W+K Portland launched a new spot promoting Nike’s cold weather gear, entitled “Snow Day,” featuring a barrage of NFL stars including (but not limited to) Rob Gronkowski, Ndamukong Suh, LeSean McCoy, Luke Kuechly, Odell Beckham Jr. and Ben Roethlisberger (who may not be the best person to associate with your brand, given the multiple sexual assault allegations).
The spot opens with Gronkowski waking up and sticking his head out the window to take in the snow day. He runs downstairs, grabs his football and heads out to round up a group of NFL stars for a pickup game in the snow. It’s a charming approach, seeing NFL stars acting like kids excited for a day off of school, and a great way to use the talent involved. And despite the straightforwardness of the premise, the spot still has a twist or two. Setting the spot to James Brown’s classic “The Payback” is an inspired choice as well, as the song helps propel the action and somehow fits the mood perfectly. Coming on the heels of the similarly well-soundtracked “Last,” W+K Portland is on something of a roll for the brand lately.
Credits:
W+K PORTLAND
Creative Directors: Chris Groom, Stuart Brown
Copywriter: Brock Kirby
Art Director: Lee Jennings
Producer: Jeff Selis
Agency Executive Producer: Matt Hunnicutt
Designer: Edgar Morales
Studio Manager: Alicia Kuna
Motion: Seth Shelman, Jeff Ackley, Oliver Rokoff, Adam Sirkin
Color/Retouching: Adam Sirkin, Saskia Thomson
Art Buyer: Grace Petrenka
Digital Production: Patrick Marzullo, Ben Oh, Evelyn Loomis, Jenna Simon
Digital/Social Strategy: Reid Schilperoort
Strategic Planning: Andy Lindblade, Brandon Thornton, Reid Schilperoort
Media/Comms Planning: Daniel Sheniak, Reme DeBisschop, Lisa Feldhusen, Natalie Welch
Account Team: Karrelle Dixon, Corey Woodson, Shinya Kamata
Project Manager: Andrea Nelsen
Business Affairs: Amber Lavender
Head of Production: Ben Grylewicz
Executive Creative Directors: Mark Fitzloff, Joe Staples
FILM PRODUCTION
Production Company: Biscuit Filmworks
Director: Steve Rogers
Executive Producer: Shawn Lacy, Holly Vega, Dana Balkin
Line Producer: Jay Veal
Director of Photography: Alwin Kuchler
1st AD: Craig Owens
EDITORIAL
Editorial Company: Joint Editorial, Portland
Editor: Peter Wiedensmith
Assistant Editor: Dylan Sylwester
Post Producer: Jen Milano
Executive Producer: Leslie Carthy
Operations Director: Mary Zuleger
VFX
VFX Company: The Mission
Lead Flame: Joey Brattesani
Animation Director: Piotr Karwas
On-Set Supervisor: Michael Gibson
VFX Producer: Diana Cheng
Managing Director: Michael Pardee
Executive Producer: Ellen Turner
MUSIC + SOUND DESIGN
Music+Sound Company: Joint Editorial
Sound Designer: Noah Woodburn
Song: “The Payback”
MIX
Mix Company: Joint Editorial
Mixer: Noah Woodburn
Producer: Jen Milano
VINE PRODUCTION
Production Company: Zach King Vines, Los Angeles
Director/Editor: Zach King
Producer: Jadon Gauthier
STILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer: Gary Land
Production Company: Avenue 53
Producer: Greg Broussard