Lions Entertainment announces 2017 Jury Presidents

Lions Entertainment has announced the Presidents honoured with leading the 2017 juries. Olivier Robert-Murphy, Global Head of New Business for Universal Music Group will front Entertainment Lions for Music, while PJ Pereira, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Pereira & O'Dell, will head the Entertainment Jury. 

Lions Entertainment is the two-day specialist event taking place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on June 21 and 22, 2017. Lions Entertainment is about the future of the entertainment industry, bringing everyone from record label execs to influencers and sports promoters together to connect with the world’s biggest brands, and hear from inspirational speakers, witness new trends and experience live performances from global talent. 

The Entertainment Lions for Music honour original production, promotion or distribution of music for brands, where a recording artist or platform is used to communicate with consumers. This year’s Jury President, Olivier Robert-Murphy, commented, “It’s an honour to return to Cannes Lions as President. I’m excited to explore and celebrate with my jury members, how today’s brands, creators and filmmakers are using music at the heart of their storytelling to shape, innovate, influence and entertain audiences around the world.” 

The Entertainment Lions showcase work that elevates branded content into the cultural mainstream, communicating a brand message or connecting with consumers in a new way. The Jury President in 2017, PJ Pereira, said, “Agencies have to provide a return on the money brands are investing, but also the time consumers are spending with the work. That balance is the ultimate challenge the industry faces today, and that's what the Entertainment Lions Jury will be looking for.” 

Louise Benson, Executive Festival Director of Lions Entertainment, added here, “We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome such skilled Presidents to take the helm this year. This is one of the most exciting periods in entertainment history. Brands and entertainment are running in parallel, united by one aim: to grab attention. Great storytelling is vital and the need to be the consumers’ destination – not their distraction – is greater than ever. That’s what Lions Entertainment is all about. We can’t wait to show our attendees what’s in store.” 

This year’s content themes at Lions Entertainment are: Brands as broadcasters, talent as rights holders and distributors as content creators – showcasing opportunities in this ever-changing landscape and learning from the experts; Winning the attention war – revealing how entertainment models might work in an era of infinite choice; Funding the way forward – defining new business and creative models powering entertainment, from creation to distribution; Raising the bar – enhancing entertainment experiences to win fans and shape cultural conversations. 

Shortlisted entries for the Entertainment Lions and the Entertainment Lions for Music will be announced and showcased during the Festival, and the winners revealed at the Awards ceremony on June 21, 2017.