Cavan director's ad for Nike nominated for award

A young Cavan creative has been nominated for a prestigious industry award for his work with multinational sportswear firm Nike on an important commercial project aimed at building the brand's presence in the lucrative Chinese market.

Finn Keenan, working with London-based Riff Raff films, has been nominated in the 'Best Newcomer' category of British Arrows 2020, a ceremony which for over 40 years has championed and celebrated innovation, bravery and artistry in moving image advertising.

The finals takes place March 31, where Keenan has been recognise for his effort on 'Qiang Diao', an advert for Nike made for promotions agency Wieden+Kennedy.

NIKE - QIANG DIAO - DIRECTORS CUT from Finn Keenan on Vimeo.

Of the nomination for the BHH (Bartle Bogle Hegarty) sponsored award, Keenan says: “Its nice to be recognised for what is really the first big work I've done. Its for newcomer but on the bigger commercial scene side of things.”

'Qiang Diao' [Ch'yang d'yow] is Mandarin for confidence. It also can mean swagger or flair. It’s considered an attitude and spirit seen as commonplace among residents in multicultural Shanghai. As the adverts tag-line states: 'Many people want it, but only few have it'.