Madon on AdFest

Pattaya – Strong creative work is more important than ever thanks to the recession, according to McCann Erickson Singapore executive creative director Farrokh Madon, who is expecting this year’s AdFest to “light up the dark economic climate”.

Madon, who will sit on the Press and Poster Lotus juries at AdFest 2009, told Marketing that he thinks the brightest ideas in Asia Pacific which will be featured at the event will help bring some light during these dire recessionary times.

“Now, more than ever, creativity can demonstrate how a great idea can make a big impact on a small budget,” he said,

“This is the need of the hour and the best work worldwide will live up to this tough benchmark. The standard of work from Asia-Pacific has been consistently high over the last many years. Creativity in Asia has gone toe to toe with the best from the rest of the world in major international competitions and often come out on top.”

Madon said despite the affect of the recession he expects the number of entries for AdFest to be just as high as previous years.

“AdFest is a premier regional creative awards show and the prized Lotus Awards still occupy pride of place on the shelves of leading regional creative teams,” he said.

Madon is one of Singapore’s top creatives and was appointed ECD of McCann in 2007, moving from his role as ECD at BBDO Singapore. He has also spent time as deputy CD at M&C Saatchi Singapore and worked with agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi and Batey. Madon has received numerous awards in his career and is also scheduled to judge on the Direct Lions category at Cannes later this year.

On the subject of scam advertising in Asia Pacific, Madon said: “Enough has been said on this subject over the last decade to fill books of encyclopedic girth. Let’s give it a rest. In this dark economic climate, we must all look to creativity to dispel the dark clouds on the horizon.”