Interview

Wow, incredible, what a great opportunity being a Cannes Jury President!

In an interview Mike Rogers, Creative Partner, Serviceplan Health & Life, talks about Cannes and his role as Cannes jury president.

Mike Rogers

  • Have you been on the Cannes Lions jury before?

    Yes, I was lucky enough to be a jury member at the inaugaral Lions Health Festival in 2014. For five long days we were locked in a dark room while outside the sun was blazing. On Saturday the award festival and the big party at the beach. The sun shone continously until we hit the beach and then the heavens opened up. It poured with rain the whole evening.

  • What was your reaction when you got the message that you were a jury member?

    Wow, incredible, what a great opportunity I have to do this, seven days in Cannes I hope my calender is free. Shit! On the same weekend the most important date of my year. I do motorsport and race in England, this was the highlight of the year, a race meeting at Silverstone, Englands number one F1 circuit with me on the track. I suffered with indecision, but in the end we made it work and I was able to do both.

  • What will you pay particular attention to when evaluating campaigns in your category?

    At Lions Health in Health & Wellness, we have a very broad range of catagories and mediums. It’s bit like a mini Cannes Lions in itself. It was important for me that we award work across this whole spectrum and not alone for the spectacular social and awareness campaigns.

  • Which Serviceplan campaign do you think is a hot contender for a Cannes Lions this year?

    I was personally hoping to score with “The Truth Unveiled” from Serviceplan Health & Life, but so far it didn’t work out. We are on it. Otherwise, “The Virtual Crash Billboard” from Serviceplan France has done well in the Shortlists. Let’s see.

  • Which outstanding campaigns from other agencies do you think might pick up a Cannes Lions?

    This has to be “Meet Graham” from Clemenger BBDO Australia on behalf of The Transport Accident Commision in the Australian State of Victoria. Check it out.

  • Do you have any tips on where to eat/what to do in the evenings in Cannes for those who haven’t been there before?

    I really like the yacht of FCB Health, great for a sundowner if you have connections. Then it’s off to the Gutter Bar on the Croisette, which is where everyone goes (and stays until the early hours).