Until the 80' no one had thought of creating an ad library. A Belgian, Jean-Marie Boursicot, decided to start archiving these little pieces of art, which are also a reflection of our contemporary society. He then had the brilliant idea of grouping these ads and showing them during ad-marathons under the name La Nuit des Publivores. The concept has been so successful over the last 20 years that it has traveled around the world to finally arrive in Melbourne in 2007 being renamed Ad'dict.
Organized by the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Junior, Ad'dict gathered 360 people in a fully booked scession at Acmi, Federation Square on Friday 25 May. The crowd was welcome from 7pm by the famous local band, the Tabasco Junkies before the event started with an introduction by Russel Howcroft, Managing Director - George Patterson Young & Rubicam and National Chairman - Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA). He enlarged on his experience within the advertising industry, giving a few insights on his fascinating experience dealing with Havas. 
At 8pm, a 90-minute movie of 100 of the finest, funniest and most creative ads in French with English subtitles was screened. It was a perfect blend of the best of French, Belgian and Swiss ads, featuring a retrospective on Jacques Seguela and unforgettable ads for cult brands such as Renault, Evian, Perrier, Gap and many more. At 9.30 pm the night went on with a French cocktail party: a chance for everyone to get their fix of cheese and wine, enjoy some fine chocolates from Cacao and keep on moving with the funky tunes by the Tabasco Junkies. For the most Ad'dicted, the party kept going from 11.30pm at Transit, Federation Square, under the stars of the Melbourne sky.
Overall the night was a great success. All of this made possible by the patronage of Renault Australia, the media expertise of Ponto Combo, the massive outdoor campaign by JC Decaux and the proud support of LEK Consulting, Thales, Schweppes, Moonlight and Acmi, along with the gifts from Ansell, Dominique Portet, Nescafe, L'Oreal and Lithocraft.
download the video in Quicktime format
Photo gallery from the event!
Click on a photo below to see it full-size:
