The Cannes Lions Entertainment 2017 jury presidents are set: PJ Pereira, co-founder and chief creative officer of Pereira & O’Dell, will head the Entertainment Jury while Olivier Robert-Murphy, global head of new business for Universal Music Group, will preside over Entertainment Lions for Music.
Lions Entertainment is the two-day (June 21-22) specialist event taking place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The Entertainment Lions showcase work that elevates branded content into the cultural mainstream, communicating a brand message or connecting with consumers in a new way. Pereira said, “Agencies have to provide a return on the money brands are investing but also the time consumers are spending with the work. That balance is the ultimate challenge the industry faces today, and that’s what the Entertainment Lions Jury will be looking for.”
The Entertainment Lions for Music honor original production, promotion or distribution of music for brands, where a recording artist or platform is used to communicate with consumers. Robert-Murphy commented, “It’s an honor to return to Cannes Lions as president. I’m excited to explore and celebrate with my jury members, how today’s brands, creators and filmmakers are using music at the heart of their storytelling to shape, innovate, influence and entertain audiences around the world.”
This year’s content themes at Lions Entertainment are: Brands as broadcasters, talent as rights holders and distributors as content creators – showcasing opportunities in this ever-changing landscape and learning from the experts; Winning the attention war – revealing how entertainment models might work in an era of infinite choice; Funding the way forward – defining new business and creative models powering entertainment, from creation to distribution; Raising the bar – enhancing entertainment experiences to win fans and shape cultural conversations.
Shortlisted entries for the Entertainment Lions and the Entertainment Lions for Music will be announced and showcased during the Festival, and the winners revealed at the Awards ceremony on June 21.
Louise Benson, executive festival director of Lions Entertainment, said, “We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome such skilled presidents to take the helm this year. This is one of the most exciting periods in entertainment history. Brands and entertainment are running in parallel, united by one aim: to grab attention. Great storytelling is vital and the need to be the consumers’ destination – not their distraction – is greater than ever. That’s what Lions Entertainment is all about.”