Mill+ created this atmospheric and nuanced spot for The Portuguese Football Federation’s first ever World Cup campaign featuring the nation’s hero, Ronaldo. Directed by Carl Addy, the film cleverly interprets traditional Portuguese phrases through a mixture of beautifully shot live action elements alongside original and bold illustrations.
Mill+ Director Carl Addy played an integral part in this ambitious project from the initial concept through to the final delivery, ensuring the piece powerfully communicated an inspiring message which encapsulates the passion and determination of the Portuguese players in the context of their local heritage.
Throughout the rhythmic spot we see a number of motivational sayings appear over each scene which Carl brought to life through a variety of hand drawn designs which become almost like emblems. These designs have also been used on various promotional materials for the team.
Carl explains, ‘Portugal is a nation rich with culture. To say that any of these football stars are self-made may be true but it misses the nuance of heritage. The spot’s main goal was to pay homage to the people, the generations of wisdom passed down in strange sayings. This film is a love letter to language, the power of phrases refined and adapted over time, incredibly visual, humorous and revealing.
Conquista O Sonho means ‘Conquer Your Dream’. I wanted this film to be a kinetic edit of found phrases all connected in a surreal dreamlike tone.The frenetic edit and surreal transitions work together to create a high action yet dreamlike quality that unites different voices and places from across the country.By allowing the spot to become an outlet for the nation’s nervous anticipation, we hoped to remind them that each one of them is connected by heritage, sons and daughters of conquerors.
It also acts as a reminder to everyone that it is not by chance that this team finds itself as future champions but it is in their blood.’
Mill+’s Head of Content and Producer on the Project Josh Davies says 'When an opportunity comes in to work with the European Champions and the best player in the World on their World Cup Film it feels like all of your Christmas’s have come at once.
It was a joy to see Carl bring this project to life and I was very proud to be part of the journey.'