AFA/SAATCHI & SAATCHI SHOWCASE TOP INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORS

Twenty-three of the world’s most talented new directors will be honoured at the 15th New Directors Showcase in Sydney on 3 August. One of the ad industry’s most coveted events, the Showcase is a joint venture between Saatchi & Saatchi and the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA). This annual global search for the best new directorial talent aims to identify and promote the best directors of the future.

David Nobay, executive creative director, Saatchi & Saatchi has just returned from the Cannes International Advertising Festival where the 2005 reel was screened for the first time. “The reel is the most diversified, experimental and multi-dimensional we’ve seen in the history of screenings …. it’s a very provocative reel.”

Added Bob Isherwood, worldwide creative director: “The directing talent that emerged this year is extraordinary and inspiring. The work demonstrates brilliant craftsmanship from all over the world. It shows a maturity way beyond their experience. The 23 new directors on the reel cover a diverse range of approaches, skills and styles. The directors are chosen from over 500 reels submitted by our 132 offices worldwide. It’s highly competitive, and by spotlighting the best, we keep the industry fresh.”

Saatchi & Saatchi’s heads of broadcast production and creative directors spent months seeking out reels of new directorial talent for the Showcase. From those considered – over 500 reels and 2000 individual pieces – a shortlist was then reviewed by Saatchi & Saatchi’s Worldwide Creative Board, which includes David Nobay, to make the final selections for the Showcase.
The Showcase forms a key part of the AFA’s Creative Program. Developed to encourage and foster creative talent, the program includes AFA AdSchool courses in Copywriting, Creative Process, TV and Print Production, Art Direction Principles and e-Marketing, taught by industry specialists.

“Creativity is the lifeblood of advertising and is inextricably linked with the effectiveness of a campaign and the subsequent return on investment. The AFA is committed to proving the commercial value of creativity and strives to ensure that our most creative talent in Australia are able to foster and develop their skills in a vibrant and robust industry”, said Russell Howcroft, AFA National Chairman.

The AFA/Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors’ Showcase will be shown at The Palace Academy Twin, 3A Oxford St, Paddington on Wednesday 3 August from 6pm. For further details and bookings please visit www.afa.org.au or call the AFA on (02) 8297-3800.