The Story behind Adidas Samba x Mercedes-Benz

If you think Adidas Samba x Mercedes-Benz sounds crazy, then wait till you hear that this shoot was actually paved by a conversation Pius had in Paris with Ben and Katy Perry (yes, genuinely, no exaggeration here). 

For the global campaign shooting Pius and Tabea headed to Berlin and for the new Adidas Samba x Mercedes-Benz Collab. It sounded like a dream setup on paper—and it was. Just accompanied by a healthy dose of behind-the-scenes chaos, questionable bookings, and a lot less sleep than anyone planned.

Bunk Beds & Berlin Timing

Berlin had an interesting start. Why? Well, let’s just say someone swore the confirmation said hotel, meanwhile it said hostel. So, there they were, prepping for a high-profile commercial shoot while trying to navigate youth-hostel dorm energy. Maybe next time someone should let Project Management book the accom - just an idea. 

What followed was easily one of the most intense nine-hour production marathons to date. We were tasked with capturing both photo and full video within a single day. Add to that a cast of international influencers from practically every time zone - like actually influencer, influencer, influencer wherever you looked - and you get a set that was buzzing at 200%.

Keeping that kind of tempo running without crashing took some serious heavy lifting. Massive credit goes to the brilliant crew at AprilMay Production for keeping the entire machine flawlessly organized, and to .martensgarten for handling talent management like absolute pros.

"Hajimemashite" & The Legend of Uli

Every high-speed production has its defining moments, and this one came with two absolute highlights.

For one, having low-key picked up bits of Japanese over the years through work with clients like Falken Tyres, Pius decided it was time to test his skills in the wild. Walking up to Aki and Koichi with a slightly improvised "Hajimemashite, watashi wa Pius-san desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" could have easily gotten awkward. But lucky for us, they absolutely loved it and an instant bond was forged over broken Japanese and good humor.

Second, and most importantly: Uli. Serving as the 1st AC on set, Uli solved every technical puzzle before anyone else even realized there was an issue. In a high-stakes, nine-hour dash where every second counts, having someone like that in your corner is priceless. Pius came back with one golden rule: never step onto a set without Uwe again. Much love to Uli Abi.

The Finish Line

By wrap time, feet were done and brains were fried, but the energy was through the roof and the footage spoke for itself. 

Curious to see how it all turned out? Check out the final visual story over in our Work Case!