Agency's groundbreaking animated spot artfully leverages AI in a captivating storytelling campaign for NBA star Kyrie Irving's signature line

CHICAGO, April 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Burrell Communications Group, one of the world's most highly regarded Black-owned advertising agencies, today announced the release of "KAI 1, The Origin Story," the first advertising campaign for the signature ANTA KAI 1 basketball shoe. The inaugural campaign from Burrell supports the newly released "Enlightened Warrior," the second colorway of the ANTA KAI 1, inspired by ANTA Chief Creative Officer and global basketball icon Kyrie Irving. ANTA U.S. and Burrell's partnership began in February of this year.

The spot, chronicling Irving's ethos, takes audiences through a vivid visual timeline of his life beginning in childhood, and walking through his personal journey to swift collegiate stardom and finally the pro sports ranks, his success anchored by his mother's constant spiritual presence and his father's steady guidance. The storytelling is rendered in a dynamic and colorful fusion of live action, AI and anime-influenced animation, artfully integrating ancient African and indigenous cultural imagery transitioning to the modern day—the narration documents his ascent to emerging as both an inspirational NBA icon and Chief Creative Officer of ANTA.

Burrell CCO Khari Streeter led the project for the agency in collaboration with Group Creative Director Corey Seaton, Creative Director Desmond Williams and Senior Art Director Claudio Garcia. Natalie Lum Freedman served as executive producer, teamed with Taryn Haughton, producer; Ruben Emmanuel as project manager; Corey Phifer account director and account manager Megan Bryant. The production company for the campaign was ThinkDiffusion, a Black‐owned technology company and emerging leader in AI who pioneered new techniques combining AI, CGI, motion graphics and compositing. Streeter also served as co-director on the project.

"KAI 1, The Origin Story" launched today in tandem with the "The Enlightened Warrior" shoes' availability at retail, an unprecedented speed-to-market since the Burrell-ANTA partnership was only announced in February. The new product complements the initial ANTA KAI 1 colorway introduced earlier this year, with this latest iteration echoing mysticism and magic in African culture, coupled with a deference to physical, mental and spiritual symbolism drawn directly from Irving's own lineage and heritage.

ANTA Sports is a leading international brand of sportswear that has been engaged in the design, development, production and marketing of the ANTA series of sports equipment since the company's founding in 1991. ANTA provides customers with professional sports products including footwear, apparel and accessories. NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks was named the company's Chief Creative Officer in 2023 to shepherd ANTA's foray into the American market.

"Our agency is excited for this first opportunity to showcase our work with our ANTA brand partners and the Irving family. We're proud of the team's efforts," says Khari Streeter, Burrell CCO. "We delivered on the spirit of the Enlightened Warrior story by bringing to life the authentic identity of the basketball legend and cultural warrior that is Kyrie Irving."

"This newest shoe offering is deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, color psychology and trending fashion, conceived to pay homage to Kyrie's gifts, his heritage, legacy-in-the-making and his identity," states noted Black footwear Design Director Jared Subawon of ANTA U.S. "What we wanted to rise to the fore was a treatment that pushed the boundaries of design, and at the same time showcased ANTA's commitment to uplifting talent and narratives across the sneaker space, coupled with our investment in diverse, progressive representation. The vibrant new 'KAI 1, The Origin Story' spot seamlessly completes our product vision."

"At A11Even Sports, we're committed to cultivating partnerships that reflect the pulse of our audience—delivering beyond the expected into the realm of the groundbreaking," said Shetellia Riley Irving, CEO. "Our latest collaboration with Burrell Communications Group wasn't just about pushing boundaries. It was about offering a platform for voices and talents that resonate deeply with sneaker and basketball culture—creating work that authentically represents their vibrancy and spirit."

ABOUT BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP:
Burrell Communications Group was founded in 1971 by renowned ad man Tom Burrell, who led the company for 33 years. Today, Burrell Communications Group is the largest U.S. Black-owned agency specializing in understanding and speaking to today's market, one that is more diverse and more multicultural than ever before in our country's history. The agency boasts a roster of premiere, blue-chip clients that lead in their respective categories, including McDonald's, Toyota, Comcast, Fidelity, Coca-Cola, Unilever and the American Red Cross. For more information, visit burrell.com.

ABOUT ANTA
ANTA is committed to innovation, inclusivity and the continuous pursuit of athletic footwear and apparel excellence. With a global presence and a deep respect for diverse talents and stories, ANTA empowers athletes everywhere.

SOURCE Burrell Communications