New York Knicks, They’re Back!, Spec Commercial, 2023

written, directed, produced, edited

There’s an undeniable vibrancy that comes with being a New Yorker. As a filmmaker born and raised in this passionate city, I've always been compelled to capture its spirit. And there's arguably no better representation of New York’s passion, than being a Knicks fan- which I have been for most of my life.

This Knicks Spec Commercial was born out of two intertwined interests of mine: the undying spirit of New York and the world of sports. Through this piece, I sought to encapsulate not just the love for a basketball team, but the love for a city, its people, and the shared experiences that bind us all.

In many ways, this piece is a stepping stone. I look to it as a platform from which I can dive deeper into the world of sports advertising, with the ultimate goal of collaborating directly with in-house teams of various sports franchises across the U.S and abroad.

Regardless, at its core, “They’re Back!” is about expressing my unique voice and vision, while also showcasing how sports, cities, and their people are intertwined in a dance of emotions, stories, and exuberance. I know about this because that has been my whole life, and it was so much fun capturing that energy around New York City with real New Yorkers and real Knicks fans.

The 60-Second version of “They’re Back!” was released across social media platforms on Monday, October 23rd, 2023, coinciding with the first week of the NBA’s 2023-2024 Regular Season.

Over the first three days of release, ‘They’re Back!’ received over 100K views across all social media platforms.

60-Second Spot Social Links: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, Vimeo, YouTube

60-Second Spot was featured on: BigKnickEnergy, KnicksMovement and MorningBrewSports

The 30-Second version of the ad was released in collaboration with the account, NewYorkers, on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, and can be found here or at the bottom of this page.

writer, director, producer, editor: Alexander Hagani / producer: Hollye Swinehart / director of photography: Stefan Nachmann / production design: Lexx Onigbanjo / original music: Declan McLeish / re-recording mixers: Evan Mangiamelle and Virginia Wright at Heard City / gaffer: Emmet Luciano / location sound: Christian Guiñanzaca / 1st ac: Cindy Chen and Henry Fernberger / grip: Aidan Hayre / vfx artist: Andrés Ellis B. / colorist: Jared Rosenthal

featuring (in order of appearance): Antonio Costanza, Gabe Lemus, Fiona Thorpe, Tom Kimber, Max Month, Dave Drusky, Matt Friedland, Adam Scarzafava, Brian Vogel, Ben Aizer, Manny, Cole Holiday, Jwill 4 the Kill, Oscar, George Papoutsis, Andre Sykes, Naquan Moore, Tyler Gadson, Jack Ryan, Giovanni Ascuntar, Demetri Siafakas, Magdalena Jumas, Valerie Eisenbach, Lawrence Edelstein, Jean, Danielle Costanza and Nina Costanza.

local businesses/organizations/locations (in order of appearance): Jimbo Slims, L’Industrie Pizzeria, Garden Market, HeGotNext, Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church and Celebrity Prayer Candles

Credits