The transformative power of youth athletic programs is celebrated in the latest installment of DICK’S Sporting Goods’ “Sports Change Lives” campaign. Directed by the Hudson Dusters of Greenpoint Pictures, this short film charts the inspirational story of football coach Donta Green and the Westinghouse Academy Bulldogs, the first recipients of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s 75for75 Sports Matter Grant Program.
Inspirational and heartwarming, the film reflects the triumph that can come out of adversity, and each person’s power to make a positive difference in the world. The film opens on a shot of the rusted steel underbelly of a bridge, giving the viewer a sense of life in the Homewood neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which experienced a profound economic downturn after the closing of the local steel mills in the 1980s. The unvarnished look of the town is juxtaposed with the impassioned and galvanizing spirit of Green, who holds the reins of the football team at Westinghouse Academy. Last year, the coach led the Bulldogs in an astonishing run to the state championship after an undefeated season. Aware of the hardship players face in the community, the coach and his staff provide belief, support, mental toughness, and structure to the youngsters on the team. The coach is building more than just a team. He’s building a family and a path of opportunity for the underserved youth of Homewood.
“We love making pieces that celebrate people like coach Donta Green–everyday heroes who genuinely change kids’ lives daily and the whole community in the process. We wanted to do him justice with a film that he, his kids, and his community could be proud of forever. Something that lasts,” said Michael Kuhn who teamed with Niles Roth to form the Hudson Dusters.
Launching in honor of DICK’S 75th anniversary, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation 75for75 Sports Matter Grant Program will select 75 deserving youth sports organizations nationwide in 2023. As the first recipient of a $75,000 grant from the program, Westinghouse will use the funds to continue changing their players’ futures. Among the benefits is a new weight room so that the players can properly train. Previously, some 50-plus team members had to share just a couple of barbells in a school hallway.
Client DICK’S Sporting Goods Production Greenpoint Pictures The Hudson Dusters, director; Tatiana Rudzinski, exec producer, partner; Leah Donnenberg, exec producer; Karen Berkowitz, head of production; Lexy Leeds, sr. producer, post producer; Amalia Bradstreet, producer; Nate Corbin, DP; Mason Cash, DP, B unit. Editorial Ben Schwaeber, editor. Sound Design Bobb Barito, sound designer. Color Company 3 Nick Metcalf, colorist.
Ad Council, Directing Duo The Hudson Dusters Share “The Rewards” Of Adopting Teens From Foster Care
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
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