An open note to Converse brand team USA:
Converse is a brand I've always admired. Especially the Chuck Taylor All-Star line, originally created in 1917 (yes, that's right, 1917!). They've stayed true to their original, courageous tone and they've become an icon because of it. They've also remained a simple canvas shoe with a rubber soul. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I wrote and directed this spec spot for Converse, and I cast it and shot it in New York City in 2014. Why? Because I want to tell more stories like this for Converse in 2015. I see this spot as a proof of concept. I have a multitude of these stories lined up, ready to go - Young, passionate people in America who have overcome the odds in their life, who have overcome trying circumstances, who have overcome adversity and remained courageous and stayed original despite the fates telling them that perhaps, they should do otherwise.
I'm super passionate about telling inspirational, personal stories and equally charged about connecting amazing, iconic brands with people like this. It shows the brand to be forward thinking and connected outside of the traditional advertising paradigm, and it also means as filmmakers we can create engaging, well crafted, beautiful content to entertain consumers, with the healthy support of a brand's marketing and fiscal power.
So Converse, are you listening? Are you out there? Let's work together, let's tell a string of powerful stories and shine a light on young, inspiring people who all love to throw on a pair of Chuck Taylors before stepping out into the wide world and offering it their talent and vision.
Converse, let's talk.
Regards
J Cooper, Filmmaker, LA & NY.
