Trevor Beattie announced Anna Whyte as the winner during a crit he (kindly) headed in our studios yesterday. Congratulations Anna! You’ve bagged yourself a BMB placement - whoop!
Jenny Crothers and Gina Martin came second, with Cow Factory getting them a (well-deserved) Sabotage Times -placement through their "gravity of thinking, art direction and adaptation of an idea” whoop!
Copywriter Charlie Frank's Secrets Worth Spreading "lovely work" shared third with an idea that caused a "visceral reaction" - Kids Can't Keep Their Hands Off -by Lachlan Gilchrist and Chris Russell - whoop!
Beattie's visit not only provided everyone with a boost (as students commented on the confidence it has given their creative practice) we all came away wiser. For instance, Trevor made a few comments regarding the size of creative teams', as Cicely, Damien and Bill presented their Perfect Fit, he complimented their 3-person team, stating "We've got a few at BMB". He later said that over the next three years the industry standard will be for creative individuals to work in different-sized teams.
After a public vote on 'creativity' and 'presentation' skills- where everyone was a bit too modest, Trevor gave his critical evaluation (showing critical awareness of the highest order in motion). Firstly, he pointed to a number of underdeveloped ideas; Grace's Pet Cow was "undersold and undercooked" and he could "see the film and that's when you know it's a great idea". Sam's Callier's three; Explore beyond, She has her mother's eyes and Picnicking Clone Troopers - were all potential greats and Alex and Zoe's Most Generous Kid in the World was "a mature piece of thinking".
Anna's ideas won simply due to their volume and greatness including; When I grow up I want to be Dairylea, The Cracker in Love With Mary Lea, Dairy Lea T Party and Mum Sneaking Dairylea.
Beattie's generosity spilled out from the studio into the pub - treating everyone to drinks. Where, for a brief moment I personally was transported from the Library Pub in Leeds to a bar in Covent Garden, discussing BMB current pitches, with one of the best creative minds in the world. Thanks for the Boost Trevor and see you next year – or maybe at New Blood? X
Janine Sykes
Year Tutor
