The work of Canadian editors as showcased this year at The Bessies was by all accounts a cut above, and according to one of the judges was a perfect complement to a collection of outstanding overall creative product.

‘It’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time,’ says Bessies judge and Chameleon editor Andy Attalai of the judging experience.

The overall quality of editing in the considered spots was extremely high, says Attalai. Judges looked for an execution that worked harmoniously with the spot’s main idea, not for its own sake, he says. ‘There were strong creative ideas supported by strong executions.’

From an editing standpoint, Attalai points to the Molson Canadian campaign as ‘superb.’ He also singles out spots for The Bay and Canadian Tourism as fine examples of the craft. In terms of regional representation, Attalai says he likes the irreverence of creative coming out of Vancouver, pointing to a spot for Health Canada.

Attalai says Tom Nelson, chairman of this year’s Bessie judging committee, was extremely tolerant of judges’ opinions. ‘We were encouraged to speak our minds and people really listened; nobody’s ego got carried away,’ he says.

‘I think Canada can hold its head high from a creative point of view as well as an execution point of view. The work is phenomenal,’ says Attalai. ‘I’ve had u.s. directors come here to work who were knocked out by the level of talent in the advertising industry here.’