Ant Keogh, Paul McMillan, and Michael Derepas have teamed up to launch their independent agency, Kerfuffle, based in Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
The trio, recognised as one of the most awarded agency teams in the country, spent seven years at the helm of The Monkeys Melbourne, following hugely successful long-term stints at BBDO Melbourne and George Patts.
Joining them are Group Account Director Jessie Roper, Senior Copywriter Carly Dallwitz, Senior Producer IIona Phyland, along with Creative Partners Josh Stephens and George Freckleton.
“At Kerfuffle, we are unashamedly about creativity,” Keogh said. “At a time where the industry is under threat from all angles, we are doubling down on what creativity can do for business and aim to be a safe haven for the best creative minds in the country. In the great battle for attention, creativity wins.”
Derepas added: “At the end of the day, the best strategy is only as good as the work it creates. To earn brands their precious piece of mental real estate, you need rock-solid strategic foundations. Only then, can the creatives leap further, and release big creative ideas that command actual human attention – the kind of work we want to create at Kerfuffle.”
On the origins of the name ‘Kerfuffle’, Keogh said: “Our clients need to make a noise, get noticed, create a commotion. Unless you do that first, everything else is academic. It comes out of that. Or maybe we just thought it sounded funny.”
McMillan added: “Kerfuffle is a small group of smart people with huge experience. Collectively we have made a lot of great work with many wonderful agencies, clients and colleagues… now it’s super exciting to be backing ourselves and having a crack as an independent.”
The combined experience of the group spans strategy and/or creative for iconic brands including Carlton Draught, Corona, Great Northern, Pure Blonde, Victoria Bitter, Dare Iced Coffee, Farmer’s Union, Big M, Snickers, Mars, Mars Pet, Cadbury, Bega, Lion, BCF, Rebel Sport, Target, Macpac, Remedy Drinks, Yoplait, AHM, iSelect, Bupa, NAB, Coles, Target, Telstra, General Motors, Supercheap Auto, Visit Victoria, Australian Defence Force, TAC, Australian Government, Victorian Government, and many more.