The Inspired Unemployed add their satirical humour to a farewell love story – with ridiculous twists – for Kathmandu.  

Motion Sickness has blended Jack Steele and Matt Ford’s famous blokey banter and trademark chemistry – as well as their love of the outdoors – into a parody story about parting, adding their individuality to a product ad.

In the commercial, the pair are going their separate ways (temporarily) to explore what individuality means to them. Steele has opted for a stripped-back, minimalist style, while Ford has gone bold with colour and accessories. Two mates, two styles, one adventure-ready pack.

Beneath all that, the commercial shows how Kathmandu’s most versatile and customisable pack yet, The Trailhead Pack, adapts to any personality, mood or mission.

Ford commented, “We’ve been wearing Kathmandu forever. It was our recent adventure trip to Kyrgyzstan that really inspired us. The gear was amazing — the mattress was next-level, and our puffers literally turned into pillows. That’s when we realised working with Kathmandu made total sense.”

Steele stated, “These days, everyone’s hanging out for a bit of connection. We’re all stuck on our phones, flat out in life, but as soon as you get into nature, everything slows down. It gives you a proper recharge.”

Ford added, “Watching a sunset from a rock or hill, everything feels okay. Life’s amazing. You stop and think, ‘Alright, it’s not that bad.’ Whatever that worry was — it doesn’t matter.”

Credits:

Creative Agency: Motion Sickness
Executive Creative Director: Sam Stuchbury
Creative Directors: Melina Fiolitakis & Jolin Lee
Senior Art Director: Hamish Steptoe
Head of Strategy: Hilary Ngan Kee
Senior Strategist: Logan Barnes
Genral Manager: Alex McManus
Account Directors: Katie Shrubb & Matt Campher

Talent: Matt Ford & Jack Steel (@theinspiredunemployed)
Director: Dylan Pharazyn
Producer: Kristian Eek
DOP: Adam Luxton
Production Designer: Guy Treadgold
Stylist: Dan Awha
Production Manager: Paddy Compter
Editor: Damian Golfinopoulos
Grade: Matic Prusnik
Online: Stu Bedford
Music & Sound Design: Max Scott
Photographer: Holly Burgess
Stylist: Katie Melody Rogers
Stills Producer: Nigel Sutton
Media Client Director: Sea Cohen
Senior Business Manager: Meg Thomason