2022 has been a big year for the agency. We sat down with our founders Nick Smith, Matt Hearn and Lewis Hearn to reflect on the year that was, tap into their wealth of experience and discuss what’s coming up in 2023.

What has been your proudest moment this year?

Nick: Hosting our first-ever, all-staff conference in October was a really proud moment. Not only did we unveil a refreshed brand for the agency, but it was the culmination of several months of work defining our purpose, vision and values for the agency. It was also great to just get everyone together for a big party!

Matt: Our staff conference, unveiling of our refreshed brand hype reel video, and watching everyone's proud faces. Another was when a client said after a complicated shoot across multiple sets and camera crews, "it was like watching an F1 pit crew at their best". 

Lewis: That's an interesting question...I've got a few proud moments including how we've navigated our way out of the pandemic, the resilience of our talented people, the strength of relationships we've developed with our client partners and the quality of work we've delivered across the business.

With the recent rebrand for the agency, can you speak to HG's purpose moving forward?

Nick: We've realised the power of our agency lies in our ability to make connections. Connections between our team and our clients, building connections between our client's brands and their consumers, and the connections we make within our agency network of media, suppliers, and partners. We'll continue to drive connection in everything we do.

Matt: Ditto with Nick's comments. And working with clients who share the same passion for doing great work and creating an environment where culture, connection and storytelling add a bit of magic to our days. 

Lewis: I like and agree with what Nick has written for this question!

If you could pass on one piece of advice to those starting out in media, production and social, what would it be?

Nick: Bring a can-do attitude to every day and opportunities will find you.

Matt: Be curious, ask more questions, learn about more than your own department's core area of work, be a little obsessed with what is considered good and effective creative and don't be afraid to speak up. 

Lewis: You don't know what you don't know! Dive right in, be curious, show initiative, role your sleeves up, understand the business and gain as much experience as you can. There are so many great opportunities in our industry and as the old saying goes, "find your passion, make it your profession and love what you do".

What's on the horizon for Hotglue next year?

Nick: A new office!

Matt: My Hotglue Christmas party hangover finally subsiding and a new office, please. 

Lewis: Next year will be about attracting and retaining great talent, continuing to do great work and focusing on the things that make Hotglue such a great place to be a part of (including a new office)!