Rob Smuts, AMASA chairman, says, "After the high calibre of entries received in 2005, it was encouraging to see that these high standards were maintained."
"The judges had a tough time choosing this year," adds Brad Aigner, vice chairman and head of the Roger Garlick sub-committee, "but the nine entries selected as finalists showed true merit, real innovation and exceptional talent."
In no particular order but grouped according to category, the finalists are:
Virginia Hollis, MediaShop, for Peugeot 1007
MediaShop targeted women through relevant female magazine titles, to promote a stylish car, reaching potential buyers in a unique and memorable manner.
Tanya Schreuder, FCB Cape Town, for Momentum Health
This original campaign incorporated four features: false-covers, advice columns, crosswords and gatefolds in leading magazines.
Quinton Jones, TBWA Fusion, for Listerine's mouthwash and pocket packs
Through Listerine-branded road maps, attached samples and a competition, December's peak holiday traffic was reached.
Ann Wixley, Nota Bene and Eoin Welsh, King James, for Mini
Breaking the tradition of one-dimensional media, Mini used a three dimensional, life-size replica of a Mini that seemingly burst out of a parking garage wall displaying the brand's ability to maintain perpetual motion.
Alinè Sciarappa, MediaCompete, for FNB's cellphone banking campaign
Through ComutaNet's Rank TV, Taxi Talk and Stage trailers, FNB was able to dominate the taxi environment and introduce the benefits of cellphone banking to a market traditionally tentative towards banking.
Linda Taylor, Universal McCann, for innovative promotion of Motorola's V3 RAZR
Every man's fantasy was tapped into through on-line sponsorship of SA Sports Illustrated Swimwear site.
Marisa Torrani and Karen Bailey, Cinevation, for the Harry Potter book launch for Exclusive Books
Using a temporary empty Montecasino prime area, the mysterious world of Harry Potter was set up, with numerous special effects and deployed a cast of professional actors to enhance the experience.
Steve Pearce, Teamworks Advertising, for Qatar Airways
Teamworks Advertising introduced Qatar with a spectacular display of five stars shining in the night sky, the largest ever piece of moving outdoor communication. The mysterious stars created a stir in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Kevan Aspoas, Jupiter CT, Nandos "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha"
Entrepreneurial performance artists recreated popular American movies, adding a South African. Nandos was positioned as a credible and relevant South African brand.The finalists' work will be showcased at AMASA's AGM on 5 April and the winner will be announced at the AdFocus Awards, hosted by Jeremy Maggs.
