2013 in Review with… David Brixton

For Whitehouse Post's managing partner David Brixton, 2013 has been a pivotal year. As the amount and level of work increases and improves and as clients begin to be more brave, he is optimistic about a brighter 2014 with a predicted shift towards more non-traditional advertising and branded content. Below, he offers his thoughts on the work that has shone through this year, his own company's achievements and entertainment at the annual Whitehouse dinner party.

How would you describe 2013 for the industry, creatively speaking?

I feel that this year was a real turning point. As the recession disappeared in the rear view mirror, the volume of work increased and so did the quality of ideas. The clients grew bolder and started to push the creative envelope once again. Who can forget spot’s like Kmart's Ship my pants? Also digital work, social media, and truly integrated campaigns are really maturing and we are seeing great work across all platforms. The Dodge Durango Anchorman 2 campaign from Weiden + Kennedy is a great example. Not only is the campaign funny, but it also drove traffic to the Durango’s site and increased sales.

And what about your own creative performance in the last 12 months?

This year has been really creatively rewarding for us. We did great award-winning work for VW, Doritos, Skittles, Powerade, Land Rover and Audi. The most memorable commercial was Camera Shy for Dove which won a gold Film Lion at Cannes this year. We feel fortunate to have worked on spots that I am sure will be candidates during next year’s awards season and we are closing the year with work for the 2014 Super Bowl.

What do you think your own best personal achievement has been in the past year?

Well, I stopped editing in January this year so now I have to live vicariously through others! But I do think that my biggest achievement is guiding our four companies through their continued growth, both financially and creatively. Gentleman Scholar, our design-driven production company, went from strength to strength and most notably produced the Misfit Right In campaign for the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Fallon. Carbon VFX worked on high profile campaigns for BMW, Sprint and Verizon. Cap Gun has expanded into original content with several entertainment properties in development and also recruited a Cannes gold Lion director to its roster to continue its success in commercials.

What are you most excited about for 2014?

I am really excited to see more risk taking by clients allowing really creative work to flourish. I am excited to work on more diverse projects, not just traditional television spots. We are seeing online content, experiential campaigns, Vines, branded entertainment, social - you name it. And whilst working in these different mediums can be challenging, it’s also very stimulating.

And what are your predictions for the industry in general in 2014?

The evolution of the advertising industry will continue and digital will explode. I think that there will be an increasing amount of work shot exclusively for the web and the budgets will start to improve along with the creative. Multicultural markets will be more prominent and those demographics will become more valued. The advertising industry will continue to explore technology with second screen opportunities increasing.

 Which campaign or piece of work will you remember from this year?

You always remember the most recent ones more readily, and although there was a lot of great work this year, The Epic Split featuring Claude Van Damme for Volvo Trucks comes to mind. Such a great and memorable idea and a huge online success currently at 59 million hits.

How is your company/office celebrating Christmas (a party, decorations, event, campaign?) this year and are you getting involved?

Each of our offices hosts a staff dinner party and everyone gets dressed up to celebrate. The best part of the evening is the films that the assistant editors make in each office to share at the party. The talent, creativity and filmmaking skills of these young assistants never fail to impress me. Each office also selects a local charity that we make a donation to during the holidays, it is always a nice time of year to reflect on our good fortunes and support our local communities.

What’s the one thing you look forward to in your time off over Christmas?

Time with my family.

What’s your new year’s resolution workwise or other?

Two things; to improve my typing skills (this form is taking forever to complete!) and to improve my work/life balance. I spend way too much time at the office!

And if you had a piece of advice for the creative industry to learn from this year and take into next, what would you say?

I would say to any business stay humble, stay hungry, and respect your clients. To the industry as a whole, I would say: keep your eyes open and embrace change. The creative industry is changing so fast that it truly is a case of adapt or die.