What is it?

This one-episode docu-reality branded content was produced and post-produced for NBC Sports and sponsored by Xfinity. It takes you behind the scenes with University of Michigan football stars Will Johnson and Colston Loveland. Spend a day in their lives and experience the powerful bond that drives their success, revealing what their connection on and off the field truly unbreakable.

What did we do?

We were responsible for every step of the pre-production, production and post-production.

Our director, David Navarro created a compelling visual proposal, envisioning an energetic and intimate style that would immerse viewers in Will and Colston’s day.

From the outset, the client informed us that would have access to the athletes for only six hours. This was a key factor during pre-production, as we needed to carefully plan and select places in close proximity to minimize travel time between locations. This constrain became our biggest challenge, but with meticulous panning, we turned it into an opportunity for seamless execution.

The production took place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where we shot in five locations to bring the story to life. Despite the hectic pace of the shoot, we captured everything the director envisioned. Throughout the day, we aimed to document raw, authentic moments in the athletes’ interactions while maintaining a dynamic visual style that reflects the fast-paced, trend-driven energy of social content.

On the post-production side, we handle every aspect of the process, including editing, color correction, compositing, sound design, and audio mix. The graphics played a pivotal role in the spot, adding energy and elevating the pacing to maintain visual engagement, particularly for younger audiences. These dynamic elements not only enhanced the storytelling but also ensured the content felt fresh, modern, and in line with current trends.

Who else was involved?

We collaborated closely with NBCU’s branded content team to ensure alignment with their vision for the episode and Xfinity’s brand requirements. Their support for the director’s vision throughout the entire project made them an invaluable partner.

Additionally, during pre-production they played a key role by managing communication with the athletes’ representatives to coordinate their schedules for the shoot.

What gear did we use?

The director aimed to create a visually engaging and playful spot by incorporating different types of media. The primary cameras used were the RED Komodo and Gemini, delivering high-quality for the main visuals. For additional b-roll, a vintage Sony Handycam Camcorder was handed to Will and Colston, allowing them to capture candid, authentic moments of their interactions. Additionally, photographic cameras with real film were used to document the passionate fandom surrounding the University Michigan team and to capture genuine moments of the athletes’ interactions, adding depth and texture to the overall narrative.

What was the result?

The result is a dynamic, fresh, and engaging docu-reality that authentically captures the genuine connection between two football athletes, both on and off the field, through storytelling that feels sincere and unfiltered.