Does the Cannes Lions Festival Inspire Creativity?
Posted on 17. Jun, 2011 by Sarah Marshall in Blog
My first attendance in the Côte d’Or for a festival was not the advertising Lions Festival. It was for the Cannes Film Festival for a screening of a short story film I directed. Social media didn’t exist, the film was projected from a broadcast betacam tape player, and I think I was still sporting a mullet.
Each year, the Cannes Film Festival is held the month before the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Filmmakers from all over the world descend from Cannes to Monte Carlo in May to preview the world’s best narrative stories – the movies we see in theaters – and still more that never make it. It’s a gala of formality and reverence, tuxedos and long gowns, slick hairdos. and designer shoes. The international A-list of superstars show up to make deals.
The Cannes Lions Festival is not the same as the Cannes Film Festival. Not in snob appeal or familiar celebrity star power. There is a noticeable contrast of why people attend the Lions.
The Cannes Lions, which honors creative achievements, has evolved into the pinnacle of learning and guidance. It’s designed for the masses, not the elite. Yes, the plane fares and entrance tickets are pricey, but the investment to have one-on-one interaction with some of the best creatives in the world is truly worth it. Sure, it’s hard to stay away from the beach, but with the price tag comes sobering responsibility during the day. Clients, the media, and work colleagues share a fairly even playing field. In another post, I will certainly cover beaches and bars, but don’t be fooled, it’s not glamorous.
So, does the Lions Festival inspire? To answer that question, I need to discuss something else – depression. For those attending the Cannes Lions, you can liken the experience to the Academy Awards. When you look at the audience sitting at the Academy Awards, imagine all the people and thousands more spending the week together. With master classes, seminars, workshops, screenings, showcases and education sessions, the days at the Lions Festival are packed with note taking. People are paying attention.
As the week moves along, you see work that’s winning each night. If you have half a soul, you’re taking deep breaths with each review. From all over the world, ideas and original thoughts are transformed into connections you didn’t know existed. It’s palpable. How can the work be so simple? Wait, how can it be so complex? You second guess your last campaign, text your partner wherever they are, send notes back to your team, but by then it’s too late. The ideas are already out. You have to think of new ones.
So, the plane ride home always hurts a little. I’m proud of my team and the original work they produce and I know we’ll have a long challenging year ahead to make the work better – and therefore, yes, I’m inspired by anticipation for what the team will create.
Follow me while at Cannes — @michaeldavis777.
Jake Lambert
17. Jun, 2011
Great article, Michael. We have some solid work to share with the Cannes judges this year. I look forward to reading about the experience – including the bars and beaches.
Allison Ashley
18. Jun, 2011
For those of us back at home, we’ll live vicariously through those in attendance at this year’s festival….and likely biting our nails just the same.
wojo
18. Jun, 2011
does the festival inspire?? yes! you said it, “…a long challenging year ahead to make the work better.”
the festival (to me) make you work even harder to stay on top!
Jason L Hopkins
18. Jun, 2011
Sounds awesome! Totally jealous.
Mallory Hill
18. Jun, 2011
I think as we grow and evolve, I don’t know if the “why didn’t I think of that??” feeling will ever completely subside, but if we can feel inspired rather than envious then the possibilities for original ideas are constant. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Michael! Great article.
And when I say “we” I really mean “I” in hopes that others share the same, sometimes peculiar, thoughts I do.
Natalie Ritter
18. Jun, 2011
Some little girls dream of becoming movie stars. Others, like myself, have always just wanted to tell stories. And while I may never win an Academy Award, the possibility of winning a Cannes Lion seems like more of an achievement– and more accessible. Because an Academy Award means YOU did something great; a Lion means WE did something great– different enough to stand out in a sea of imagination. Thank you Michael for reminding us that while the awards may be flashy and glamorous, the work it takes to get one is not. Can’t wait to hear everything you’ve heard, seen and been inspired by.
Michael
19. Jun, 2011
Thanks Team. We just had a great seminar with Nick Jonas on stage. He sends his love to Natalie and Mallory! Allison, I’m not sharing you! Thanks for all your hard work to make our conversation at Cannes come alive.
Jason
20. Jun, 2011
Link to a clip from the seminar…
http://www.adweek.com/cannes-lions-2011/jonas-brothers-venn-diagram-132685
Uyen
20. Jun, 2011
I can’t wait to hear all the details on starting block when you come back. It’s so exciting to see such great work we do.
Alicia
20. Jun, 2011
I am excited to hear about the entire Cannes experience and the learnings and inspiration you have gathered this week!
The challenges and innovation you and many other creative leaders saw last week will challenge the industry as a whole. I’m glad to be a part of it and can’t wait to see how we can blow the minds of our peers in the near future.
JeffL
21. Jun, 2011
Great clip from the seminar. It’s awesome seeing an imc2 presence at such an international event.
I would love to be there and and have my brain immersed in all that the festival has to offer. I know it would inspire me.