Here’s What’s Exciting Chelsea Pictures About US Creativity Right Now
The Immortal Awards is proud to be partnering with Chelsea Pictures for this year’s US jury day, which will see a host of the market’s finest minds from the brand, agency and craft spheres championing the best of US advertising.
In the run up to November’s session, Lisa Mehling, the company’s owner, takes us on a whistle stop tour of the US advertising scene, pointing out the creatives, companies and projects that are making 2024 an exciting time for the market.
The entry system for The Immortal Awards’ 2024 competition is now open. As always, entry is free for Little Black Book members and more information on how you can enter - and start your path to creative immortality - can be found at the bottom of the article.
LBB> What's exciting you most about US creativity this year?
Lisa> I am most excited about how advertising is evolving; we are in the midst of a transformation. The need to engage with an audience hasn’t changed, but how to do so has upended almost every facet of the industry and this challenge has brought out some insanely inspiring work. I am blown away by Digital Public Library of America's 'Banned Book Club' from FCB Chicago. It is just an incredibly clever way to combat draconian censorship and empower libraries with the technology to keep the books available.
LBB> Which US creatives and companies should we be keeping an eye on this year?
Lisa> I am keeping an eye on the emerging brands, agencies and directors who are bold and ambitious, and embrace the chance to break away from traditional models. Mischief, Fable Works, Alto, and Kin are going their own way and leading with great work. I can’t wait to see what Uncommon US comes up with. Hardly emerging but I am ever-inspired by the consistency of excellence out of Apple.
LBB> Which projects should our US jury be looking out for at this year's Immortal Awards?
Lisa> Comedy is so strong this year. And big, epic, audacious ideas and executions always stand out. We will be looking out for the big ideas backed up with fresh insights executed with confidence and innovation. Coinbase 'Pizza', directed by Sam Brown, is a product attribute commercial with a smart concept, married with an exceptional execution — they nailed it. adidas, at Johannes Leonardo, in general is riding high — I thought adidas Gazelle was particularly standout. Uber 'Best Friends’ for Mother directed by David Shane to me is just pitch perfect. Channel 4 for the Paralympics continues to raise the bar. And again, Digital Public Library.
LBB> Why do you believe creativity is so important for the US market right now?
Lisa> Creativity has always been important and I don’t think that will change. I suppose now with the flood of mass-produced, forgettable content it's the strongest brands who will continue to value the transformative power of creativity. I’d include Apple, Nike, adidas and Squarespace as the ones to watch.
LBB> Why are you supporting the Immortal Awards in the US this year?
Lisa> I love what the Immortals celebrates - the best of the best is always an inspiration!
The Immortal Awards entry system is now open and entries into competition will be accepted until September 5th 2024. All entries must be made for a commissioning client, and must have first aired, broadcast, displayed, launched or published between September 1st 2023 and August 31st 2024.
Every member of LBB is entitled to up to five entries. The full list of rules, including eligibility dates, can be found here.
If you’d like to enter the Immortal Awards but you’re not yet a member of LBB, sign up here today.
If you have any questions about The Immortal Awards or need any help with your entries, please contact awards directors Paul Monan (paulm@lbbonline.com) and Emma Wilkie (emma@lbbonline.com)
Thanks to our wonderful Immortal Awards partners
