Score: 6
Last year: 7
How the agency rates itself: 8
2016 was a quieter year for WCRS than 2015 but the agency still produced some compelling work, picked up new clients and, crucially, retained its position on the government roster.
WCRS added four new accounts. The biggest was a project for Standard Life Investments for the British & Irish Lions 2017 rugby tour of New Zealand. It also picked up First Group’s TransPennine Express, Duchenne UK and Pride in London.
The agency’s work for the British Army concluded. It also parted ways with Global Radio, which later hired Mr President for its portfolio relaunch campaign.
Creative highlights included an interactive music video starring The Futureheads that picked up a bronze Cannes Lion. WCRS also refreshed its TV ad for Candy Crush Jelly Saga, although parent King kicked off a review this month, and launched World’s Strongest Boys, a new brand for the Duchenne UK muscular dystrophy charity, enlisting famous sportspeople to create short films that were shared on social media.
Another memorable moment was when the shop hijacked the social meme "#NoFilter" for Pride, encouraging people to live without filters. It created a film starring Sir Ian McKellen, Graham Norton and radio DJ Stephanie Hirst. Then prime minister David Cameron commented on the campaign.
WCRS won an IPA Effectiveness award for Santander, a gold and two bronze Cannes Lions, five D&AD Pencils and five Creative Circle gongs.
The agency expanded its creative department with seven hires, including a first head of art, Lance Crozier, who joined from Leagas Delaney, and the creatives behind Three’s "#SingItKitty" and Honda’s "Hands".
In addition, chief executive Matt Edwards’ remit was expanded, to oversee DF London, Engine’s social media agency, alongside WCRS.
Overall, 2016 was a decent enough year for WCRS. But we hope to be wowed a bit more in 2017.
How the agency describes its year in a tweet
All the usual good stuff plus broke the world marathon record and introduced #NOFILTER to the world.
Score key: 9 Outstanding 8 Excellent 7 Good 6 Satisfactory 5 Adequate 4 Below average 3 Poor 2 A year to forget 1 Survival in question