MANCHESTER CITY KIT CAMPAIGN 2024
THE BEST PUMA AD: Alex Elms - https://www.alexrelms.com
DIRECTOR: GABRIEL BROYER
PRODUCTION: FALCA
AGENCY: KODE MEDIA
Louis Bamford (Photographer) / Jack Goodwin (Exec Producer)/ Everest (Post) / King Henry (Retouch) / Kouz (Sound & Music)
For the AW24 ULTRA PUMA Football campaign, I had the opportunity to lead production from PUMA's side, working with a dynamic team to bring this campaign to life. We shot in both Munich and Barcelona, capturing the electrifying energy of world-class footballers Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich and Fridolina Rolfö from FC Barcelona. With multiple sets, large-scale cameras, and logistical challenges, this was a complex production that demanded high-level coordination and adaptability—skills I’m proud to have brought to the table.
At the heart of the campaign was the exceptional Gabriel Broyer, an emerging talent in the photography world known for his bold and innovative approach. Gabriel, who has already worked with leading global brands, directed the shoot and brought his artistic vision to both the indoor and high-tech sets. With a modern, cinematic style, he perfectly captured the explosive speed and agility that the ULTRA Football boot represents. His creativity, combined with the support of second photographer Louis Bamford, allowed us to push boundaries and showcase the players’ abilities in stunning, action-packed visuals.
This campaign was not without its challenges, from managing intricate lighting setups across two cities to ensuring each shot lived up to the PUMA brand's high standards. However, the result was a visually compelling narrative that highlights the relentless pursuit of speed, precision, and excellence that the ULTRA boot embodies. Working with such a talented team—both in front of and behind the camera—was a true pleasure, and the final outcome exceeded all expectations.
Two Shoots, Two Cities: Fridolina Rolfo in Barcelona & Kingsley Coman in Munich
To pull off this project, we needed not one but two distinct shoots, each bringing its own set of challenges and opportunities. First up was Barcelona, where we had the incredible Fridolina Rolfo. This shoot had an energy that matched the city itself—vibrant, dynamic, and full of possibilities. Then we moved to Munich to work with Kingsley Coman, whose intensity and speed on the pitch brought a completely different vibe to the project.
Working with two top-tier football players, each with their own style and personality, allowed us to create something truly diverse. The contrast between Fridolina’s composed yet commanding presence and Kingsley’s electrifying energy helped shape the look and feel of the campaign.
Collaborating with KODE and 20Something
The Q3 ULTRA campaign was a collaborative effort, and none of it would have been possible without the team at KODE and 20Something. Their creativity, hard work, and unwavering commitment were essential in bringing this project to life.
Whether it was nailing down logistics for international shoots, or pushing through creative blocks, we worked as a team and pushed through.
The Imagery: Reinventing Motion Blur
Let’s talk about the imagery—this was the heart of the campaign and something I’m particularly proud of. The creative team wanted to create visuals that football hasn’t really seen before, which was both exciting and daunting. The challenge we set for ourselves was to reinvent the concept of ‘motion blur.’
Motion blur is something that’s been done a million times before, but the creative team (with Alex Elms as lead) wanted to make it our own—something dynamic, innovative, and distinctly “us.” Achieving that was far from easy. There were moments where it felt like we were pushing against the boundaries of what’s possible in sports photography, but that’s exactly what made the end result so rewarding.
The final images are bold, fluid. If you’re not trying new things and pushing the envelope, you’re not moving forward. In this case, I think we’ve created something that’s both visually striking and conceptually fresh.
A Step Toward What’s Next
At the end of the day, the Q3 ULTRA campaign is more than just a project—it’s a reflection of where I want my work to go. It’s about setting higher standards for myself and my team and continually evolving creatively. This project stretched me in ways I didn’t expect, but that’s what makes it special. It’s a glimpse of what’s to come and a reminder that pushing through the tough moments often leads to the most rewarding outcomes.
There’s a lot more work ahead, and I’m excited for what’s next. But for now, I’m taking a moment to appreciate the process, the team, and the result. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me!
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates and creative projects on the horizon