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Who We Are, Where We Came From, and Where We’re Headed
The Power of Agency, The Impact of Influence
At FFWD Eclipse, we believe that agency and influence are more than words. They are the foundation of who we are and what we deliver. We are an agency in every sense. A collective of creative, strategic and entrepreneurial minds working across borders and disciplines. And we harness influence in all its forms, from shaping conversations and reputations to working with influencers to influencing culture itself.
This is why we call ourselves the Agency of Influence. We have agency over how brands grow, over how reputations are protected, over how audiences are engaged. Our influence is measured not only in reach and impressions, but in real impact: building trust, shifting perceptions, sparking conversations, and accelerating business success.
What We Do
We are more than a PR agency. FFWD Eclipse offers a full suite of integrated communications services, designed to meet the evolving needs of global and local brands:
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Public Relations & Communications: omni-channel strategies, media and influencer relations, stakeholder engagement, internal communications.
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Reputation Management: proactive issues frameworks, crisis communications, response banks, media training, stakeholder mapping.
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Events: physical, virtual and hybrid event design and execution, project and logistics management.
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Digital Media: social and digital strategy, paid media campaigns, SEO and SEM, content calendars, community management.
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Content & Creative: journalism-driven storytelling, creative direction, videography, animation, newsletters, social design, advertising and corporate identity.
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Media & Influencers: audits, lobbying, contracting and management, measurement and reporting.
From strategy through to execution, our services are built to influence conversations that matter, in the right channels, at the right time.
Why We're Different
Our DNA combines the depth of an established, award-winning agency with the agility of a challenger brand. We bring:
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The credibility and track record of Eclipse Communications, one of South Africa’s most awarded and fastest-growing independent agencies.
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The fresh perspective and personalised approach of FFWD, a nimble network of communications experts built on trust, creativity and client-first delivery.
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A philosophy that growth alone isn’t enough. It’s influence that drives change.
We are unapologetically agile. We don’t follow the pack, and we don’t clutter our clients’ path with jargon. Our model is lean, mobile and responsive, designed for today’s fluid communications landscape.
Our Heritage: From Eclipse to FFWD Eclipse
The story of FFWD Eclipse begins with two pioneering agencies:
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Eclipse Communications, founded in 1998 in Cape Town, built its reputation as a guiding force for client and employee growth. With more than 25 years of evolution, Eclipse became known for award-winning work across Arts & Entertainment, Consumer & Lifestyle, and Corporate sectors. Its accolades include Best Large PR Consultancy at the PRISM Awards and Public Relations Agency of the Year at the BDfm AdFocus Awards. Its campaigns for Netflix, Coca-Cola, P&G, Cape Union Mart and others set new benchmarks in integrated communications.
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Fast Forward (FFWD), founded by Devlin Brown, emerged as a boutique, high-impact consultancy committed to cutting through the noise. With a philosophy of “no jargon, no following the pack,” FFWD specialised in reputation management, content, and strategy - earning trust from clients in the renewable energy, tech and non-profit sectors.
Together, these two agencies recognised the opportunity to combine Eclipse’s institutional depth and global footprint with FFWD’s strategic edge and creative agility. The result: FFWD Eclipse - the Agency of Influence.
Let's Work
Together
© 2035 (yes, that's intentional) by FFWD ECLIPSE™
Leadership With Bench Strength
Behind FFWD Eclipse is a leadership team that blends entrepreneurial drive, institutional knowledge, and international experience.
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Steve Powell, CEO and co-founder, is an entrepreneur with a career spanning industries from aerospace to fashion retail, Silicon Valley tech to PR. His global outlook and operational expertise ensure FFWD Eclipse is built for long-term growth and sustainable value.
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Jacki McEwen-Powell, founder of Eclipse and co-founder of FFWD Eclipse, has grown brands and built businesses for over two decades. An award-winning communications leader and published author, Jacki brings both creative vision and business acumen.
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Devlin Brown, Managing Partner and co-founder, brings the dual lens of media insider and communications strategist. With a background across Business Day, Sunday Times and The Citizen, combined with years in PR and reputation management, he helps clients craft precise, impactful messaging that lands with influence.
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Fareez Joulay, shareholder and senior strategist, has worked across blue-chip accounts in Telecoms, FMCG, Retail, Alcohol and Gaming. With deep expertise in integrated and digital strategy, he ensures campaigns deliver both creativity and measurable performance.
Together, this leadership team offers a powerhouse of institutional knowledge, creativity and agility - guiding our clients through complexity with clarity and influence.
Our Clients
FFWD Eclipse services brands across Arts & Entertainment, Consumer & Lifestyle, and Corporate sectors. Our current and heritage client base includes some of the world’s most respected names: Netflix, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Cape Union Mart, Nespresso, Heineken, DiDi, Witchery, Lancewood, and many more.
Our client philosophy is simple: we embed ourselves into our clients’ businesses, aligning communications to real objectives and measurable outcomes.
Case Studies: Influence in Action
Our campaigns have shaped conversations, shifted perceptions and delivered measurable business results. Highlights include:
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Netflix Blood & Water: a multi-award-winning launch campaign that resonated globally and earned accolades at SABRE, PRISM, SERMO Globe, Creative Circle and New Generation Awards.
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Coca-Cola #RainbowNation: an iconic campaign that won multiple Cannes Lions and Loerie Awards for its cultural impact.
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Pfizer: reputation management and stakeholder communications across healthcare.
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Nando’s Bright Side: First Film Award top honours at Creative Circle.
These case studies are proof of how influence drives both cultural relevance and commercial success.
Proof of Excellence
Over the years, our work has been recognised with more than 50 local and international awards, including:
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PRISM Awards: Best Large PR Consultancy; Gold, Silver and Bronze awards across Arts & Entertainment, Social Media, Media Relations and Consumer PR.
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BDfm AdFocus Awards: Public Relations Agency of the Year.
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SABRE Africa & EMEA Awards: African Campaign of the Year, Fashion & Beauty, Media & Entertainment.
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Cannes Lions & Loeries: multiple gold, silver and bronze awards for Coca-Cola #RainbowNation.
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Creative Circle Awards, New Generation Awards, SERMO Globe Awards: global recognition for innovative campaigns.
This track record underlines our commitment to creativity, strategy and results.
Looking Ahead - Influence as the New Currency
We believe influence is the currency of modern communications. In a world of fragmented media, shifting algorithms and empowered audiences, it’s influence (not just exposure) that drives business growth and cultural relevance.
FFWD Eclipse exists to help brands harness that influence. Whether through shaping reputations, managing crises, creating unforgettable campaigns, or connecting with audiences through digital, creative and influencer channels. We are your Agency of Influence.
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