Cannes 2009: Publicis, Mudra, Bates, Rediff in Radio Lions shortlist

Four Indian entries have made it to the final rounds of the Radio Lions shortlist this year. Out of 52 entries from India, only four have reached the final round.

Last year, there were 36 entries, out of which five entries were shortlisted – three for TBWA and two for Mudra – for the final round, and finally, Mudra won a bronze.

The four nominations this year are ‘Bruce Lee’s Death’ for Stedfast by Publicis India; ‘Old man’ for Virgin Mobile by Bates 141; ‘Bush’ for Islamic Research Foundation by DDB Mudra and the ‘Vandana’ spot for American India Foundation by Redifussion Y&R.

The ‘Bush’ radio spot was a mixture of words from the actual speeches of George W Bush, which were clipped together in a manner such that its perceived meaning was something contrary to its intended meaning. This highlights the misinterpretation of Islam and its wrongful use by terrorists. This spot also won a bronze Pencil in the Public Service – Radio Single category at One Show this year.

The Virgin spot promotes its service of getting paid for incoming calls. It traces the common problem today, where the young generation avoids the older one, but thanks to Virgin’s service, a son asks for more ‘gyan’ (preaching) from his old father.