Venice, CA-based The Mission brings surprising, turf-tearing grip to the soccer field in the new :30 “Grass Grip” for Bridgestone out of The Richards Group. The spot features soccer star Alex Morgan testing a Bridgestone tire-covered soccer ball, finding its grip to be more than the field can handle.
The Mission was responsible for the miraculous turf-tearing, crafting the ball and turf rollup done entirely in CG. The spot is the latest in an ongoing collaboration with Bridgestone and The Richards Group.
“Grass Grip” opens with the Bridgestone laboratory stationed on a soccer field. A lab tech and journalist approach a curious soccer ball. Asks the journalist, “So, now you’re bringing Bridgestone’s tire technology to the sports world in the form of this performance soccer ball?” We see a ball covered with Bridgestone tire tread. With a smile, the lab tech chimes, “…[our tire technology] is being tested here with the help of U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan.” Morgan then kicks the ball toward a goal, but it grips so effectively that it tears up the turf en route. The ball rolls to a stop like a car stopping on a dime. “Seriously?” says Morgan. The Bridgestone logo and tag “Your journey, our passion,” close out the spot.
About The Mission
The Mission is a high-end visual effects studio specializing in commercials, film and digital content. It is located in the middle of the pop-culture hub known as Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA.
With the talents of some of the most creative and experienced artists in the industry, working with the latest tools and a top-notch production staff, The Mission is a nimble and dynamic powerhouse of a partner to deploy into your creative process.
From concepting, previs, and on-set-supervision, to 2d and 3d visual effects work & design, and on to final mastering, The Mission brings a smart, beautiful and efficient component to every visual dimension of your project.
Credits:
Client: Bridgestone
Title: “Grass Grip,” :30
Airdate: currently airing
Agency: The Richards Group
CD/AD: Shane Altman
CD/Writer: Mike Bales
Brand Management: Elizabeth Wilcox
Senior Producer: JR Dixon
Agency: Richards Lerma
CD/Writer: Luis Cuenca
Brand Manager: Melissa Garcia
Brand Manager: Stephany Puño
Production Company: Whiskey Films
Director: Arturo Pereyra
EP: Jean Sharony
Editorial: Man on Fire
Editor: Alex Newman
VFX: The Mission, Venice, CA
Executive Producer: Michael Pardee
Creative Director: Rob Trent
Producer: Ryan Meredith
Lead Flame: Joey Brattessani
Flame: Michael Vagliety, Colleen Smith, Trent Shumway
Head of CG: Piotr Karwas
Animation: Samir Lyons
Model, Texture and Lighting: Raul Dominguez
Rigging: Rick Grandy