Li-Ning, the Chinese-based equivalent of Nike that in fact also has U.S. headquarters in the Portland area, had some trouble getting its new waterproof F2 kicks through U.S. Customs and Border Patrol recently, delaying the line’s release in America for weeks. No one really knows for sure why they were stopped but there are many rumors circulating. WMD’s? C’mon now. Nothing wrong with tight security, though. We don’t need anymore surprise packages.
Well, the sneaker brand took it like champs and this week, released the funny digital film above. Created by L.A.-based Zambezi. the clip entitled Strange Customs” stars Gerry Bednob and Donnell Rawlings (whom you may recognize from The 40 Year Old Virgin and as Ashy Larry on Chappelle’s Show, respectively), who put a Li-Ning rep through some outlandish customs check.
Zambezi co-founder/CD Brian Ford says in a statement, “Everyone loves a good interrogation scene. This film isn’t of the Jack Bauer torture variety, but there is plenty of verbal abuse. And considering how tight airport security is these days, it’s a ripe topic to satirize.”
View credits after the jump.Agency: Zambezi
Managing Director: Chris Raih
Creative Director / Copywriter: Brian Ford
Associate Creative Director / Art Director: Kevin Buth
Copywriter: Aaron Small
Agency Producer: Alex Cohn
Account Executive: Zac Scribner
Account Coordinator: Jeramie Hopson
Live Action:
Production Company: Make + Model
Executive Producer: Mark Hyatt
Director: Tyler Spindel
Director of Photography: Richard Crudo
Live Action Producer:Richard Villa
Editorial:
Big Picture Editorial
and Zambezi
Editor: Ling Ly
Music: CNO EVO