Cannes Lions Announces Major Changes to Cyber Lions Category
NEW LOOK CATEGORY EMBRACES SOCIAL, BRANDED TECHNOLOGY AND BRANDED GAMES
22 January 2014 – The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has today announced significant changes that will be made to the Cyber Lions category ahead of the 2014 awards, in line with current digital trends.
Three new sub categories; Social, Branded Technology and Branded Games, have been introduced to better reflect the industry and in turn spark a renaissance of the Cyber Lions category. Social will reward focused executions with social thinking at the core of the work. The jury will consider levels of engagement, social reach and the creative use of social networks and activity to successful commercial effect. Branded Technology will honour executions that utilise or harness technology in order to enhance or complement the brand, and Branded Games will recognise creative executions that have been specifically produced for a client in order to enhance overall brand experience.
Speaking about the changes to Cyber Lions, industry professionals say:
“At a time when the nature of digital marketing and advertising is changing by the day, the minute, the second, Cyber Lions are not playing catch-up, but leading the charge in modern awards categories.”
Flo Heiss, Founder, Studio Heiss (2013 Cyber Lions Jury)
“It’s clear, comprehensive and definitely sets the Cyber Lions apart not only for Cannes, but against other award shows.”
Clarence Chiew, Creative Director, Iris
“Both the breadth and specificity of the new Cyber Lions are equally impressive, and feel like a true reflection of the range of great creative work being done around the world.”
Jae Goodman, Co-Chief Creative Officer and Co-Head, CAA Marketing.
“Cannes Lions is introducing a newly revamped Cyber Lions category and it shows how vibrant Cyber is in our industry. I’m convinced that this is where the next big thing will come from.”
Rei Inamoto, Chief Creative Officer, AKQA
Further endorsements have been captured in a video that pulls together some of the current industry leaders’ thoughts on the direction of Cyber Lions. The video is now online and available to view on the Cannes Lions YouTube channel.
Commenting on the changes, Philip Thomas, CEO of Lions Festivals says, “The Cyber Lions have seen many changes since their launch back in 1998. More recently, with the ever-changing digital landscape and the introduction of the Mobile Lions category in 2012, it has become increasingly important to revise the structure and purpose of the category. We thank the many industry leaders who have helped shape the new-look Cyber Lions, and adapt them to the ever-changing world of creative communications.”
Other changes that have been made across the entire Cyber Lions category include the revamp of Cyber Craft. Further information on Cyber Lions including details of all sub-categories and rules are now available on the website http://www.canneslions.com/cyber/.
Entries for the 61st Cannes Lions Awards open on 23 January 2014. Entry kits, information on rates and a breakdown of the rules across all 17 categories can be found online at www.canneslions.com.
61st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, 15-21 June 2014, Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
The International Festival of Creativity, also known as Cannes Lions, is the world’s leading celebration of creativity in communications. Founded in 1954, the Festival takes place every June in Cannes, France.
As the most prestigious international annual advertising and communications awards, over 35,500 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy, a global benchmark of creative excellence, for Film, Print, Outdoor, Interactive, Radio, Design, Product Design, Promo & Activation, Film Craft, Mobile, Branded Entertainment and Integrated advertising, as well as the best Media, Direct, PR, Titanium, Creative Effectiveness and Innovation ideas. The Festival is also the only truly global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. More than 12,000 delegates from 95 countries attend a week-long programme of exhibitions, screenings and talks by worldwide thought leaders. As the networking and learning opportunity of the year, Cannes Lions is the must-attend event for anyone involved in brand communications.
About Lions Festivals
Lions Festivals is the organiser of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and Eurobest as well as co-organisers, with its joint venture partners, of Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity, Spikes Asia Festival of Creativity, Festival of Asian Marketing Effectiveness, and the Digital Asia Festival. www.lionsfestivals.com
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Key Dates:
Delegate Registration opens: Open
Entries: 23 January 2014
Festival Dates: 15 -21 June 2014, Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
