As the old adage says, advertising is 80% idea and 80% execution. But in many cases, that short-changes the production companies, who often give 110% to make good projects great—and even raise middle-of-the-road concepts to low-key stardom.
Special Report: Agency A-List & Creativity Awards
Introducing the 2023 Ad Age Production Company A-List winners
This year’s winners excelled in craft across platforms with an impressively diverse range of voices and styles
This year’s collection of the world’s top production companies really could do it all, with an ever-expanding bag of tricks. We saw remarkable visual craft, technological wizardry, real-world and virtual wonders, and storytelling chops that elevated some of the year’s best advertising dramas and comedies.
These are the companies that made much of the best work of 2022 possible—with skill, sweat and a commitment to craft unmatched anywhere else.
How did we pick this year’s list?
In choosing our ranking, we factor in qualities such as excellence of craft, ingenuity, innovation, resourcefulness, impact, reliability and diversity. The best companies also showed a distribution of great work from across their full bench of directors. Excellent accomplishments from the veterans were as important as those from the up-and-comers.
Who judges the A-List?
The list is judged by a team of Ad Age editors and reporters who cover the broader marketing business, not just the creative or production side. Their expertise spans areas including tech, social, media, influencers and more.
Who qualifies for the A-List?
The Production Company A-List is open to all production companies (traditional/digital/experiential). The list celebrates the industry’s finest in production storytellers based on the quality, breadth, innovation and impact of their work.
What separates an A-List agency from a Standout?
Since the A-List is limited to 10 companies, the Standout category was created to highlight companies that are strong shops with a lot of potential. This honor celebrates agencies that are up and coming on the industry’s radar and have a good shot at moving up to the Top 10 in the future.
Is there an event to celebrate the A-List?
There is an annual gala held in New York to officially award and recognize the Ad Age A-List. This year the event will be held on April 24. Tickets can be ordered here.
See all the winners of Ad Age's 2023 A-List Awards here.
Where can I apply for next year’s A-List award?
Entries for 2024 are scheduled to open in September 2023.
