D&AD releases behind the scenes film of Black Pencil Judging
To celebrate D&AD’s 50th Birthday, RSA Films has produced a behind the scenes look at the how the most coveted prize is design and advertising – the D&AD Black Pencil – is won.
Featuring some of the most recognisable ads and designs from 2012, the panel included some of the world’s most famous ad creatives and designers.
Trailed online last week, the 13-minute long video is unprecedented, as most award shows remain circumspect about how they award prizes. The quality of debate at D&AD judging is well known, as the number of Yellow Pencils issues each year fluctuates, if there isn’t enough strong winners the numbers awarded are cut. Black Pencils are given out more sparingly than Yellows and in some years there are none awarded.
Speaking about the coveted award, former D&AD president Sir John Hegarty, commented: “Black has become the most coveted colour there is. It conjures envy and admiration. You can rent a black tie, you can purchase a little black dress but you have to earn a Black Pencil.
“Its currency is inspiration, daring, persistence and audacity. It’s rarity renowned. Awarded rarely and only to those who’ve captured our imagination and changed the way we think.”
This year’s Black Pencils will be revealed at D&AD’s 50th Birthday Celebration on 18 September.