Scripts
Air poster

Screenplay data

Air script

Struggling in 1984, Nike's talent scout Sonny Vaccaro defies convention to pursue an exclusive shoe deal with basketball prodigy Michael Jordan, who initially prefers Adidas. Sonny convinces Jordan's parents and Nike CEO Phil Knight to offer an unprecedented deal, including a percentage of revenue, for the revolutionary Air Jordan 1s designed by Peter Moore. At Nike headquarters, Sonny delivers a powerful speech to Michael Jordan, swaying him to accept the deal after intense negotiations with his agent and mother. The film concludes with Sonny reflecting on the immense success of the iconic Air Jordan brand, which transformed Nike into a global powerhouse and immortalized Michael Jordan.

IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt16419074
74Scenes
22Characters
29Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

Air Save the Cat analysis

Nike marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro fights internal skepticism and industry competition to sign rookie Michael Jordan to an unprecedented shoe deal.

Open full beat sheet
85

Key characters

Sonny Vaccaro

Sonny Vaccaro is listed as Nike Basketball Talent Scout. Short, squat, Italian-American, tireless, determined, unconventional. In the parsed data, Sonny Vaccaro is connected to 44 scenes, 395 dialogue lines, 397 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

44 scenes / 395 dialogue lines

Rob Strasser

Rob Strasser is listed as VP of Marketing at Nike. 6'3, 280 pounds, red beard, pragmatic but stressed. In the parsed data, Rob Strasser is connected to 23 scenes, 157 dialogue lines, 158 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

23 scenes / 157 dialogue lines

Phil Knight

Phil Knight is listed as CEO and Founder of Nike. Bohemian capitalist, long hair, orange-red beard, runner. In the parsed data, Phil Knight is connected to 11 scenes, 104 dialogue lines, 130 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.

11 scenes / 104 dialogue lines

David Falk

David Falk is listed as Michael Jordan's Agent. Shiny bald head, power agent, aggressive negotiator. In the parsed data, David Falk is connected to 9 scenes, 66 dialogue lines, 76 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.

9 scenes / 66 dialogue lines

Deloris Jordan

Deloris Jordan is listed as Michael Jordan's Mother. Intelligent, protective, sharp negotiator. In the parsed data, Deloris Jordan is connected to 9 scenes, 37 dialogue lines, 39 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

9 scenes / 37 dialogue lines

Peter Moore

Peter Moore is listed as Lead Designer at Nike. Wizard, mad scientist, prematurely balding. In the parsed data, Peter Moore is connected to 7 scenes, 25 dialogue lines, 37 text mentions, first appearing around scene 48.

7 scenes / 25 dialogue lines

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is listed as Basketball Prospect. Once-in-a-generation talent, reserved, focused. In the parsed data, Michael Jordan is connected to 4 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 75 text mentions, first appearing around scene 60.

4 scenes / 13 dialogue lines

James Jordan

James Jordan is listed as Michael Jordan's Father. Practical, mechanic, supportive. In the parsed data, James Jordan is connected to 4 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

4 scenes / 8 dialogue lines

Tinker Hatfield

Tinker Hatfield is listed as Designer at Nike. Cowboy hat-wearing, designer, creative genius. In the parsed data, Tinker Hatfield is connected to 3 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 49.

3 scenes / 14 dialogue lines

JOHN O'NEIL

JOHN O'NEIL is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, JOHN O'NEIL is connected to 3 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 20.

3 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

SECRETARY

SECRETARY is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SECRETARY is connected to 3 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.

3 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Pop Herring

Pop Herring is listed as High School Basketball Coach. Tall, slender, thin black mustache, experienced. In the parsed data, Pop Herring is connected to 2 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 31 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.

2 scenes / 11 dialogue lines

RICHARD

RICHARD is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, RICHARD is connected to 2 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

2 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

JOHN FISHER

JOHN FISHER is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, JOHN FISHER is connected to 2 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 59.

2 scenes / 6 dialogue lines

HORST DASSLER

HORST DASSLER is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, HORST DASSLER is connected to 2 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 20.

2 scenes / 4 dialogue lines

LARRY BIRD

LARRY BIRD is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, LARRY BIRD is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

2 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

KATHE DASSLER

KATHE DASSLER is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, KATHE DASSLER is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 20.

2 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

STU INMAN

STU INMAN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, STU INMAN is connected to 1 scene, 17 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

1 scenes / 17 dialogue lines

BILL

BILL is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, BILL is connected to 1 scene, 8 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

1 scenes / 8 dialogue lines

POP

POP is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, POP is connected to 1 scene, 5 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 40.

1 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE

GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE is connected to 1 scene, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.

1 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

FLIGHT ATTENDANT is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, FLIGHT ATTENDANT is connected to 1 scene, 4 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 43.

1 scenes / 4 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. UNKNOWN SCENE

    The scene opens with an old TV commercial featuring NBA legends Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Larry Bird promoting Converse sneakers, highlighting their achievements while wearing the shoes. The commercial concludes with a tagline before transitioning to a black screen with music playing.

    MAGIC JOHNSON, LARRY BIRD, ISAIH THOMAS
  2. 2. EXT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - DAY

    The scene opens by contrasting the modern, luxurious Nike headquarters with its much humbler, almost uninspiring appearance in 1984, as Strasser comments on the year. The camera then moves through the 1984 building, highlighting the prevalence of track and field imagery over more popular sports.

    Rob Strasser
  3. 3. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

    Rob Strasser, VP of Marketing at Nike, leads a meeting with the Basketball Division to discuss draft picks, revealing they've missed out on top prospects like Jordan. A new character, Sonny, aggressively challenges a team member's suggestion of Melvin Turpin, exposing the lack of genuine scouting.

    BILL, Sonny Vaccaro, TIM, Rob Strasser
  4. 4. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CAFETERIA - DAY

    Sonny and Strasser discuss potential basketball players for Nike's endorsement deal, debating options like Stockton, Barkley, and Jordan, while expressing concerns about the company's precarious position in the basketball market. The scene ends with Sonny revealing he has a secret meeting with "the shoe dog," piquing Strasser's interest.

    RICHARD, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  5. 5. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Phil Knight and Sonny debate the future of Nike's basketball division, with Phil questioning Sonny's value and Sonny advocating for increased investment despite recent company losses, all while a mysterious skateboarder provides a brief distraction.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, SECRETARY
  6. 6. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - NIGHT

    A janitor cleans the Nike headquarters hallway at night, seemingly alone, but the narrative hints that he might not be.

  7. 7. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Sonny is in his office, surrounded by mountains of VHS tapes, meticulously reviewing basketball player highlights. After a long session, he packs some tapes and leaves, passing by Nike's framed mission statement.

  8. 8. INT. GROCERY STORE - NIGHT

    Sonny wanders a grocery store at night, looking at old cereal boxes and sneakers, before being told by an employee that the store is closing. He then awkwardly asks the employee if she knows where "Gonzaga" is, which she misunderstands, leaving Sonny feeling tired and old as he sees his reflection.

    GROCERY STORE EMPLOYEE, Sonny Vaccaro
  9. 9. INT./EXT. SONNY'S CAR - NIGHT

    Sonny pulls over his car on a suburban street and quickly devours two strawberry shortcake ice cream bars before resuming his drive.

  10. 10. EXT. VACARRO HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT

    A character arrives home, pulls into the driveway, and then meticulously destroys a strawberry shortcake box and disposes of it along with four uneaten bars in the trash.

  11. 11. INT. VACARRO HOUSEHOLD - SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Sonny is in his office watching two TVs, one with a sports tape and the other with ESPN. A tennis commercial featuring Arthur Ashe catches his attention, but he then returns to the tape, experiencing a moment of profound realization as he watches footage of "JORDAN".

    ARTHUR ASHE
  12. 12. INT. STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny interrupts Strasser's meeting to pitch his radical idea of signing only Michael Jordan to an exclusive shoe deal, rather than multiple players, convincing a skeptical Strasser by highlighting Jordan's unique potential. The scene concludes with Jordan's agent calling, indicating Sonny's bold plan might be gaining traction.

    RICH, Sonny Vaccaro, SECRETARY, Rob Strasser
  13. 13. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny rushes into his office, causing papers to fall, and then picks up the phone, anticipating someone on the other line.

  14. 14. INT. PROSERV AGENCY - DAVID FALK'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny attempts to secure a meeting with Michael Jordan through his agent, David Falk, but is informed that Jordan is committed to Adidas, though Falk offers Nike a chance to submit a competitive offer to drive up Adidas's price.

    Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
  15. 15. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny returns to Strasser's office, confirming that they have a strong chance with Jordan despite the high budget, and reveals he is meeting with someone who previously passed on Jordan.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  16. 16. INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

    Sonny meets with Stu Inman, General Manager of the Portland Trailblazers, at a restaurant to discuss basketball prospects. Sonny questions Stu about the Trailblazers' decision to pass on Michael Jordan in the draft, while Stu defends their choice based on team needs and Jordan's perceived limitations.

    WAITER, Sonny Vaccaro, STU INMAN
  17. 17. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - DAY

    Sonny arrives at Phil's office for a meeting and is surprised to learn from Phil's secretary that others are already inside.

    PHIL'S SECRETARY, Sonny Vaccaro
  18. 18. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny and Strasser meet with Phil Knight, where Sonny passionately argues for Nike to sign Michael Jordan, ultimately convincing a reluctant Phil to consider the high-stakes investment by betting his career on it.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  19. 19. EXT. ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS - DAY

    The scene describes the imposing, futuristic appearance of the Adidas headquarters in 1984, highlighting its monolithic architecture and the historical artifacts displayed in its museum.

  20. 20. INT. ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

    At a somber meeting of the Adidas braintrust following the founder's death, John O'Neil tries to introduce a new business opportunity centered around 'JORDAN,' which is met with a mixed reception and then interrupted by voice-overs from Phil Knight and Strasser.

    Phil Knight, Rob Strasser, JOHN O'NEIL, HORST DASSLER, KATHE DASSLER
  21. 21. EXT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - DAY

    The scene describes the exterior of the Converse Headquarters in North Reading, Massachusetts, detailing its appearance as a refurbished brick factory with the "CONVERSE ALL STAR" logo prominently displayed.

  22. 22. INT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

    At Converse Headquarters, CEO John O'Neil and VP Joe Dean review their draft board, noting Olajuwon is circled and Bowie is crossed out, leaving Michael Jordan as the next significant name, which they acknowledge with a nod.

  23. 23. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY

    Phil Knight confirms that everyone is on board and asks if they can get a meeting, which Strasser questions, before the scene cuts to David Falk who flatly refuses.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk, Rob Strasser
  24. 24. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Sonny and David Falk are on the phone, negotiating an offer for Michael; Sonny reveals a 250k offer and tries to get Falk to agree to a meeting, while Falk remains firm but eventually agrees to make some calls.

    Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
  25. 25. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT

    Sonny and Strasser discuss their strategy for recruiting Michael Jordan, with Sonny revealing a 250k offer and his intent to contact Jordan's parents, which Strasser strongly advises against, leading to a broader conversation about their roles at Nike.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  26. 26. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Sonny repeatedly tries to make a phone call to the Jordan residence in Wilmington, North Carolina, but hangs up before connecting, and the scene ends with a time lapse showing the sunrise over his car.

    OPERATOR, Sonny Vaccaro
  27. 27. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SONNY'S OFFICE - MORNING

    Strasser enters Sonny's office to find him absent, despite his car being in the parking lot. After a brief conversation with the secretary, Strasser hears his own office phone ringing and rushes back to answer it.

    SECRETARY, Rob Strasser
  28. 28. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - STRASSER'S OFFICE - MORNING

    Strasser receives an urgent phone call from Sonny, who, from an undisclosed payphone location, informs Strasser that he needs him to delay Phil and that he is going to Carolina.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  29. 29. INT. PDX TERMINAL - DAY

    Sonny, at the airport, has a quick phone call with Strasser, explaining his sudden departure and instructing Strasser to cover for him, before the scene transitions to a title card for Wilmington, North Carolina.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  30. 30. EXT. WILMINGTON AIRPORT - DAY

    Sonny arrives at Wilmington Airport, stepping out into the humid August air and observing his new surroundings.

  31. 31. EXT. RENTAL CAR PARKING LOT - DAY

    Sonny, a walk-up customer, is shown a truly hideous 1984 Toyota minivan by a rental car employee, much to Sonny's dismay and the employee's surprising approval.

    Sonny Vaccaro, RENTAL CAR EMPLOYEE
  32. 32. INT./EXT. - SONNY'S RENTAL CAR - DAY

    Sonny drives his minivan on a North Carolina highway, consulting a map and expressing frustration about his location.

    Sonny Vaccaro
  33. 33. INT./EXT. - SONNY'S RENTAL CAR - DAY

    Sonny arrives in his rental car at a gravel driveway, hearing cicadas, and looks out at something.

  34. 34. EXT. JORDAN RESIDENCE - DAY

    Sonny Vaccaro arrives unannounced at the Jordan residence to speak with James and Deloris Jordan about endorsing Michael. Despite Deloris' initial resistance and annoyance at his persistence, Sonny's passionate argument about not taking no for an answer convinces her to invite him in.

    Deloris Jordan, Sonny Vaccaro, James Jordan
  35. 35. EXT. JORDAN RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - DAY

    Sonny meets with Deloris Jordan in her backyard to discuss Michael Jordan's shoe deal, where he attempts to convince her to consider Nike by predicting the pitches from Converse and Adidas and making his own compelling case.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Deloris Jordan
  36. 36. EXT. CAROLINA HIGHWAY - DAY

    Sonny drives along a Carolina highway, observing the landscape, before taking an exit into a suburban neighborhood and parking his car.

  37. 37. EXT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

    The scene opens with a view of Emsley A. Laney High School, marked by a sign welcoming visitors and congratulating the '84 seniors.

  38. 38. INT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

    Sonny wanders through the hallways of Emsley A. Laney High School, observing the typical school environment, until he hears the sound of basketballs dribbling and heads towards it.

  39. 39. INT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - DAY

    Sonny Vacarro from Nike visits Coach Pop Herring at Emsley A. Laney High School's gym, initially being mistaken for a journalist, but eventually secures a brief meeting to discuss Michael.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Pop Herring
  40. 40. INT. EMSLEY A. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL - POP'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny visits Pop Herring, Michael Jordan's former high school coach, to understand the true story behind Jordan being cut from the team. Pop explains it was for development, not a lack of talent, and then challenges Sonny to admit he's seeking confirmation for his own endeavors, which Pop ultimately validates.

    POP, Sonny Vaccaro, Pop Herring
  41. 41. INT./EXT. RENTAL CAR - EVENING

    Sonny drives his van back towards the airport as evening falls, observing the misty woods and the sounds of insect life.

  42. 42. EXT. RENTAL CAR PARKING LOT - EVENING

    Sonny returns the rental van to the parking lot and drops off the keys to the same employee.

  43. 43. INT. PLANE - NIGHT

    On a plane, Sonny interacts with a flight attendant, changing his mind about peanuts and receiving a pair of plastic captain's wings which he pockets before looking out the window.

    Sonny Vaccaro, FLIGHT ATTENDANT
  44. 44. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - MORNING

    Sonny is in his office early, waiting for a call from David Falk, who is upset Sonny showed up at Michael Jordan's house. Falk informs Sonny that Michael and his mother will be coming to Beaverton for a meeting, but warns Sonny that Michael is not excited about it.

    Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
  45. 45. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - DAY

    Strasser arrives at Nike Headquarters, walks down the hall, and notices Sonny's office is empty before opening his own office door.

  46. 46. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny informs a surprised Strasser that Michael Jordan is coming to Beaverton, requiring them to work through the weekend, and also mentions a plan to get shoes to Pop Herring, despite Strasser's concerns about approval.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  47. 47. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - ELEVATOR - DAY

    Sonny and others enter an elevator at Nike Headquarters, and Sonny presses the 'B' button, causing the elevator to descend multiple floors until the doors open.

  48. 48. INT. NIKE SHOE LAB - DAY

    Sonny and Strasser visit Peter Moore, Nike's lead designer, in his state-of-the-art lab to request a new, beautiful shoe. Peter Moore confidently accepts the challenge to create a shoe that can compete against Converse and Adidas.

    Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro
  49. 49. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SHOE LAB - DESIGN ROOM - DAY

    Sonny outlines his innovative vision for athlete-specific shoes, leading to the introduction of eccentric designer Tinker Hatfield, before revealing that the target athlete is Michael Jordan, much to Peter Moore's astonishment.

    Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Tinker Hatfield
  50. 50. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny intensely debates with Phil Knight, advocating for an unprecedented offer to Michael Jordan that includes a percentage of revenue, despite Phil's philosophical objections and skepticism.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro
  51. 51. EXT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - DAY

    David Falk and the Jordan family arrive at Converse Headquarters, where they are greeted by John O'Neil and Joe Dean.

    JOHN O'NEIL, David Falk
  52. 52. INT. CONVERSE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

    In a Converse conference room, executives attempt to recruit Michael Jordan by showcasing their current superstar roster, but Michael's parents, Deloris and James Jordan, express concerns about him being overshadowed by established players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

    LARRY BIRD, David Falk, James Jordan, JOE DEAN, JOHN O'NEIL, Deloris Jordan
  53. 53. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SHOE LAB - DESIGN ROOM - DAY

    In the Nike design lab, Sonny suggests defying NBA rules by adding more red to a shoe design, viewing the potential fines as a marketing opportunity, while Peter Moore finds inspiration for a new design element from Sonny's pilot wings, and Tinker Hatfield reveals his surprising family history.

    Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Tinker Hatfield, Rob Strasser
  54. 54. EXT. PORTLAND ROAD - DAY

    Phil Knight steps out of his house dressed in running gear, stretches, and mentally prepares himself to start his run amidst a light fog.

    Phil Knight
  55. 55. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - NIGHT

    Sonny and Strasser wander the empty Nike headquarters late at night, discussing the arbitrary nature of the work week and the potential loss of their jobs if their current venture fails. Sonny tries to reassure Strasser about his future while downplaying his own, leading to a philosophical debate about home, security, and career paths.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  56. 56. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM

    Sonny and Strasser discuss the unexpected feelings of success and the nature of work, with Sonny trying to reassure a skeptical Strasser before surprising him with a birthday cupcake, just as Peter Moore arrives to announce they are ready.

    Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  57. 57. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - SHOE LAB - DAY

    In the Nike shoe lab, Peter Moore unveils the revolutionary Air Jordan 1s, which deeply impress Sonny and Strasser, while Tinker Hatfield offers a poetic description of their design before being caught eating Strasser's birthday cupcake.

    Peter Moore, Sonny Vaccaro, Tinker Hatfield, Rob Strasser
  58. 58. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY

    Phil Knight and Sonny discuss the company's current state and the proposed Michael Jordan shoe line, with Phil confirming the full budget for the line, a decision he made during a run.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro
  59. 59. INT. STRASSER'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny and Strasser are trying to come up with a title for their new shoe line when Richard interrupts, mistakenly believing they are signing Michael Jordan. After being dismissed, Richard returns with a hypothetical suggestion, "Air Jordan," which immediately resonates with Sonny and Strasser.

    RICHARD, Sonny Vaccaro, JOHN FISHER, Rob Strasser
  60. 60. INT. ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

    Michael Jordan, Deloris, and James meet with Adidas executives, including Horst Dassler and John Fisher, to discuss a shoe deal, where they consider shoe styles and colors, and Deloris questions who makes the final decisions at Adidas, revealing Kathe Dassler is in charge.

    Michael Jordan, JOHN FISHER, HORST DASSLER, Deloris Jordan, KATHE DASSLER
  61. 61. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT

    Sonny, Strasser, Phil, and Pete prepare for their meeting with Michael Jordan, with Sonny outlining strategies for making a strong first impression, including Phil's late arrival and a single shoe design. They also discuss defying NBA color rules for publicity and the appeal of rebellion to teenagers, before Phil and Sonny share a final, philosophical exchange.

    Peter Moore, Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  62. 62. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Strasser finds Sonny working late, offers him emotional support and reassurance that he doesn't have to be right, before the scene transitions to a new day.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  63. 63. EXT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - DAY

    Sonny waits outside Nike Headquarters for the Jordan family, who arrive in a limo, and after some initial awkwardness, Michael Jordan makes his grand entrance before they all head inside.

    Michael Jordan, Deloris Jordan, Sonny Vaccaro, James Jordan
  64. 64. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - ENTRANCE - DAY

    The Jordan family arrives at Nike Headquarters, where they are welcomed with a Hardee's feast, leading to a brief dialogue about the restaurant's location before Strasser guides them further into the building.

    Rob Strasser, Deloris Jordan, James Jordan
  65. 65. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

    Sonny Vaccaro, observing Michael Jordan's disinterest in the initial Nike presentation, interrupts the meeting to deliver a powerful, prophetic speech about Jordan's future legacy and how Nike can immortalize him, seemingly swaying the decision in their favor.

    Michael Jordan, Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk, Rob Strasser, Peter Moore
  66. 66. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    In his office at night, Sonny sits at his desk, leans back, and closes his eyes, illuminated by moonlight.

  67. 67. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny receives an angry call from David Falk, who discovered a clause in the contract that allows Nike to void the deal if Jordan doesn't meet certain performance metrics. Falk reveals Adidas is matching their offer, putting pressure on Sonny to find a solution within sixty minutes.

    Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
  68. 68. INT. NIKE HEADQUARTERS - PHIL'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Sonny confronts Phil Knight about a contract negotiation, urging him to break rules and sign a revised deal that includes a percentage of sales for an athlete, ultimately convincing Phil by reminding him of Nike's own "Break the Rules" commandment.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro
  69. 69. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny calls Deloris Jordan, who answers the phone, and Sonny asks if Michael is there.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Deloris Jordan
  70. 70. INT. JORDAN RESIDENCE - KITHCEN - DAY

    Sonny calls Michael Jordan, who is initially hesitant about signing with Nike due to contract clauses and injury concerns, but Sonny reassures him by highlighting his talent and the importance of betting on himself.

    Sonny Vaccaro, Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan
  71. 71. INT. SONNY'S OFFICE - DAY

    Sonny and David Falk finalize a deal, with Sonny successfully securing a percentage of sales, and they discuss future talent and their ongoing, somewhat contentious, business relationship.

    Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk
  72. 72. INT. PHIL KNIGHT'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Phil Knight and Sonny reflect on their journey with Nike, discussing the company's name and logo, and acknowledging their success while looking forward to future endeavors.

    Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser
  73. 73. INT. GROCERY STORE - NIGHT

    Sonny returns to the grocery store and sees a box of Wheaties with Michael Jordan on the cover, smiling as he realizes the potential of this moment.

  74. 74. EXT. VACARRO HOUSEHOLD - EVENING

    Sonny attempts to go for a run, struggling to make it even a block, while intercut title cards provide historical financial data and career summaries related to Nike, Air Jordan, and key figures like Sonny, Phil Knight, and Rob Strasser.

Dialogue examples

POP HERRING Good. Because I'm all about simple. We complicate simple things all too often for no damn reason. People like the narrative... Michael Jordan cut from his high school basketball team. But you're a smart guy. You're an ad man. You know why people like that story. Because it means Michael Jordan is a human, just like them. They like the story because they can see themselves in it. If Michael Jordan got cut and made it... then I can fail and still make it. But that's just a story to sell shoes. The truth is... Michael was always going to be great. He was already great. You could tell. And that was the problem. He knew he was good. Nah... we saw his talent. But he was too young. So we put him on JV so he could grow... so he could play more. Thought it might light a fire. Which it did. When people tell that story... the story that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team... what they fail to mention is he was back on Varsity eight months later.

Pop Herring / Scene 40

SONNY (CONT'D) A shoe is just a shoe until somebody wears it. Context is everything. Boring running shoe right? What if I told you it was the shoe that took the gold medal? Changes everything. Context is everything. All we're doing is providing that context from the start. A shoe that serves as a method of expression. A converse will always just be a converse. Your name isn't on it. Yeah, you could be mentioned in the same sentence as Magic and Bird. But you know what's better than that? SONNY (CONT'D) Being mentioned all on your own. A tier of one. We're going to NAME the shoe after you. No one else has that. No one. Not Magic. Not Bird. SONNY (CONT'D) Everyone at this table will be forgotten as soon as our time on this cold spinning rock is over. Except for you. You will be remembered forever. Because some things are eternal. You're Michael Jordan... and your story is going to be the history of flight.

Sonny Vaccaro / Scene 65

PHIL KNIGHT It feels like you just walked in here one morning. You know, most people... you can picture them as children. Kind of get an idea what their parents were like... how it shaped who they are today. But you... I can't imagine you any different than you are right now this very moment. You're going to be sneaking through the pearly gates of heaven... and the first thing you'll be looking for is a 6'9 kid with a good jump shot... and you're going to be looking to make a deal.

Phil Knight / Scene 72

POP Your five minutes were up two minutes ago. But let me just say this: confirmation's a dangerous thing to go searching for. You already know Michael's good. That he's special. You don't need me to tell you that. You don't need anyone to tell you that. So what are you here for? Just so the man who cut Michael Jordan could look you in the eye and tell you that what you're doing is right?

POP / Scene 40

JOE DEAN I've seen a lot of basketball, and the feeling I get when I see Michael play... there are only a few other players that gave me that feeling. And those players are here at Converse... JOE DEAN (CONT'D) they're the best of the best. It's that simple. Magic Johnson. Larry Bird. Michael Jordan. Those names all belong in the same sentence. And they belong at Converse.

JOE DEAN / Scene 52

SONNY My mother had trouble bearing children. Went through two miscarriages. Bad ones. And when it finally happened... I wasn't easy either. Delivery took almost twenty- four hours. She said all she saw looking up into that hot bright light in the hospital room was the sun. SONNY (CONT'D) She said it was the first thing that came to mind when she saw my face. The sun. Sonny.

Sonny Vaccaro / Scene 35

SONNY No, actually I agree with you. Mel Turpin is going be good. In Europe, when he's out of the league in four years. Maybe we can sign him then. We have an office in Paris, right? You like Mel Turpin because he was the fifth pick in the draft. You like him because it's an easy answer and no one is going to give you shit for saying you like the fifth pick in the draft.

Sonny Vaccaro / Scene 3

SONNY Here's the real question: why do we divide the week into seven days? All the other calendar units come from astronomical cycles. A year is the time it takes the earth to orbit the sun once. Months are one full moon cycle. Days are one rotation of the earth. But... a week? You can't even divide 365 by 7. It's a prime number. It has no correlation to anything.

Sonny Vaccaro / Scene 55

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