
Ken Block's Gymkhana videos have swept the Internet by storm. The first one was a huge success and the second one, even though it had a lot to live up to, was just as entertaining. Now the announcement has come that a third one is on the horizon and the first part has debuted today. It's not quite what you expect being more of a music video infomercial, but still worth a watch in anticipation for the rest.
Official press release available after the break.
PRESS RELEASE
DC LAUNCHES THE GYMKHANA THREE PROJECT
Ken Block And The Cool Kids Collaborate For Music Video Infomercial
August 24, 2010 - HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - DC and Ken Block are proud to
announce the official launch of the highly anticipated Gymkhana THREE
Project featuring the DC Co-Founder and rally car driver's newest
apparel and footwear collection. Leading off the acclaimed franchises'
newest chapter is: Ken Block's Gymkhana THREE: Part 1; The Music Video
Infomercial (feat. The Cool Kids). Check out the video now live at
http://www.dcshoes.com/gym3 and find the featured track on iTunes. The
previous Gymkhana videos have been viewed more than 70 million times
worldwide and have become viral internet sensations.
"In planning Gymkhana THREE, we looked into what made the previous
videos so successful and decided that in order to one up the best parts
from each, we would need to break Gym3 into more than one video," said
Ken Block. "Gymkhana THREE: Part 1 builds on the slick, high production
aesthetic of Gymkhana TWO, The Infomercial, by actually taking this
concept to the next level in creating a full blown music video with the
help of hip-hop duo The Cool Kids."
This music video is packed with everything that people have come to
expect from the Gymkhana videos but taken up a notch. Look for Ken, his
Gymkhana THREE 2011 Ford Fiesta, Gymkhana style driving, new DC x KB
product, insane visuals and stunts - all set to an original track,
"Clicking (Gymkhana THREE)" that was written and produced by hip-hop duo
The Cool Kids exclusively for Gym 3: Part 1. The video, which was shot
over 48 hours in studio in Los Angeles, CA, was directed by acclaimed
music video director, Bryan Barber, who has worked with music icons
including Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Lil Wayne, and Beyonce.
"This was one of the coolest projects we've been a part of," said Mikey
Rock and Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids. "It was inspiring to get to
work with Ken and the director Bryan. The stunts and action in the video
were so exciting, definitely not something we have done before."
"Filming The Music Video Infomercial was super fun," said Ken. "Working
with The Cool Kids was surreal, I never thought I would be co-starring
in an over-the-top music video. But, the next part is where the real fun
begins for me."
Making their debut in the Gym3: Part 1 video are Ken's newest DC
apparel, footwear and accessories pieces, some of which were developed
exclusively for the Gymkhana THREE Project. Inspired by the livery and
colors of Ken's Gymkhana THREE 2011 Ford Fiesta the products incorporate
the drip paint pattern and Ken's signature "Block" lettering and # 43
graphic. New products specifically highlighted in the video include
three footwear styles; the Block Spartan Hi WC, Block Pure, and the Pro
Spec 2.0 Mid and three apparel pieces; a windbreaker, a zip-up
sweatshirt, and a t-shirt. Fans can check out all of Ken's products on
DC's website where they'll also find accessories like a hat and beanie,
as well as women's and kids shirts.
To date Ken Block's series of Gymkhana videos have had more than 70
million views virally. Gymkhana TWO earned a Bronze Pencil at the One
Show Entertainment Awards in the "Online Branded Entertainment" category
and was #4 on Ad Age's list of top viral videos of 2009. Most recently
Gymkhana TWO won a 2010 People's Telly Silver Award, presented by
YouTube.
For behind the scenes photos and info on Gym3: Part 1, to watch the
previous Gymkhana videos, and to check out Ken's DC products visit
http://www.dcshoes.com/gym3. "Clicking (Gymkhana THREE)" by The Cool
Kids is available to purchase on iTunes beginning today as well. Look
for Gym 3: Part 2 to drop in early Fall 2010.
###
About DC:
Founded by Ken Block and Damon Way in 1993, DC quickly grew to a leader
in performance skateboarding shoes and renowned action sports brand.
Today DC stands as a global brand whose product line has expanded to
include men's, women's and kids' skateboarding and lifestyle shoes,
apparel, snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear, and accessories.
As one of the cornerstones of its marketing strategy, DC has built a
world-class team of professional skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing,
BMX, motocross and rally athletes that exemplify and enhance DC's brand,
develop its signature products, and support its promotional efforts. DC
is a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Inc.
About Ken Block:
Ken Block's rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control became
quickly apparent and Block aptly nabbed Rookie of the Year in the Rally
America Championship. Since then, Block has continued to race in the
series, boasting a healthy number of podium appearances, as well as X
Games medals. In addition to his performance in the car, Block has been a
driving force in shedding light on the sport within the United States.
Block co-founded DC Shoes, a worldwide leader in performance
skateboarding shoes and a renowned action sports brand. His keen
branding and marketing acumen not only elevated DC to their current
eminent status, but has allowed Block to achieve global fame as a
national rally driver through his wildly successful viral video
campaigns. Ad Age named his "Gymkhana TWO" the No. 4 Viral Video of
2009. In January 2010, Block signed with Ford Motor Company to campaign
both the Rally America series and the World Rally Championship, being
the first American to do so.
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