This year, LIA received 235 entries in the Post Production and Music Video category.

And here we are — 11 jurors, coming together from different parts of the world, with our jury president, Christiane Dressler, executive producer and the founder of Anorak Film leading the room.

It genuinely feels like all the continents have gathered around one table. Different cultures, different perspectives, different tastes — but one common language: great work. A seriously talented bunch of people.

And where are we judging all this?

Las Vegas. Encore at Wynn.

Yes, the hotel famous for its casino. Ha ha ha.

There’s a wonderful irony to it.

Outside our locked conference room is the colourful, flashing, buzzing world of Vegas — casinos, music, lights everywhere.

Inside, 11 advertising people are sitting in a dark room, staring intensely at screens, discussing edits, craft, music, ideas and every little detail.

And as a true lover of good advertising, I must confess…

I’m enjoying the inside more than the outside.

It’s true. Ha ha ha.

Day one is done.

The judging is intense. You have to stay focused, watch carefully, listen, debate and sometimes question your own first reaction. But that’s exactly what makes it thoroughly enjoyable.

And after spending a day inside that jury room, I think the famous Las Vegas saying needs a small LIA rewrite:

“What happens in Vegas… gets celebrated everywhere.”

Mahesh Gharat is director, Hungry Films.