Australia’s Young Lions continue successful streak at Cannes

The Print Team, sponsored by News Limited Australia, scored a Gold Lion on Monday and the Media Team was awarded a Highly Commended on Tuesday (Wednesday am AEST). The Cyber Team is currently awaiting the results of their competition.

The Media team – Lachlan Williams, 27, of Sydney’s Razor agency and Jessica Woodford, 22, (pictured) of Perth’s 303 – battled jetlag, internet server crashes, mosquito bites and a confusing client brief to pull off the feat.

They had 24 hours to create an innovative media strategy for a Brazilian rainforest NGO. They were awarded one of two Highly Commended honours out of 23 international entries.

Says Williams: “We were commended for slick presentation. We created real business opportunities rather than sponsorships using what we had as an organisation which was the natural resources of the rainforest.”

Woodford added: “I’m new to the industry and I’ve learnt a lot and feel proud that we came up with a strong strategy.”

Both said they felt honoured to have made it to Cannes Young Lions and planned to dive into the rest of the week’s talks, workshops and parties. “It’s rare to get a chance to spend time with so many incredibly smart passionate and young advertisers,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, News Limited’s Cyber team of Tim Seddon and Gene Brutty awaited Wednesday’s announcement of their category’s results. The team, both 25 and from The Brand Agency in Perth, submitted their Cyber brief on Tuesday evening (Wed am AEST).

They had 24 hours to create a branding solution for Planet Earth Institute. “We’re really tired but glad it’s over,” Brutty said.

Seddon added: “We’re just happy to come here, anything else is a bonus.”

News Limited director of sales Tony Kendall said: “Australia’s Young Lions continue to impress at Cannes, which is evidence of our industry’s support of young talent.”