Playstation campaign axed from Cannes film Lions

The South African Playstation campaign which caffeinegoddess alerted us to earlier, Duel and War (view PS2 Duel here and PS2 War here) which was the 'great Gold hope' for South Africa in Cannes, has been axed from the competition. TBWA Hunt Lascaris' Creative Director Paul Warner, who worked on this ads had this statement to share:

"TBWA London, as custodians of the Sony Playstation account worldwide, have announced that South Africa is regrettably unable to do brand advertising on the Playstation account, the reason being that South Africa falls under the territory of London and has to get all authorisation from the London office. London has officially ruled that 'War' and 'Duel' have been withdrawn with immediate effect from Cannes 2005 and all other award ceremonies around the world."

In the latest issue of Boards these ads were already being tipped as Gold winners, it's almost a crime that by the looks of it network politics is robbing these films of their chance. Network agencies should be about sharing ideas worlwide for worldwide clients, no? Would this not include sharing the glory when great ideas can gain great awards? Read more over at marketingweb.co.za