Jordan Brand: Limits Like Fears (Test)

Last year, John Ryan Johnson (aka JRJ) became a CFP-E/shots Young Director Award winner in the Test Commercial North America category for his Nike film Buckets.

Now the talented young director is back with another smashing sports-themed spot, this time for Nike's Jordan brand. Expanding the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan’s rousing quote, “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion,” the elegant, beautifully crafted and acted film employs a familiar sporting trope – gamely overcoming negativity to reach your goal – that could be tired in another director’s hands.

Following a young man battling through buzzkill comments from coaches, friends etc. saying he’ll never make it as a basketball player, our hero is spurred by the naysayers to literally up his game and ends in triumphant basket-bagging glory.

JRJ funded wrote, produced, and directed the spot and has recently signed with Dapper for US/Canada representation.