Kevin Durant was the best NBA player not to win a championship until this year’s historic title with the Golden State Warriors. Now Nike and director Brandon Loper have encapsulated the storybook run-up to Durant’s victory with the launch of the short film Still KD: Through the Noise.
Produced by San Francisco-based production company Avocados and Coconuts, the 35:35 film (a nod to Durant’s number) is an inspiring look at one of basketball’s greats.
Loper and Avocados and Coconuts collaborated with Nike and agency Must Be Something to bring this story to life. They worked closely with Durant and his team, led by agent Rich Kleiman, who served as executive producer on the film via his company Thirty Five Media.
The film crew had full access to Durant, and director of photography and photographer Jed Jacobsohn, who had been shooting stills of Durant, followed most of Durant’s day-to-day moments and musings alongside Loper. Beginning production as Durant was recovering from a knee injury, the complete film takes an intimate look at his prowess as a player, and his love of and dedication to the game, including his work with kids.
To give the Durant’s first NBA title greater context, Loper looked back at Durant’s journey – the controversial team move from Oklahoma City to Golden State that shook the foundations of the NBA, and his injury followed by the setback of his calf sprain during the playoffs.
Editor Jon Barnhart cut the film over six weeks at Avocados and Coconuts, weaving together a look at the harsh realities that come with attaining the sport’s loftiest heights.
The film isn't the first by Nike to capitalize on his run to the championship. The company ran Debate This, a commercial showing his struggles and his inevitable victory.
Still KD: Through the Noise can be viewed on Nike+ and Durant’s YouTube channel.
Must Be Something: Nike 'Still KD: Through the Noise'
Production Company: Avocados and Coconuts
Director: Brandon Loper
Executive Producers: Thirty Five Media and Rich Kleiman
Producer: Dalia Burde and Rich Kleiman
Director of Photography: Jed Jacobsohn
Additional Photography: Brandon Loper
Production Manager / Additional Sound: Bijan Rafie-Tari
Assistant Camera / Drone / MoVi: Drew Kass
Additional Assistant Camera: Oliver Thompson and Colette Levesque
Additional Sound: Dan Jasper
Creative Directors: Jed Alger, Andrew Schafer, and Amani King
Editor: Jon Barnhardt
Post Producer: Lauren Gould
Title Design: Amani king
Title Animation: Oddfellows
Animation Creative Director: Colin Trenter
Animation Producers: Erica Kelly and TJ Kearny
Assistant Editor: Colette Levesque
Compositing: Christopher Bernal
Color: Ntropic
Colorist: Marshall Plante
Color Assist: Manny Vina Barreras
Color Producer: Kevin Miller
Sound Design and Mix: Chris Konovaliv / Audiolux
Transcriptions: Tigerfish Transcriptions
Archival Footage: National Basketball Association and Getty Images
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