How did pro athletes like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Neymar, Zhou Qi and Mo Farah get the first push they needed to succeed in sports? Nike’s theory sees none other than Bobby Cannavale as he gives them the real dish on their ‘Unlimited Future’ – playtime’s over, babies. The Mill collaborated with Wieden+Kennedy (Portland) and director Damien Chazelle of Superprime to help create the spot.
The Mill’s 2D Lead Artist Adam Lambert oversaw the VFX artists, who composited multiple plates to ensure maximum babies (and rolls, of course) are seen throughout. From Bobby’s abrupt entrance to the first reveal of little Neymar, the team heightened the journey-like narrative by adding matte painting, applying shadows for greater movement and creating nameplates for the cribs. The last shot – a chubby fist pump – was also given a boost by the team. Adam comments, “I really enjoyed the simplicity of this spot – it’s a nice, cinematic story that the VFX enhances without overpowering it.”
Adam Scott, Head of Colour in The Mill’s Los Angeles studio, topped off the filmic look with a dramatic colour grade.