ANTA
KAL 1
COMMERCIAL
For the launch of Kyrie Irving’s inaugural ANTA signature shoe, the KAI 1, Pixeldust partnered with ThinkDiffusion to create a visually stunning promotional video, ultimately featured on Kyrie Irving’s Instagram. Our goal was to craft a compelling visual narrative that encapsulated Kyrie’s personal and professional journey while emphasizing his deep connection to the number 11. This required merging anime, live-action, 3D animation, and archive photography styles into a seamless, high-energy piece that reflected both his basketball prowess and spiritual philosophy. With no dedicated film shoot, we were tasked with using AI-powered tools and our human artistry to generate unique visuals. Every scene was carefully crafted to ensure consistency in Kyrie’s likeness, movement, and branding, resulting in a fantastic innovation in storytelling.
A MYTHOLOGICAL HERO'S JOURNEY
One of the standout stylistic choices was the anime-inspired sequences, designed to evoke an epic, mythological feel. These sequences were a fusion of AI-assisted techniques, 3D animation, and traditional illustration, all meticulously crafted to maintain Kyrie Irving’s likeness across dynamic scenes. Some shots began as photographs and were transformed through AI to achieve a stylized anime aesthetic, while others were built from scratch using 3D animation techniques that were later converted into anime-style visuals. These sequences depicted pivotal moments in Kyrie’s journey, from sprinting through a vast open field to encounter “Big Mountain,” to facing off against towering basketball giants, and skillfully dodging arrows symbolizing critique. The inclusion of hand-drawn elements further enriched the visual storytelling, blending seamlessly with AI-enhanced frames to create a unique and expressive representation of Kyrie’s path to greatness.
FINAL VIDEO
The KAI 1 promotional video was a groundbreaking fusion of AI technology, 3D animation, and traditional visual effects, pushing the boundaries of modern storytelling. By seamlessly blending so many distinct styles, we created a visually stunning and emotionally compelling piece that resonated with Kyrie’s fans worldwide. Through meticulous attention to Kyrie’s likeness, branding, and movement, we ensured that every frame was not just a spectacle but a meaningful part of his legacy. Our collaboration with ThinkDiffusion and ANTA exemplified how AI-driven artistry can enhance storytelling, turning creative constraints into opportunities for innovation. With this project, we didn’t just showcase a shoe—we told the story of an enlightened warrior, standing 11 strong.
