Phil Gaughran’s Post

Some gems here.

The WHY is powerful. Understanding motivation and how minds work are powerful. Love how creativity is defined as connector, of various different minds. There are multiple ways to reach out to people. Creativity is finding the one that works. Creative empathy is finding the connection that works. #marketing #creativity #creativeempathy #connection

I usually say that Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is for network, not for inspiration. But this year I came home inspired. I had the great pleasure of speaking about the Sounds Right initiative (https://lnkd.in/eHkwDi8A) and how we made Nature an official artist alongside Katja Iversen, Cathy Runciman and Adam Cardew hosted by Stan Stalnaker at the beautiful Hub Culture garden. And later, participating in the awe-inspiring round table at the Goals House hosted by Earth Public Information Collaborative about The Most Important Brief (https://lnkd.in/d_q7WmTP).   Both of those sessions were filled with inspirational people who believe in the power of creativity to drive change for the better. Eager to make more brands and companies move from purpose and profit to impact and responsibility. And looking across the winners it seems like we’re not alone in this mission. Not only did a lot of the winners involve a cause. They have also moved from the more gimmicky way of activating against a cause to creating actual long term impact. It is obviously impossible not to mention our own Pink Chip initiative by the amazing Amsterdam crew. But I also love the Sol Cement SightWalks project by Grey Peru. As well as the Mastercard Room for Everyone campaign by McCann Poland. Just to name a few. I do agree with Karen Howe that it is concerning how many cases – especially in the Glass Lions category – are centered on female oppression. Who would have thought that in 2024 we would have such a high need for creative problem solving within this area? But creativity is there. Having an impact. And this year to a higher degree than we have seen in a long time. If awarding creativity really is like smelling your own farts as Mark Ritson said on stage, this year the smell doesn’t really bother me.

🔥 Excited to join the panel on AI during UK Creative Festival, together with Kat Hahn, Prof Victoria Baines, Tom Ellis and Calypso Newman. 💡 The question is not how we leverage AI to make better creative, but how we leverage creativity to make better AI

Have you read the official Cannes Lions Wrap-Up Report yet? Best in class creativity and insights from industry leaders fill the pages of this insight-packed report - Don't miss out!

Stress is horrific and dangerous. It can cause an adverse effect on your health, your wellbeing and your relationships. But not all stress is equal. Because when it’s born from a desire to satisfy your own or shared vision - rather than succumbing to the pressure and isolation of others - it can, as Si points out below, be a sign of giving a f*ck. It may not be cool to talk about ‘graft’ these days (which is very different to the dangers of ‘hustle culture’) but it’s still the foundation of standing any chance to make, do or create something special. We don’t talk about that enough. Not because I ever want to advocate for stress, but because I do want to celebrate craft, creativity and care. Or should I say, I want the people who act/claim they have all the answers to respect and acknowledge it … given they’ve never made any actual work and haven’t got the faintest idea what it takes or costs to make something proper good. Commercially, creatively, emotionally or artistically. So well done to everyone who put their work out there to be judged and criticised, regardless of the result. Few do. Few would. Because even though it’s business, it’s always - absolutely always - personal.

The ShowHeroes team is currently at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and CEO Ilhan Zengin has thoughts on this year’s atmosphere. This year’s Cannes Lions is very different from last year’s, where caution was the dominant feeling. But is it roaring excitement this year, or something more nuanced? Read his thoughts alongside other industry leaders in Digiday. 👇 https://lnkd.in/edYn9KD9 #Cannes2024 #CannesLions #digitaladvertising #digitalmarketing

🎭 Today, I would like to share with you Perform Europe, a funding program for inclusive, diverse, and green performing arts projects 🌍 Perform Europe promotes a call for proposals open until March 31, 2024. The call is designed to boost the European performing arts sector and support inclusive, diverse, and green touring projects presented by professionals and organizations from the 40 countries of Creative Europe. This open call represents a unique opportunity to find partners, reinvent tours, and be part of this exciting initiative. Perform Europe plans to allocate €2.1 million in grants to at least 35 successful partnerships, allowing them to implement their projects from July 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. This call is an unmissable chance to secure funding and take your artistic vision to new horizons. The total budget amounts to €2.1 million, and grants can reach up to €60,000. Don't miss this opportunity to co-create projects and contribute to the flourishing of culture in Europe! https://performeurope.eu/ #PerformEurope #PerformingArts #OpenCall #Inclusion #Diversity #Sustainability

Did you know that XR offers services through SOURCE, SLATE and SHOTS?? Super cool and you can submit your work and maybe you will be featured. SOURCE: Unlimited research possibilities. Source is the world’s largest, constantly updated database for the advertising industry. Find everything you need, instantly. A fully tagged & credited database of over 500,000 commercials, creatives, agencies and brands, dating back to the 1950s. Flick through spots in seconds with hover scrub, storyboard using high-res stills for any second of any film, and create and share bespoke mood reels. Explore and go further. Source gives you unique features and tools that are unrivalled in the industry. To make your research better SHOTS: A global platform for creativity With a specific focus on film, shots is the global platform dedicated to creativity in the advertising space. The aim of the brand is to inspire and inform through news, features and dedicated insight, brave creative thinkers and makers, enabling them to deliver world-leading content for global brands. Insight into the craft As well as expert curation of campaigns, shots offers detailed insight into the craft of advertising and inspiring opinions from the creative community. The brand is committed to discovering and promoting the stars of the industry’s future. Global awards program shots Awards Europe and shots Awards The Americas are an extension of the shots brand and annually celebrate the industry’s most innovative and inspirational campaigns, from around the globe. With a renowned international judging panel, the awards reward the very finest work produced over the year SLATE: Immaculately designed. Custom-built for the advertising industry, Slate uses the latest tech and AWS Cloud to deliver a superior experience for all. The best-looking reels in the industry. With vast customization options and powerful streaming software, your work will look flawless across all devices. Create, refine and share reels on the go. One-click. Seamlessly import all of your media and metadata from Extreme Reach and Source, as they air. Plus, easily transfer your content from Vimeo and your current showreel provider.

Time is running out! If you are a business who is making positive societal and/ or environmental impact , or if you know a business who is.. click on the link below and submit your/ their details!