The Woodshed

Organisational re-engineering has become top priority for an industry with little experience of corporate restructuring – advertising and marketing. To get the job done, ad agencies will be borrowing the blueprint from their clients. So says Clint Bryce, executive creative director (digital) at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris. He says corporate clients ‘broke down the silos’ to secure new millennium growth. And agencies seeking a bigger share of the future have to do something similar. Bryce believes flatter, smarter, faster and more collaborative ad agency structures have become an urgent necessity and are in the first stages of implementation at some advertising businesses. “Big corporates got it right 10, even 15 years ago,” says Bryce. “Silo thinking has to go. Flatter structures and multi-disciplinary processes are more appropriate when integrated campaigns usually deliver the best results for clients and potentially the best earnings for agencies." "Agencies had a...

I had the pleasure (and privilege) to watch John Hunt in full force this week. He had prepared a presentation called "In Search of the Iconic" for all TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris clients and the agency. John supported his observations through a carefully selected body of work from around the TBWA global network. He has an amazing ability to deliver insightful knowledge in a quiet, almost understated fashion. He practices restraint. Every phrase uttered could easily be a headline. Here are his observations. Paraphrased, of course. You should have been there. Traditional still equals opportunity. Everyone is looking to 'become digital'. The industry buzz word is 'integration'. Technology has disrupted the entire landscape. Here John warned us to pay equal attention to the traditional medium as it still holds great importance when the idea is strong and the craft is evident. He shared some very interesting print work and the impressive Heineken Star Serve co...

This is priceless. Dune (11) sent this email to mom and dad whilst on a 2 day journey from JoBurg to Cape Town with our friend Mary. I can only imagine how valuable this message-from-the-heart will be in time to come. It's too precious for words. I love you my son. ++ Begin forwarded message: From: Dune Bryce Date: 29 March 2013 8:14:46 AM SAST To: Mandy Bryce , Clint Bryce Subject: To mom and dad To mom and dad I love you so much and can't wait to be back again love you with all my heart and I'm going to take a photo what ever we do I'm loving this and took some photos now and on the n1 now and very dark clouds. So sad to leave but it's fun and holding your tedy you gave me and ely cant wait to get back.:-) went past a sign that said cape town 1.219km but we take to 2 days still on the road playing music.past animals and Jagger took some photos. Now at a shop and then going on. We on our way about 20min away. Going to have a braai and going to br...

Alistair Duff, our new Strategic Director, and I have founded Camp Awesome: a camp for awesome people. And Yoda. Camp Awesome Founders: C Bryce, A Duff, Yoda circa 2013

One thing is for sure, pure-play digital marketing agencies are rallying to attract advertising heavyweights, whilst the big advertising agencies and networks are looking to acquire skills in the creative application of technology. The water is flowing both ways and 2013 is going to be a year of shifting talent. In both directions. The race is on to build the team that has competencies in all areas of branding, marketing and communications. Go!

After nearly 2 decades I have returned to my TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris family. It is an honour to sit alongside John Hunt and Reg Lascaris, undoubtedly Ad legends in their own right.  Reg had this say:  

The long-standing Bryce United tradition of chocolate cake for breakfast didn't disappoint this morning when I awoke at 5:30am. Thanks to my beautiful family I could enjoy a sugar rush before tea. It's been a particular challenge for everyone as we have only recently re-settled in Mordor and routines have not been entirely formed. I must admit, I have a resourceful, creative and imaginative family. Thank you all for your artistic cards, thoughtful gifts and abundant love. I love you dearly.