Kevin Durant’s road to the NBA Finals chronicled in Nike film by director Brandon Loper
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.
