The right creative partner, introduced.
Shortlist matches outdoor, sport and lifestyle brands with vetted agencies, studios and independent talent. A brand describes a project. We introduce up to three partners, each chosen for how they work as well as what they make. Both sides talk directly, and pay only when they sign.
How it works
- 1
Tell us what you need
Send a few lines about the project. We follow up to set up a short call.
- 2
Confirm the Brief
We write up what we heard: your brand, the project and the terms. Nothing goes to a partner until you’ve signed off.
- 3
Meet your Recommendations
Up to three vetted partners, each with the reasons it fits. Talk to them directly.
- 4
Make the match
Choose a partner and we make the introduction official. You pay half a success fee, and only when you sign.
Five dimensions.
More than 40 signals.
Every partner reviewed by hand. Every match measured after.
Partners are vetted on scale and team, industry and culture, strategic and creative stance, values and chemistry, and capability and experience. After every match, we check in with both sides at 30 days, 90 days and completion, and what we learn sharpens the next introduction.
Successful creative partnerships share these qualities.
Fit before portfolio
The right scale and the right chemistry matter as much as the right experience.
A clear brief
Agreement on the problem before anyone proposes a solution.
A real budget, a real decision
Stated up front, and decided on time.
Ideas are paid work
No one is asked for creative before they’re hired.
The people you meet do the work
The team in the room is the team on the project.
Direct and honest
Brand and partner talk to each other from the first call, and everyone hears why, win or lose.
Explore the network.
Agencies, studios and independents working in outdoor, sport and lifestyle, all over the world. Join free to browse the full map and see who’s in the vetted network.
- Agency
- Studio
- Independent
FAQ
What is Shortlist?
Shortlist is Brand Report’s service for matching outdoor, sport and lifestyle brands with the right creative partner. It isn’t a marketplace: there are no profiles to scroll, no bids and no pitch fees. A brand tells us about a project, and we introduce up to three vetted agencies, studios or independents, each with the reasons it fits.
How do I start a project?
Send us a few lines about what you need. We’ll follow up to set up a short call, then write the Brief and send it back so you can confirm we heard you right. Nothing goes to a partner until you’ve seen it.
How do you choose who to recommend?
We match on five things: scale and team, industry and culture, strategic and creative stance, values and chemistry, and capability and experience. Capability gets a partner considered; fit decides whether the engagement works.
How do agencies, studios and independents join?
Anyone working in the category can add themselves to the map, free. To be considered for projects, apply to the network of vetted partners. Every application is reviewed by hand, and only vetted partners are introduced to brands.
How much does it cost?
Starting a project, joining the map, applying to the network and being introduced are all free. When a brand and partner sign, they split a success fee on the contract value, half each. The rate falls as projects grow, and each side pays at most 5% of the contract.
Does paying for anything affect who gets introduced?
No. Payments never affect who joins the network, who gets introduced or what the Index covers. Partner Features are always labeled as sponsored.