New Balance has released the first visual from its “Conversations Amongst Us” campaign.
Titled “NOD,” the short film stars NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard and Joe Freshgoods, who also wrote the film as is the lead creative director of the campaign. In it, Kawhi and Joe are seated in a office lobby and compliment each other’s shoes through non-verbal cues. Both are wearing New Balance sneakers from the “Conversations Amongst Us” collection — Joe in the 550 and Kawhi in the KAWHI II. Note that the version on New Balance’s Youtube channel is missing Joe’s “You tweakin'” caption that is found on the version posted on Freshgoods’ socials and on New Balance’s website.
“I’ve always been fascinated with how black men use the ‘head nod’ to communicate with each other without talking,” says Joe Freshgoods. “I wanted to touch on that, it’s always been funny to me. hope people understand the video but if you don’t- who cares lol, it’s for my people anyway.”
Check out the New Balance “Nod” short film from the “Conversations Amongst Us” campaign above and below. The accompanying collection makes its debut this weekend at Whitaker Group retailers, with a wider release coming soon on New Balance’s website and at select retailers.
“nod” pic.twitter.com/3QgTStFpuJ
— JFG (@JoeFreshgoods) April 8, 2022