Back in mid March, we got word from Symetra there might be a chance to shoot with the living legend that is Sue Bird. We’d get one day and it would happen—most likely—sometime in April. So Andrew Gall and I started putting together ideas and scripts, not really knowing what might come of them, or when things might happen. And since Sue has hinted this might be her last season in the WNBA as she nears retirement, it seemed like a pivotal time for her partnership with Symetra. Sue reflecting on her career, thinking about what she’d tell her younger-self seemed like a good place to start.

Then, without about 10 days to prep, we heard April 7th was our day—Sue would be available and in Seattle. So we jumped into action! Luckily, we already had a director and production company in mind (Zia Mohajerjasbi with Society), and as luck would have it, they were available! Then, our world-class CF producers (namely MacKenzie Huff) along with our clients and account team, made it all come together—and fast! It was a huge team effort by everyone involved.

It was a whirlwind tour, but everything came together great! We quickly worked out script nuances, wardrobe and found a location, which was difficult with COVID protocols and on short notice. Then on shoot day, Sue was the total pro she’s always been when we’ve been fortunate enough to work with her. And, not surprisingly, she nailed practically every shot. It’s amazing how that is when you’re working with someone who’s a master of their craft. And seriously, she wasn’t clanking them in, either. This behind the scenes GIF below shows it exactly. It was like that every take. Swish. Every time. Swish. Amazing.

Anyway, this is a long way of saying it was a very fun and rewarding production process, and we’re all very excited with how it turned out. We have a few more things that will accompany this, but for the time being, we hope you enjoy the spot:

CLIENT: Symetra Life Insurance Co. | AD: Andy Westbrock | GCD/CW: Andrew Gall | CCO: Mike Hayward | PRODUCER: MacKenzie Huff | AGENCY: Copacino Fujikado | DIR: Zia Mohajerjasbi | PROD CO: Society | EDIT: Heidi Black at Whitehouse Post | AUDIO: HearBy | COLOR: Bryan Smaller at Company 3