Though one of the most consistently hilarious campaigns in the history of television advertising, it’s been a while since we’ve seen a “This is SportsCenter” spot really knock it out of the park. That is, until today.
ESPN and W+K NY fulfill the fantasies and daydreams of fans nationwide with this spot, in which mild-mannered, buttoned-up NFL analyst John Clayton finally shows his true colors, or at least the colors that we’ve all been hoping he’s been secretly hiding. Yes, Clayton’s mythical ponytail makes an appearance. Yes, Clayton is secretly the world’s biggest Slayer fan. And yes, he still lives with his mom.
I don’t know what else to say about this, other than bravo ESPN, bravo W+K, and take a bow, John Clayton. Not that we needed any help getting revved up for the NFL season, but damn, who’s ready for some football?
(h/t Deadspin)
Update: The spot will make its TV debut, aptly enough, on Sept. 10 during ESPN’s Monday Night Football double-header. Credits after the jump.
W+K NEW YORK
Creative Directors Brandon Henderson / Stuart Jennings
Copywriter Charles Hodges
Art Director Gary Van Dzura
Executive Producer Temma Shoaf
Account Team Brandon Pracht/Casey Bernard/ Ryan Burke
Executive Creative Directors Ian Reichenthal / Scott Vitrone
Head of Content Production Lora Schulson
PRODUCTION
Production Company O POSITIVE
Director David Shane
Executive Producers Ralph Laucella/Marc Grill
Line Producer Ken Licata
Director of Photography Dave Morabito
EDITORIAL
Editorial Company COSMO STREET
Editor Tom Scherma
Post Producer Heather Richardson
Post Executive Producer Maura Woodward
VFX
VFX Company SWITCH
Lead 3D Artist
Flame Artist Jon Magel
VFX Producer Diana Dayrit
Titles/Graphics
MUSIC + SOUND DESIGN
Sound Company
Sound Designer
Music Company APM
Music Composer
Producer
MIX
Mix Company HEARD CITY
Mixer Philip Loeb