CONTACT: Talia Boone
Phone: 310-651-6960
Media@TeamIdentifi.com

Next Level: Behind Baker

Identifi launches new series, “Next Level: Behind Baker”, a docu-series following 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield

Los Angeles, CA – March 14, 2018 – Identifi has announced the launch of its new series, “Next Level”. Focused on the stories of fascinating figures evolving from one stage of success to another, this first installment is titled “Behind Baker.”

“Behind Baker” features an unprecedented look at the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield. The series grants unlimited access to the journey of an elite college athlete as he fights for his place atop the NFL Draft.

Shot over three months, the 8-episode series will premiere in April 2018 on a date and time to be announced. Trailer: www.BehindBaker.com

"To say that Baker Mayfield has a polarizing personality would be a huge understatement,” said Aaron West of Identifi. “When we set out to make this series, our number one goal was to tell compelling stories of inspirational athletes and entertain with exclusive access to experiences that most people have never seen. We found out that Baker is much more than the bravado we’ve all seen portrayed in the media. Baker’s story of perseverance as a defiant underdog is even more inspirational than even he imagined. Identifi jumped at the opportunity to tell this story because we think it’s one that transcends the sport of football. We’re thrilled Baker has chosen to share that powerful message with all of us and we are excited for viewers to see the real Baker Mayfield."

“We wanted a way for athletes to create content with high production value in their own voices and styles,” said Co-Creator Spencer Gordon. “Everyone is drawn on a human level to the process of high profile athletes transitioning levels, teams, and phases of their careers, and we created a series format that shines a light on those captivating and highly personal experiences. Identifi partnered with Baker as the first subject in the series because he is a magnetic personality. We know viewers will be drawn to him just as we were from the very first day we met him.”

Baker Mayfield went from undersized and over-looked to the most highly touted and most talked about NFL prospect in recent memory. He is living proof that with hard work, dedication and the confidence in yourself, there is no limit. Said Baker, “I had to overcome a lot of things, but with that, I’ve inspired a lot of people. The stories I hear about kids saying that they’re gonna decide to walk on because of what I’ve done, that means a lot more. It’s much more than just a game; it’s much more than just my story. I can inspire others, and ‘Behind Baker’ exemplifies that.”

Identifi partnered with Series Executive Producer, Michael Hayden, to bring Baker’s story to life. With over a decade of experience telling stories from the NFL to the UFC, Mr. Hayden was the ideal fit to mold Next Level’s inaugural run around the transcendent Baker Mayfield.

"Anyone who has been doing this as long as we have wishes for the opportunity to tell a story as rich as this," said Mr. Hayden. “Baker’s celebrity is growing by the day, but the real truthful experience is his humble and genuine nature.”

Teaming up with marketing and public relations agency, Waterhouse Hayes, Identifi is excited about this groundbreaking new model for creating and releasing content. “Bottom line is we wanted to do something different,” explains Lindsey Waterhouse. “We founded our agency on the principles of innovation and creation. Baker exudes charisma and we wanted that to be showcased in a way that separates him from the rest. He’s one of a kind - young, hungry and kinetic. This platform enables him to create and control his own content, showing the real Baker Mayfield.”

The series is being launched with the support of ACE Media, the content arm of the NFL Players Association.

The docu-series features interviews with Baker’s former Oklahoma coaches Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley. The full-length trailer is available now and first full episode will be available on www.BehindBaker.com.

Advance press screeners are available upon request. Additional series information, including behind-the-scenes content, is available on the Next Level: Behind Baker website, www.BehindBaker.com. Follow Next Level: Behind Baker on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For Inquiries:
Media – Talia Boone, Media@TeamIdentifi.com
Partnerships – Aaron West, AWest@TeamIdentifi.com
Baker Mayfield – Lindsey Waterhouse, LW@WaterhouseHayes.com

About Baker Mayfield

First a standout as the starting quarterback for the Lake Travis High School Cavaliers football team, Baker began his college football career as a walk-on player for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He is notable for being the first walk-on true freshman quarterback to start a season opener at a BCS school. Baker transferred from Texas Tech to Oklahoma where he ultimately won the starting quarterback job in 2015 over Cody Thomas and incumbent starter Trevor Knight. Baker was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 2017.

About Identifi

Identifi is an innovative sports, talent and media company offering a bold style of full-service career management and representation for top athletes and entertainers. They are content creators with a management studio business model for the digital world, and a passion for data and technology. Next Level is the company’s first foray into storytelling with additional projects currently in development.

About Waterhouse Hayes

Waterhouse Hayes is an LA based marketing, branding and public relations agency that specializes in creating and executing marketing from the ground up. Waterhouse Hayes instills a hands-on, athlete-centric approach, servicing each athlete's personal and business solutions that effectively build, develop and promote clients’ brands on and off the field.