Music+Sound Awards Winner Spotlight: Wieden+Kennedy’s Nike ‘The Footballverse’

The Music+Sound Awards Best Sound Design in Broadcast Advertising was won this year by Sam Ashwell + Jake Ashwell at 750mph for their transformative work on the Nike ‘The Footballverse’ ad. It’s simply brilliant.

They share insights on the pivotal role sound played in shaping this epic four-and-a half minute spot…

“Every single sound you hear was created specifically for the film. We needed to drive the pace and the energy of the ad with sound and music. The solution was to build a sound bed from scratch using sound design, foley and manipulation of SFX. 

The brief was to bring to life the range of energy featured on screen from fast-paced football to the rising tension and anticipation of the scientists. The sound helps to build the narrative and express the emotions of the players from humour to intense energy. The storytelling and nuance of emotions in the ad were in part reliant on the expression of sound. The creative solution was to build the best possible sound design and mix for the film. The sound drives the pace and the narrative of the ad.”