Day 2 – Paul Yole in Cannes

Not sure what the highlight was today (Paul, derrr….. meeting Robert Redford!). Malcolm Gladwell was good, talking about how much being first is overrated, but I think the session I got most out of (part from the one in which I fell asleep) was draftfcb and Jonah Lehrer on ‘The Science of Creativity’.

Lehrer talked about the importance of getting a certain part of the brain to work when we are solving problems so that we can have a “moment of insight”.

Lehrer also gave a great insight into collaborative creativity, based upon an extensive study of Broadway musicals. The most successful shows always had a balance of old teams and new people who could bring a fresh perspective.

Finally, he gave a great tip for brainstorming. In an experiment the group that was told to criticise each others’ ideas was 7 times more effective than the one that was told the usual tired rule that “any idea is a good idea”.

Now, my brain hurts. Time for the Aussie drinks reception, which is sponsored by CB and Curious Film. Lots of catching up to do.