BIG TURNOUT TO VIEW SAATCHI NEW DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Twenty-two of the world’s most talented new directors were honoured at the 16th New Directors Showcase last night (8 August) at The Palace Academy Twin cinema in Paddington, attended by over 250 industry punters. One of the advertising industry’s most coveted events, the Showcase is a joint venture between Saatchi & Saatchi and the AFA. This annual global search for the best new directorial talent aims to identify and promote the best directors of the future.
This year’s theme of ‘Disruption’ captures the rule-breaking, status quo challenging collection of work featured in the 2006 Showcase. The outstanding reel demonstrates a depth of talent for creating poignant and provocative work that shocks, dates, amuses and challenges. There’s strong evidence of a sophisticated mastery of technology and art direction.
David Nobay, Executive Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi attended the Cannes International Advertising Festival where the 2006 reel was screened for the first time: “The directing talent that we’ve seen this year is truly inspirational. The 22 new directors on the reel cover a diverse range of approaches, skills and styles from around the world. What they create is unmissable.
“The 22 directors on the reel are chosen from over 500 reels submitted by our 143 offices worldwide. It’s highly competitive, and by spotlighting the hottest new talent, we keep the industry fresh and established directors on their toes.”
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.
“One of the more wonderful developments in the AFA world has been the recently agreed closer links with AWARD. It’s wonderful because the AFA recognises that at its core, advertising is the business of creativity. And the AFA needs to do all it can to promote creativity’s business changing power. Every year Saatchi & Saatchi Showcase us just how powerful great ideas, well executed, can be”, said Russel Howcroft, AFA National Chairman.