We open on a fresh-faced Steve Nash back in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1996, prior to his being drafted by the Phoenix Suns and becoming the basketball superstar he is today. This archival footage shows Nash wearing a Santa Clara University jersey as he practices on a hardwood court at a gym. All the while, we see a modern-day element inserted into this footage from yesteryear and interacting with the young Nash–that contemporary element is a youngster who purports to be from the future.
The time-traveler begins, “You’re going to be a two-time MVP, seven-time all star, and you break your nose, like, a dozen times.” Incredulous, Nash smiles and drives toward the hoop and makes a shot that’s a cross between a lay-up and a dunk.
The boy from the future continues, “Come on, Steve. Okay, okay. How ’bout this: ten years from now, you’ll visit my school and it’ll help turn my life around.”
Not buying it, Nash steals the ball away as the boy questions, “Still don’t think I’m from the future, huh?” Nash sinks a three-point shot, prompting the boy to declare, “They’re gonna love that shot in Phoenix,” and the scene cuts to black with the NBA logo and tag, “Where amazing happens.”
Chris Sargent of Park Pictures directed and shot the NBA Entertainment :30 for Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco.
Director Lu Villaca Joins MADRE
Production company MADRE has added Brazilian director Lu Villaça to its talent roster. With degrees in cinema and performance and a master’s in screenwriting, Villaça brings a multifaceted approach to filmmaking. Villaça’s tastes have been shaped by her childhood training in ballet, studying Greek theatre texts, her passion for music, and her contemplative nature. She honed her cinematic skills early on as an AD and creative assistant before becoming a director. Intent on capturing the drama of everyday life as it plays out, Villaça is tuned in to how the bodies in her frame move through their environments and what elements of the story can be extrapolated from these compositions. Her sharp attention to detail in every aspect, from lighting to the final edit, is designed to connect emotionally with her audience. Villaça has been awarded three Cannes Lions for her film “Next Minute Law,” which promoted awareness of a law in Brazil designed to address the rampant epidemic of sexual violence. “Next Minute Law” also garnered Best Direction at El Ojo and the Ciclope Latino Festival, where Villaça also won Best New Talent. Additionally, she has directed assorted commercial campaigns for brands like Johnnie Walker, Huggies Wipes, Nestlé, Amazon, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, and a spot for Medley featuring Brazilian Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade. Prior to joining MADRE, Villaca had been repped by production house LOBO. Recognized in Brazil as a top music video director, Villaca won Best Female Direction for her work on “Nu” by Assucena and “Lovezinho” by Rachel Reis, which also won Best National Music Video at the MVF Awards. Villaça additionally co-directed the documentary Pagliacci, an homage to circus artist Domingos Montagner... Read More