Established in 2003 by the Festival's former chairman - and subsequently named in his honour - the Roger Hatchuel Academy serves as an industry forum where a group of young hopefuls from around the world can interact; view the most inspiring international advertising work; and gain valuable insights from industry leaders to help in their future professional pursuits.
Each year, a group of advertising/ communications/ marketing-minded students (aged 18 to 23) from 30 countries are selected by festival representatives, in partnership with a designated school; university; or foundation. Under the guidance of the Academy's Dean, Richard Boyko, Director and Professor of VCU Brandcenter, and accompanied throughout the week by the Academy's tutor, Clive Challis, Head of the Advertising Course at Central Saint Martins in London, the students follow an intensive schedule of activities, which include learning about industry trends; attending daily training sessions, discussions, tutorials, and Festival activities; and the exclusive opportunity to hear from the academy's guest speakers.
Philip Thomas, Festival CEO, said, "This is a fantastic experience and an exceptional opportunity for the academy students which will have an immense impact on their future. We are delighted to partner with Draftfcb, which like
Cannes Lions, recognises the importance of investing and nurturing the industry's next generation."
From this year's crop of 37 students, another group will be selected to experience a unique Draftfcb internship: the students will be selected at the end of the festival by representatives of the academy and Draftfcb.
"Because Draftfcb has an unrelenting focus on creating world-class ideas that change consumer behaviour, we understand the critical need to develop fresh talent to course through our industry," stated Jonathan Harries, Draftfcb Vice Chairman and global Chief Creative Officer. "With our sponsorship of the Roger Hatchuel Academy, the agency remains fully invested in embracing the next generation of global ad talent."
Draftfcb is providing several ways to stay abreast of all of the Academy's activities. Students will be encouraged to tweet about their Academy experiences via
www.twitter.com/rha_youngtalent/rha2010 and will also be provided with a flipcam to capture the goings-on, with their videos featured on
www.livestream.com/rha_youngtalent.
Additionally, viewers can access Draftfcb's dedicated
Cannes Lions page via
www.draftfcb.com/canneslions2010 to learn more about the agency's involvement in
Cannes this year, including the Roger Hatchuel Academy and Act Responsible sponsorships; background information on Draftfcb jurors; its seminar featuring three of its thought leaders; and a Master Class led by Harries.