In this episode of The Creative Relay, director Steve Rogers interviews the legendary Creative Chairman of Clemenger BBDO, James McGrath. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful – yet impenetrable – creative minds, McGrath has let his work do the talking for him throughout his 30+ years in advertising. While personally avoiding the spotlight, his list of international awards – including Global Agency of the Year at Cannes in 2017 for the Melbourne office – speaks volumes about his talent, drive and passion for his craft.
After completing art school in Sydney, Steve started his own production company,
Revolver, in 1998 soon to be joined by partner, EP/MD Michael Ritchie. In that time, Revolver has been awarded Production Company of the Year twice by New York Festivals as well as 4 x Australian Production Company of the Year by AWARD more than any other company. Most recently in 2018, Revolver were also awarded runner-up in the Palme d’Or at Cannes Lions and ranked 4th in the world by D&AD.
Steve has been consistently recognized amongst the top 10 directors in the world, directing work for a range of international clients. His accolades include 6 Cannes Gold Lions, D&AD Yellow Pencil’s, a Clio Grand Prix, Gold at The One Show, and multiple awards at London International Awards, Best in show at AICP, the New York Festivals and AWARD. He has also received two Emmy nominations and was nominated for the DGA awards in 2016.
Creativity will always be the answer, so I have spent my Creative working life grappling with the compelling, the difficult and the most useful of questions. I have been fortunate to have collaborated with the country’s most interesting brands, their brilliant custodians, extraordinarily clever creative people and the makers that make our world more inspirational, more interactive and of course so much better as a result.
