Merman's Nicole Ackermann Refreshes the Pepsi Game in Latest Campaign
Refresh the Game features today’s icons of women’s football united with legends of the past, as they refresh Pepsi’s most memorable footballing moments over the past 50 years.
For half a century, Pepsi has been at the heart of football culture, delivering era-defining films that shine a light on the sport's most legendary figures. From Pelé’s debut in the 1970s to David Beckham’s Wild West standoff and Ronaldinho’s beachside brilliance. The launch of Refresh the Game is no different - it's a celebration of footballing icons and the stars redefining the game today.
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With record-breaking viewership and surging participation, women’s football is entering a new era in becoming the fastest growing sport on the planet and Pepsi is committed to strengthening its future.
Its female lineup of world class talent including Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Caroline Graham Hansen, Farah Jefry and Leah Williamson are rewriting the rules and shattering stereotypes. Euro-conquering heroes, Champions League legends, prolific scorers, Ballon d’Or Feminin and Women's Super League royalty, this all-star lineup are defining dominance. On and off the pitch, their jaw-dropping skills, dynamic personalities, and unapologetic flair are changing the game.
The production was managed by Merman Branded in collaboration with Copa90 for PEPSI. The story was brought to life by an all-female production team and a predominantly female crew directed by Nicole Ackermann, edited by Amanda James at Final Cut alongside cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsey (All of Us Strangers) and the remarkable 1st Assistant Director Clara Paris. Their shared vision and dedication have resulted in a powerful and captivating film.
Nicole Ackermann says; “I’m so excited to help create a space that not only gives women’s football the podium it deserves, but also amplifies its voice. I’m deeply passionate about elevating women’s narratives in sports and showcasing the transformative power of sport and how it empowers women from all walks of life.”
CREDITS
PEPSI
VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL BRAND MARKETING Eric Melis
GLOBAL SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR Cathy Graham Kidd
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Adriaan Lathouwers
SENIOR INTEGRATED PRODUCER Eleanor Fitzgerald
COPA90
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Gavin Rowe
SENIOR CREATIVE Marc Xifre
CREATIVE Abbey Monteiro
PRODUCER Sophie Smith
PRODUCTION MANAGER Amber Clayton
MERMAN
PARTNER / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Siobhan Murphy
DIRECTOR Nicole Ackermann
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jamie Ramsay
HEAD OF PRODUCTION Alicia Farren
PRODUCER Jane Lloyd
PRODUCTION MANAGER Davina Abrahams
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Alexa Hartley
TALENT COORDINATOR Roma Nesi Pio
DIRECTOR'S ASSISTANT Julie Ackermann
1ST AD Clara Paris
2ND AD Lucy Kelly
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Chelsea Oliver
COSTUME DESIGNER PC Williams
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST Eve Coles
FJ HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST AJ Juttla
LJ HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST Ashleigh Haines
STUNT COORDINATOR Justin Pearson
CHOREOGRAPHER Bohdan Pylypchuk
CASTING DIRECTOR Lesley Beastall
FINAL CUT
EDITOR Amanda James
RASCAL POST
VFX SUPERVISOR Kalle Lundberg
VFX ASSISTANT Conrad Moody
SENIOR PRODUCER Evelyn O’Reilly
