Shock no-show

AUCKLAND, Today: The coronavirus dealt a savage blow to this year’s Effie Awards – forcing the no-show of two of the prime players on the finals shortlist – Colenso BBDO and FCB.

The Comms Council unveiled the 2020 winners yesterday – with DDB (22 finalist spots), TBWA (11), Dentsu nine, Saatchi (eight), Stanley St (seven), Special (six) and Pitchblack (three) taking the honours.

The first inkling of the FCB & Colenso absence came yesterday, when the finalist list supplied to media clearly showed no results for the two agency giants.

FCB ceo Paul Shale later said: “Yes, it was one of the unfortunate effects of Covid-19.

“Given conversations in the Comms Council board meetings around award shows I’m sure we and Colenso are in the same boat.”

“We made the tough call in March not to enter award shows this year, but instead to protect our people, our pennies and the work.”

Colenso ceo Scott Coldham said. “The Effies are the pinnacle of marketing effectiveness.

“We have supported the show every year since it started, in the belief that creativity drives better commercial outcomes. And we will continue to do so.

“We made the tough call in March not to enter award shows this year, but instead to protect our people, our pennies and the work.

“This decision does not change our belief in the power of creativity and the importance of effectiveness.

“In what’s been an anomaly of a year, we’re very excited to return next year with a vengeance. And we wish everyone who entered the best of luck on the night – see you there, virtually or IRL!”

An indie view
An anonymous indie owner praised the move: “It’s good to see the big shops putting their resources into working on their clients’ business rather than promoting themselves through award entries.”

• View all the finalists here: commscouncil.nz/effie-2020-finalists