D&AD judging kicks off

D&AD Global Awards 2007 judging kicked off today, Monday, 26 March 2007, with 300 of the world’s leading creatives from 25 nations having arriving in London to select the best in advertising, design and digital creativity. For South Africa, five is ‘the’ number this year at D&AD: not only is SA the fifth highest entrant to this year’s competition, but also the nation will be represented by five judges in five awards categories.

26 Mar 2007

The four days of judging (26 - 29 March) also marks the launch of D&AD Congress 2007 – a three-week celebration of global creative excellence. Week One of Congress also includes a forum discussion about branding ethics and the environment presented by an international panel of D&AD judges (28 March).

“The standard of judging is what makes D&AD Pencils so hard to win. We have the toughest and best creative minds in the world debating – and arguing – about the work that should be recognised for setting new standards in creative excellence”, says Tony Davidson, D&AD president.

“The great thing about D&AD is the range of work you see, from graphic design to gaming, to 3D design, to ambient, photography and illustration – judging at the D&AD Global Awards is truly inspiring.”

The jury panels include the following creatives from South Africa:

Interactive TV: Rory Sutherland, MultiChoice
Packaging Design: Lisa Ting Chong, The Jupiter Drawing Room
Photography: Michael Doran, Michael Doran Photography
TV & Cinema Advertising: Rob McLennan, JWT South Africa
TV & Cinema Crafts: Greg Gray, Velocity Films

According to the organisers, entries to digital, design, integrated and craft categories have soared this year, with Virals topping the table at a colossal 94% increase on last year.

Countries with first-time submissions include Bangladesh, Le Reunion, and Qatar.

An up-to-date list of all D&AD judges is available at www.dandad.org/press/releases.asp?category=2.