1. Fredrik Bond
Top of a creative director's wish list this year, Bond continues to
exhibit a sense of humour and oddball style which makes him a natural
fit for winning quirky scripts such as Super Noodles and VW Lupo. He
also gets believable performances from his cast. It's no surprise, then,
that his spots for Adidas, Skoda and Monster.com won a clutch of honours
at the BTAA Awards this year.
2. Traktor
Adland's most eclectic Swedes have served up another fine portion of
characteristically weird commercials this year. The famous five continue
to be wooed by everyone in town and have directed wonderfully kooky
spots for Cup a Soup, Malibu and Domestos this year. Equally important,
they still reign as throwers of the best party in Cannes, too.
3. Frank Budgen
Industry veteran Budgen continues to show the young guns how to do it
with outstanding pieces of work this year. His Levi's "twist" campaign
received considerable press coverage, as did his Reebok commercial
featuring the rabid, fat-pursuing sofa. He's also done sterling work on
Nike and deservedly cleaned up at the BTAA Awards.
4. Danny Kleinman
This highly sought-after director continues to excel in the area of
comedy. The volume of his output has been high this year, with
highlights including the John West Salmon "bear" spot, the Lynx "turtle"
ad, Smirnoff's "talking dog" and Fosters' "instant karma" campaign.
Definitely one director people want to work with.
5. Ringan Ledwidge
Creative directors all over town want Ledwidge for his strong visual
style. This year the Harry Nash young gun has produced work for Pimms,
Alive, BBC News 24 and Fallon's cheeky Lee Jeans spot, which follows a
group of bottoms' quest across America for the perfect pair of Lee
Jeans.
6. Jonathan Glazer
Glazer's first foray into the world of feature films with Sexy Beast has
won him widespread accolades this year. Though his commercials output
has subsequently been limited, Glazer has had the luxury of being
selective on his jobs, directing a fantastic visual spot for Wrangler,
the Guinness "dream club" ad, and the much-awaited new Levi's campaign
through BBH.
7. Jeff Stark
Stark is still a highly sought-after director of choice - not bad for
someone who started Stark Films ten years ago. This year he's been
behind the stylish Virgin Atlantic campaign, BT Internet, Shape and Club
18-30, while his McDonald's campaign scooped a gold at Cannes.
8. Steve Reeves
Reeves honed a good reel during his time at Stark Films before leaving
to set up Another Film Company in January. He has since enjoyed jobs
such as NatWest, BT and Eurostar. And what better way to end a year than
with a steamy spot for Agent Provocateur featuring pop's favourite minx,
Kylie Minogue?
9. Chris Palmer
Still in continuous demand, Palmer's work this year has exhibited its
trademark quality, showing no signs of abating. He's been behind
campaigns for Heineken, RSPCA, COI, Kit Kat, BP and Miracle-Gro, and his
"hold up" Orange spot has still been picking up awards too.
10. Paul Weiland
This year the versatile Weiland has worked on Doritos, Walkers, BT and
Harvester. He's also directed spots for Adidas and Dulux.
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