LIA Day 2 and 3 of Judging: First thoughts from Michael Ritchie, MD and co-owner of Revolver
LIA judging is in full swing in Las Vegas as two powerhouse panels kick off: Evolution & Creative Use of Data and TV & Cinema and Online Film. Michael Ritchie, Managing Director and Co-Owner of Australian based production company Revolver and Juror on the Production & Post-Production and Music Video jury gives his initial thoughts straight from Vegas.
Over the next few days, jurors will dive deep into entries that push the boundaries of creativity and showcase the very best of storytelling on screen. With LIA’s hallmark of no pre-judging, every single piece of work will be thoroughly evaluated together, ensuring the world’s most deserving campaigns rise to the top.
Remarking on what sets LIA apart from the other shows, LIA Chairperson Terry Savage says: “It is invigorating to sit and listen to the wisdom of these diverse creative leaders, and even more invigorating to see the focus on awarding the best work, irrespective of country or company. LIA is now about the only global show with no pre-judging: each jury here sees every piece of work. That makes the focus intense, ensures cultural nuances are not missed, and that all work is given every opportunity to be awarded. Here’s to another 40 years of LIA.”
Reflections from the jury presidents:
Says Candice Dragonas, Production & Post-Production and Music Video Jury President: “Day one in Vegas has been incredibly productive! Our esteemed jury dove deep into some truly inspiring work across the Production and Post-Production categories. The level of craft we’ve seen so far is very impressive. I’m feeling energized by the work on display and looking forward to the conversations still to come.”
Lucas Sfair, Music & Sound Jury President: “Today was my first day as Jury President. At first, I was amazed by the quality of the jurors. Then I was surprised by the quality of the entries. The next sessions promise to be intense. Choosing the winners will be tough — the craft this year is outstanding, and the debate will be rich. I’m excited to dive deeper into the ideas and perspectives tomorrow. It’s an honor to be here.
Says Linda Cronin, Creativity In Media Jury President: “It’s been such an honor to be part of this year’s inaugural Creativity in Media awards. This year’s entries are a testament to the power of brilliant execution, showcasing a wealth of truly great media uses that bring the creative to life in unique, engaging, and unforgettable ways.”
Day 3
The action keeps building in Las Vegas as LIA judging enters Day 3. Nine powerhouse panels are now underway, including four new juries taking their seats today: Ambient & Activation, Billboard, Poster and Print; Creative Strategy; Branded Content and Branded Entertainment; and Design and Package Design. With every juror seeing every piece of work in their category, no shortcuts and no pre-judging, the cards are on the table for the world’s best ideas to prove their worth.
Stay tuned as we begin to announce the first batch of winners and finalists real soon, as judging for the first few panels come to a close.
Reflections from the jury presidents:
Dan Lucey, TV & Cinema and Online Film Jury President: “It’s been a couple years since TV film and cinema has dominated media buys, so it’s good to see it’s still as disruptive, entertaining and engaging as it’s ever been. Lots of strong entries.”
Gabriel Schmitt, Evolution and Creative Use of Data Jury President: “On Day 1 we saw a great range of ideas – from Telco antennas helping spot wildfires, to videogame’s heat helping save cold pizzas. Great range. Couldn’t have asked for a more fun day 1.”
