Cannes Report

Many large agencies come to Cannes expecting to win, but three-year-old Montreal agency Tuxedo couldn't afford that luxury. "We now have 23 employees," said Nancy Gendron, brand director at Tuxedo and the fifth employee at the very small agency. "I'm one of two who has previously worked at an ad agency. It is collegial. No hierarchy, completely decloisonne (opened up)." Read more.

SD: You made it to the top possibly faster than any other Canadian ever has. Three reasons why? SC: I think you need to put yourself in a position where it's easy to remain passionate and positive about what you're doing. For me it was working in emerging markets like China, Indonesia and Russia. For others it's building their own company. Regardless, when you're passionate and positive about what you're doing you're an unstoppable force. Read more.

SD: You made it to the big job zig zagging and surfing. Tell the story? GL: It was a bit of a happy accident that I ended up in Sydney. In 1997 I was working in Cape Town and decided to do an around-the-world surfing trip. I planned to travel for six months, starting with three weeks in New Zealand. It's now widely regarded as the most unsuccessful surf trip of all time. Read more.

SD: You are chairman of Proximity North America You made it to the top possibly faster than any other Canadian ever has. Three reasons why? AB: I don't know about faster. This isn't a race. What I can say is that I've had some great mentors that have helped me along the way, I'm passionate about what I do, and I'm not afraid to work hard. Read more.

SD: You made it to the top possibly faster than any other Canadian ever has. Three reasons why? DB: Not sure that I would say that I had made it to the top but I definitely feel like I have had a rewarding career. I think that has happened because I've always had an insatiable curiosity to pursue the new and different. Even though I am a 'suit', I love to invent and create so I have always pursued opportunities that way versus worrying about what level or title I might have. Read more.

SD: You made it to the top possibly faster than any other Canadian ever has. Three reasons why? LS: First, I am Canadian. Because of the smaller market scale, Canadians are required to work across multiple accounts in multiple industries even at the beginning of their careers. Consequently we get more experience and perspective under our belts more quickly than those in larger markets where sheer scale requires a more singular focus. Read more.

SD: You made it to the top of your profession as fast as any other Canadian ever has. Three reasons why? EL: Well I think I'm quite determined. I'm always open to learning and evolving which I think is essential. And I suppose I'm always on a quest to work with others who are smart, talented, and believe in the right things as well. That makes work not only more enjoyable, it leads to more success. One thing is certain in this business, you don't do it on your own. Read more.

Here in Cannes, the Film Grand Prix has gone to CAA for Chipotle, while the Titanium Grand Prix has gone to R/GA for Nike+Fuelband. A winner from 3,475 submissions in Film should be enjoyed. Read more.

It is expensive to come here, probably $7,500-10,000 per employee. Hopefully you bring hardware back home but with over 34,000 entries and so few winners, sometimes the learning is what gets taken back home. Read more.

SD: You are Chairman of Proximity North America You made it to the top possibly faster than any other Canadian ever has. Three reasons why? AB: I don't know about faster. This isn't a race. What I can say is that I've had some great mentors that have helped me along the way, I'm passionate about what I do, and I'm not afraid to work hard. Read more.

Last night was the Globe & Mail event here in Cannes on the Lagavuna Beach. Canadians congregated to enjoy one of the finest views in the world, looking at the bay, its large flotilla of yachts and spectacular topography. The Globe had a magnificent set up on the beach, with a stage ending a meter from the sea. It seemed risky not to have lifeguards on duty last night. There are many rules in France, but there isn’t an American litigious mindset, so anything goes. Read more.

Proud papa Robin Heisey, ECD at DraftFCB received great news in the morning: his son graduated at the top of his class and his other children won two Lions, a silver and a bronze. A great day back in Toronto for his team, especially for first time winners Lauren Miller, Anna Neilson, and Elma Karabegovica. Robin knows a thing or two about it. When pressed, he ever so humbly and always deflecting to his team said, "I have won four. I prefer to say more than three, but the first one is special." Robin has learned the art of positioning. Read more.

It doesn't matter where you are, if you are North American, it happens while you're sleeping. This is a text exchange between proud Robin Heisey, ECD at DraftFCB, and one of his staff. I remember sending same, but it said "It's a Girl" a few times. Read more.

I almost made it on time for my 16:00 appointment with Kelly Zettel today, the Canadian ACD at Leo Burnett Toronto, who was one of 25 on the Cannes Direct jury. I was late. I had an encounter with an escargot, I texted her. When you have an unmet want requiring the self-appointed aggrieved party to create attention in France, and somehow are denied the ability to strike about it, then you use the escargot strategy to make a point and bring attention to your issue. Read more.

I am residing in Paris for a few months and tomorrow I will join the Canadian ad talent at the Cannes Lions fest. This is my first time attending the festival and I am beyond excited! In most recent Cannes news, Lowe Roche, Leo Burnett and BBDO were all announced as finalists. Congratulations! Before the festival heats up, I wanted to share the current mood in France with you. Read more.