Thursday, March 6, 2008

Odd Jobs


Earlier this week I shot a Nike print ad up in Los Angeles. They needed a few sprinters and I could always use some extra cash. But before I said yes, I almost said no. For starters, it’s Nike. I’m not a huge fan of Nike because they aren’t a huge fan of mine. And while I suppose it’s not entirely personal because Nike is this huge global company that sponsors some of the biggest athletes in the entire universe and does not need to bat a stray eyelash over little ol’ me, I still am slightly bitter that the biggest sponsor of Track and Field athletes has decided on more than one occasion that I’m not worthy of the swoosh. And that’s fine and all if I sucked more than any of the other athletes that they currently have—but I don’t. So yea, if you could all personally write letters to the Nike people telling them what a great addition I would be to their brand, I would totally appreciate it.

My other hang-up occurred when I found out that the series of ads they were doing were for certain featured athletes that they are currently sponsoring. I had known they were just looking for some sprinters in the background but I didn’t realize that there would be A certain sprinter in the foreground. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. I just wasn’t keen on the idea of being a lane-filler for a competitor of mine. What does that look like if I’m an extra for someone in their own ad that I’m trying to beat when it’s time for the Trials?! I likened it to being the batboy for the team that just released you. Or not making the band but being asked if you’d like to be a backup singer. Something like that.

So I called the casting director and told her I needed to know who the featured athlete was in the print ad because it could be a conflict of interest. I don’t believe she really understood where I was coming from but it turned out the particular athlete specializes in a slightly longer sprint than what my specialty is. So…no harm, no foul. Besides, this particular ad is only being shown in Asia, so aside from the fact that I just told all of you, nobody will even know about it. At the end of the day it’s money in my pocket and the most amazing homemade carrot cake I’ve ever tasted. I don’t know why it’s so easy for me to always revert back to something food related, but I’m telling you this cake was that good. And guess what? In some unconnected, irrelevant way, Nike is still paying me whether they want to or not. Ha!

9 comments:

melanie said...

this one is particularly hilarious, bri. and i'm glad you're makin your money...but i hope you know now that you are officially the new angry black woman. enjoy my crown! ;o) love you!

Unknown said...

Ok just a bit of anger in your tone, but your right as fans we do need to educate Nike Corp. Remember that Bruce Willis was in the backround of the movie the Verdict with Paul Neuman and look what a star he turned out to be.Just grab the $ for now bri good things come to those who wait!

Brianna said...

lol...do i really sound angry??!! oops.

people, i am not angry. i am a blessed human being that is able to run for a living and sometimes i take pictures and when the two are combined that should be a good day. sorry if it came off wrong although yes, it's true that Nike irritates me just a bit.

Anonymous said...

As an unabashedly faithful consumer of Nike products, I am shocked that they are not breaking their necks to sign such a talented (and lovely) athlete to their team. They for sure will be getting a letter of protest from me or at least a one day boycott. Sorry, Brianna, I had planned to cop the new Jordans on Sunday, so one day is my limit. :-)

By the way, you do sound more than a little perturbed at Nike. I heard Phil Knight has hired extra security for fear that you might cut him. :-)

Anonymous said...

Lol. You are very blessed but you still have the right to feel unappreciated or slighted by Nike. Good luck with your training and as people have already mentioned, good things will happen to you as long as you keep pressing.

Anonymous said...

LOL @ you always bringing food into the equation. Nike's loss! Luckily, their loss is a gain in your pocket.

White Flower said...

Glad you got some modeling practice in for the shoot! See you tomorrow! ;)
xoxo...j*

Jackie E. said...

Hey Bri, Congrats on getting the Nike ad. See it's a good thing you decided to go to the casting after all:)

Anonymous said...

I am writing my angry letter to Nike right now. How dare they not sign you on the spot?