http://paradoxmedia.net Paradox Media Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:44 +0000 http://paradoxmedia.net en http://paradoxmedia.net/What-Will-It-Take http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/What-Will-It-Take Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:44 +0000 Paradox Media 553425 What Will It Take? The playground has a story to tell. So do the players who treat the concrete like a rite of passage and an institution of higher learning. This book is for them. <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-1_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-1_o.jpg" data-mid="2541407" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-2_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-2_o.jpg" data-mid="2541408" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-3_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-3_o.jpg" data-mid="2541409" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-4_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-4_o.jpg" data-mid="2541410" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-5_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-5_o.jpg" data-mid="2541411" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-6_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-6_o.jpg" data-mid="2541412" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-7_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553425/what-take-7_o.jpg" data-mid="2541413" border="0" align="left"/> When we were asked to write a book that would expand upon the messaging of Nike's 2005 summer Battlegrounds campaign, we decided to do more than simply talk about the players who fought day and night on the asphalt. We decided to explain how they got there. We wanted to explore what it took for them to reach one level, and what it would take for them to reach the next. In the span of 71 pages the What Will It Take? book features a piece of short fiction, a long form poem, a peak inside LeBron James's training sessions, the story of Kobe Bryant's youth, and an essay comparing basketball to classic forms of art. The bottom line is that we threw in the kitchen sink, the backboard, the rim, the concrete, and the chain-link fence: anything that would help us tell the full story of summertime ball and the passion of those who pursue it. Written by: Isaac Perry for Paradox Media Research, Creative Consulting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Ray Butts for Nike Brand Basketball Art Direction: Steve Harkin for Nike Brand Basketball http://paradoxmedia.net/Nike-Summer-Hoops-08 http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/Nike-Summer-Hoops-08 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:43 +0000 Paradox Media 359805 Nike Summer Hoops '08 Microphone check one two, one two... <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/359805/Huarache_Iguodala.jpg" width="670" height="503" width_o="670" height_o="503" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/359805/Huarache_Iguodala_o.jpg" data-mid="1582054" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/359805/Sharkley_Boozer.jpg" width="670" height="499" width_o="670" height_o="499" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/359805/Sharkley_Boozer_o.jpg" data-mid="1582055" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/359805/Sharkley_Butler.jpg" width="670" height="500" width_o="670" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/359805/Sharkley_Butler_o.jpg" data-mid="1582057" border="0" align="left"/> The Nike Basketball retail initiative of summer 2008 includes some of our favorite copy. We tried to start a rumor that there would be a Paradox Media mixtape, but it never took off. Copywriting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Michael Spoljaric for Nike Brand Basketball http://paradoxmedia.net/Time-to-Shine http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/Time-to-Shine Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:41 +0000 Paradox Media 535275 Time to Shine Basketball is 24/7, 365, but every kid knows the summer is special. Yet, beyond the days spent at the playground droppin’ sweat and trying to pick up girls, what do players need to do in those few short months of eternal sunshine? <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS 1.jpg" width="670" height="502" width_o="670" height_o="502" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS 1_o.jpg" data-mid="2450262" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS 2.jpg" width="670" height="502" width_o="670" height_o="502" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS 2_o.jpg" data-mid="2450263" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS 4.jpg" width="670" height="502" width_o="670" height_o="502" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS 4_o.jpg" data-mid="2450266" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS-1-2.jpg" width="670" height="502" width_o="670" height_o="502" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/535275/TTS-1-2_o.jpg" data-mid="2450267" border="0" align="left"/> The experience of summer hoop is the experience of growth. Summer is the time to work on your skills under the auspices of unlimited play. For many kids during the summer, the game begins when the sun rises and doesn’t end until well after the moon has started its shift. It’s their time to ascend, to shine. It’s their time to work until they can’t work any longer. God Bless the Sweat. Copywriting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Ray Butts for Nike Brand Basketball Art Direction: Dave Young and Michael Spoljaric for Nike Brand Basketball http://paradoxmedia.net/The-Origin-of-Force http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/The-Origin-of-Force Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:40 +0000 Paradox Media 535202 Origin of Force - Beijing, China There are parties, and then there are nights spent in sensory overload, experiencing so much energy that all you can do is dance until they turn the lights on. That's what occurred one January night in China. And lucky for you, what happened in Beijing didn't stay in Beijing. At a space called 706 - an enormous exhibit hall located in Beijing's incredible art district - we joined Nike China in telling athletes, fans, influencers, and style mavens the story of the Origin of Force. This was a narrative that stretched 25 years into basketball's past, beginning with the AF1 and growing to include other shoes, countless players, and an unparalleled culture. Hundreds of invited guests flooded 706, taking in the specially designed exhibit space and listening to DJs from America (What up, Bob!), Japan, and China scratch through classic jams and cut up modern tracks from all over the world. Paradox's Isaac Perry stepped on stage to deliver a spoken-word piece written especially for the event, and it wasn't until later that we realized his poem had been translated and inscribed on the enormous placard hanging above the 706 entrance. Halfway through a night that included legendary AF1 product, tributes to iconic Force athletes, and a Michael Jackson mix that had women from multiple countries sweatin' out their weaves, we realized this was not a party. This was an exhibition of cultural energy. Copywriting & Creative Consulting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Katy Tisch for Nike China Art Direction: Michael Delaney for Nike China http://paradoxmedia.net/Rookies http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/Rookies Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:39 +0000 Paradox Media 405323 Rookies Every class of NBA rookies is talent-packed. This particular class was even more special. <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405323/Young Guns.jpg" width="576" height="864" width_o="576" height_o="864" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405323/Young Guns_o.jpg" data-mid="2315101" border="0" align="left"/> Headlined by Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, the 2007 Draft was represented by a group of young players who arrived just in time to seize basketball’s future. Our tagline “Hustle And Dream” was directed at the necessity of both their desire to win and their ability to work for it. Copywriting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Ray Butts for Nike Brand Basketball Art Direction: Michael Spoljaric http://paradoxmedia.net/1-Night-Only http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/1-Night-Only Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:37 +0000 Paradox Media 553885 1 Night Only How do you celebrate a sneaker that has represented the culture of the game for 25 years? You invite an exclusive group of people to a secret party. You put them up in one of Midtown Manhattan's best hotels. You get Nas, Kanye, KRS-1, and Rakim to perform. You shut the city down. And you do this for one night, and 1 Night Only. <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-cover_640.jpg" width="640" height="425" width_o="671" height_o="446" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-cover_o.jpg" data-mid="2540607" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-6_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-6_o.jpg" data-mid="2560599" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_3_640.gif" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_3_o.gif" data-mid="2540602" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-49_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-49_o.jpg" data-mid="2560592" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-5_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-5_o.jpg" data-mid="2560600" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-2_640.jpg" width="640" height="458" width_o="671" height_o="481" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-2_o.jpg" data-mid="2540609" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-39_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-39_o.jpg" data-mid="2560593" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-3_640.jpg" width="640" height="458" width_o="671" height_o="481" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-3_o.jpg" data-mid="2540608" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-9_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-9_o.jpg" data-mid="2560597" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-7_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-7_o.jpg" data-mid="2560598" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-1_640.jpg" width="640" height="458" width_o="671" height_o="481" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO-1_o.jpg" data-mid="2540610" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_5_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_5_o.jpg" data-mid="2540637" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-26_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-26_o.jpg" data-mid="2560595" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-18_640.jpg" width="640" height="448" width_o="671" height_o="470" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/553885/1NO_AW_6-18_o.jpg" data-mid="2560596" border="0" align="left"/> On December 10, 2006, we expected to see players like Rasheed Wallace and Pat Ewing come through NYC's Gotham Hall to celebrate the AF1. But when we bumped into Young Jeezy and Ciara asked us where the bathroom was, we knew this was something special. Everyone from Spike Lee to Queen Latifah, to cultural influencers like Bobbito Garcia, Scoop Jackson, and Futura raised their glasses in honor of the 1 during this special night. DJ Clark Kent moved the crowd until KRS-1 and company transported the crowd to another level. Members of the Original Six Air Force 1 crew Jamaal Wilkes and Calvin Natt were seen standing not too far from AF1 godfather Harold Rudo and AF1 creator Bruce Kilgore. Besides having Bruce autograph a crisp pair of 1's, Paradox's Isaac Perry managed another career highlight: giving love and thanks to Rakim for inspiring a young writer from Ohio with lyrics of unequaled fury. Besides the stories that have by now become legend, and the tales that many have dismissed as urban myth, 1 Night Only is the sole record of this incredible event. Did one of our crew really escort the pop princess to the ladies' room? You'll have to find a copy of this limited-edition book to find out. Copywriting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Ray Butts for Nike Brand Basketball Art Direction: Michael Spoljaric http://paradoxmedia.net/Force-Flight-Uptempo http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/Force-Flight-Uptempo Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:35 +0000 Paradox Media 535207 Force - Flight - Uptempo The choice is yours. Move Faster. Go Stronger. Or Fly Higher. Confused? We'll let Kobe, Vince, and Amar'e explain. Nike Basketball product does different things for different players, and your style of game can affect the choice you make in footwear. To illustrate the unique aspects of the Uptempo, Flight, and Force product we wrote scripts for three separate videos that were shown at Niketown, narrated by our own Isaac Perry. Watch as these key Nike Athletes demonstrate the speed of Uptempo, the grace of Flight, and the raw power of Force. Written by: Isaac Perry for Paradox Media Narrated by: Isaac Perry Produced by: Craig Smith for Nike Brand Video http://paradoxmedia.net/AF1-25-Years-of-Force http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/AF1-25-Years-of-Force Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:34 +0000 Paradox Media 405339 AF1 - 25 Years of Force For 25 years the Air Force 1 has reigned over the world of basketball sneakers. Yet, this is more than a shoe. This is a principal representative of an incredible culture. And we had to tell that story and encapsulate that experience. We spent almost two years doing it. <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/129_617.jpg" width="670" height="491" width_o="670" height_o="491" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/129_617_o.jpg" data-mid="2538575" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-1_640.jpg" width="640" height="378" width_o="1188" height_o="702" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-1_o.jpg" data-mid="2315346" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-1-sm6_640.jpg" width="640" height="378" width_o="671" height_o="397" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-1-sm6_o.jpg" data-mid="2540482" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-1-detail_640.jpg" width="640" height="378" width_o="1188" height_o="702" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-1-detail_o.jpg" data-mid="2315345" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-2-detail_640.jpg" width="640" height="378" width_o="1188" height_o="702" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-2-detail_o.jpg" data-mid="2315347" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-2_640.jpg" width="640" height="378" width_o="1188" height_o="702" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-2_o.jpg" data-mid="2315349" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-3-detail_640.jpg" width="640" height="378" width_o="1188" height_o="702" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-3-detail_o.jpg" data-mid="2315350" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Original_6_Story_Graphics1_640.gif" width="640" height="469" width_o="671" height_o="492" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Original_6_Story_Graphics1_o.gif" data-mid="2538630" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Original_6_Story_Graphics2_640.gif" width="640" height="469" width_o="671" height_o="492" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Original_6_Story_Graphics2_o.gif" data-mid="2538631" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Original_6_Story_Graphics3_640.gif" width="640" height="469" width_o="671" height_o="492" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Original_6_Story_Graphics3_o.gif" data-mid="2538632" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/315185_711 copy_640.jpg" width="640" height="510" width_o="1000" height_o="797" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/315185_711 copy_o.jpg" data-mid="2315351" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-28_640.jpg" width="640" height="486" width_o="671" height_o="510" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/23140_Text-28_o.jpg" data-mid="2539966" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af1 ntny 1a.jpg" width="670" height="446" width_o="670" height_o="446" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af1 ntny 1a_o.jpg" data-mid="2315354" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af1-ntny-5.JPG_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="864" height_o="576" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af1-ntny-5.JPG_o.jpg" data-mid="2315356" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/detail_640.gif" width="640" height="510" width_o="671" height_o="535" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/detail_o.gif" data-mid="2538652" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book-3-5-01_640.jpg" width="640" height="429" width_o="1162" height_o="780" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book-3-5-01_o.jpg" data-mid="2315357" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book-3-5-02_640.jpg" width="640" height="429" width_o="1162" height_o="780" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book-3-5-02_o.jpg" data-mid="2315359" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book2-01_640.jpg" width="640" height="429" width_o="1162" height_o="780" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book2-01_o.jpg" data-mid="2315362" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book2-02_640.jpg" width="640" height="429" width_o="1162" height_o="780" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/Book2-02_o.jpg" data-mid="2315364" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/detail-1_640.jpg" width="640" height="462" width_o="1500" height_o="1084" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/detail-1_o.jpg" data-mid="2315365" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25_NT_Vegas_07_0001.jpg" width="670" height="447" width_o="670" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25_NT_Vegas_07_0001_o.jpg" data-mid="1795185" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/paradoxmedia_640.jpeg" width="640" height="422" width_o="1016" height_o="670" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/paradoxmedia_o.jpeg" data-mid="2315385" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25_NT_Vegas_07_0136.jpg" width="670" height="503" width_o="670" height_o="503" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25_NT_Vegas_07_0136_o.jpg" data-mid="1795189" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25_NT_Vegas_07_0230.jpg" width="670" height="447" width_o="670" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25_NT_Vegas_07_0230_o.jpg" data-mid="1795190" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny1.jpg" width="670" height="376" width_o="670" height_o="376" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny1_o.jpg" data-mid="2539522" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny2.jpg" width="670" height="445" width_o="670" height_o="445" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny2_o.jpg" data-mid="2539523" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny3.jpg" width="670" height="445" width_o="670" height_o="445" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny3_o.jpg" data-mid="2539524" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny5.jpg" width="670" height="360" width_o="670" height_o="360" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny5_o.jpg" data-mid="2539525" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny6.jpg" width="670" height="448" width_o="670" height_o="448" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/af25 ntny6_o.jpg" data-mid="2539526" border="0" align="left"/> From mid-2005 through early 2007 we joined with the creative teams at Nike to conceptualize and craft everything from collateral to retail advertisements to gallery spaces that immersed consumers in the world of Air Force 1. It remains our most expansive project and one we are extremely proud of. It took us up and down the east coast, to Europe, and as far away as Beijing, China. It involved every aspect of our agency’s services. Although we still love the work we did to bring to life the AF25 space at the 2007 All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas, or the Perfect 1 book that involved curation in northern Italy, what we like most about our contribution to the year-long celebration of the AF1 is what you can find in every box of every pair sold, anywhere. On a specially designed card are our words explaining the authenticity of what you’ve just purchased, making sure you understand the legacy of an unparalleled shoe. Click to enlarge: <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25-certificate_640.jpg" width="640" height="478" width_o="1189" height_o="889" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/AF25-certificate_o.jpg" data-mid="2538396" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/box-full-click.jpg" width="640" height="536" width_o="640" height_o="536" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405339/box-full-click_o.jpg" data-mid="2538433" border="0" align="left"/> Creative Consulting & Copywriting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Ray Butts for Nike Brand Basketball Art Direction: Michael Spoljaric for Nike Brand Basketball Design: Nike Brand Basketball http://paradoxmedia.net/Two-Teams-Two-Journeys http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/Two-Teams-Two-Journeys Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:33 +0000 Paradox Media 405390 Two Teams. Two Journeys. Basketball has left the confines of Chicago’s South Side and New York’s five boroughs. It is no longer restricted to the borders of Detroit or Philadelphia, Oakland or DC. Basketball is global. In 2008 it dominated the headlines surrounding the Olympic games in Beijing. And within that dominance was a quest by two teams: one looking to reclaim their glory, the other looking to re-imagine their future. <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-6.jpg" width="669" height="446" width_o="669" height_o="446" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-6_o.jpg" data-mid="1795385" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-12.jpg" width="670" height="454" width_o="670" height_o="454" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-12_o.jpg" data-mid="1795387" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-1_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="671" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-1_o.jpg" data-mid="2542301" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-7.jpg" width="669" height="446" width_o="669" height_o="446" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-7_o.jpg" data-mid="1795386" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-2_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="671" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-2_o.jpg" data-mid="2542302" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-3_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="671" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-3_o.jpg" data-mid="2542303" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-4_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="671" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-4_o.jpg" data-mid="2542304" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-5_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="671" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-5_o.jpg" data-mid="2542305" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-6_1_640.jpg" width="640" height="426" width_o="671" height_o="447" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-6_1_o.jpg" data-mid="2542306" border="0" align="left"/> <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-17.jpg" width="669" height="446" width_o="669" height_o="446" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/405390/two-teams-big-book-17_o.jpg" data-mid="1795390" border="0" align="left"/> The Two Teams, Two Journeys big book reprised the Take on the World exhibit that toured the major cities of China during the Olympic Games (we served as creative consultants and writers for TOTW as well). And by “big book” we mean 19”x24” and over 15 pounds. It was an extremely limited-edition piece of design art created to explore the journey of the American and Chinese basketball teams. We wove Nike’s brand messaging throughout the narrative, inspiring players and fans by taking note of the commitment these two teams had made to their respective goals. We’d like to think that the weight of our story inspired the size of the book. Creative Consulting & Copywriting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Katy Tisch for Nike China Art Direction: Michael Delaney for Nike China http://paradoxmedia.net/More-Than-a-Game http://paradoxmedia.net/following/paradoxmedia.net/More-Than-a-Game Tue, 24 May 2011 18:09:32 +0000 Paradox Media 455032 More Than a Game. There was a book. There was a movie. There was a creative brief. There was work to be done. Because, truth be told, there are many reasons basketball is more than a game. <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/Journey_3.jpg" width="670" height="445" width_o="670" height_o="445" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/Journey_3_o.jpg" data-mid="2315054" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/fearno_4.jpg" width="670" height="445" width_o="670" height_o="445" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/fearno_4_o.jpg" data-mid="2315053" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/Loyalty_3.jpg" width="670" height="445" width_o="670" height_o="445" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/Loyalty_3_o.jpg" data-mid="2315055" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/struggle_3.jpg" width="670" height="445" width_o="670" height_o="445" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/30329/455032/struggle_3_o.jpg" data-mid="2315056" border="0" align="left"/> LeBron James, like all of us, has a past. Follow the paths of that past and you’ll find how he arrived on the world’s stage, seemingly fully formed into the superstar he is today. LeBron’s story began in Akron, Ohio, and it involves a very special bond with the ballplayers he grew up with. For them, basketball was infinitely more than the space of time contained in four dramatic quarters. And for us, this project represented a chance to explore the ties that bind young men and women to this sport, and to each other. Because “The Game Is Not a Sole Journey; It Is a Journey of Souls”. Copywriting & Creative Consulting: Paradox Media Creative Direction: Ray Butts and Michael Spoljaric for Nike Brand Basketball