Breaking News: Ravi Deshpande, Abhinay Deo to judge D&AD awards

Ravi Deshpande, chairman and chief creative officer, Contract Advertising has been selected to judge the radio category for the 2009 D&AD Awards. Filmmaker Abhinay Deo is the other Indian who will be judging this year's awards. Deo will judge the TV and Cinema Crafts category.

Speaking to Campaign India, Deshpande (pictured, left) said, "I have been a part of festival judging before but this is the first time I will be judging the radio category internationally. It will be interesting to see how this category is used by brands across the world. While the power of the idea is still the most important parameter for judging a radio ad, sound plays a critical role and I am sure it will be an interesting experience to see radio ads from across the world."

Abhinay Deo, director, Ramesh Deo Films (pictured, right) says his association with the D&AD awards happened last year when his Nike 'Traffic' film was shortlisted in five different categories. Although the film did not win a metal in the final selection, it made it to the D&AD In book. The judging will take place in April this year, for which Deo will be travelling to London.  

Talking about the judging criteria, Deo said, "Personally, what I will be looking for is a fresh approach to work, not the usual rehashed formulas. I am clear that the entries will be judged on the basis of the freshness of the idea and not the scale of the production, or for that matter, the reputation of the film director."