Media Agency Launches Bold New Rental Model: Clients Now Book Freelancers Like Airbnbs
Following a successful internal pilot where a strategist was booked for a three-day brainstorm and accidentally left in a meeting room for six, Wellington media agency FunnelCake has officially launched 'Freelanchor' — a new freelancer booking model that lets clients rent strategists, creatives and account managers by the hour, or until morale improves.
Described as "Uber X, but for midweights," Freelanchor claims to offer ultimate transparency. Clients can now see each freelancer's hourly rate, vibe score, personality allergens (e.g., 'reacts poorly to Slack pings after 5pm'), and even whether they bring their own oat milk. There is also an option to filter by star sign, for reasons the agency insists are client-led.
"It’s really about flexibility," says FunnelCake’s Head of People Experience, who prefers to be referred to only as ‘Em’. "Why lock into a full campaign when all you really want is one killer tagline and someone to agree with you in a room for four hours?"
In the pilot phase, one client accidentally booked three motion designers for the same role, then pitted them against each other in a Hunger Games-style brief-off. "Honestly, it was the best ad we’ve ever made," said the marketing manager, who has since enrolled in a weekend course on conflict resolution.
HR is said to be developing a loyalty card system, where after ten bookings you get a free pitch strategist. T&Cs apply, and the strategist must be returned in original packaging.
Described as "Uber X, but for midweights," Freelanchor claims to offer ultimate transparency. Clients can now see each freelancer's hourly rate, vibe score, personality allergens (e.g., 'reacts poorly to Slack pings after 5pm'), and even whether they bring their own oat milk. There is also an option to filter by star sign, for reasons the agency insists are client-led.
"It’s really about flexibility," says FunnelCake’s Head of People Experience, who prefers to be referred to only as ‘Em’. "Why lock into a full campaign when all you really want is one killer tagline and someone to agree with you in a room for four hours?"
In the pilot phase, one client accidentally booked three motion designers for the same role, then pitted them against each other in a Hunger Games-style brief-off. "Honestly, it was the best ad we’ve ever made," said the marketing manager, who has since enrolled in a weekend course on conflict resolution.
HR is said to be developing a loyalty card system, where after ten bookings you get a free pitch strategist. T&Cs apply, and the strategist must be returned in original packaging.