Phoenix Ogilvy’s Ashan and Dushan to represent Sri Lanka in Cannes

Ashan Dias Bandaranay​ake and Dushan Pieris of Phoenix Ogilvy are to represent Sri Lanka at the Cannes Young Lions Program 2013.  Ashan and Dushan won the Young Lions contest held in Sri Lanka under the film category, where teams representing leading advertising agencies across the country participated. Ashan, a copy writer and Dushan an Art Director will now represent the country at the Young Lions competition and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, to be held in Cannes, France in June.

The entrants were given specific briefs by their sponsors. Elaborating on their winning concept, Dushan said “The brief was to launch the Samsung Galaxy Tab in Sri Lanka and we were given about five days to produce a clip using a Samsung phone. To overpower its main competitor, the key idea we came up with was: ‘fitting into something vs. getting something that fits you’”.

Further he added “We didn’t know what the other teams were coming up with, so our biggest task was not only creative ideas, it also had to be unique and distinct. Our idea was simple, and our strength was reflected in our teamwork.”

Commenting on the task ahead Ashan adds that “Our aspiration is to win the competition at Cannes as well.  We get to represent our company and our country at the highest possible level in the industry, and we are proud of it.” The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is a global event for those working in advertising and related fields. The seven-day festival, incorporating the awarding of the Lions awards, is held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France and it is due to take place from 16 to 22 June in 2013.

Cannes Lions is dedicated to nurturing the young talent of the industry. Through Young Lions competitions and tailored academies, the program aims to inspire, educate and grow the fresh blood that the industry is built on. The goal is for every delegate to leave Cannes more inspired, more aware and more prepared for new professional challenges.

“Such competitions make the industry more attractive to youngsters. We are very excited to be participating in it; it’s going to be one of the biggest challenges,” says Ashan and Dushan adding that they are thankful to Phoenix Ogilvy for having faith in them and providing the opportunity to participate in the competition, local representatives of the competition Metal Factor, team sponsor Samsung, the actors and everyone who extended their support.

Often called the world’s biggest ad festival, the annual event commonly attracts thousands of delegates from around the world.