Union’s Jono Griffith has collaborated with director Matthijs van Heijningen of MJZ to create a memorable new spot for YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket titled “Magic Sunday.”
Seamlessly blending humans, animals, and even a towering giant, the ad captures the spirit of Sunday football in an imaginative and heartwarming way. Produced by YouTube’s Creative Studio with visual effects by The Mill, “Magic Sunday” is a fantastical mix of humor, fantasy, and sports fandom that invites viewers to experience the joy of NFL Sundays like never before.
The attention to detail in the spot is remarkable. From a ram fluffing the couch cushions to a jaguar eyeing a cardinal, each moment is carefully crafted to reflect the playful camaraderie of football fans everywhere. The ad paints a vivid picture of what it means to gather around for NFL Sunday Ticket, bringing a magical twist to the familiar experience of game day. Watch below:
“The editing involved making sure there was space and time for the animation to communicate at its best whilst deciding what would be most charming,” Griffith shared.
He also credited the ambitious vision and close collaboration between the team at The Mill, YouTube’s Creative Studio, and director van Heijningen as key to the success of the project. The script, with its simple yet clever design, provided a strong foundation for the whimsical visuals to come to life. Despite the scope of the project, Griffith notes that everyone involved “aimed for the top shelf,” ensuring that the spot achieved its full potential while retaining a sense of fun and lightheartedness.
Adding to the charm of “Magic Sunday” is the soundtrack, featuring “Sunday Morning” by the Velvet Underground. The song choice adds a soothing, nostalgic feel that perfectly complements the whimsical visuals and enhances the overall emotional tone of the ad.
For Griffith, the project was a true “treat” to work on. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed his appreciation for the creative freedom and teamwork that went into making the ad a standout piece. “Movie magic is a lot of fun,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative effort that made “Magic Sunday” an enchanting portrayal of football fandom that will resonate with audiences.
In the end, “Magic Sunday” is more than just an advertisement—it’s a celebration of the community, excitement, and wonder that surround NFL Sundays, reminding viewers that football brings people—and even animals—together in magical ways.
To watch what other brands have done for the kick-off of the 2024 season, click here.
CREDITS:
BRAND: NFL Sunday Ticket
AGENCY: YouTube Creative Studio
- ECD: Christian Haas
- Group Creative Lead: Becca Wadlinger
- Group Creative Director: Brandon Viney
- Art Director: Devin Gillespie
- Copywriter: Heather Ryder
- Producer: Jules Brown
- Producer: Maia Van Zandt
- Music Supervisor: Michael Paoletta
PRODUCTION COMPANY: MJZ
- Director: Matthijs Van Heijningen
- President/Executive Producer: David Zander
- Senior Executive Producer: Eriks Krumins
- Line Producer: Donald Taylor
- Director of Photography: Adam Arkapaw
EDIT: Union Editorial
- Editor: Jono Griffith
- 2nd Editor: Joe Hughes
- EP: Joe Ross
- Head of Production: Dani DuHadway Spagnoli
- Manager Partner: Michael Raimondi
ANIMATION/VFX: The Mill
- VFX: Technicolor
- Creative Director: Chris Knight
- Creative Director: Robert Sethi
- VFX Supervisor: Chris Bayol
- VFX Supervisor: Fabien Frank
- 2D Lead Artist: Lane Jolly
- 3D Artist: Arnau Gilabert
- 3D Artist: Brendon Echsner
- 3D Artist: Cinzia Pegorin
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