Epica shortlist hat-trick

PARIS, Thursday: North Shore-based creative agency Yarn picked up NZ’s three finalist spots at The Epica Awards 2021 – all for Tourism New Zealand’s Please Don’t Travel Under The Social Influence.

Yarn’s category successes came in Online & Viral Film, Branded Content – Film & Series, and Transport & Tourism.

Yarn is led by MD Heath Davy, and CDs Matt Sellars & Rich Robson.

Epica director Mark Tungate said: “Over the past few days, the unique jury of editors and senior reporters has watched and analysed over 3000 pieces of work. Every entry has been carefully appraised by the jurors via a dedicated online voting platform, effectively delivering media exposure to all the entrants.

“This year the Epica Awards received 3184 entries from 64 countries, a dramatic increase on the difficult year before (1980 entries) and close to the 2019 level.

“This year The Epica Awards received 3184 entries from 64 countries – including four from NZ.”

“The highest number of entries came from the United States (206) followed by Germany (200). In terms of networks, McCann Worldgroup, BBDO and Wunderman Thompson were particularly well represented.”

From New Zealand, four entries were submitted and three were preselected.

These finalists will go through to the grand jury, which votes online from November 24 to December 2. Gold and Grand Prix winners will be screened during a special online ceremony on December 9.

Silver and Bronze winners will be published on the Epica Awards website the next day, December 10.

Tungate: “The Epica Awards jury is composed of editors and senior reporters [including M+AD and Campaign Ausralia] from the world’s leading titles covering creativity and communications.

“They are supported by journalists from specialist fields such as post-production, VR, design, finance and luxury.”

• View the full shortlist here: epica-awards.com/2021-preselection
• A full list of jury members can be seen at epica-awards.com/jury
• theyarnagency.co.nz