I like getting old. Most people are scared of it, but I like it. I don’t like the way it makes me feel, though. I wrote a song once that said, “why does it take me all night long to do what I used to do all night long.” That pretty much sums things up, I figured.
Today, I was talking to my old friend Bob Scarpelli, the world wide honcho of DDB. Of course, most of the conversation centered around Cannes. Bob couldn’t make it to the Big Show, but wanted to. I didn’t make it to the Big Show, because start ups use their money for more important things than Ott, $1000 a night hotel rooms, and snails….
What Bob and I both agreed on is that the show has changed…maybe too much. When he and I first started going, you NEVER saw a client, even if you offered free drinks and all you could eat at the Carlon breakfast buffet.
It’s estimated that over 15 percent of all attendees are clients. That’s a bunch. I think one percent would be too many…
I remember when the show was attended by about 90-95 percent creatives.
They, whoever “they” are, say that all good things must end. They’re right about one thing. Cannes will never be the same.
Oh, how I long for the good ol days…