Seen and noted

In the lead-up to Cannes, this week's guest judge is Tony Granger, global chief creative officer of Young & Rubicam.

He joined Young & Rubicam in May 2008 to partner with global CEO Hamish McLennan. Together they share the mission of creating irresistible brands for every client in the global Young & Rubicam network.

Tony is a passionate advocate for creativity. He believes in the magic of ideas, the possibility of their reach and their power to generate change. This belief is at the heart of his ability to transform agencies and brands. He champions ideas that build relationships, and content that incites consumers to engage in new experiences.

Before coming to Young & Rubicam, Tony spent five years at Saatchi & Saatchi. He started as chief creative officer of the storied office in London and in 2004 transferred to New York to lead Headquarters. There he restored the agency's focus on creativity, driving new business and helping clients vitalize their brands by developing breakthrough communications.

Under Tony's leadership, Saatchi produced iconic, innovative work for JC Penney, Wendy's, Procter & Gamble and General Mills. Within 18 months, amidst much buzz for clients and agency alike, it was the top creative agency in the U.S. and its clients were prospering.

In 2007, Saatchi became the International Agency of the Year at both the Cannes and the Clio Festivals. It was also ranked the #2 Agency Worldwide by the prestigious Gunn Report.

Prior to Saatchi, Tony led a similar creative renaissance at Bozell New York, where it achieved the highest creative standards and memorable work for The New York Times, Bank of America, Datek, Fujitsu and Got Milk?

Tony's career began in his native South Africa, where he led TBWA/Hunt Lascaris, a shop of proud heritage and creative pedigree. There he was recognized for iconic campaigns for clients including Bic Pens, Seychelles Tourism, Land Rover and BMW.

Under Tony's leadership, Young & Rubicam was recently named 2010 Agency Network of the Year by both the Art Director's Club and the New York Festivals. To date, he's won more than 50 Cannes Lions, upwards of 1,000 industry awards and has served as president of several international advertising juries. Tony is proudest to have shaped top creative agencies, and worked with the world's most sought after clients on some of the most recognized and influential global brands. He is fanatically focused and excited for the future of the business and this industry.

BEST TV
Really strong film this week I thought. Love the simplicity of the both Amnesty international films (candle and Russian doll) both flawlessly excited and powerful. But I must say what did it for me was the Dodge film, specifically created to run in the England/America world cup game. I though that it was brave and provocative. So much of the work out there is beautiful but leaves you untouched from an emotional point of view. This idea taps into the national pride of the world cup beautifully. Football (or soccer as its called in the USA) is a growing sport. It's played by pretty much every kid at school, and through them there is a growing interest in the sport. Dodge tapped into with a tongue firmly in cheek.

BEST PRINT
I must say, none of the work really got my pulse racing. There are a kazlian print ads out there that use visual metaphors with the logo buried in the right hand corner. It all feels the same, one brand after the other, one country after the other all the same. It feels tired as a category. Having said that the Ciclo Ravena print at least behaved differently, demonstrated the potential hazard of not wearing a helmet in a very impactful way (without showing the usual blood and guts that is so prevalent in public awareness category). So I guess it’s the winner.

BEST OUTDOOR
I really liked Virgin Atlantic. Simple. Strong. Fun.

BEST INTERACTIVE
The craft on the Shihad 'Sleepeater' interactive music video is beautiful (songs pretty good too). The online world has made it so much easier for bands to get their content out there and connect with fans like never before. It's made music better, less over produced by music mega companies
The online world represents the biggest rebirth of or business since the invention of TV. It's an exciting time and has brought us so many news ways of thinking.
Advertising's dead. Long live advertising.