Varsity Team

University of Brighton challenges University of Sussex across 18 sporting fixtures in contention for the Varsity Challenge Cup. It's incredibly pressurised with tempers often simmering just below full-rage, both in the crowd and on the field. 

They hate each other.

Creative Details

Team: University of Brighton Students' Union

Models: Captains & Co-Captains

Location: Brighton University Studios

Post Production: Simon Callaghan

The Campaign

The brief was to create intimidating and motivational posters to inspire the home team Brighton University sports fans. We also wanted the added element of antagonising the opposition, to get under their skin with some striking images that get talked about. The athlete photographs were placed around both university campuses for promotion and heightened anticipation for the Varsity series. 

The Photoshoot

The morning was spent on the pre-light, working through the style and tone of the photographs to find a look that matched the SU's vision. Once we honed this in, we started photographing our athletes who would front the advertising campaign. These models were predominantly team captains and co-captains; as the leaders of their teams, we felt they should lead this photographic battle cry. 

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The Theme

During a photoshoot, I like to have everyone involved. When everyone has a full awareness of what's happening why and it's happening, it creates a comfortable environment. Models can ask questions, assistants offer more intelligent support and clients feel confident watching the photoshoot. This collaborative approach isn't for everyone, but it's how I like to work.

When the athletes stepped on set to be photographed, we explained the brief, the concept and what the photographs would be used for. This is last thing we told the athletes before photographing them:

We want intimidation, without arrogance. Look down the lens with the expression of 'You...you're beneath me"

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The Result

We were all really happy with the results. Theres not much more to say! Clients loved them, athletes used them and the ultimate success...Brighton won the Varsity Cup this year.

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