South African judges off to Cannes

Talented backgrounds

Keith Rose

Rose, director and founding partner of Velocity Films, is jury president of Film Craft.

He has received multiple awards: one of the top 100 Advertising People of All Time, one of the top five directors worldwide, one of only seven other South African creative directors (of all time) to be featured in the Creative Circle Hall of Fame, as well as Adreview's Director of the Year in 2009. His most recent awards include Grand Prix for Allan Gray "Legend" at the Loeries as well as two Craft Golds for direction and cinematography and three Craft certificates.

"Was it done in camera? Was it done in post? Who knows? Craft and techniques have developed to such an extent that it is impossible to decode unless there's a "making of" to view. One thing I am certain of... if the technique used doesn't compliment or enhance the concept, it amounts to nothing. Technique for technique's sake is futile. A weak story glossed over by a fancy execution is still a weak story," says Rose of his new role.

Brad Reilly

Reilly, chief creative officer at The Jupiter Drawing Room in Johannesburg is on Film.

During his 11 years at Net#work BBDO, he was the only South African creative to win two Cannes Grand Prix. Other awards include D&AD, the Clios, Loeries and Young Guns(when he was a little younger).

In 2009, he worked on the world's number 1 brand in the home market of a global event when he was asked to head-up The Royal Metropole, the lead creative agency for Coca-Cola South Africa's 2010 FIFA World Cup communications.

"I feel privileged that all the South African greats have done their Cannes jury time and we now have the honour of sitting on a judging panel with the world's best creatives. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn/steal from them," says Reilly.

Karin Barry-McCormack

Barry-McCormack of King James is on Press

Over the years she has worked with many South African greats at creative houses such as TBWA/Hunt Lascaris, Ogilvy Johannesburg and King James, where she works with Alistair King. She has awards from Cannes Lions, One Show, Clios, Art Directors Club, D&AD and the Loeries.

"I'm really excited to be representing South Africa at Cannes this year and get a taste of what goes on behind the scenes during the Cannes judging debates. What an amazing opportunity and what an honour and I get to judge in my favourite category, press," she says.

James Cloete

James Cloete executive creative director Draftfcb - Outdoor

After discovering copy-writing half way through his art director/graphic designer degree at AAA School of Advertising, he went through top South African agencies, Sonnenberg Murphy Leo Burnett, Net#work BBDO, Metropolitan Republic and the Jupiter Drawing Room before joining Draftfcb in 2009.

His portfolio lists multiple blue chip brands, both local and international, such as Coca-Cola, MTN, 5FM, Old Mutual, Childline, Cell C, Toyota and General Motors. He believes thoroughly in the through-the-line model of advertising; where ideas lead and executions and mediums follow. His 'ideas are king' approach is evidenced by the broad-spectrum mediums that are explored in his portfolio.

When asked how he feels about being selected as a judge, he expresses his excitement. "I see this opportunity as a privilege and honour and I'm a little surprised and overawed by it all. I'll be rubbing shoulders with the best in the world and who knows, maybe some it will rub off on me? I can't wait."

Xolisa Dyeshana

Xolisa Dyeshana of Joe Public - Direct

Dyeshana has judged an array of advertising awards at home and abroad and is one of only two South Africans to judge the prestigious John Caples Direct Marketing Awards in New York. Being the youngest member elected onto the Creative Circle Exco, he is also passionate about helping underprivileged youth gain access to the advertising industry. His work includes regular workshops to students and he is also very active on the transformation committee of the Creative Circle.

"Cannes Lions is the pinnacle of advertising excellence and to have the opportunity to play my small part in this event is an honour. What excites me the most, however, is that I get to judge what I consider to be one of the most dynamic and exciting categories right now - the Direct category. So I'm really looking forward to it and I can't wait to see the best from the world."

Jenny Glover

Jenny Glover creative director of Net#work BBDO - Radio

"It's an opportunity to see a vast body of work from all over the world. To see the trends and what's possible within the medium. As with any piece of work, I'm most interested in the idea but I'm also partial to great writing and simple yet brilliant production. Ultimately, my barometer for judging work has always been measured in jealousy. If I secretly hate the creators and am consumed by jealous night-sweats - it's a great piece of work," shares Glover.

Theo Ferreira

Theo Ferreira founder of Hello World - Promo and Activations

He believes in being media agnostic (letting the idea dictate the medium and not the other way around and started Hello World. In just two years, his independent agency has taken on more established and internationally aligned agencies. Before starting his agency, he was art director at Network BBDO and creative director at TBWA/Hunt/Lascaris. He has been locally and internationally recognised for his work picking up eight Cannes Lions, One Show, Clios and D&AD accolades.

"Judging at Cannes Lions is something I have wanted to do for years, and I am thrilled to be doing so in the company of great creatives from around the world. The Promo and Activation category is one that allows for absolute innovation, with few restrictions. One just has to look at the calibre of previous years' winners to see what I'm talking about. I cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store," he says.

Chris Botha

Chris Botha group MD of Mediashop - Media

Among his accolades, he is particularly proud of having been voted the South African Media Innovator of the year for 2010, only second to his appointment on the Cannes Lions media jury.

Botha says, "These awards are the equivalent of the Oscars for advertising. To be considered as a judge and a panel member, is a huge honour. This is a chance for me to see how South African advertising and communication stacks up against its global competitors. I am an absolute non-conformist by nature, and enjoy challenging established thinking. I hope to see a lot of alternative thinking that made an impact for brands all over the world."

Janet Kinghorn

Janet Kinghorn executive creative director Brand Union - Design

Kinghorn has worked on many big brand names, such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson and SAB doing everything from changing a font on a piece of packaging to developing visual strategies and identities. Starting at Jupiter Drawing Room, she moved to Lowe Bull to grow its design team seven-fold and then to Coley Porter Bell in Cape Town. During her stay, she projected the agency to great heights, including a #34 ranking on the Creative Cadre listing, which is an achievement, given the stiff competition in the Ogilvy global network.

Recognised in 2002, as the 10th overall top creative in South Africa, as judged by Adfocus and the CDF, Kinghorn has an assortment of awards from One Show, Loeries to back it up. She has her own shoe brand, Crayon, which she managed for 8 years.

"I was lucky enough to go to Cannes as a delegate many years ago, when my name was picked out of a hat. It was an awe-inspiring week that left me with big eyes, a need to be a better creative and a wonder as to why design was not on the program. This year, not only is design a big part of the agenda, but I am thrilled to be heading back to Cannes, this time as a judge."

"Cannes represents the best that the world has to offer creatively, so I feel extremely proud and honoured to be representing South Africa. I am really excited about being exposed to such a broad spectrum of work and am looking forward to seeing how South Africa and the rest of the emerging markets fare against Europe and America," she concludes.