At Maple Tap Creative, our foundation in sports runs deep. My first viral film targeted Nike’s 'What Should I Do?' campaign, quickly amassing 4.4 million views. Our success continued with the Brooklyn Cyclones, where our promotional film led to significant sales boosts and was featured by major outlets like Ad Age. Dan also directed part of Budweiser’s tribute to Derek Jeter, enhancing our pedigree in sports storytelling. For any sports team looking to increase attendance and capture attention, Maple Tap Creative offers unmatched expertise and proven results.

Client
Sports teams

Year
01/04/13-01/04/24

This short film offers a cinematic look at the hustle of minor league ballplayers, commissioned by the Brooklyn Cyclones and featured as organic content on their social channels. The video garnered attention from major media outlets, including Ad Age and Adweek, leading to tens of thousands of dollars in earned media at no cost to the brand. Following the release, the Cyclones experienced a noticeable uptick in ticket sales, with the film effectively driving audiences through the purchase funnel in the subsequent months.

In 2020, a film school project targeted Nike’s 'What Should I Do' campaign, featuring Clevelander’s responses to Nike’s comments. A few years later, as LeBron's contract in Miami was ending, we crafted a follow-up film aimed at rallying support for his return. This sequel not only captivated audiences but also garnered significant media attention, receiving coverage in both local and national outlets the likes of Wall Street Journal. Our creative approach to storytelling in sports makes us an ideal partner for brands and teams looking to make a lasting impact.

When Budweiser needed a poignant tribute to honor Derek Jeter's retirement, they turned to Vayner Media for a last-minute project that would capture the essence of Jeter's legendary career. Tthree other directors, were tasked with bringing this vision to life. Each director was responsible for a distinct segment of the video, infusing their unique creative insights to ensure the piece was both heartfelt and memorable. Despite the tight deadline, the team seamlessly united their efforts, completing the entire project in under a week. This collaboration resulted in a powerful tribute that resonated deeply with fans, celebrating Jeter's legacy in a manner befitting his impact on the game.

When you have the opportunity to link up with Gary Vaynerchuk and Team Gary you take it. This decision meant we were set off on a compelling campaign for the launch of Gary's K-Swiss 'Clouds and Dirt' shoe line, which celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of one's profession or stage in life. The campaign's core message, 'the hustle never stops,' was vividly brought to life through stories of individuals whose daily grind isn't typically recognized as a hustle. One such story highlighted ballet—a discipline often perceived as an art form rather than a hustle. Despite ballet's ethereal grace, ballerinas exemplify the campaign’s ethos by relentlessly striving for perfection in a sport where perfect is unattainable. This pursuit not only defines their dedication but also underscores the badass nature of their hustle, making it a perfect fit for the spirit of the 'Clouds and Dirt' line.