Pros
Let's start with the positives when I was there: - much of the hands on work was done by a changing corps of freelancers - the work was always fresh, and the teams always vibrant and enthusiastic. - great social life: weekly lunches in the kitchen to bring everyone together, frequent after-work drinks with a tab. - quality of work: while the hours were sometimes long, it was in the pursuit of quality work rather than due to mismanagement.
Cons
On the downside: - much of the hands on work was done by a changing corps of freelancers - things could get scrappy for supremacy, and there was often inconsistency brought in by new players. - payment to freelancers was usually painfully late. - retention: there was high staff turnover (the entire creative studio, in one go!), meaning a running start for new teams. - creative director's hiring strategy was dubious.