Watch Wieden & Kennedy's First Ads for Nike

Longtime Search Digs Up Cool '80s Ads from Dan Wieden and David Kennedy

Published On
Mar 24, 2014

Editor's Pick

Wieden & Kennedy's blog recently announced that the agency's digital librarian Phoebe Owens has unearthed its first-ever work for longtime client Nike -- after a years-long quest that baffled both the agency and the marketer. The spots, "Evolution," "Trophy" and "Co-op," were also Nike's first-ever nationally broadcast work and aired during the 1982 New York City Marathon. They were created by the W&K founders themselves, Dan Wieden and David Kennedy. Wieden and Nike, of course, have gone on to do some of the industry's most respected and game-changing advertising, but even back in the '80s, the ideas bear out the early promise of the pairing (despite the funky soundtrack).

All spots can be seen above. In "Evolution," the very nature of running is discussed, while "Trophy" shows how Nike is behind pretty much every running world record. But the best is probably the last one, which features the entire line of Nike shoes and sneakers -- including a cameo from a very cute pair of feet.

Credits

Date
Mar 24, 2014
Brand :
Nike
Client :
Nike
Copywriter :
Dan Wieden
Art Director :
David Kennedy
Digital Librarian :
Phoebe Owens
Agency :
Wieden & Kennedy-Portland
Production Manager :
Dennis Fraser
Broadcast Traffic Manager :
Tobin Kittoe
Nike Historian :
Scott Reames
Director, Advertising :
Patsy Mest
Production Company :
Phil Marco Productions
Director/Cameraman :
Phil Marco
Executive Producer :
Patricia Marco
Producer :
Catherine Bromley
Producer Assistant :
Michael Kass
Editor :
Howie Lazarus

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Project Type