Getty Images challenges Cannes Lions 2014 to Re-Picture the world

Company Brief

London, June 6, 2014

As the global leader in visual communication, Getty Images knows pictures have the power to move the world. But what does that world look like, and how can we widen our visual representation of it to create a better one?

At this year's Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Getty Images' international team of creative experts will challenge how we look at the world – and explore how we can let go of stereotypical visuals to describe people and communicate concepts. Getty Images will ask creatives to 're-picture' key concepts – success, beauty, age, masculinity and others – to ignite the minds of their audiences.

Getty Images Co-Founder and CEO Jonathan Klein says: "Nothing rivals the power of a picture to evoke emotion, inspire action and bring people together. Imagery is the universal language of our time and the creative leaders at Cannes Lions hold the power to re-picture and redefine how we see ourselves and the world around us."

To illustrate this direction, Getty Images will launch 'Re-Picture' with an immersive experience in the Palais des Festivals where creatives will interact with universal concepts and enjoy refreshments and conversation at the iStock by Getty Images lounge. Delegates can explore interactive galleries of imagery representing Getty Images' re-pictured point of view on selected themes, and can respond with their own ideas by using the #RePicture hashtag.

Andy Saunders, Senior Vice President, Creative, Getty Images adds: "This year at Cannes Lions we will look at the creation, distribution and the use of content across all areas of media and advertising, and how this imagery moves the world. We have partnered with Cannes Lions for 17 great years and the festival never fails to deliver fresh thinking, provocative ideas and ground-breaking creative content."

On Tuesday 17 June, Jonathan Klein will present a Young Lions Master Class about the language of imagery and speak on a panel event titled The Power of Picturing with LeanIn.org founder and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles and BBDO Worldwide President and CEO Andrew Robertson.

At a 16 June forum, Getty Images Director of Visual Trends Pam Grossman and Lean In Contributing Editor Jessica Bennett will examine the changing relationship we have with images and how we can use creativity to shape the future.

Getty Images is the official sponsor of the Young Lions Competition for the 17th consecutive year – and will toast competition winners at the iStock by Getty Images lounge. The media company is the exclusive supplier of content for the seven competitions, enabling the world's best young creatives to compete around the clock to create an award-winning campaign for a charity, created entirely from Getty Images and iStock content.

Notes to editors:

Monday 16 June, 12pm - The New Visual Language: Women, brands and closing the gender gap

Join image anthropologist Pam Grossman, the director of visual trends at Getty Images, and award-winning journalist Jessica Bennett, contributing editor for the women's empowerment nonprofit Lean In, to examine the changing relationship we have with images – and how we can all use our creativity to shape the future.

Tuesday 17 June, 12pm – Jonathan Klein Master Class – Why I fell in love with pictures: How images can move the world: Jonathan Klein has witnessed the evolution of the creation, distribution and use of content across all areas of media and advertising – and has seen firsthand how a photo can inspire action and positive change. He will describe his journey of building Getty Images and falling in love with pictures, share photos which have shaped his life and explain why we are so moved by what we see.

Wednesday 18 June –The Power of Picturing: Getty Images Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Klein, along with Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and founder of the women's empowerment nonprofit LeanIn.Org, Cosmopolitan Editor-In-Chief Joanna Coles, and BBDO Worldwide President and CEO Andrew Robertson, will host a discussion about the power of visuals to shape our world view. The panel video will made available on http://infocus.gettyimages.com/category/cannes-lions-2014

For further information, please contact:

Getty Images

Aline Reading

Email: aline.reading@gettyimages.com