The Misfits – a leading Media and event production company – has taken over from APN Outdoor to become the official Australian representative of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.
The Misfits Media Company was founded in 2014 as part of a management buyout of B&T and Travel Weekly from Cirrus Media.
Independently owned by Dan Uglow and David Hovenden, the pair launched the event production arm of the business just over three years ago and have since had a string of wins, working with major clients including: Snap Inc, Shutterstock, Sri Lanka Tourism, X Games, Rosie Holidays, The Asian Development Bank, Seven West Media, Fijian Ministry of Civil Service and Tourism Authority of Thailand among others.
The Misfits will join a global network of official representatives who support their local agencies and clients, nominate jury members, organise the Young Lions competitions and host events and screenings of Lion-winning work throughout the year.
Last year marked a year of significant change for Cannes Lions, with organisers responding to industry concerns surrounding the cost of attending by making sweeping changes to the festival.
These aimed to streamline and modernise the event and provide more exclusive benefits for festival attendees.
The changes to the festival have been well received by both the industry and delegates, with an exit customer engagement survey receiving one of the highest approval ratings the event has ever achieved.
The Misfits CEO David Hovenden commented on the appointment: “There was a natural alignment between the values of Cannes Lions and what we stand for at The Misfits in celebrating the creative industry, inspiring and educating the next generation and creating a more inclusive culture.
“In terms of Lions awarded in 2018, Australia punched well above its weight coming sixth overall. Too often we forget that a large amount of the work coming out of our neck of the woods is truly outstanding.
“We are extremely excited at what the year ahead brings”.
Entries for Cannes Lions 2019 close 18 April across nine tracks. For further information on the categories and how to apply, visit the Cannes Lions website.
