BEST TVWinner: The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation '
Two little brats for life'. It was my first day off for Christmas today. And I had intended on watching Netflix. However, my youngest was having an operation on her ears. So, instead, I found myself sitting in a children's ward amongst a number of other young children. You soon remember that some things in life are much more important than the things we often stress about in this industry. And this campaign highlights one of them. It's a familiar construct, but I couldn't care less. It's beautifully shot. Well-acted. And the story, albeit not festive, does remind us what is important this time (and every time) of year.
Runner-up: New World '
New World Christmas'. Worms aren't something you really want to associate with food (especially Christmas dinner). However, sticking with the weird 'ear' theme this week. This ad piggybacks off a true Christmas earworm. And the more I've watched it, the more it's burrowed its way into my brain, setting up permanent base camp.
BEST PRINTWinner: Koala '
Koala - Bed Sofa Trade Marked'. No competition. This print ad for Koala's Bed Sofa breaks with the standard furniture store convention (show product, big fucking discount starburst) I do question, however, whether it'll go over the heads of those looking to rest theirs.
Runner-up: Seriously, there was no competition. So, I'm gonna have to abstain.
BEST OUTDOOR Winner: Reuters NEXT '
What's Next - Free Speech'. Nothing frustrates me more (massive overstatement) than over-complicated outdoor. This isn't one of those. It's smart, simple, and thought-provoking. And in a time when the truth has never been more important, it's a topic that should be on everyone's lips. Now ain't that the truth.
Runner-up: Vardy v Rooney '
A Courtroom Drama: Old Trafford Flyover'. A tricky decision this one. I loved some of the gaming ideas. But nothing says indoor (not outdoor) than people sitting on their sofas gaming. So, I've gone old school with a good ol' fashioned flyover in front of 74,310 watchful eyes...
BEST INTERACTIVE Winner: Pizza Hut '
Pizza Hunt: Find the delivery guy, order free pizza, eat it IRL'. In a world where we're constantly inundated with new apps and downloads to order food or drink, or anything else for that matter, this Pizza Hut idea really does deliver. Shit pun intended. The fact that you can place an order for a free pizza in-game, without having to pause or download anything gets my vote any day. The gamification within a game using the new Proximity Chat function is also not lost here. I won't end this with a cheesy pun. Dough!
Runner-up: PROJECT ROCKIT '
Kind Royale'. With 1 in 2 gamers experiencing bullying, online gaming is one of the most toxic environments in the world. But nothing beats bullying better than a face-full of kindness. Something that changes the behaviour of the room. And shifts the vibe from a negative one to a positive one. More of this please.
This week's guest judge is Adam Bodfish, executive creative director, McCann Birmingham.
They say, the creative adult is the child who survived... sadly, my hairline didn't.
But my appetite for creativity has grown stronger by the day.
This hunger for originality, innovation, and building brands has enabled me to work with some of the best brands and agencies in the world - present company included.
I have successfully developed and implemented fully integrated and results-driven work for clients including Samsung, Nespresso, Diageo, HSBC, McDonald's, Bosch, Sea Shepherd, Thomas Cook, RAC, Kenco, Nestle, Whirlpool, and Land Rover. And my work has picked up at the usual suspects, such as Cannes, Effies, LIA, One Show, AWARD Awards, Kinsale, Campaign and Spikes Asia to name but a few.
