Description
London based production studio KODE and creative studio 20something unveil their latest collaboration for EA SPORTS to celebrate the 14th birthday of FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). A natural extension of their creative relationship, the newest collaboration from the production powerhouse and innovative creative studio is a wonderfully absurd intersection of sport, gaming, and comedy.
Tasked with celebrating one of the most popular game modes within EA SPORTS FIFA 23, KODE and 20something joined forces to create a fictional confidential and ‘utterly secretive’ department of EA, BIRGFUT (Bureau of Independent Revelry and Gatherings for Ultimate Team), where haphazard but loyal scientists dedicate themselves to engineering the perfect birthday party for FIFA Ultimate Team.
One of several films KODE has made with EA SPORTS over the past three years, the latest spot is a playful mockumentary style film that offers an insight into the secret BIRGFUT labs, where the scientists have prepared a handy and wonderfully awkward orientation video. Rooted in dry comedy, scientific satire and rich with references to EA SPORTS FIFA & football culture, KODE and 20something were keen to engage the loyal FIFA Ultimate Team community and build a creative ideation that would appeal to them.
Packed with Easter Eggs galore for the most eagle-eyed EA SPORTS FIFA fans and a surprise cameo from Portuguese footballer João Félix, the memorable film is a celebration of EA SPORTS FIFA culture and a striking result of the power of collaboration between the EA SPORTSin-house team, 20something and KODE. Directed by Harry Cauty, the film meticulously unlocks the secrets behind preparation for FUT Birthday, whilst remaining true to references EA SPORTS FIFA fans know and recognise.
With comedy at its heart, the film astutely navigates the balance between comedic performances and low-budget corporate onboarding video which inspired the creative concept. Lead actor, Stuart Benson, heads-up the group of misfit scientists, accompanied by a supporting cast which helped to bring the BIRGFUT world to life.
This professional campaign titled 'FUT Birthday' was published in United Kingdom in March, 2023. It was created for the brand: EA Sports, by ad agencies: 20Something and KODE. This Film medium campaign is related to the Gaming industry and contains 1 media asset. It was submitted about 1 year ago.
Credits
EA SPORTS ‘FUT Birthday’ Credits
Crew
Director: Harry Cauty
B-Cam Director: Emily Freda Sharp
Producer: Emily O’Meara
Executive Producer: Matt Fleming
Executive Producer: Jack Goodwin
Production Studio: KODE
Production Manager: Mellisa Eaton
Production Intern: Lottie Taylor
Work Experience: Bruja Estrella
Location Manager: Peter Camilleri
1st AD: Sean Cotter
2nd AD: Isusko Garcia
Runner: Fintan Power
Runner: Kai Rajakulasingam
Runner: Vanya Chulkov
DOP: Murren Tullett
1st AC: Barney Coates
2nd AC: Bradley Panda
Key Grip: Andy Sauer
B Cam Operator: Ciro Candia
B Cam 1st AC: Hopi Demattio
B Cam 2nd AC: Harry Bennett
B Cam Grip: Paul Mammone
Grip Trainee: Luccia Rennie
Video Playback: Dayo Olufemi
DIT: Alex Parkinson
Photographer: James North
Sound Recordist: Stephen Anderson
Boom Op: Pier Papaiz
Gaffer: Sam Alberg
Spark: Elliot Beach
Spark: Paul Rowe
Spark: Dak Kannan
Spark: Ana Vilar
B Cam Gaffer: Christian Hayes
Prod. Designer: Will Field
Assist Art Director: James Davison
Prop Master: Chris Brake
Prop Assistant 1: Jake Shepherd
Prop Assistant 2: Jude Lilley
Prop Assistant 3: Alfie Fielding
Prop Assistant 4: Alfie Johnson
Stylist: Michelle May
Stylist Assist: Louisa Thomas
HMU Artist: Bev Pond Jones
HMU Assist: Ashley Malley
Medic: Helen Irvine
Set Security: Luke Nicholas
Close Protection Security: Derek McKensie
EA SPORTS
Associate Creative Director: Eric Beard
Associate Creative Director: Trevor Conrad
Senior Creative Copywriter: Andrew Mitchell
Senior Producer: Natasha Shepherd
FIFA Athlete Marketing Manager: Drew Jenkins
20something
ECD: Will Thacker
Creative: Cathryn Carey
Head of Copy: Elliott Star
Design: Casey Highfield & Rory Stiff
Account Manager: Amy Greasby
Talent
Casting Director: Sophie North
Hero Scientist: Stuart Benson, Emptage Hallett
Featured Scientist: Nicole Sawyerr, AHA Talent
Featured Scientist: Reiss Kershi, Actual Talent
Featured Scientist: Bex Finch, John Doe Management
VIP Talent: João Félix
Background Talent
Background Agent: Bobby Mitchell @ Talent Talks
Background Agent: Emily Sear @ BMA Artists
Background Actor #1: Gilles Gripon, TT
Background Actor #2: Winston Hayles, TT
Background Actor #3: Joseph McCorisston, TT
Background Actor #4: Lisa Williams, TT
Background Actor #5: Eleanor Seeley, TT
Background Actor #6: Leila Wong, TT
Background Actor #7: Brando Williams, BMA
Background Actor #8: Sofia Jaskowsky-Rodriguez, BMA
POST PRODUCTION
Editor: Nathan Greenwood/ KODE
Motion Graphics Artist: Ikki Dhesi / KODE
Motion Graphics Artist: Jesse Malisa / KODE
Motion Graphics Artist: Natalie Hobbons
CGI: We are Covert
Colourist: Matthieu Toullet / Company 3
Sound Designer: Harvey Gunn
Music Composer: Fred Wave
