Proposed projects need to exhibit the values of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship or philanthropy in the modern world… while proving that ‘gentlemanly’ manner is not a lost art. All purportedly values of the brand itself.

A shortlist of five projects best will be put to a public vote later in the year and the grand prizewinner will get $100,000 of investment to turn their idea into reality.

“It is a privilege and a true responsibility to guide the next generation of entrepreneurs and help foster an endeavour that will enlighten society’s appreciation for the modern gentleman,” says Adam Garone, CEO of the Movember Foundation, and one of three mentors for A Gentleman’s Call.

Ketel One recently moved into publishing with the launch of A Gentleman’s Read, an online lifestyle magazine for men.

Both EA and Bank of America angered consumers by their practices of swallowing up smaller competitors and overcharging, but EA’s success in this year’s tournament shines a spotlight on an industry that is often considered ignored by regulators, courts and the mainstream media.

“Some may look down their noses at the idea of voters picking a video game publisher as the Worst Company In America, but that is the exact kind of attitude that has allowed EA and its ilk to nickel and dime devoted customers for a decade,” said Chris Morran, deputy editor of Consumerist.com. “This is not just a few people complaining about bad games – this vote represents a large group of consumers who have grown sick and tired of being ignored and taken advantage of.”

Any individual, agency or brand can submit a two-page comms idea based on a challenge issued through the foundation’s Grand Challenges Explorations programme. The brief calls for new and innovative ways of telling the real story behind global aid. Up to 10 participants will be awarded $100,000 for the development of their idea.

Cannes Lions has created a group, The Cannes Chimera, made up of senior creatives from the award-winning agencies of each of the 2011 Cannes Lions Grand Prix winning pieces of work. The Chimera will advise the programme, review submissions, and mentor the finalists.

“Imagine if our community could harness this creativity to solve a global problem with an outstanding idea expressed on just two pieces of A4 paper?” says Philip Thomas, Cannes Lions CEO. “Imagine if a great idea emerged, and if that idea was honed and improved by the best thinkers in the industry? And imagine if there was the money to actually make something happen, to create the idea.”

River Island will produce a short film showcasing its new Design Forum collection which will bow during London Fashion Week at the first BFC Fash/On Film festival. There will also be a TEST Presents screening of the London preview of the Diana Vreeland documentary The Eye Has To Travel, together with Studiocanal, and author and director Lisa Immordino Vreeland will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A session.

Fash/On Film is also inviting up-and-coming creatives to submit film ideas in response to a brief set together with a leading British designer. One filmmaker will be selected to receive professional mentoring for a project and the film will be shown during London Fashion Week September 2012.

“This is a great opportunity to support and develop the profile of young fashion designers whilst encouraging the rising stars of filmmaking into this arena,” says Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC. “We look forward to having the chance to create a recognised showcase for incredible emerging British fashion film talent, supporting our global reputation for innovation and creativity.”

Entrants need to submit a hypothetical digital media plan and creative idea around a key business challenge for the selected organisation’s 2012 or 2013 calendar year – marketers need to tell a brand’s story using technology and solutions such as MSN, Mobile, Windows Live, Xbox, and Messenger to solve real marketing challenges.

The contest is split into two stages – local heats followed by a global final. Two global winners will get the Global Microsoft Advertising Story Award for 2012 as well as a VIP trip as Microsoft Advertising’s guests to the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2012, 17 to 23 June 2012.

“The fragmented nature of today’s media landscape can cause brands to lose the clarity of what they are trying to communicate to their audience,” says Richard Dunmall, vp of global agencies and accounts, Microsoft Advertising. “This competition, and the focus of the wider Microsoft Advertising business, is about helping brands to step back from the clutter, and put storytelling firmly back at the heart of digital marketing.”

The new video wall is designed to make discovering, viewing and sharing as easy and efficient as possible with sharing features and can be accessed from virtually any device.

“Microsoft Advertising is also getting into the spirit of the contest,” says Stephen Kim, general manager, global creative solutions, Microsoft Advertising. “The person who shares the most videos with friends will also win $10,000. Everyone who visits the video wall will get the opportunity to engage in the excitement. The wall’s hub will feature a leader board so it’s clear who is sharing the most.”

Microsoft Advertising is promoting Chevrolet’s contest across multiple properties – MSN, MSN Video and Bing Video.

Of the submitted campaigns, 23% came from transport brands, 21% from major retail names, 19% technology brands, 17% from the luxury and beauty sector, 7% from entertainment, 7% leisure, 4% finance and 2% from institutions.

The finalists will present their campaigns on Saturday 28 January in Cannes to midem participants and a jury made up of executives from the music industry, advertising agencies and brands, plus media personalities