Every year, StopPress catches up with a group of talented professionals from across the local industry to talk about the year that was. From their biggest challenges to their biggest inspiration, their favourite campaigns and favourite snacks, they give us a little insight into 2024 as well as what is to come in 2025.
Leisa Wall is Co-Chief Creative Officer at FCB Aotearoa.
Sum up 2024 in three words.
Yeah and nah.
If FCB Aotearoa was a drink – which one would it be and why?
Bourbon sour – surprisingly different.
FCB holds many long-lasting relationships with Kiwi clients – what were the best parts of these partnerships in 2024?
Celebrating our 43rd anniversary with Mitre 10. We did some DIY together, it was very romantic. We also made our 5600th Stickman ad for Pak n Save – you’ll be surprised how many positions that stick can get into.
What excited you the most about your industry this year?
The same thing that excites me every year – our industry can get people to stop, watch, care & remember our stories we attach to brands. This changes lives and businesses. Pretty powerful and exciting to see this happen year after year.
Did you harness digital technology and AI in your work in 2024, and if so, what impact has that made?
We did, and it made a huge impact to a particular client’s business, so much so we’re not allowed to talk about it. Call us if you want more juicy details.
What has been your work highlight of the year?
Having people beg me to tell them what happens next in Jade’s journey.
What was the biggest challenge your team faced in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
Getting Vegas [Peter Vegas, Co-Chief Creative Officer] to wear shoes.
8. What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Everyone making it to 2025. Continuing our work to help reduce road deaths with our friends at New Zealand Transport Agency. Drive safe this Christmas peeps.
9. If you could wave a magic wand over agency land, what would be the first thing you changed and why?
I’d change how we get remunerated for creativity.
Quick fire 10
1. Most memorable local campaign?
One NZ – Finding Jade & Export Ultra’s Cold Call Back Service.
2. Best international campaign?
VML Colombia’s life extending stickers.
3. A campaign you wish you worked on?
Super Bowl ad: Michael CeraVe, and the IAMS Dog Balloon.
4. An event/news story that got too much attention in 2024?
FCB’s coffee grinder being tampered with. (Don’t worry we’ve installed a camera.)
5. Biggest flop of 2024?
My hair during the winter months.
6. The best movie you saw at the cinema?
Watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice through my kids eyes made me love Beetlejuice again. Oh shit I’ve said three times.
7. The best thing about your industry?
The humans. Every ad person is a special breed.
8. How do you relax?
Water. In it, on it, under it.
9. Three things you’d take to a desert island?
A fishing rod, my dog, and a hammock.
10. Your favourite snack?
Raglan kettle corn.
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