James Lanham Interview(s)

PHNX Tribute Jury

Why did you think it was important to join the PHNX jury?

I have always supported initiatives by Adforum. As a magazine publisher (Prisma/Portugal) I always attended EPICA as a jury member and it was one of the highlights of my year.

What impact do you think the event might have on the industry?

Could be huge, although it's remarkable how such a forward-thinking industry can be conservative in its choices.

What do you think of the hybrid jury, which includes strategists and journalists alongside creatives?

EPICA's strength was (and still is) in the impartiality of its awards, as the jury of journalists has no 'axe to grind'. Nevertheless, in a special action like this, in such difficult times for the Advertising Industry, it is important to help create and promote a sense of Community, beneficial to all.

What will you be looking for when you start judging the entries?

Always, always: The Big Idea (secondly, the Quality of the Execution)

What lasting impact might the current crisis have on creative work?

All great creative work has been done under strain, stress, duress, throughout History. A violin needs tension on the strings to make beautiful music. Babies are not born without suffering.
Tough times call for ever more creative solutions. I expect Wonders.