Written by David Lewis on Jun 19, 2009. Posted in On Location

Here comes Cannes Lions 2009

Advertising professionals and advertisers from across the world are preparing to attend the 56th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, which takes place on 21 to 27 June.

The Location Guide is gearing up for its 5th year at the festival and will be celebrating by hosting a drinks reception with South Africa at the Majestic Beach Pier on Wednesday 24 June. The Location Guide drinks reception is a networking event with over 600 guests worldwide attending each year.

So why does Cannes Lions continue to be such a significant industry event? Stephen Davies, chief executive of the Advertising Producers Association asserts: “It is the only truly global advertising event, bringing together the whole advertising world.”

For Matt Miller, President and CEO, Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), “It’s a great opportunity for the global advertising community to converge and discuss the pertinent issues of the day – commiserate about problems and formulate the strategies for the future.”

Amanda Benfell, PR & Press Manager for the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival adds: “The festival offers an outstanding learning programme through its topical seminar and workshop programme, which is crucial during these difficult times.”

There has been much speculation about the possible award winners this year, although the festival organisers are not giving anything away.

Mr Miller observes: “A lot of great, innovative work has been produced in the past year – the judges will have a lot to choose from, as evidenced by the amazing entries we saw to this year’s AICP Show. I expect delegates to be surprised by some of the innovative and daring work being done for brands that aren’t usually associated with ground breaking creative.”

Among the hotly tipped films is the Robinsons BeNatural campaign. The ad tells the story of a bird that comes home to her surprisingly human-like house to tidy up and prepare BeNatural for tea for her kids who are about to come home. A spokesperson for agency BBH observes: “What’s interesting about this film is that everything is 100% real. The set is a real tiny model house that was custom-built. The star of the film, a real bird, was trained specially for this script. To shoot this ad, we needed a controlled environment as we were shooting with live animals in a set.”

There will be no shortage of opportunities for the over 10,000 delegates expected to attend the Festival this year. The worldwide economic pressures do not seem to have dampened the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding this prestigious annual event.

Other interesting events at Cannes Lions this year

Tues 23rd

Kodak Boat 5-7.30pm The Vieux Port

Wed 24th

Secret Sauna Society

Panavision Villa

World Producers Summit

Fireflies Arrival Reception - 3/4pm Le Palais des Festivals

Young Director Award Presentation 5pm The Hotel Palais Stephanie

The Location Guide & South Africa Drinks Reception - 6.30-9.30pm

Massive Music & The Lift 'No Party'

Thur 25th

PIG/Tantor Films Couscous & BBQ pool party

Adelphoi Music BBQ - 3-7pm

Kodak Boat 5-7.30pm The Vieux Port

Secret Sauna Society Evening Reception

Rushes Cocktails, Croisette 6.30 – 11.00 PM

Terraplane / Groundglass Party

Shots Party

Fri 26th

Straight 8 Screening - 11am

Rushes Party – 2.00 – 6.00, Croisette (by invitation only)

Filmmaster Pool Party

Finger Music Party