90’s Throw back Commercial and short film.
Early in 2023, my friend Lisa B. Hammond told me about a project she was developing with filmmaker Madeline Down for the Seattle Seahawks. I asked if they needed help. Soon afterward, Maddie called and asked me to gaff it. I said yes—which turned out to be a very good decision.
The concept was a 1990s-style faux sitcom announcing the return of the Seahawks’ throwback uniforms. The production included a full four-room studio build and a moving shot that carried a player through the sitcom world and out onto the field. It was layered, technical, and full of moving parts.
I was hired as the gaffer, although I also found myself doing some producing along the way. I brought in Derek Klein from Olympic Studios Seattle, and with Mike Astle’s help, we used roughly 45 fixtures and a mountain of modifiers to light the build.
The campaign helped drive jersey sales and went on to win a Bronze Clio. More importantly, it was one of those rare jobs where the people, the idea, and the execution all clicked. This one was absolutely one for the books.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: Seattle Seahawks Throwback Jersey Campaign
Format: Branded commercial / short film
Year: 2023
Location: Seattle, Washington
Client: Seattle Seahawks
My roles: Gaffer and producing support
Recognition: Bronze Clio Award
Lighting approach: Approximately 45 fixtures and a large package of modifiers
ABOUT DEREK
I’m a producer and cinematographer with more than 20 years of experience across feature films, documentaries, television, commercials, and branded content. I’m the founder of Kaifilms, where I work across development, financing, production, and cinematography to help projects move from the first conversation to the final frame.
Kaifilms: www.kaifilms.com
IMDb: www.imdb.me/derekmakesfilms
Contact: www.derek-johnson.com/contact
