“I just think there’s a whole lot of good talent out west that the industry is missing out on because of the high cost of most advertising schools," Ranallo says.
"If you come from the Eastern Suburbs or have a dad or mum in the business you get a leg up. I want to give those disadvantaged kids a chance to build a book of ads so they can get a job. Simple as that.”
Smith says he hopes the launch of WSAS will bring more "diverse thinking" to the industry.
"Different talent with different ideas can only be a bonus for an industry that thrives on original thought," Smith says.
The internship at The Hallway will begin from early February 2020.
The winning WSAS student will gain first hand experience of the inner workings of the agency.
The internship will focus particularly on the creative department with students shadowing creatives as they go about their work.
“When we heard what Rocky and Matt are doing, we jumped at the chance to get involved," says Simon Lee, executive creative director and partner at The Hallway.
"I love advertising for being an industry that enables creative people to earn a living doing what we love. And I’m stoked to be able to help open the door to talented and ambitious people for who this wonderful path might otherwise not be an option.”
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