Arsenal Video 'Hits The Bar' At Cannes

'Pockets', the promotional video for London Arsenal soccer team's charity of the season, TreeHouse starring Arsène Wenger and several Arsenal players was shortlisted for a Cannes Film Lion at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival at the end of June.
The short film, produced and directed by advertising agency CHI&Partners was shot at Arsenal's Training Ground and remarkably took less than six hours to shoot.
As part of the 'Be a Gooner. Be a Giver' campaign, which ran throughout the last Premier League season to celebrate Arsenal's partnership with TreeHouse - the National Charity for Autism Education - 'Pockets' was filmed in December 2007 and stars William Gallas, Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Manuel Almunia, Nicklas Bendtner alongside the Arsenal Manager.
The Cannes Festival, renowned for rewarding the most creative work produced as part of advertising and communication campaigns, hosted four awards ceremonies this year during the six-day period and while 'Pockets' didn't scoop a prize, being shortlisted within the Fundraising and Appeals category is a massive achievement for everyone involved with the project.
Account Director Ben Gillibrand of CHI&Partners said: "Working with TreeHouse and Arsenal to create 'Pockets' was hugely enjoyable for all involved. For the film to be nominated for a Cannes Film Lion in such a strong year is fantastic.
We're thrilled for TreeHouse that the film has been recognised at the advertising industry's most prestigious festival."
TreeHouse Chief Executive Ian Wylie said: "We are delighted that it was shortlisted for this year's Cannes Lion award. The film played an important part in what has been a fantastic partnership with Arsenal Football Club.
"Not only has it raised TreeHouse's profile considerably, but has also secured us with funds which will help us to transform, through education, the lives of many more children with autism and the lives of their families.
"We are also hugely grateful to CHI&Partners, the advertising agency which created Pockets, who have supported us for many years. Many congratulations to them and a huge thank you to Arsenal for their dedication over the past year."
Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: "It was a lot of fun and a huge pleasure to star in 'Pockets' and to now hear that it was shortlisted for a Cannes Lion award this week is amazing.
"We put in a very small amount of time and effort compared with those at the advertising agency and a massive congratulations should go to the team for their fantastic work."
(BMcC)