Congratulations to Tristan Maddigan (Class of 1999) and Phil Trenbath (Class of 2004) of The Mark Agency

The Mark Agency wins Gruen pitch with campaign calling for mums to run the country

Canberra-based creative agency The Mark Agency has taken home the win on ABC’s Gruen this week, delivering a sharp and memorable campaign in response to the brief:

Create a campaign to convince us that the Australian Government should be solely run by Mums.

Airing last night, Wednesday 22 May, the agency’s spot – titled “Making the Calls” – was voted the winning pitch by Gruen’s panel with a score of 3–1.

Created in partnership with Wildbear Entertainment, the ad reimagines a high-stakes political scenario where the real authority figure isn’t in the cabinet room – but on the other end of the phone. The result is a warm, satirical twist on decision-making and leadership, ending with the line:

“Mums are already making the important calls in government. It’s time they lead from the front.”

“This was a brief where political strategy met creative mischief,” said Erin Collett, Creative Director at The Mark Agency. “We wanted to create something we knew everyone could relate to, and grounded in playful insinuation. It’s about what might be happening in the shadows – between the orchestrated moments in the spotlight. Most of us don’t get through a crisis without calling our mum – our pollies included.”

Tristan Maddigan, Managing Director at The Mark Agency, added:
“We’re incredibly proud to represent Canberra’s creative industry on a national stage, and to share a piece of work that made the panel smile and sparked conversation. As our business grows Nationally, Canberra will always remain our HQ.”

The segment was brought to life with production partner Wildbear Entertainment.

“It’s been a pleasure partnering with The Mark Agency to bring their Gruen Nation pitch to life,” said Michael Tear, CEO, Wildbear Entertainment. “The final product is a testament to the team’s world-class creativity and we’re thrilled with the judges response”

Gruen Season 17, Episode 2 is now available to stream via ABC iview.

Watch the full pitch: https://vimeo.com/1086243360

About The Mark Agency

The Mark Agency (TMA) is an independent full-service agency headquartered in Canberra with teams across Australia. With over 15 years of experience across strategy, creative, digital and production, TMA partners with some of the country’s most iconic and emerging brands to create work that’s memorable, meaningful, and moves the dial.