A CUT ABOVE THE REST: NIKE AND THE BREW HOUSE SHOWCASE CRAFT THROUGH CINEMATIC COLLABORATION

Nike’s latest collaboration with The Brew House brings together a formidable creative team led by director Victor Pillai to deliver A Cut Above the Rest. The production highlights the power of collective talent, combining striking visuals, meticulous craftsmanship and innovative storytelling to create a compelling branded film.

Nike has joined forces with creative production company The Brew House for A Cut Above the Rest, a new branded film that reflects the growing ambition and sophistication of commercial storytelling in India. Bringing together an accomplished crew from across the advertising and film industries, the project demonstrates the collaborative spirit required to produce high-impact visual content for one of the world’s most recognisable sports brands.

At the helm of the production is director Victor Pillai, whose vision shapes the film’s narrative and visual identity. Supporting the creative process is executive producer Kashif Memon, who oversaw the project’s execution from concept to completion, ensuring that the collaboration met the standards expected of both Nike and The Brew House.

Cinematographer Yash Inamdar led the visual approach as director of photography, working closely with Pillai to create imagery that captures the film’s energy and distinctive tone. The production was coordinated by producer Durgesh Thakre, backed by an extensive team that ensured every aspect of the shoot ran smoothly.

The assistant directing department featured Ayush Mehta as first assistant director, alongside second assistant director Pankaj Singh and DA Aviral Garg. Their efforts helped maintain the pace and organisation of the production, while focus puller Suhail Ali played a key role in achieving the precision required for the film’s visual execution.

Production design was overseen by Ayush Kulkarni, whose creative contribution helped shape the physical world of the film. Hair and make-up artist Shirin Hussain added another layer of detail, while costume stylist Nishi Malwankar crafted looks that complemented the project’s aesthetic direction.

The film’s logistical backbone was equally extensive. Line producer Mairaj Ansari, production controller Sarfaraz Baig and production manager Aarish Sayyad coordinated operations behind the scenes. Location manager Dinesh ensured that filming environments met the production’s requirements, while a dedicated team of production assistants, including Sandeep, Babu Alim, Kalpesh, Shambhu, Raju, Hariom, Kaish, Anil and Sachin, supported the day-to-day demands of the shoot. Utility support was provided by Lucky and team.

Casting duties were handled by Rakesh Tare and MD Shizan, helping assemble the talent required to bring the creative concept to life. Storyboards by Ravi provided the early visual roadmap for the project, guiding the transition from idea to screen.

In post-production, Wendell Mendonce steered the process as post-producer, ensuring consistency across every stage of the final delivery. Offline editor Sayan Debnath of Mothership shaped the narrative rhythm, while online editor Shambhoo Maddheshiya, also from Mothership, refined the finished product. The film’s visual polish was enhanced through colour grading by Dimitri of Nube Studio.

Sound and music played a crucial role in completing the experience. Arif Malik served as sound recordist during production, while original music was created by Kabir and Dishaan of First Take. Final sound engineering was completed by Pratik Makwana of VoiceCraft.

Together, the collective efforts of this diverse team have resulted in A Cut Above the Rest, a project that reflects the increasingly cinematic ambitions of branded content and the value of expert craftsmanship at every stage of production.