McCann Talk 'Fearless Girl'

After four months of capturing imagination and headlines, including a potential lawsuit and a protest in the form of small urinating dog sculpture, Fearless Girl, McCann New York's statue for State Street Global Advisors became one of the most awarded campaigns ever at Cannes Lions. With four Grand Prix wins (Glass, Outdoor, PR, Titanium), it has the joint second most Grand Prix wins, tied with adam&eveDDB's Sorry, I Spent it On Myself for Harvey Nichols and just behind McCann Melbourne's Dumb Ways to Die, a campaign for Metro Trains that won five Grands Prix in 2013.

Following this huge success, we spoke to McCann’s North American chief creative officer Eric Silver about why he thinks everyone is mad about the girl.

For someone who hasn’t seen it [though how could you have missed it!], how would you describe Fearless Girl?

A statue of a little girl stands strong across from Wall Street’s Charging Bull, challenging inequity and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

What was it like to win a Grand Prix?

My last Grand Prix win was in 2001 for Fox Sports television. Back then there weren’t that many categories. Winning four Grand Prix’s this year was pretty mind-blowing.

What do you think it was about the campaign that the judges loved?

I think it was timely, and that it resonated in culture. In addition, there is an elegance and simplicity to a simple bronze statue. The best ideas, without exception, are always the simple ones.

What other Grand Prix winner was your favourite?

Boost Your Voice. The Integrated [and Promo & Activation] Grand Prix. Very proud of my friend William Gelner and everyone over at 180 in LA.