoted to Managing Director of the Auckland office.
The appointment, effective immediately, will see Taylor focused on mentoring the agency’s account management teams in addition to his ongoing role heading the Telecom business.
The other GMs will continue to report directly to CEO Andrew Stone, although Taylor will work closely with them in mentoring the account management teams, particularly in digital and new media.
“Working with a telco, you have the advantage of seeing new technology before it goes to market and I am passionate about the opportunities for us to use digital and new media, particularly mobile and broadband technologies,” Taylor says.
“I’m constantly amazed at the creativity that can be produced through understanding technology and this makes for hugely effective ideas. Moving forward we will be working hard to fully realise the potential this new world has to offer, we’re only at the beginning.”
Taylor joined Saatchi’s as a GM nearly four years ago to lead the Telecom account. He has previously worked at Campaign Palace in Australia, and BBH in Singapore, and originally trained in London.
Stone says it’s been a brilliant year for Saatchi’s – the fourth successive year of business growth and one with unprecedented awards success. On Friday, Saatchi’s won New Zealand Agency of the Year at the B&T Awards for the third year in a row.
Just a week earlier, it won AWARD Agency of the Year for Australasia and in October it won the EFFIES Agency Effectiveness award. It is also the reigning Campaign Brief Agency of the Year and NBR Agency of the Year.
“It’s been a stellar year for both creativity and effectiveness, but there is no time to stand still. We will be continuing to introduce ways to innovate and deliver the best and freshest creative ideas through the coming year,” Stone says.

IPG CONSOLIDATES NZ BUSINESS - LOWE, RIVET AND DRAFT FCB TO JOIN FORCES

2007-12-12T14:39:00.001+13:00

Interpublic Group (IPG) is to consolidate its New Zealand businesses, with a move by Draft FCB, Lowe and Rivet into a shared business hub in Freemans Bay early next year.
Draft FCB New Zealand Chairman and CEO Bryan Crawford said the integration made sense in terms of cultural fit as well as further efficiencies made possible by bringing the businesses together. Each agency would continue to trade under its own brand, but back office functions would be integrated.
Draft FCB’s strong performance meant it had outgrown its current premises in Parnell and is relocating with Lowe and Rivet into larger premises in Wellington Street, Freeman’s Bay, early in the New Year.
Mr Crawford said the move reflected a desire for further business improvement locally and would deliver further benefits to clients while IPG’s CEO Michael Roth was quoted recently in the US as saying “As we look to 2008, we are asking companies across Interpublic with analogous business models to come up with ways to increase efficiencies.”
General Manager of Lowe and Rivet Peter Brown says the move is a very positive one for the agency which had ended the year strongly.
“We now have a solid and sustainable base on which to continue to build the business and believe our clients will benefit from the synergies that will arise from our new shared location,” he said.
The move will mean that Group Chief Executive Lowe and Rivet Australasia Stephen Pearson and Chief Executive Office Rivet Australasia Judy Lewis relinquish their CEO responsibilities for Lowe and Rivet in New Zealand to concentrate on building the Australian businesses.
Mr Pearson said that the re-organisation in New Zealand made sense for each business and IPG as a whole.

TONIGHT'S CANNES SCREENING POSTPONED

2007-12-11T09:07:00.000+13:00

‘Tis the season for too many Christmas parties… Given the ad industry’s fond appreciation of a very festive holiday season, Fairfax Media has decided to postpone tonight's screening of the 2007 Cannes Lions Winners Reel until early 2008. Details to follow in the new year.