ANDY FLEMMING TOLD HE CAN ‘WRITE HIS OWN NARRATIVE’ BEFORE DEPARTURE FROM M&C SAATCHI
M&C Saatchi, Sydney has instructed Group Creative Director Andy Flemming that he can choose the manner of his own departure after an emotional meeting via video call. He will remain at the agency until the end of August.
The award-winning writer immediately chose ‘death by long sword’ before being instructed that this was a redundancy question, and not the kind of decree barked by a medieval judge in one of the fantasy boxsets that he’s been smashing through since the start of lockdown.
“I initially chose ‘more time to spend with my family’ as that seemed a particularly common excuse in these press releases,” said Flemming, when we spoke to him today. “But then I realised that I’ve been stuck with them for months and my daughter’s Christmas presents of a bass guitar and amp has become one of my greatest regrets of 2021.”
He was then offered ‘the chance to pursue exciting opportunities elsewhere’ but rejected this due to it being the absolute number one excuse used by parties who departed without a job to go to, but somehow wanted to give the impression that there was some sort of majorly impressive international job on the horizon as opposed to sprawling on the couch and playing Assassins Creed Valhalla in their pants.
Flemming immediately accepted a puff piece in the middle of the release that would list his accomplishments and would approve the HR quote about him being ‘proud of his team, and have no doubt that he’s set the groundwork for their continued growth and personal success.’
In fifteen years, Flemming has been one of the most influential writers in M&C Saatchi, if not the industry, with work such as Optus ‘Ricky Gervais’ and ‘Idris Elba’, ‘Can Kids’ for CommBank and ‘Matesong’ for Tourism Australia. Alongside the legendary Tom McFarlane, he helped build the CommBank ‘CAN’ brand from scratch and wrote exceptional long body copy ads that at least one international judge was quoted in the press as being ‘just too long to read.’ He was also part of almost every major pitch win, including the recent Tourism Australia pitch in 2018. He’s also won numerous awards in Cannes, D&AD and all those other little ones.
Flemming has also shared his exploits, failings, inability to stand after Rose and judging exploits in his long running ‘Cannes Diaries’ for CB that have been read by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. In his spare time, he lectures film at UTS and plays ‘Assassins Creed Valhalla.’
“I’d like a quote from Cam and Tom McFarlane – if you can get him,” said Flemming.
“Andy is a self-proclaimed sniper and I’d second that,” says M&C Saatchi CCO Cam Blackley. “Whilst we’ll miss him in the day to day, he’ll only ever be a phone call away for special operations. In all seriousness, it was Andy that welcomed me into the agency, he’s been a rock. I described him as a ‘scholar and a gentleman’ to the agency earlier and that’s the truth. He leaves an unparalleled legacy. His Ricky Gervais work for Optus is one of the greatest pieces of modern advertising in my opinion.”
Adds Tom McFarlane: “What can I say about Andy that he can’t say about himself far more eloquently. He’s everything a good writer should be. Witty, curious and a lover of words. I enjoyed nothing more than seeing him strut through my door, just hours after receiving a brief, loudly declaring- ‘I’ve cracked it… and it’s fucking brilliant!!’ And it nearly always was. On the occasion it wasn’t, he’d exit, unbruised by rejection and reappear a short while later, with an idea that was indeed, utterly brilliant. And it’s that resilience that makes Andy a truly great writer.”
Flemming finally decided that telling the truth was possibly the most unusual and unexpected release narrative. Says Flemming: “To be honest, my GCD role was becoming unfeasible, and M&C Saatchi bent over backwards to make sure that redundancy was absolutely their last wish – going so far as to offer me other roles within the organisation. But fifteen years is a ridiculously long time, and it seemed the right moment to take stock and peruse another adventure, wherever or whatever it is. M&C has been my home for a long time. It’s in great hands and it’ll be a little odd to watch their successes from the outside.”
Flemming, whose departure was announced to M&C Saatchi on Friday, will remain at the agency until the end of August.
His work and numerous articles can be found at his imaginatively titled andyflemming.com.
He can contacted at andyfl@gmail.com
(Flemming also insisted that legendary Chelsea fan and photographer Simon Harsent take his headshot. This was non-negotiable.)
96 Comments
This is such a typical Flemming article. I will always be a fan. Good luck wherever you land!
Brilliant. Well done AF on a hugely succesful decade and a half at M&C, can’t wait to see what you do next. And to M&C, thanks for the honest PR. (Weirdly) Congrats on all fronts.
Beautifully written. What a class act.
Really? This is why advertising has died in the last decade. You can’t afford to get rid of the people you say you can’t afford to keep.
“There’s a four letter word as offensive as any that holds back the few, puts a stop to the many…”
M&C Saatchi will miss your words, wit and energy. You deserve a Maurice Major award to go with the Maurice Minor one you hold my friend
As I just told wife, in shock: one of the ‘greats’.
Now THAT’s how you depart and agency. Absolute class and always, always stunningly written.
He was a sniper. Waiting. sometimes for weeks to take his shot at the brief. You never saw it coming. Usually a head shot to the client’s problem, instantly making up for his head-hours in one golden bullet. While other creatives do the ‘Leroy Johnson’ and fire their M-16’s around like they’re in Vietnam the night after ‘lovin long time’ on opium in Ho Chi Minh city. He was the only adult and father who could still get away with wearing camo-cargo pants ery. day. And, ironically at all times, next to his office table was a fully-automatic nerf gun.
Just sayn – as a writer – if you were ever at war with andy from another agency on a pitch – trust me – you won’t feel a foam bullet to your head – you’ll feel the words of this marksman.
You were alwayz a bit of a prick to me andy – but that’s just a part of your charm. I always thought, especially in your CB blogs that you had something unique, that was always worth the wait
OH YEAH – and he’s the only dude I know who presents his work blasting a soundtrack out of his laptop to give the feelz. And it works! Anyway – respek bro. Take aim at your new life – keep your shit off-safety – and pull that trigga!
M
Frankly that’s criminal Andy. But If there’s a Valhalla for great writers, I’m sure you’ll be welcomed in with open arms. ( Pants or not )
We all strive for work that tangibly impacts culture and you’ve written just that, many times. Pleased to have shared an adventure or two with you Andy. Leaving with style and grace says much about you also. Onwards x
Andy Flemming you are everything! I adored working with you and have nothing but RESPECT for your talent. You will always be one of my favourite humans in advertising.
I’ll read anything he’s written. Such a talent. Such a loss to M&C Saatchi,
It was a pleasure (and often hilarious) to watch you work Sir. At a time when the average stint is about 4 years you managed 15. You can depart with your head held high and your talent (evident in this press release) well and truly intact. Impressive to say the least.
Cheers Flemming.
All the best Andy. It was a pleasure working with you for time we shared together in Optus. Bloody legend.
Happily taciturn as always Mr Flemming, best of luck in whatever you decide to do next!
Who the fuck is this Andy Flemming geezer?
A writer who is on par with those I had worked with at CDP many years ago. That’s who the fuck he is.
A pleasure even up to the end, designing your Cannes diary this year.
Absolutely brilliant. Just brilliant.
Goooooorg!!!! Will miss you + everything about you – you’re part of M+C’s DNA!!
Oh mate will it even be m&c without you? And what a great article Andy, respect the hell out of this.
Oh Andy! Your grace is infectious!! xx
All the best Andy. Was a privilege working with you at M&C—can’t imagine the place without ya!
I thought I was a good writer until I met Andy Flemming.
I was so unbelievably lucky to have Andy as a mentor when I started my career at M&C. Andy, you are a “writer’s writer”. Absolutely phenomenal, only a touch scary, and a true legend of the craft. Huge love and respect
Felmbot forever.
Talented AF… All the best Andy. It always a joy and honour working with you.
Hey Flemo, you know that industry you’ve gone on about for so long? Well it just stabbed you in the back. Enjoy the other side my friend
Their loss is the Crix gain. See you there soon, hopefully, for a right old bitch session.
Flemo?
Not convinced you know Andy very well.
Using a press release to mock other people’s releases is only masking how hurtful it must feel to be let go after 15 years of incredible service to an agency. Some people may find it funny but it’s just sad that Andy has had to deal with it this way.
I feel for him.
And sorry, in the spirit of telling the truth, to say:
“… my GCD role was becoming unfeasible, and M&C Saatchi bent over backwards to make sure that redundancy was absolutely their last wish – going so far as to offer me other roles within the organisation”.
Well that really sounds like someone who has been given the run around. If M&C truly value Andy they’d make it work. No question. You don’t let talent who has been committed to your business for 15 years walk away.
Best of luck Andy.
Andy was one of the best writers I’ve ever worked with. Brutally quick. Incredible inciteful and with the mind of a planner. Such a talent amd so, so funny. His first Cannes diary was the talk of the Cannes festival when I was there. Good luck for your next chapter.
The grass is greener…
What a writer. There are so, so few left that really, genuinely get a kick out of writing. His writing is so precise So well crafted. So much that aspiring talents from learn from. All the best from Singapore.
I’ll never forget working with Andy on a pitch many years ago and throwing an inkling of an idea at him. He thought deeply for a moment, then effortlessly evolved it into something much bigger. Filled with contagious enthusiasm, he leapt to his feet and insisted I come stand next to him facing the empty room. He insisted we close our eyes and after a few moments asked if I could hear it? ‘Hear what?’ I responded in bemusement. The rapturous applause of a packed Cannes auditorium as we accept our Grand Prix award for the idea we’ve just cracked says Flemming. He goes on to present it with the best bit of pitch theatre I’ve ever seen, dazzling the client and winning the pitch. Of course, our idea never actually gets made; but that’s OK as I’d already basked in our Grand Prix moment thanks to the legendary Mr Flemming.
‘the chance to pursue exciting opportunities elsewhere’
“it seemed the right moment to take stock and peruse another adventure”
Little contradictory. But who am I to judge?
Best of luck Andy.
This is AF AF.
My only question is…
Why your infamous double spacing between each sentence isn’t present here?
It’s a technique I’ll be forever copying.
Maybe it’s all part of starting this ‘new adventure’.
it takes a virus
Lockdown gold medal!
“I initially chose ‘more time to spend with my family’ as that seemed a particularly common excuse in these press releases, “said Flemming, when we spoke to him today. “But then I realised that I’ve been stuck with them for months and my daughter’s Christmas presents of a bass guitar and amp has become one of my greatest regrets of 2021.”
Andy Flemming wrote his own narrative before Saatchi , during Saatchi and will continue to do so after Saatchi, no doubt…
So what really is the truth?
I find it odd that M&C have decided their ‘narrative’ for Andy’s departure is a cost saving thing. ‘Unfeasible’. Really?
M&C top the billings every year.
They pay their staff really well – most agencies can’t compete with them if it comes down to money.
AND AND AND, within the last year they have PR’d new hires and promotions based off “agency growth”! As recently as June!
So what really is the truth?
Letting a 15 year old veteran use humour to announce his own departure to cover agency smoke and mirrors is sad.
Sorry it has ended this way for you Andy. I’m sure it hurts. Sounds like you’re better off. You’ll land something soon no doubt.
Genius piece Andy. Enjoy some well earned time out. I think you could have a bright future in this business young man.
People change,as do circumstances and companies.
It’s quite normal and quite healthy.
Knowing Andy I am sure he will go on to bigger and more exciting things.
Best exit ever.
Andy was my AWARD School tutor back in 2010. What I didn’t realise was that since then he’s randomly pop into my head about once a week in a pro bono “what would Andy do?” capacity. That is about the highest compliment you can give any senior creative really.
Onya Andy. Hats off. Pants on. 🤙
Take away all the funny parts and this seems like every other press release made fun of.
‘ …fifteen years is a ridiculously long time, and it seemed the right moment to take stock and peruse another adventure, wherever or whatever it is”.
Regardless, this is sad news and I wish Andy the best.
One thing about Andy, is he’s not only a great writer,
but he knew how to play the game very, very well.
He knew who to make his allies.
Which is why he lasted in one place for 15 years.
Talent is one thing, being seen as indisposable is another.
And that takes smarts.
At least he leaves with his talent intact.
Andy, you’re an absolute one-off!
Working with you has been one of the most brilliant, inspiring experiences of my career.
I learned something every day. But most of all, every day was full of surprises and a shitload of fun.
Every creative should aspire to working with Andy at least once in their career.
Truly one of the sharpest, smartest minds in advertising.
Plus super kind, generous and just a bloody good human being too.
Proud to call you a friend.
Chat soon mate x
I was lucky enough to work with you for many years, Andy.
Always a pleasure, fun and exciting – you literally pulled great things out of your magic box every time without fail.
Wishing you the best for the next adventure mate
Absolute madness letting a bloke like that walk.
Andy, mate I’ve known you 30 years or so. And you’ve had nothing to prove since day one. Writing by your hand will be read though to the final full stop. Thanks for this particular narrative but I’m looking forward to the next one already. 🙂
Well if there is any good news out of this Andy it’s that we can now collaborate on getting our Medellin Cartel idea up. All the best and talk soon.
You’re of the greats and always will be. So lucky to have worked and learnt from you. Wherever you land, you’ll make it greater. Sneaking a “meeting” to see Harrison Ford and watch Rogue One together were also highlights. All the best mate
I’m extremely grateful to have learned from this man. xo
A significant tenure at M&C, and an incredibly awesome body of work. Andy will land well again. And if it’s not in adland then I look forward to seeing his story-telling ability take on a whole new dimension elsewhere. This guy has craft and wit in spades.
Even when I worked with Andy at ‘ye olde George Patts’ he was turning adversaries into red mist from clock towers. Whether it was on Quake against the studio pixel pushers or wearing his thumbs out on a clunky old Nintendo 64 in his office. Where he goes next, we won’t see him coming. But we’ll feel the impact.
Beautifully played Andy. Now and for the last fifteen years. See you round.
Change is the only constant so it was inevitable that change would happen at M&C. However, we should never forget, M&C built a great business by understanding their first job was to help make their clients more successful. The two Toms knew that better than just about anyone. I hope those entrusted with building on the great legacy gifted them by the Toms and people like Andy recognise that doing advertising that makes the agency famous is very different to doing what is needed to making your clients more successful. If they do, they will be continue to be successful. If they don’t, they will soon join the long list of seemingly invincible agencies who slowly disappeared because what they changed into, was never who they were meant to be. And it will happen. You need only ask those who changed Mojo, The Campaign Palace and George Patts for proof of that.
I should’ve added – that M&C DID know how to do great advertising that also helped make their clients more successful.100% Pure NZ. CommBankCan and many more. The challenge for the Toms-less, Andy-less M&C of tomorrow – is to see whether they can also. Good luck
Probably my favourite writer – I’d read the back of a shampoo bottle if Andy wrote it. Whatever you do, wherever you go, I really hope CB sends you to Cannes because your diaries were my favourite part of award season. Best of luck for the future.
Love this well done.
Onya Andy. Hats off. Pants on.
Without ever meeting Andy, I can see why ‘Performance below expectation’ wouldn’t be the given reason for his departure, even in jest.
Some people talk a big game. I have never worked Andy but man, every time I see something he has written I am reminded at the difference between ‘good’ and ‘phenomenal’ writers, and what those at the top can do with their words.
No doubt you will the ground running where ever you choose next. And please keep sharing your words with the rest of us, it always gives me a glimmer of home for the future of us all,
Great creative.
Great human.
And as SeanieB says, the grass IS greener.
Thanks Andy for all you have contributed to the industry, and you have so much more to give.
You’re only just getting started young man!
No agency has ever let anyone go they wanted to keep.
Having had to do it myself, that’s absolute garbage.
i think that’s harsh.
but the truth is, unless you have an incredible client relationship, creatives are seen as pretty easy to replace.
there’s a lot of good ones, it just comes down to who’s cheaper.
and does ‘good’ matter anymore? just gotta be ‘good enough’ and affordable.
what a wonderfully rewarding industry!
You have obviously never ran an agency my naive friend.
I’ve never worked with Andy, only admired from the sidelines.
But it’s certainly been impressive to watch.
Wherever you end up I’m sure we’ll continue to enjoy your work.
so about that screenplay…. bon voyage and plunder well Andy.That long sword could come in handy.
Well played Andy, well played!
If you run a big agency with a really big client or three,contact this guy now.
All great runs come to an end.
The real difference is how they end and too often the cliches just bounce off the walls and we all know pretty much what happened.
“The numbers for the next forecast aren’t looking too good…..”
“We need to drop some costs pretty quickly….”
“The client seems to really like…..”
This has been going on for years…..nothing has changed.
At least you had the chance to craft a narrative unlike so many others who just got stabbed and pushed off the side of the truck on its way to Bonusville.
It’s time.
Yes… A very talented guy.
But PLEASE… Go out and do something for YOURSELF. Instead of flogging cars, home loans and mobile phone for other people in an industry where everyone else outside of the bubble does not give a flying fuck. Please don’t turn into one of these older creatives who desperately chases work and complains about how millenials are stealing work they are more qualified for.
I would love to see a book, a film, a startup, a something… Something for you. Not someone else.
Best of luck.
Andy is the oonly creative I have ever seen to present to my team at Optus and we’d applaud SO OFTEN, that it was strange when it didn’t happen.
He was like a force of nature. Amazing Andy.
Although I don’t know Andy personally,I suspect like a lot of us he has responsibilities like a family and a mortgage.
So whilst no doubt tempted by all the avenues suggested it takes a monstrous leap of faith in ones own abilities to take that path.
More’s the pity.
When you get made redundant, the payout you get usually gives you a lot of freedom to do your own thing. And after 15 years, I can imagine Andy is feeling very free at the moment.
What a deluded, cynical comment.
It’s pretty easy to preach about going off to make a nice film for yourself when you don’t have to worry about where your next pay cheque’s coming from.
Exactly. And that is the single biggest reason most people don’t do it, yet stayed disgruntled, stressed out and ultimately unsatisfied. That was me and many others who have figured it out. So I’m not deluded.
You need to let go of money and work out what the bare minimum is to break even. Then go from there. The results can be so much more rewarding and if it is something you truly love and give it your all, the money will come.
Very true. You could worry about where your next pay cheque’s coming from. You could also worry about what your company will spend their $150k instant asset write-off on. You’ll worry whatever you do. Anyone have any experience with a 3 Group Diamant Multi Boiler?
You mean you weren’t ‘lured’ or ‘snared’?
Good luck Andy.
And well done for removing that Urban Dictionary entry.
You bastard.
Next is actually giving you some killer advice there. You’ve made it about a “nice film for yourself”. If you can look beyond award tables, lots of great things wait. You’ll never work as hard as in advertising. if you put the work into something else, something else you love (because there’s other things than ads, a LOT of other things) you could find yourself making decent coin with more freedom. Advertising isn’t that good, even CEO level, gold (plated) handcuffs, because you need to sit your arse down in an office to pay for the mortgage and fancy school. Which makes you disgruntled. best of luck.
I love advertising.I work with smart ,intellectually competitive people who are also fun.And because I am very good at it I have made a lot of money which allows me to enjoy many other creative pursuits.
Maybe Andy feels the same.
Writing books,for the screen or theatre are are a very different discipline.Not saying Andy couldn’t do it,but for most creatives it is an Everest few have conquered.
Is this just another sign that the industry is marching hard towards tactics? When your clients are product specialists, masquerading as marketers, and are obsessed with short-term tactics over long-term brand building, this is the eventual result. Juniorfication.
And as an agency’s product is ultimately its people, who traditionally have been hired on their creative or strategic merits, then moves like these might make sense, even though I don’t think they’re right. Good luck, Andy, go client-side, and run shit.
You LOVE advertising? Hmm ok.
Yeah I love it because I used to be a waiter.Try hospitality if you want to find out what hard work is all about you entitled whinger.
Just the Hmm ok says it all.
I worked at M&C years ago.. and still to this day, i will not miss a piece he has written. I didn’t need to interact with Andy too much, but I was more than aware of his ‘greatness’ and am grateful for the few opportunities I had to work with him on Optus briefs. A true legend!
Flemming (all the) way. You’re a class act and a great friend and mentor. If there was a lion for exit PR, you’d be walking tonight babe. 100% fckyeah. X
Thanks for everything Andy.Will miss your creativity and intellect.
Have not commented as a loyal M&Cer ,but just want to say I will miss you Andy.I hope you will find some where that appreciates your immense talents.
Andy,
You’re a great talent. You’ll be greatly missed at M&C. And, as you can see from the comments, you’re greatly loved as well. As an admirer from afar – I reckon it’s time for everyone to draw a line under your time at M&C – and move on. You’ll be fine. It’s the rest of us who aren’t as talented we’ll need to look out for now.
I worked at M&C for 8years.It was full of savvy people,they knew how to have fun and yeah you worked your butt of but you were well paid and appreciated.As always it comes from the top.Good luck Andy.
Advertising can be a prick of a gig. No loyalty to creatives.
Never met Andy, but who can’t admire his work?
Hope you get to meet Andy one day,you’ll enjoy his company.I always do.He’ll talk your head off but he’ll keep you laughing.
Lovely man.
This is the best. I Loled.
I’ve never worked with Andy only read his funny stuff but by the accounts above sounds like he should be a top level freelancer, charging much money and having time aside to do other creative stuff.