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How to Set the Scene in a Sports Production

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In the world of sports advertising, you only get a very small amount of time to create a big impression.

This means that every second counts, and therefore you must waste no time in setting the scene and jumping into the action.

Immersing a viewer in a sports production straight away isn’t easy though.

Here at Sport & Motion, we’ve worked with global brands on huge productions, and in this blog, we’re going to give some hints and tips on how to set the scene so it’s just right for the tone and feel of the film.

Let’s take a look.

The Importance of Setting the Scene in Sports Productions

Setting the scene nice and early in any production is vitally important.

This is a way to establish context for the viewer and needs to engage them and build their interest.

If you do it right, you’re sure to have their eyes glued to the screen for the duration of your production. Get it wrong, and it may be time to make a cup of tea.

This topic is so important because:

  • It Engages the Audience – As we’ve mentioned, you need to pull the viewer into the event on the screen and make them feel straight away like they are in the heat of the battle that is unfolding on their screen.
  • Provide Some Understanding – A sports production should be a short story, and therefore the viewer must understand what is happening in front of them and be able to emotionally invest in the tale. By setting the scene early, you allow for a compelling narrative to unfold, and this is a great way to get a viewer to buy into the production.
  • It Can Showcase a Brand – Many sports productions are done to promote businesses and brands, and these iconic names will require a certain feel to their advertisement. If you can portray this straight away, the viewer will immediately engage as they recognise familiar traits from historic ads. A good example of this (albeit not sports-related) is hearing the jingling of the bells before the Coca-Cola Christmas ad.

These are a handful of examples of why this is so important, and we now want to take you into five of our case studies in which the scene was set efficiently and effectively.

Setting the Scene with Sport & Motion

Barclay’s Women’s Super League – Not Here to Play

This production was packed with light-hearted, explosive fun.

Our team worked as a choreographer for this production, which showcases the scene straight away with a wide shot of WSL players at a photo shoot.

Immediately you can see where the action is taking place, and within the first five seconds, the action is underway with players battling it out for the football.

This was all about showcasing the player’s flair and passion for the sport and showcasing them breaking free from the photo shoot they were doing to highlight their skills against each other.

The result was tongue-in-cheek and filled with action, which is exactly the brief we were targeting.

New Balance – We Got Now

In this production for New Balance, we worked under a playful brief, which wanted to showcase the competitive companionship between the two characters, Syd and Coco.

This wasn’t going to be an intense shoot, and this is shown right from the first shot, with bright colours throughout and an upbeat choice of song to play in the background.

The viewer is transported straight to the heart of the action, and we wanted to provide the impression that you were a third friend holding the camera.

By asking Syd & Coco to look directly into the camera, and to adopt a playful nature, we got this across, and the final result was a fun and heartwarming take on competition, which is in line with the brand of New Balance.

While the first scene shows one character walking onto a tennis court looking quite intense, she immediately smiles and throws an item of clothing to her friend, who throws it into the camera.

This tells the viewer straight away what this advert is all about.

Boost Drinks – Leeds United FC

This case study is a little bit different and is designed more to be watched on social media platforms.

We worked with a leading female football freestyler to create an engaging and enthusiastic advertisement for the energy drink brand Boost.

It’s even more important to set the scene early on social media where people scroll within seconds if not engaged.

We created two separate advertisements, one which shows the freestyler performing skills behind a ‘Competition Time’ caption, and the other which immediately gets her on camera, talking about what is about to come.

Both of these are shot with the backdrop of energising music and quick switches between frames to provide an action-packed feel to the viewer.

We wanted to keep this one upbeat and focused on nothing but the action, and we did that by always focusing on the freestyler or members of the public who were performing the tricks.

Bet365 – ‘Traffic’ Sportsbook Worldwide

For this project, we wanted to tell a story to the viewer, and we set the scene by showing a wide shot of a traffic jam.

Immediately the camera pans inside a bus filled with sports fans and zooms into one person, who is frustratingly watching sports on his phone.

Before him, the play comes to life, and the scene is set.

It takes five seconds from the first shot to the action beginning, and from then on it doesn’t stop with miniature sporting talent battling it out in front of people using the betting app.

We wanted this to be a high-octane and futuristic production, and our approach was aimed at showing the changing methods of viewing sports through the latest technology.

By using high-intensity gameplay and sharp techniques, we keep the quality of the action high throughout, all while building on the story of people bringing sports to life through their phones.

Kick it Out Brand Film

Sometimes setting the scene is about more than the location and atmosphere, but also about the people involved in the production.

Our work for Kick it Out is a project we are still really proud of, and we were able to explore the diversity in our sports talent database to showcase our diverse range of female football players of different beliefs and abilities.

This inclusivity was paramount to fit the brand, and we loved being able to work on this advertisement.

There is a serious message behind this film, and that is showcased in the early shots with tense music in the background, low level colouring (it is even black and white in some shots) and scenes of empty pitches and stands.

This showcases a stark picture and is exactly what was intended to be highlighted early on.

As soon as the togetherness the brand is famous for is portrayed, the colours brighten, the music gets more upbeat, and the action more joyful.

This contrast paints a powerful message and is exactly what was needed to get across to the viewer.

Sport & Motion

Our team at Sports & Motion have worked on many great projects, and we love the opportunities that arise to flex our creative skills and showcase our talented clients.

Setting the scene can be tricky, but if you get it right it sets the rest of the production up for greatness.

If you want to know more about how our consultants, choreographers, and more can promote your brand through a sports production, then get in touch today.

Or if you’re an influencer, sports talent, or someone looking to begin their career and want to be part of our database and take advantage of some great opportunities to star in roles such as this, then apply now.

agent with client at sports production filming

How to Ensure You Pick the Right Sports Consultancy Agency for You

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For many people looking to begin or further a career in sports, working with a consultancy is a great option.

Whether you’re an influencer, a talented athlete, a body double, or something else, getting onto the books of an agency that can help boost your career is vital.

But how can you make sure you’re always picking the right team for you?

Well, at Sport & Motion, we know a thing or two about sports consultancy and have created this guide to help you find the perfect one.

Let’s take a look.

The Importance of Picking the Right Sports Consultancy Agency

If you can make a good decision when choosing the sports consultancy agency for you, then you are sure to see great results and achieve your goals throughout your time with the team.

There are many ways this choice can benefit you and your career, including:

  • Make Your Dreams a Reality: A good agency will listen to you and learn more about what you want to gain from your career. Using this information, choices will be made to help you achieve it.
  • Keep You on the Right Track: The path to a great career in the sports industry can be bumpy, so a good agency will ensure you’re always heading in the right direction, whether it’s in terms of your physical progress, emotions, and ensuring you mitigate risks and avoid any issues.
  • Focus on Long-Term Achievements: The right agency shouldn’t be with you for a short while. They should plan out your whole career, staying by your side through the years to ensure you keep reaching your goals and maximising your potential.

These are just a few of the reasons this is an important choice, but how can you ensure you make the right one?

Here are ten tips to help.

sports consultant with clients

10 Tips for Making the Right Choice

Know What You Want

You should always start by clearly outlining your objectives and desires that you want to achieve in your career.

This can help you filter through different agencies until you find one with which you believe you can really get to where you want to be.

Different agencies specialise in different segments of the sports industry, so pick one where you know your skills will fit in perfectly.

Do Your Research

This is a big decision you’re about to make, and as with any big decision, it is always wise to do some research into the different agencies available to you.

As mentioned in the previous point, look for agencies that can offer what you need, but you should also look into the track record and history of potential agencies.

Review case studies, client testimonials, and who is in their portfolio to get a good idea of what each agency is all about.

Speak to People in the Industry

If you’re making your way through your sports career, chances are you will have worked with coaches, or other people in your position.

If you know some talented individuals, influencers, and more, who are looking to forge a similar path as you, then they may have experience working with certain agencies or know of ones with a good reputation.

First-hand reviews can be great, especially when from a trusted source, so don’t be afraid to reach out to people before you make a decision.

Speak to the Agency

There will come a time when you meet your chosen agency.

This could be seen as an interview or an audition in which you can showcase your skills and personality.

This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the agency you are speaking with.

You can gauge a lot from the first meeting. Does the brand ethos suit your personality? Do you see yourself working closely with this team for many years?

Your first impressions here can play a big part in your final decision so don’t be afraid to ask questions and go with your gut.

Check the Contract

While the financial side of things right now may not be the first thing on your mind as you look to begin a career in this industry, you should still read through the contract provided closely.

Make sure you agree with all aspects of it, for now and in the future.

This includes any fees you may need to pay, payment structures, and any clauses that may affect you as you get more opportunities and progress in your career.

actors stood around director

Ask What They Have in Mind

Alongside a contract should be a proposal.

This is an indication of what the agency sees in you, and how they plan to take your career to the level you are aiming for.

This is an important part for you, as you need to make sure this aligns with your goals in terms of timescale, expectations, and more.

Read through this thoroughly to ensure you are signing up with an agency whose thoughts align with yourselves, and who also believes in you to make a great career.

Trust Your Instincts

I’ve mentioned this briefly above, but ultimately your instincts should play a pivotal role in picking the right agency.

Choose the team you feel most comfortable with, and who you see yourself being close to throughout your career.

You may immediately think a team will be able to get the best results for your career, or perhaps you think one team is much better at communicating and you feel much more at home there than all of the others.

This should be a key sign this is the right agency for you, so don’t ignore it.

How Flexible are They?

The last thing you want is an agency that may leave you frustrated that they can’t offer what you need.

The right agency should be flexible and be able to customise their offering to suit your skills and desires.

Whether you want to add a role to your skillset that you need factoring into your strategy, or you need extra assistance in other areas, the right agency should listen to this and be able to tailor a solution that works for both parties.

Think of the Brand

A well-respected brand can be a great thing to have backing you as you seek out different roles and opportunities.

In many instances, if you can show that you are part of a great sports consultancy agency that people know and trust, then this is the perfect way to gain a competitive advantage over someone who may not be able to say the same.

This is a great way of building your reputation, and as the brand of the business grows, yours should also improve in alignment with it.

Define Success Early On

As with any business, there should be a way in which you can manage and monitor success.

This may be defined by key performance indicators which should be set early so you can always keep track of the progress being made.

It is always a good idea to set these early on and ensure that the company you have chosen to work with sees success in the same way that you do.

sports consultant with clients

Sport & Motion

If you’re looking to enhance your career by joining a sports consultancy agency, then why not speak to the Sport & Motion team today?

Our database contains a wide range of varied and talented athletes, and you could be next.

boxer standing in ring

What are the Roles of a Sports Influencer?

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There are many different types of sports influencers.

There are global superstars who amass millions of followers aiming to get a glimpse into their lifestyle.

There is also the other aspect of influencer life. The up-and-coming athletes whose daily grind is an inspiration to many people.

No matter what type of influencer you are, you will be expected to fulfill many different roles throughout your career.

Each one will impact your audience in a different way, and if you can provide an all-round approach, that is ideal.

These are the different ways your work is taken in by people, and we’ve listed seven of them here.

Let’s take a look.

son heung min with body double

7 Roles of a Sports Influencer

A Role Model

Sports influencers inspire their followers by showcasing the dedication, hard work, and discipline that is required to excel in their chosen field.

Their journeys serve as motivation for individuals looking to achieve their fitness and sports goals.

The way they live their life, conduct themselves, and dedicate themselves to their work makes them a great role model to people who are looking to follow a similar career.

Especially if from a similar background, it shows that great things can be achieved if you push yourself in the right way, and this can be inspiring to many.

An Educator

Influencers provide valuable information about training techniques, workout routines, nutrition, and sports-related topics.

They educate their audience on best practices, helping followers make informed decisions about their fitness journeys.

There is a lot more to becoming an expert in your field than many people believe. Taking a glimpse into the life of a professional footballer for example, you will see a focused diet, regular training sessions, and much more.

Showing how to exercise, recover, eat, sleep, and much more can be really valuable to someone who is struggling and can’t work out why.

Providing this education is great content for someone who is looking to learn.

A Content Creator

Sports influencers generate a wide range of content, including videos, photos, blog posts, and social media updates.

Their creative efforts entertain, educate, and engage their audience while providing insights into their daily routines.

This is a key aspect of growing a following and maintaining a constant communication with them.

Basically, everything stems from your content. The story you want to tell, the lessons you want to give, and the tips you want to trade are all key aspects of this.

When it comes to creating content, make sure it is regular, and that ideas and uploads are always kept fresh so your following doesn’t get bored.

They follow you to be entertained and inspired, so make sure that you provide this.

A Motivator

With their personal stories of challenges and successes, influencers motivate others to overcome obstacles, push their limits, and achieve their goals, whether in sports or other areas of life.

If people can see a success story, then they will believe that they themselves can always do the same and will follow the advice you give to help them along the way.

A key aspect of becoming a talented athlete is motivation, so make sure that you always let the viewer know how much effort and desire has gone into making you the athlete you are today.

This motivation will rub off on them and lead them to pick up their boots and get out for more practise to boost them along their own journey.

man balancing ball on head

A Storyteller

Sports influencers often share their personal journeys, creating narratives that resonate with their audience.

These stories can be tales of triumph, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.

This is a key aspect of building a following as if people can relate to your story and take plenty of meaning from it, then they are sure to gain plenty of insight from your content.

This lends itself to a few other categories listed here, such as motivation and education, and your story should provide both of these and more.

While it is great to showcase a skill you can do, for example, showing the journey of learning it and how you finally mastered it is much more compelling and can leave a much bigger effect on the audience.

Most influencers have overcome challenges and hardship in getting to where they are, so let your viewer know about this, as this will help them overcome challenges of their own.

An Agent of Change

Sports influencers can drive change and awareness on important issues, such as mental health, body positivity, and gender equality, by using their platforms to initiate meaningful conversations.

This is a side to being a sports influencer that is very important, as it can really open up a dialogue on pressing matters that are important to you.

As an influencer, people will look up to you and admire you, so use this feeling to speak to them on sensitive issues and provide your guidance on the matter.

Another way you can be an agent of change is through innovation.

Influencers often experiment with new training methods, equipment, and workout routines.

They introduce innovative approaches to fitness, helping their audience stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

An Ambassador

The final role in this list is that of an ambassador.

We’ve all seen sports stars promoting their new sportswear and this is because they are an ambassador for a brand.

What this means is they wear the gear as a way of advertising it, and this is a really powerful tool in sports marketing and beyond.

If your favourite sports star wears Adidas boots for example, you’re a lot more likely to want a pair for yourself.

You can also discuss what’s good about the brand’s products and showcase the positive features yourself.

If you’re a runner, and you’ve just completed a marathon in a great pair of trainers, let your followers know.

Most of these will also be runners so this could be a big help to them, and the brand who created the shoes.

Jamie Redknapp

Sports Influencers at Sport & Motion

Want to fulfil these roles as a sports influencer?

Then Sport & Motion can help. Our database has a wide range of talented athletes, including influencers, who can work with you to boost your exposure and make the most of your expertise and skillset.

The rise of sports influencers has been rapid, and now is the perfect time for you to begin the journey to becoming one.

Want to know more? Then get in touch with our team today.

gabriel jesus

How to Become a Sports Influencer

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It has never been easier to create content and broadcast it to the world than it is right now.

With the emergence of social media meaning new videos can be uploaded everyday to an infinite number of people, if you want to be seen and share your story, then now is the time.

Sports influencers have taken advantage of this new world, promoting themselves across many different mediums to a worldwide audience.

So, if you’re sat at home with a ball at your feet and a story to tell, how can you join this exciting group of emerging sports influencers?

Well, here at Sport & Motion, we have a huge database of talented individuals that includes many sports influencers, and we’ve compiled this list of seven tips to help you on your journey.

Let’s take a look.

new balance models

7 Tips for Becoming a Sports Influencer

Identify Your Passion

Every sports influencer first has to find their space.

When people are looking for someone to influence and inspire them, they often look in niches that they are interested in. Whether it’s darts or dancing, a viewer will relate much more if someone is showcasing high talent in their favourite sport.

If you wear yourself too thin and try to cover too many bases, you run the risk of never really excelling in any of them, so it’s always a good idea to determine your specific area of interest and really finetune your skills for this.

While a varied portfolio can be a good thing, growing your expertise in one field will make you a real leader in the game, and that is a great position to be in if you want to grow your following.

Showcase an Authentic Story

The word influencer is key to knowing what will help further your career.

You need to be able to influence and to do that, you need a great story.

This needs to be something that is engaging and empowering. It also needs to be authentic.

Whether you have faced serious setbacks and overcome them, or simply show the work you’ve put in to reach the level of talent you are at right now, there are many ways to really grab a viewer’s attention.

You want them to be able to see themselves in you and find encouragement from your story to achieve their own.

This is when you truly become more than just someone with great skills, but someone who can really influence people.

Work with Others

If you want to reach as many people as possible in a quick time, working with other people in your industry is a great way to get there.

Not only does it allow you to reach a wider audience, but it gives an insight into how they work and may help you perfect your craft.

From the equipment they use to the way they tell their story, influencers who have much more experience than you are always great to learn from.

This can also add another dimension to your videos and can lead to fun and exciting new topics for content.

The more you network, the more you will grow your list of contacts in the business, and this will only help as they share your content, promote you, and provide great advice as you make your way up your career ladder.

football sports talent

Offer Value to Viewers

Growing a following is essential to becoming a sports influencer.

The more people who view your work, the more chance it has of being shared and interacted with which will only help you promote your brand more.

The content you produce must provide some value to the viewer in order to get them to watch and be engaged with it.

This can come in many forms.

It could be as simple as sitting in a room and giving advice. This could be nutritional advice, exercise tips, or simply answers to questions viewers may have.

You could also teach skills and provide methods on how someone at home can master them. This can include tricks as well.

Through tips, tutorials, and insights, you will always leave a viewer fulfilled after watching one of your videos, and this can be a big help in growing your status as an influencer.

Work Across Multiple Platforms

The key to reaching the most people is to work across as many platforms as possible.

There are several social media outlets now on which you can post content, so spend some time delving into your audience and working out exactly where they are.

Of course, your outreach doesn’t always have to be digital.

You can head to sports events, play in competitions, and meet fans in other ways to add a personal touch to your interactions.

The more visible you are, the better. The key is to be seen, spread your name, and share your story, so take advantage of the abundance of ways there is to do this and never miss an opportunity to pick up a new fan.

Create Great Content

Everything stems from your content.

This is what people see first when they click on your profile, so you must make sure it is exciting and engaging.

A recent study found a user on mobile looks at a Facebook video for an average of 1.7 seconds.

That is not a lot of time to grab someone’s attention, so you must produce content that is eye-catching.

This lends itself back to the point about making something of value. If a viewer thinks they will gain something from your content, they will watch, so don’t waste precious seconds and get straight to it.

This content should showcase your passion and expertise in your chosen industry and should be done in many forms to attract many people.

This includes blog posts, videos, social media posts, and more. If you can educate, inspire, and entertain with each post, you’re on the right track.

Invest in Good Equipment

One thing that can make a huge difference in the life and work of an influencer is high-quality equipment.

From cameras to microphones, the right tools can increase the quality of your content tenfold.

If your videos look grainy, or the sound is muffled, you will lose a lot of viewers as it won’t look professional.

You need your videos to be crisp and clear, and through good lighting, sound, and visuals, you can achieve this straight away and blow your viewers away with every new video.

While this equipment may be expensive to begin with, it will certainly be a great investment as you grow your following. If it costs too much right now, keep an eye out for second-hand items which can be purchased for cheaper, or see if you can collaborate with other influencers and use their equipment.

wsl players

Sports Influencers at Sport & Motion

One final tip we would give is to join an agency.

Sport & Motion has a huge database of talented athletes which includes influencers. Our consultants work with them to get their careers on the right path, finding them great opportunities to grow and hone their skills.

Sounds like something you may be interested in? Then get in touch with our team and sign up today.

choreographer watching on

Behind the Scenes of a Sports Advertising Campaign, From Start to Finish

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If you’re a fan of watching the match on a Sunday afternoon, or the boxing on a Saturday night, you will probably find a wide range of sporting advertisements between segments of the show.

These are normally 30 second clips that use sports to showcase a brand.

But how do these small films get onto your screen? How does it all begin? And who is involved?

Here at Sport & Motion, we have worked on many sports productions in many different industries, and we’ve created this 7-step guide to building the perfect sports advertising campaign.

Let’s take a look.

actors stood around director

Step-by-Step Approach to a Sports Advertising Campaign

Step 1: Building the Concept

Everything begins with an idea.

One of the great things about sports productions is there are no limits. Whether you want to use global influencers in wide-reaching locations, or simply an unknown sports talent with nothing but a ball at their feet, either can be used in effective ways.

The brainstorming phase involves marketers, creatives, and often athletes themselves, sitting down to discuss the campaign’s core message, theme, and goals. A key factor here is deciding on the audience, and how best to appeal to them.

Whether it’s promoting a new product, celebrating a milestone, or supporting a cause, this stage sets the foundation for the entire campaign, and the end goal at this stage is to have a clear vision of how the final product will look.

Now the steps to bring it to life begin.

Step 2: Choose Your Team

Once you have the plan in place, you need the people to help create it.

While a core team will have been established in the planning phase, you still need to pick out sports talent to play key parts.

One option here is to use recognised names, such as we did in our advertisements starring Anthony Joshua and Son Heung-Min. Athlete endorsements play a significant role in sports advertising.

Brands collaborate with athletes whose values align with the campaign’s message. These partnerships are carefully cultivated to ensure authenticity, creating a genuine connection between the athlete and the brand.

Another good idea is to use up-and-coming talent, who can really leave an impression and resonate with the viewer at home.

Step 3: Develop a Creative Plan

So, you have the concept and the vision for the final product, now it’s time to delve into the nitty gritty.

Using sports choreographers alongside copywriters, designers, and more, work out a play-by-play guide to how each scene will look.

They create visually stunning graphics, write compelling ad copy, and produce videos that evoke emotion and excitement.

This will be your blueprint that everyone will work from in the coming months as the production is bought to life, so make sure everything is well-covered and easy to understand.

This is another key document and plenty of time should be spent ensuring it is perfect before the filming begins.

female footballer being filmed

Step 4: Pick Your Platforms

Modern sports advertising spans across various platforms, including TV, social media, websites, and even physical installations.

A multi-platform strategy ensures that the campaign reaches the audience wherever they are, maximizing its impact.

Each platform might require tailored content to suit its format and audience expectations.

For example, a younger audience may resonate more with a campaign that features heavily on social media and is more interactive, whereas you may get more reach from a different audience if you do television advertisements or sports events appearances.

Finding the right platform and tailoring your sports advertisement to be optimised for this is key to getting the most impact from your target viewers.

Step 5: Create Your Content

Now the time has come to create the content.

This is when all of the planning, meetings, recruiting, and more, come together to bring the vision of your sports advertisement to life.

Everyone will be present to ensure the production that is being acted out and filmed is in line with the plans created in the development phases.

This is one of, if not the most important stage and meticulous detail needs to go into every shot to make sure when it is all complete, the final product is as stunning as can be.

One of the key roles we fulfill here at Sport & Motion is the sports choreography aspect of this, and you can step into our shoes for a day in the life of one of our team in this guide.

Step 6: Launch and Promote

Once everything is done and your sports advertisement has been approved, it is time to get it live.

This is a really exciting stage as you get to see your production in the flesh and live on the medium it was intended for.

Brands often carefully choose the timing of the campaign launch to coincide with important sports events or moments that resonate with the target audience.

Social media teasers, countdowns, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks build anticipation and excitement among fans, so don’t be afraid to build a buzz before the big day.

Once your campaign is unleashed, it is time to breathe a sigh of relief as the hard work has been done, but that doesn’t mean you can stop there.

Step 7: Engage and Analyse

Once the advertisement is live and is being seen by an audience, you need to assess the performance and see how it’s going.

Engaging the audience is vital for the campaign’s success. Brands encourage interaction through hashtags, contests, and challenges that encourage fans to share their experiences.

This user-generated content becomes an integral part of the campaign, fostering a sense of community and involvement.

Constant monitoring of the campaign is also essential.

Brands track metrics such as engagement rates, website traffic, social media mentions, and sales data. This information provides valuable insights into the campaign’s performance and helps marketers make data-driven adjustments if needed.

And finally, you should keep an eye on the campaign’s success in meeting its goals, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or enhancing brand sentiment.

This analysis informs future campaigns and provides valuable lessons for continuous improvement.

sports model being filmed on exercise bike

Sports Advertising from Sport & Motion

Looking to build an exciting sports advertisement for your brand?

Sports & Motion can help. Whether you need choreographers, sports talent, influencers, and more, our database is sure to have the perfect person to fill the role.

Want to know more? Then get in touch with our team today.

screenshot of choreography still

How to Bridge the Intersection Between Choreography and Sport

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When people think of choreography, the first activity that may pop into their mind would be dancing.

While this is a key element, there are many other aspects of choreography that are used in marketing, performance art, and more.

One of these is sports choreography.

While sports and choreography may seem like two very different things, they actually partner with each other brilliantly.

Footballers gliding across the pitch, boxers ducking and diving, and rugby players dodging tackles are all fluid movements that can help to bridge the gap between sports and choreography.

Here at Sport & Motion, we offer many services, one of which is sports choreography, and we’ve created this guide to let you know why they work so well together.

Let’s take a look.

football sports talent

The Power of Sports Choreography

Sports choreography can capture and captivate an audience in seconds.

Sport is rife with emotion and passion, which makes storytelling and scene-setting through choreography such a great tool to use in any production.

It can be visually stunning, with grand stadiums and exciting action, as well as perfect for evoking emotion in the watching audience.

Whether it is heartbreak at a loss or elation at a last-minute win, there is a lot to get the heart racing in sports choreography.

If you are advertising a sports brand, there is nothing better than choreography, as you can use the athleticism, skill, and passion of the sports talent on show to really inspire and resonate with the viewing audience, which is sure to make them interested in your brand.

How to Blend Sports with Choreography

Use the Athleticism of the Sports Talent

The athleticism of sports stars lends itself perfectly to creating stunning movements in any sports production.

Speed, agility, and precision combine to ensure that every shot is filled with fluid movements that always impress anyone who is watching.

Through carefully crafted movements, you can create choreography that complements the athletic prowess of the sports talent in question, whether it is a sprinter powering towards the finish line, or a figure skater twirling through the air before landing flawlessly on the ice.

Many sports scenes can resemble art if done in the right way, and tapping into the full repertoire of what your sports talent can do is a great way to achieve this.

Tell a Story

Sports is all about stories, and this can be a key element of good choreography.

If you want to grab an audience’s attention, then taking them on a journey is the best possible way to do this.

This can add an emotional and entertaining value to your production.

Through the sport itself, and the choreography that you are combining it with, you can build a narrative that elevates the whole thing.

Many great athletes have gone through setbacks in their career, and highlighting these and showing how they can be overcome through your choreography is sure to have a big effect in inspiring and capturing the audience.

Place the Viewer in the Action

High-octane choreography is a great way of sucking your audience in and making sure they can’t take their eyes off your production.

With that in mind, placing the viewer in the heart of the sports action is a great way of blending these two art forms together.

If you can showcase the intensity and speed of the action for a rugby player running through tackles, for example, this is sure to get the viewer’s heart rate increasing.

In a way, each movement of the sports talent, as you show their grace and skill, is like a dance move, and every missed tackle, pass of the ball, and dive for the line forms an integral part of your choreography.

Allow Skills to Shine

Sports talents possess skills that have elevated them to the top of their game, so make sure you allow them to express this through your choreography selections.

Choreography is there to wow and impress people, as well as captivate them, and adding in something extraordinary that only a highly skilled athlete can do is a great way to do this.

It’s also always good to give your athletes some creative license.

They know what they can do and often can freestyle some great ideas into your choreography routine which can add some flair and uniqueness to the production.

It’s also great for adding entertainment and adding a real ‘wow’ moment in the choreography.

Your sports talent is at the top of their game for a reason, so make sure this is blended into your choreography selection.

Create the Full Package

There are many different elements that fall under the choreography bracket, and you must make sure you blend these together to create the perfect production.

You must consider the setting of the production and the music and backing of this.

Sport is a great thing to blend with choreography as you can showcase many emotions, such as elation, desperation, and determination.

All of the aspects join together to help you really amplify this.

Is it going to be dark and tense, or happy and vibrant?

Sports can go either way, so use your talent, setting, music, colour scheme, and more to put on a real show and always delight your audience.

choreographer filming footballer

Sports Choreography with Sport & Motion

Sports and choreography work together perfectly to create emotive and exciting productions that can be used to captivate an audience and promote a brand.

If you are interested in seeing what our team can do for you, then why not get in touch with our team today?

We’ve worked with some of the biggest brands in sports to blend these two forms together and create something stunning, and your brand could be next.

young athlete for kick it out campaign

How Young Sports Talent Can Benefit from Joining a Sports Consultant & Casting Agency

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A sports consultancy agency is a great place for talented athletes to forge their career.

Through networking, coaching, and getting access to plenty of opportunities, skilled sports talent can begin to make the most of their athletic ability.

When it comes to young talent, being part of a sports consultancy and casting team also has many benefits.

This is a great place for skills to be honed and talent to be nurtured, and here at Sport & Motion, we love nothing more than seeing some of our younger talents grow and make the most of their potential.

In this guide, we want to let you know how being part of a team like this can help youth sports talent, so let’s take a look.

sports talent dunking basketball

Becoming a Young Sports Talent

Sports talent can be built at any age.

Whether you’re 50 or 15 (all under 16s must have written permission from a legal guardian to join our database), it’s never too late to get your head down and learn your craft.

Becoming a young sports talent requires determination and a real passion for your chosen sport.

This is a great time to learn not just what goes into becoming highly skilled, but also the mental aspect of a career in this industry.

If you are a young sports talent, then spend some time really working out what you want to do and how you want to get there.

If you would love to star on the stage and screen, then maybe Sport & Motion is the place for you.

Identifying Youth Sports Talent

Scouts are always on the lookout for the next big thing in sports.

Whether it is for professional teams, or to join a sports casting agency, looking for youth sports talent contains many different aspects.

Knowing what to look for is what makes consultants stand out, as they can quickly assess not just the physical attributes of a player, but also the mental side of things.

To make it in this industry, as we’ve mentioned, can be tough, and therefore it takes someone who is ready for the challenge to really forge ahead in their career.

Our consultants will use data and coach recommendations, as well as spend a while observing the talent. We look at social media platforms, stills, performances, and more to evaluate and pinpoint who has got what it takes to really make a name for themselves.

team of women for kick it out campaign

How Youth Sports Talent can Benefit from a Casting & Consultant Agency

Access to Professional Coaching

A sports consultant will provide great access to coaches and training that will help to further any athlete’s career.

If you’re a youth sports talent whose skills need a bit of finetuning, there will be experienced coaches who can ensure you do everything you can to reach your true potential.

This is more than just learning the sport, and may also contain training in discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These lessons can be just as important as time spent on the field and can really set an athlete up for a future in this sport.

Opportunity Exposure

One thing a sports casting agency specialises in is finding great roles for sports talent to fulfill.

They have the ability to open up many doors through their connections that may not have been achievable beforehand.

Whether it is tournaments and showcases with a live audience, or social media content and advertisements, if the role is just right for you, then a sports consultant can get your name in front of the director.

This is a great way to help kickstart your portfolio as well as build up your experience and knowledge of the industry.

Confidence Building

For many young sports stars, it can be tough to have the confidence to get in front of a camera or step onto a stage.

This can lead to stepping away from opportunities, but with a sports casting agency helping you, your confidence and resilience will grow, and you will soon be relishing these opportunities when they come around.

Through getting recognition for your work, being validated in your decisions, and gaining support from your fellow athletes and consultants, you won’t just grow as a sporting talent, but also as a person.

There may be challenges and setbacks along the way, but with the help of the people around you these will be overcome and in the long run, will only make you stronger and more resilient.

Balancing Education

For young athletes who are exceptional at a certain sport, education may sometimes fall by the wayside.

With a sports consultant though, this won’t be forgotten.

Many agencies will have a deep understanding of the importance of education and will work closely with athletes, their families, and educational institutions to ensure you are a well-rounded individual.

This is a vital part of building your character and cannot be understated.

It can feel tricky to balance both your sporting aspirations and your education, but your chosen consultant will be able to provide guidance on just that topic.

Growing a Love for Sport

Finally, the last thing a sports consultant would want you to do is fall out of love with sports.

While it can be a strange transition when your hobby becomes a business, this is made easier by having a sports casting agency looking over you.

They will ensure you are in an environment where you always feel encouraged and motivated to keep pushing forward and never grow tired of what you do.

The best sports talent showcase their love for their chosen sport throughout their work, and by helping your love for yours develop, we believe you will continue to become even better at what you do.

girls being filmed for sports production

Sports Consultancy & Casting from Sport & Motion

If you would like to become part of our database, no matter your age, then why not apply now.

We have over 750 talented and diverse individuals as part of our family, and you could be next, so get in touch today if you would like to know more.

We look forward to hearing from you.

choreographer instructing sports talent on set

A Day in the Life of a Sports Choreographer

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Ever wondered what it would be like to step into the Sport & Motion team’s shoes for a day?

We offer many services, including sports consultation, management, event planning and more.

Something else we provide is sports choreography.

This is the art of really putting on a show and using sports talent to captivate and engage an audience.

Sports choreography can be used in many different settings, from blockbuster movies to local events.

While you may be familiar with sports being used in advertisements and sports productions, you might not always think of the person behind the routine.

A choreographer ties everything together and turns sport into a story.

In this blog, we thought we’d show you what the normal process of sports choreography looks like.

Let’s take a look.

choreographer watching on

Assessing What you Have to Work With

All great sports choreography starts with a plan.

This is much more than just watching people freestyle or showcase their skills. It is a multi-faceted approach, and everything from the setting of the production to the music playing over it has to be taken into account as it is planned out.

It all starts with the talent.

Many sports productions revolve around the people who star in them. Depending on their skillset and experience, you will have to work out their role, and make sure the choreography is something they can achieve and thrive in doing.

Next up is the music. As mentioned above, this is an integral part of the production, and what the music is like can change the whole feel of it.

If it’s quick and upbeat, you will need choreography that is fast-paced and frantic. Something slower may require something more nuanced and will focus more on expression and emotion.

Once you have the talent and the music, and you know the setting your production will be in, you can get to work creating a plan.

choreographer instructing sports talent

Building a Connected Plan

You have all the ingredients for a great sports production, so now is the time to mix them together and create something special.

Using your knowledge of the sports talent, music, and setting you have, work out how best you can really put on a show and grab your audience’s attention.

There are many different aspects to consider here. For example, are you promoting a brand? If so, this will need to be front and centre with the production focused around that.

Are you simply trying to entertain? Then instead of a brand being at the forefront, the athletes need to be so that they can really showcase their skills.

Every movement needs to be mapped out with precision, and every second accounted for. This is especially true in advertising, where you only have a very limited time to get your story across.

Develop a plan for how you would like the production to look, making sure it is achievable and that the athletes can handle the actions given to them.

Once you have the plan, you can start to really see the production come to life.

sports models mma

The Rehearsal Stage

Something that is paramount to a smooth production is practise.

This is a rigorous phase, because when the cameras are rolling or the audience is watching, you may only have once chance to get it right.

Work closely with the athletes as they go through the production to get it just right. If you notice any issues or things that could be better, then now is the time to act on them and make sure they are perfect when the time comes for the final product.

While rehearsals may not always be the most fun part of sports choreography and can be a lot of time spent repeating identical actions, it is worth every second.

Not just for the fact it burns the moves into the memories of your sports talent, but because it also breeds confidence in the performers that they can get it right.

Be supportive and encouraging, and make sure everyone involved in the production is ready to perform their role in the right way and you’re sure to have a successful show.

sports consulting

Performance Time

Once the rehearsals are done, the time has come for the main performance.

You may think as a sports choreographer your work now is done, but that is not the case.

Everything must be well prepared and all sports talent readied. This includes calming any nerves, boosting confidence, and making sure everyone knows their roles down to the last second.

As the cameras roll, the sports choreographer will be paying close attention and making sure that everything goes to plan.

If you get multiple takes, they will be keeping a close eye on everything that works and also things that don’t work so last-minute alterations can be made until the perfect formula is found.

While this can be a stressful part of the job, it is also a very rewarding part, and seeing something you have planned in your mind and worked hard to create finally come to life is always a great feeling.

Once done, give some last-minute feedback to the talent involved, letting them know how their performance was and congratulating them on a job well done.

You work here is now done, but it’s always good to maintain a strong relationship with the good sports talent you have been working with in case you need them again on another shoot, so always be friendly and courteous and make sure to hold on to any contact details.

Sports Choreography with Sport & Motion

If you’re looking for a sports choreographer to help plan and create an amazing production for your next project, then why not get in touch with Sport & Motion.

Our team have years of experience putting on great shows and would love to help you do just that.

Want to know more? Why not check out our previous work to see the kind of stuff we can create.

marcus rashford

How to Use Sports Stars for Your Marketing Campaign

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For many years, sports stars have been used in sports productions to help market new products.

From Usain Bolt advertising lightning-fast internet speeds, to Thierry Henry adding a bit of ‘va va voom’ to a car advert, these global figures make great additions to any advertising campaign.

Sports stars and influencers bring many things to an advert, including big followings and inspirational stories.

But how can you utilize them in your next production?

Well, here at Sport & Motion, we’ve worked with global stars from Anthony Joshua to Marcus Rashford to create some great marketing videos, and here’s a guide on how you can do the same.

Let’s take a look.

Anthony Joshua

The Power of Sports Influencers on Marketing

Sports influencers are the perfect figures to use to market any brand, and there are many reasons why.

Whether you are a sports brand, or any other type of business, having a recognisable sports star featuring in your story is a big help in attracting a wide audience base and catching a viewer’s attention.

And they aren’t the only benefits:

  • Targeted Audience – If you are selling something related to cricket, for example, there is a high chance the people interested in the product will also be interested in the stars of the sport. If you can feature these in your marketing, you are appealing directly to the audience you are hoping to target which is just what you want.
  • Credibility – Something that helps to sell a product is endorsements from experts in the field. This means if you can get a professional cyclist to advertise a new helmet and say it works really well, many people will trust what is being said much more than if it was just an ordinary member of the public.
  • An Emotional Connection – Sport is a highly emotional thing. Nike has a great advertisement that takes you straight to Tiger Woods going through many steps of his career, before winning his 15th major. Marketing like this can help to bring the exhilaration felt watching these events unfold back and create a real buzz around an advert.
  • Wide Reach – Sports stars have a huge global reach that encompasses much more than many brands. For famous figures in the world of basketball, football, and more, their fans and followers are in the millions. This means that if they feature in an advertisement, you already have a massive audience who will be interested which can really help in growing the reach of your company and product.
  • Better Engagement – The idea of marketing is to get people engaged. This can be tricky when you only have a twenty or thirty second timeslot. Using sports stars is a great way to immediately catch people’s attention and get them commenting, sharing, and liking the content, which is a great way to let it grow organically.

These are just a few ways sports influencers can boost your marketing, and if you’re now thinking of using one in your next campaign, here are eight ways you can do it.

8 Ways to Incorporate Sports Stars into Your Sports Production

Tell Their Story

If you can get a viewer engrossed in a story, then this is great for marketing. Not only will they feel the emotion throughout, but they will also remember the campaign and want to know more.

Stories are great ways of showing how a sports star has overcome adversity, achieved their goals, and forged their successful career.

If you can align this with your brand, you’re sure to capture many people’s attention.

We shot this advert with Son Heung-Min (and a sports body double) which showed a little bit of his transition to European football, and how through his skills he has shone to overcome any negativity and become a global star.

Showcase Their Skills

What many people want to see from sports influencers (check out our blog on the rise of sports influencers for extra reading) is some exceptional skills.

Many influencers may not be known on a global scale but will be well followed in their own field.

Take this advertisement we helped shoot for Toyota, in which a BMX freestyler captures the viewer straight away with some stunning skills.

In this case, the fluid motion of the bike is replicated in the car, which is what was used to really sell the product.

If you can show exceptional talent and use this to incorporate your brand into a powerful marketing message, then you’re sure to make a stunning video.

Even better if you can show them performing the skills using your product to help them.

Have Them Interact with the Public

Not all marketing campaigns have to tell a story.

Some can simply be a sports influencers getting out in the public and setting challenges.

They can compare their skills to the people they meet and allow the chosen few to be star features in the film as well.

This is a great way of making your brand feel fun, and creating something that feels really organic and natural.

We recently shot this video during the Leeds United vs Liverpool Premier League match, using a female freestyle football influencer to wander through the match-going fans setting challenges whilst incorporating the product, which makes for a really compelling watch.

This kind of approach works really well when it comes to putting videos out on Social Media channels such as Instagram and Tik Tok.

Place Them in the Heart of the Action

Not all action has to appear on the pitch.

You can also incorporate different stories that really get the heartrate rising, such as we did in this advertisement for the Barclay’s Women’s Super League.

We set the scene with a traditional photo shoot before everything burst into action with a frenzy of activity.

This was an exciting advert that not only had plenty of thrills, but also gave the sports stars a way to showcase their skill in a different way than expected.

If you want to really grab the attention of the viewer at home, then putting your stars in situations such as this which are outlandish and explosive is always a great way to do so.

Show a Different Side to Them

Many sports influencers are only ever seen in their kit taking part in sporting events.

This isn’t their whole life though, and if you can show a different side to them, such as we did in this advertisement for Nivea starring Ben Youngs, it creates a heartfelt and warming production.

By seamlessly skipping between him starring in an England rugby union shit, and also him at home playing with his children, we showed many different aspects to not just the sports star, but also the man.

This is a great way to get people to relate to your chosen influencer and be able to really see what they are like outside of the sport and what is important to them, which can be really appealing to a watching audience.

Set Them a Challenge

We’ve mentioned earlier about how a great video is made by an influencer setting the public a challenge, but what about doing it the other way around?

Sports influencers have mostly gotten to where they are through exceptional skill, so why not put this to the test.

Have a heavyweight boxer on a punching machine, or a long-distance runner trying to break records and showcase the action in your advertisement.

Alternatively, why not take them right out of their comfort zone and challenge them to something they don’t excel in.

This is a great way of creating something a little bit different and adding a touch of humour to your production, such as what we did with Jamie Redknapp when we advertised Rana.

Place the Viewer in Their Shoes

Some sports productions can feel like a really immersive experience.

If a video can pick you up from your couch and place you right in the middle of a sports scene, then this is sure to captivate you from the get-go.

We used stars from Manchester United to shoot this video for Adidas, which takes you straight into the heart of the dressing room before taking you out on the training pitch and showing you some action.

This is a great way of putting the viewer into the sports star’s shoes, and showing the exciting and sometimes brutal nature of the sports they excel in.

By doing this, your viewer can really appreciate the skills of the athlete and for a short while feel like they are the one stepping onto the hallowed turf.

Add Some Humour

Everyone likes to have a laugh, so why not use your sports star to add some humour to your advertisement?

There are many ways that you can do this, including really taking them out of their comfort zone, or getting them to overexaggerate the character traits they are well known for.

This is what we did with David Ginola, who is known for his good looks and footballing talent, and through him (plus our very own Colin Nell showcasing his football skills) we used his personality to really sell the brand and in this case the competition.

This is a great way of creating something memorable that may stand out among the other, more traditional sports productions.

Sports Production with Sport & Motion

If you would like to create stunning sports productions using amazing sports influencers, talent, choreography, and more, then Sport & Motion are here to help.

Our team can help pinpoint the perfect sports stars for your project, and even choreograph and direct the final piece to make sure it is just right for representing your brand.

Whether a short social media clip, or a long advertisement, we can help, so get in touch today to find out more.

sports consultant with clients

Key Characteristics of a Good Sports Casting Agency

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Ever wondered how the sports talent you see on the screen finds their way into the productions they are starring in?

Well, it is often down to a sports casting agency.

This is a team that spots talented individuals and finds the perfect role for them in upcoming sports films and advertisements.

But what makes a good sports casting agency?

Well, we’ve created this guide to let you know just that.

But first, let’s start at the beginning.

What Does a Sports Casting Agency Do?

Sports talent casting is much more than just seeing an individual who possesses good skills and placing them in front of a camera.

There are many varied roles that an agency will undertake, including:

  • Talent Identification – An agent should have a keen eye for spotting potential sports talent. This doesn’t just mean established professionals, but also up-and-coming athletes who can really add something to a production.
  • Career Guidance – It can be hard for athletes to know the best steps to forge a career in this industry. A sports talent casting agent will have plenty of experience in this field and will provide advice and guidance throughout a sports talent’s career to ensure they’re always on the right track.
  • Finding the Perfect Role – When a role does come up, a casting agency won’t just put anyone forward for it. They will scan their database to find the perfect match not just for the production, but also for the athlete themselves.
  • Negotiations – There is always the business element of this industry to consider, and a good casting agency will always be by your side as you discuss contracts for roles you are working on, to make sure you always get the best deal.
  • Get to Know the Industry – A sports casting agent who has been working in this field for a long time will have many contacts that can help their clients fulfill their career goals. From marketers to coaches, having these opportunities to network is always valuable.

There are many other aspects to this role as well, and if you want to know more, why not check out our ‘what is a sports casting agency’ blog.

Now let’s take a look at what makes the ideal sports casting agency, and what five skills are crucial to being successful.

actors stood around director

5 Key Skills of a Good Sports Talent Casting Agent

An Observative Eye

The first step to building a strong database of clients is knowing how to spot talent.

While some individuals may possess a strong skillset, there are other factors to consider here, such as the ability to perform in front of a camera or crowd, and the attitude and personality of the sports talent in question.

Through watching many different athletes, a sports talent casting agent will be able to notice subtle nuances in performance that may go unnoticed by an untrained eye.

They will also be able to really assess and evaluate an athlete, taking into account all of the physical and mental attributes that will allow the agent to always pick the perfect opportunity for them.

A Strong Knowledge of Sports

Another vital skill a sports casting agent should possess is to have an extensive knowledge of various sports.

This is imperative for helping to spot talented individuals as well as getting an understanding of the productions that you are working on.

When it comes to viewing talent and helping to create great sports productions, knowing the rules and key components of all sports is vital.

You may have tennis stars mixing with long-distance runners in your database, and being able to spot what makes them so skilled and how they can showcase their talent in the right way is benefitted by knowing the sports that specialise in.

A Personable Approach

We’ve mentioned networking already in the blog, and it is important that a casting agent is effective in communicating with directors, clients, and beyond.

Growing your network is vital in spreading your knowledge base and also helps to get notified of great new opportunities that you may not have been made aware of before.

Having great networking skills will mean that you are always updated on upcoming events, industry trends, and new talent.

It is also vital you can effectively get your points across to your clients and directors. This will help as you guide your clients throughout their careers and ensure that you can build a relationship that is based on trust, constructive feedback, and a friendly rapport.

Good Business Skills

You mustn’t forget that this is a business, and a competitive one at that.

While getting your sports talent in front of directors and getting them recognised is a huge part of the role of a casting agent, it is also important that you have the business acumen to make sure you can close deals and always keep both parties happy.

Managing the landscape of athlete sponsorships and branding can be tricky, and that’s why an agent has to always have a keen understanding of the sports market and how the business works.

Knowing this inside out will ensure your clients always get the best deals around and that they’re always in safe hands when it comes to the business aspect of the role.

A Flexible and Adaptable Approach

Like many industries, the world of sports is always adapting and changing.

New trends emerge and new ways of working mean a flexible and adaptable approach is always needed to ensure you’re always current and providing your clients with the best opportunities for their careers in this exact moment.

This is vital if you are looking for long-term success in this industry.

This also means being flexible to what makes a client great, and having an open mind when it comes to all different sports and all different approaches to that sport.

Having an open mind will allow you to always see the best in the sports talent in front of you and always have your finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest trends.

Sports Casting with Sport & Motion

If you’re looking for a sports casting agency that has all of these skills and more, then why not get in touch with Sport & Motion?

Our team has years of experience working with a wide range of sports talent and has a huge database of happy clients whom we constantly find great roles for.

Why not check out some of our previous work to see exactly what we can provide for you and your career?

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