Today, I have the pleasure to introduce Raphael Elisha, the Non European Test Commercials Winner.

What made you participate in the Young Director Award?
An associate of mine alerted me to this competition and I felt it would be a good springboard for my career. I liked the idea that there was a ‘test commercial’ category because this meant that I could create my own work and enter it, rather than relying on an agency to give me a brief that would be Cannes-worthy.

How did you find the whole process?
The process was simple enough.  I created my commercial specifically for the competition and entered it online without any hassles.  However, I would have appreciated notice of my win ahead of time, as I am based in Australia and it is too far and expensive for me to travel to Cannes on the idea that I may not have won. Therefore, I didn’t actually attend the ceremony.

How did you benefit from the award?
I received a lot of publicity here in Australia, through my own publicist.  I managed to secure front cover articles in leading industry magazines, as well as articles in magazines for Australia’s leading newspapers.  Whilst it hasn’t guaranteed me any more work, it has opened doors with agencies and producers alike, who now view me as a director with potential.

What are you doing now?
I am still slaving away in the industry as a full-time director.  As always, the industry is incredibly competitive and so my producer and I continue to fight the fight and pitch the pitch.  Now that I am aware of the full potential of winning an award at Cannes, I am aiming for the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors’ showcase which will hopefully result in a signing with a European production company.  That’s not to say that the same cannot be done with the YDA, I just don’t think I capitalised on it properly.  I will not make the same mistake twice…

Thanks Raphael, I wish you luck!!!

Emeline