Dubai Lynx Awards Wins

Ah a whole year gone by and a whole new load of work at the Dubai Lynx this year. There was a record 2000+ entries this year and one would question the quality of these ads. But I am happy to report that I am part of a regional movement that has completely leap-frogged over other regions of the world to produce some of the best advertising I have ever laid eyes on. The work was classy- great and simple ideas beautifully packaged by stunning art direction, illustration, 3D and retouching work. I have to say I secretly pined to have some of that work as my own.
I have no doubt that the Middle East in going to dominate Cannes this year.
As for LOWE- we submitted a humble 4 entries and won...a Gold in television. Probably one of the best hit rates amongst all the agencies in competition. By comparison FP7 (our sister company) entered upwards of 100 ads, got 80 shortlists and won about 15 awards.
Our star ad was MTV Chewing Gum which I'm posting here for you to view. This script was part of a global pitch for MTV Europe. Out of 8 spots that MTV was to produce, LOWE MENA won 4 spots. This was the first produced and we are well proud of it.

Much partying followed with the whole MCN group (FP7 Dubai, FP7 Doha and LOWE) in full force at C-Bar, Murooj Rotana after the ceremony at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Trade Centre. Needless to say that I was barely functional the following day. Eep.

MTV World AIDS Day
"Chewing Gum"
60' seconds
Writer: Bianca Bernstein
Creative Director: Mark Lewis
Art Directors: Layal Chuman and Shannon Waugh
Director: Hadi
Producer: Shane Martin, Rita El Hachem, Tarek Miknas
Editor: Omar Abbas
BOOMTOWN PRODUCTIONS

Lomo Wall at Bastakiya Art Fair 2009!

Bastakiya Art Fair is in it's 3rd edition this year and runs between March 15th and 22nd. Hind Mezaina, one of Mezze's featured artist and the Lomographic ambassador to the U.A.E invited fellow lomographers to join her in creating a Lomo Wall to be displayed at the BAF this year.

A Lomo Wall is basically a collage made out of multiple prints of photos taken with a Lomo Camera. Lomo's are basically remakes of old Russian camera's that were popular in the 60's. They produce lo-fi, dreamy, blurred images reminescent of another era. If you've been following my posts you'll remember I'd posted some of the Lomo shots I'd taken in the Seychelles a few months ago. I use a Diana F+ Lomo which is a medium format camera which produces photos that look like stills out of a Godard movie. Other members of the Lomo camera family are the cult favourite LCA, the Lubitel, the Fisheye, Holga,and funky Actionsampler that takes several frames and puts them all on one photo.

I did 2 panels eventually and was joined by 11 other Lomographers. Here are some photos of our wall and the exhibition room, as well as ome Lomo walls from around the world.

Hand Sanitizer Campaign

Alrighty. I did these ads with my favourite copywriter in the world Dario Albuquerque in my last week working at Tonic. After 4 months of trying to complete it in between my new job and role at LOWE, I can finally share these with you. They have been entered into competition at the Dubai Lynx Awards 2009. Let's hope they more than just make the cut.
I also have news that my BK Joe campaign is in the latest issue of Archive Magazine. I'll post pictures when I get my copy next week!

Flea Markets and Covent Gardens

It seems off late that Dubai has caught on to the fact that some people, just some, aren't turned on by the miles of shiny shopping mall offerings. So in the spirit of following in the footsteps of the fashion capitals of the world, Dubai now has it's own flea market scene.
Topping the selection is the Covent Garden fair at The Walk, Dubai Marina. Here you can find live drum circles, loads of packed cafes, trawls of people milling about in the street and kiosks selling everything from paintings and door handles to quirky clothes and kitchen utensils. The place has a genuine air of authenticity and I found myself trying on dresses on the street with police cars and construction workers looking on. "Tipsy Gypsy" is definately the best kiosk there with Spanish-inspired gypsy dresses made of scrap material from India.

Covent Garden Market
Fridays and Saturdays, January-April 2009. 10am onwards.

Then there's the Saturday market at the Souq Al Bastakiya. This is intended to be a staple event at the Bastakiya every weekend with different vendors every week. There's also a live performance by a different local band each week and plenty of little nooks and crannies to explore in this heritage zone by the creek.

Souq Al Bastakiya Market
Saturday, 10 am to 4pm.
Valet parking AED 20.

I also visited the weekend market at the Marina Walk. Mind you this is different from The Walk (couldn't they have tried to be more original with these names??). Sadly it rained and they had to pack up early but not without leaving a lasting impression to come back and visit soon. I also got a parking ticket from the nice 17 year old police officer so be sure to circle the marina at least 10 times in search of parking before deciding to park in the middle of the road.

Marina Walk Market
Fridays and Saturdays 10 am onwards
No parking.

All in all this is a breath of fresh air for Dubai's retail culture so be sure to potter down to check out the treasures this weekend.