IDIDTHAT JUDGE
LAUREN MEYER

Lauren is a copywriter and writer with an Honours degree in English Literature from Wits University. Having completed her studies in 2009 with a few distinctions (surprising, really, for a girl who punctuates her sentences with “rad” and “dude”), she was soon lured into advertising, where she’s spent the last 17 years. Yikes – time flies when you’re working weekends.

Critical thinking, big ideas, craft, empathy, self-irony – these are a few of her favourite things.

She’s worked at all kinds of agencies, from traditional to start-up, local to international, freelance and back again. But she’s most at home at Hunts, and most comfortable among her self-deprecating peers.

She’s won awards along the way, but the real reward is surviving daily acts of marketing speak with a straight face. Oh, and having a piece of her work retweeted once by Anonymous on Twitter.

WISH I DID THAT
Judge’s Pick – Lauren Meyer

JUDGES COMMENT
“A strong cultural insight, superbly told in film. The dual-life technique, cinematography, edit, casting, wardrobe, set design, music, everything is film craft chef’s kiss. It made me feel something in the way a cool music video would. I watched it multiple times, picking up some new, delicious little detail on each watch. This film is an aesthetic delight – thank you and fire emojis all round.”

AWARDED
25 May 2026

WISH I DID THAT
Judge’s Pick – Lauren Meyer

JUDGES COMMENT
“I love a simple but impactful idea, especially when it’s a live stunt. An idea like this has no production-heavy gloss to hide behind – it’s front and centre, in its purest, most honest form – and it speaks for itself.

I’ve always admired the #NoExcuse platform. I would’ve loved to be a fly on the wall in that first client presentation – convincing a beer brand to not just own the uncomfortable role alcohol plays in GBV, but to actively speak out about it and put money behind it. Most brands in this position would never. Shout out to the team for continuing this very important conversation, year after year.”

AWARDED
25 May 2026

WISH I DID THAT
Judge’s Pick – Lauren Meyer

JUDGES COMMENT
“Yoh, a massive amount of work went into this piece (well, pieces – many of them). I can feel the labour of love at every turn. And the mind boggles at the scale of collaboration and coordination to pull this off. It’s cool to see the humble, uniquely South African wire car elevated onto a global stage and given this kind of prestige. One can imagine the pride this work has instilled in that community – it certainly warms my heart.”

AWARDED
25 May 2026