W+K New York tapped young Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper for their latest “This is SportsCenter” spot for ESPN, choosing to go an unexpected route with the outfielder.
In the 30-second spot, Harper sits in an office watching Field of Dreams with SportsCenter host Hannah Storm. During the movie’s concluding scene, both Harper and Storm get emotional. When Harper leaves to call his dad, he passes hosts John Anderson and Bram Weinstein in the hallway, who remark on Harper’s intimidating eye black — although by now viewers know better. It follows in the successful “This is SportsCenter” formula of toying with a star athlete’s perceived persona, and while it doesn’t add anything new to the approach it feels like a welcome addition, especially with the All-Star Game right around the corner. Stick around for credits after the jump.
Credits:
W+K NEW YORK
Creative Directors: Brandon Henderson, Caleb Jensen, Gary Van Dzura
Art Director: Dan Oliva, Craig Evans
Copywriter: Scott Mahoney
Producer: Blakely McKnight
Executive Producer: Temma Shoaf
Account Team: Casey Bernard, Katie Hoak, Alex Scaros
PRODUCTION
Production Company: O Positive
Director: Jim Jenkins
Executive Producer: Marc Grill
Line Producer: David Morabito
EDITORIAL
Editorial Company: Mackenzie Cutler
Editor: Dave Anderson
Assistant Editor: Mike Leuis
Post Producer: Sasha Hirschfeld
VFX
VFX Company: The Mill
Senior Producer: Charlotte Arnold
Production Asst.: Jaun Handal
Lead Flame Artist/Creative Director: Jamin Clutcher
2d Assist: Daniel Giraldo
MIX
Mix Company: Heard City
Mixer: Keith Reynaud
Producer: Gloria Pitagorsky