In beautiful black and white pictures by one of the world’s leading photographers — Nick Danziger — Mana captured the All Blacks as they’d never been seen before. In the sheds, on the bus, in their hotel, even out on the field. All profits from the book went directly to KidsCan, the All Black’s official charity, set up to help disadvantaged Kiwi kids. Words by James Kerr.
The power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person.
The Mana logotype and jagged cut of the text font BP Adam were inspired by the mountains of New Zealand. The cover stock – curious skin – was chosen for its tactile, leather-type touch reminiscent of the surface of a rugby ball. The format of the book was based on the format of a rugby pitch, the spine being the halfway line. Pre-press production of the imagery was done in Hong Kong. The book was printed in China. We doubled the hit of black ink on press to add a richness to the imagery.
Each All Black portrait in the book featured a personal anecdote or story accompanied by their All Black number. Maori text was picked out in silver echoing the silver fern emblem.
Narrative Maori themes were visualised throughout the book. The spirit of whanau and the haka sequence for example, which shows kids of different ages being taught the haka at school to the All Blacks performing it before a game.
The book was launched at the Electric Cinema, Portobello Road, London, in front of invited guests, current and past members of the All Blacks, including legendary captain Sean Fitzpatrick, who signed my copy of the book!