If radio is the underdog, then this competition is a blood-thirsty Chihuahua on a rampage for revenge. We want to expose students to the beauty and magic of radio advertising. After all, the 1 million dollar TV shoot in the Bahamas ain’t gonna happen in your first year at the agency. You’ll more likely be browsing through “ocean surf” sound effect at 2 A.M. for your no-budget promo radio spot. (That last wave sound was gnarly man!).

We brought together Pirate Radio & Television, the best, largest and most award-winning audio production house in the country (These guys play bowling in the hallway with their Clios) and the Radio Marketing Bureau to challenge you, to not just write a good idea, but to write a good idea that will see the light of day. This is no “Acme” tomato sauce, it’s a real client, it’s a real brief. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

In our print competitions a lot of time is spend on art direction vs idea generation. Students believe that Photoshop’s layer effects can make them advertisers. The beauty of radio is that it’s all about the idea. In other words, technology can’t save your butt.

Take the competition seriously, plan to spend some time on it. Some of the best minds in the business will be reading your work. If you win, your career will take a leapfrog effect. Forget about spending a year interning for free. Chances are, that a smart Creative Director will pick you up the day you receive the award. Advertising is a fair industry because all the work you put in comes back to you at one point or another.

So do it, get in the mind set, and do it thoroughly. I know there is a chip in your shoulder telling you that you probably can’t win, that there’s someone better than you who’s going to win. I know that because everyday I work in advertising I feel the same thing. So put it aside, because that’s the only barrier that is stopping you from picking up a prestigious Crystal award and having your idea come to life.

Good luck,

Ignacio Oreamuno
Founder & Director
Ihaveanidea