Given what's happening in my country, India, and specifically the city I live in, New Delhi, I thought about postponing this judging. After all, who thinks about advertising at a time like this. But sometimes, you need distraction and inspiration. And advertising is mine. Where I can lock myself away for a few hours and not think about what's happening around me. So here are my top distractions for the week.
BEST TVFavourite: Burger King '
Confusing Times'. Yes, we live in very confusing times. But there was no confusion when I saw this ad. It just stood apart. I can go on and on about the simplicity of the idea, the flawless direction, the seamless brand connect, but really, it just made me laugh.
Runner up: Reform Alliance '
Technically Illegal'. A simple piece of storytelling on a neglected issue. No flashy devices or distracting tropes. It just shows the humanity behind something, which at first glance seems to be an open and shut case.
BEST PRINTFavourite: Colgate '
Smiles Always Find a Way'. Just a beautiful piece of work that shows why print is still be a wonderful medium.
No runner up.
BEST OUTDOOR Favourite: Alcaldia de Soacha '
The Most Wanted Portrait'. Lovely use of an existing technology to tackle an age-old issue. No extra expense or setting up of infrastructure. And given all the accusations of video games leading to violence, this is a nice way to prove otherwise.
Runner up: Noticias de la Comarca Newspaper / SeSocio Financial Investments / Firefighters Foundation of Argentina '
Fireproof Newspaper'. This is a wonderful example of the medium, the message and the idea fusing into one.
BEST INTERACTIVEFavourite: Sheba '
4AM Stories'. If I don't manage to file this judging on time, then this ad is to be blamed. It is pulling me to bed. And I am not even a cat parent. Will be saving this for future use.
Runner up: Uber '
Vaccinate the Block'. Coming from India and the crisis we are in, this one hits home. Because safety isn't an individual issue anymore. It works in units. Starting from the family, to the building, and then to the entire neighbourhood. This idea and the initiative is a nice way of tacking that.
BEST RADIO No favourite.
Runner up: Sweety Silver Pants '
Arrival'. An unexpected ending that took me by surprise.
This week's guest judge is Vasudha Misra, executive creative director at BBH India.
As the executive creative director of BBH's office in New Delhi, Vasudha has spearheaded some of the most fun and witty campaigns including 'Start Something Epic' for Tinder in India 2018/2020 and 'Pani Se Panga Mat Lo' (Don't Mess with Water) campaign for Havells India and Vivo V19 with Aamir Khan.
A strong advocate of using innovative interventions to highlight pressing gender concerns, she has been recognised for campaigns that contributed to gender sensitivity with the Laadli Award.
Vasudha started her advertising career with FCB Ulka - Delhi and went on to become one of the youngest women creative heads at the agency. In the past 19 odd years, she has launched the first few dot coms of the country with some iconic work on Naukri.com, Jeevansathi.com and 99acres.com and was also the creative lead for the maverick telecom brand - TATA DOCOMO.
She was recently featured in Little Black Book's list on Women Creatives Shaking Up the Indian Adverting Industry. In the past, she has found her way into India Television's List of Most Inspiring Women in Media and Advertising and The Economic Times Brand Equity List of Hot Creatives Under 30.
Along with winning numerous local awards and effies, she has been a judge at New York Festivals and Adstars 2018 and The Immortals Awards 2019. Her work for Tinder won a blue elephant at Kyoorius'18 for and was shortlisted at Spikes'18 in the film craft category. Occasionally she will let her observations on portrayal of women in advertising translate into opinion pieces:
https://www.thedrum.com/users/vasudha-misrahttps://lbbonline.com/news/5-minutes-with-vasudha-misra/
