Cannes Contenders: New Zealand

Kathmandu - Summer Never Sleeps

When this aired it was straight up applause from me. Unexpected, engaging and entertaining. 

With humour and a touch of whimsy, this stands out from the crowd. The sound track is also gold, superbly complimenting the visuals. 

A special spot indeed.

Macpac - This Is A Bit Precarious

Another outdoor apparel ad that's a standout, is this product space the new beer? Superb, underplayed dialogue and subtle performances set against the back drop of the majestic New Zealand Southern Alps. Not strictly a 100% New Zealand campaign, but it's that good we will claim it as a trans Tasman effort.

Simplicity at its finest. It’s refreshing work like this that keeps me interested. 

Waka Kotahi - Toll Booth

Beautiful expansive landscapes mixed with a Stephen King-esque tollbooth operator offers up creepy with a touch of disturbing.

Although not a new trope, hitting the road user with scare based messaging, this dreamlike narrative hits different. Right in the psyche.

Partners Life - Last Performance

Not a traditional TVC by any stretch but a masterful idea that deserves accolades. 

Bringing each of the "hero" murder victims back to life at the end of each episode of the 6 part drama series, prior to the credits, to extol the virtues of life insurance, is a true stroke of smarts.

Skinny - Phone It In

Not film, but admirable and its too good to ignore, Skinny established the “Big global name, ordinary New Zealander” through a series of TVC’s a few years ago and now it's a platform that keeps delivering. Crowd sourcing VO talent for radio ads through interactive OOH, the premise doesn’t sound exciting but the execution is exceptional.