DDB New York debuted its “New York Takes Center Court” spot promoting the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, featuring voiceover from Common (whose voice was recently featured in a pair of Microsoft ads that ran during the Super Bowl).
The ad follows the NBA premiering the first work from new agency of record Translation last month.
It’s unclear why the league decided to go with DDB for this campaign, but the ad places New York City in center stage by celebrating the five boroughs and calling on its citizens to “Hail a cab, catch a train, ferry over, bike, walk, run” or choose any other mode of transportation to be a part of the event.
The 30-second spot mixes live NBA footage with animation for a fun, comic-like vibe building anticipation for NBA All Star festivities (which will run February 13-15).
Credits:
Client: NBA
Agency: DDB, New York
Executive Creative Director: Joseph Cianciotto
Creative Director: Rich Sharp
Creative Director: Mike Sullivan
Art Director: Mina Mikhael
Copywriter: Turan Tuluy
Producer: Tiffany Campbell
Account Executive: Jackie Schultz
Design and Animation: Transistor Studios