Very slick 'full tilt' surf vid:
Monday 14 November 2011
Wednesday 19 October 2011
This is possibly the best thing ever...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Noses. Say no more.
http://teenagemutantninjanoses.tumblr.com/
Courtesy of @billyfaithfull
http://teenagemutantninjanoses.tumblr.com/
Courtesy of @billyfaithfull
Monday 17 October 2011
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Thursday 25 August 2011
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Imaginative Product Demos
It's all about the imaginative product demos nowadays. Like this one for Adidas...only the Japanese eh?
http://creativity-online.com/work/adidas-japan-adizero-lab-zero-vs-miniskirt/24071
http://creativity-online.com/work/adidas-japan-adizero-lab-zero-vs-miniskirt/24071
Friday 1 July 2011
Thursday 16 June 2011
Friday 3 June 2011
I've lassoed some stuff
A few bits and bobs for this beautiful Friday morning...
First up, a sweet new Starburst spot. Funny, simple...don't have to think too hard. 'Your dog's a contradiction.' It hits the spot for me.
Also on a 'doggy' tip is this well executed Doggelganger site. My dog didn't look anything like me though...although who am I to judge that?
http://www.doggelganger.co.nz/
And finally, a bunch of clever people, including the talented Oli Beale and Mr Ross Neil, have launched this clever site to launch the new Kaiser Chiefs album. Good work chaps.
First up, a sweet new Starburst spot. Funny, simple...don't have to think too hard. 'Your dog's a contradiction.' It hits the spot for me.
Also on a 'doggy' tip is this well executed Doggelganger site. My dog didn't look anything like me though...although who am I to judge that?
http://www.doggelganger.co.nz/
And finally, a bunch of clever people, including the talented Oli Beale and Mr Ross Neil, have launched this clever site to launch the new Kaiser Chiefs album. Good work chaps.
Monday 30 May 2011
Super Soaker Bloodbath
This is a decent music promo made on what appears to be a shoe-string budget (CGi depending!):
Friday 27 May 2011
A Useful Robot
This awesome camera-rig captures the night sky in such an amazing way.
Prof Brian Cox would be cracking one off over this:
Prof Brian Cox would be cracking one off over this:
Thursday 26 May 2011
inter top ma selecta
Some bits and bobs for a feeble Thursday.
Firstly, check out these incredible forgotten monuments scattered around what used to be Yugoslavia...like something from another planet. Movie set heaven. Here's the full set.
I want this chest of drawers. I just want a simple life.
I'm loving this painting by the super-talented Aaron Smith. Enchanting.
And finally, it's true...they're off. *wipes tears from eyes* All the best to the most inspirational duo in the business. Take a bow Yan & Luke...photo courtesy of jfcorcoran esq.
Firstly, check out these incredible forgotten monuments scattered around what used to be Yugoslavia...like something from another planet. Movie set heaven. Here's the full set.
I want this chest of drawers. I just want a simple life.
I'm loving this painting by the super-talented Aaron Smith. Enchanting.
And finally, it's true...they're off. *wipes tears from eyes* All the best to the most inspirational duo in the business. Take a bow Yan & Luke...photo courtesy of jfcorcoran esq.
Wednesday 25 May 2011
The Owl and The Pussycat
This rocks. I love how overly long it is. And the music.
The stars have aligned, as they say.
I wish they'd swap heads...
The stars have aligned, as they say.
I wish they'd swap heads...
Pole Pull Down
This is insane. A new sport in Asia called 'Pole Pull Down'. Careful, you could do yourself an injury young man...
via limitedfun
via limitedfun
Saturday 21 May 2011
It's Bonkers in Honkers
My friend in Hong Kong just sent me his latest ad. It's an absolute beauty. I want to go and work in Asia!
Friday 20 May 2011
Friskies iPad Games for Cats
In principle, I bloody love this. However, in the reality the idea of a stinking mutt swiping it's dirty paws and sharp claws all over my shiny new iPad2 is a bit too much to bear!
3D Google Streetview
Woah, did someone say 'Google Easter Egg'?!
Go to Google Maps. Go into Streetview...
Then hold down '3' on your keyboard. And voila! It all goes 3D. Sweet.
Go to Google Maps. Go into Streetview...
Then hold down '3' on your keyboard. And voila! It all goes 3D. Sweet.
Thursday 19 May 2011
The Dark Side of the Lense
You should watch this: The Dark Side of the Lense.
To me, it's a documentary of the highest order. And I'm not just saying that because I used to surf with Mickey back in the day in deepest, darkest Cornwall.
He's a man of extremes, regularly going to furthest corners of Britain and beyond, risking his life to get the most brilliant, beautiful footage.
This film is completely and utterly spine-tingling. More than inspiring. A true testament to film-making.
I tip my hat sir.
That is all.
To me, it's a documentary of the highest order. And I'm not just saying that because I used to surf with Mickey back in the day in deepest, darkest Cornwall.
He's a man of extremes, regularly going to furthest corners of Britain and beyond, risking his life to get the most brilliant, beautiful footage.
This film is completely and utterly spine-tingling. More than inspiring. A true testament to film-making.
I tip my hat sir.
That is all.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Blistering Barnacles
So excited about this. I was a BIG Tintin fan as a kid, in fact every time I wrote a letter in French to my Auntie in France, she sent me a Tintin book. Some might call it blackmail, I call it brilliant.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Up, Up and Away
Got a few briefs on at the moment and what better way to be inspired than to have another look at this awesome photo of Space Shuttle Endeavour that did the rounds yesterday. Taken by a passenger flying from NYC to Palm Beach.
I went to watch Prof Brian Cox and co last night, so my brain is rather hurting after being pumped full of science...nothing a cup of tea can't sort out though.
I went to watch Prof Brian Cox and co last night, so my brain is rather hurting after being pumped full of science...nothing a cup of tea can't sort out though.
Monday 16 May 2011
Battles Ice Cream (Headache)
Can't stop listening to this track by Battles. Or watching the uber-stylish vid...it's all over the shop!
Super 8 App
Loving the look of this nifty App that enables you to shoot Super 8 style film on your iPhone.
It's to celebrate the launch of the new 'Super 8' film. I saw the trailer the other day in the cinema and it has a real 'Goonies' vibe about it! A load of kids in a strange little town are making a movie on a Super 8 cam and unexpectedly capture a train crash. The cargo on board the train ain't no normal cargo though, you catch my drift? Oooooohhhhh...
Produced by Speilberg and directed by JJ Abrams, I'm expecting massive things from it.
It's to celebrate the launch of the new 'Super 8' film. I saw the trailer the other day in the cinema and it has a real 'Goonies' vibe about it! A load of kids in a strange little town are making a movie on a Super 8 cam and unexpectedly capture a train crash. The cargo on board the train ain't no normal cargo though, you catch my drift? Oooooohhhhh...
Produced by Speilberg and directed by JJ Abrams, I'm expecting massive things from it.
Sunday 15 May 2011
Big Plastic Hearts
Here's a cheeky little Sun ad we just did for their current LEGO promotion.
Muchos kudos to director Guilherme Marcondes at the ever brilliant Hornet in NYC. The man worked wonders on a very limited budget to create this mini epic. And no, that's not stop motion...incredibly it was all done in CGI.
Muchos kudos to director Guilherme Marcondes at the ever brilliant Hornet in NYC. The man worked wonders on a very limited budget to create this mini epic. And no, that's not stop motion...incredibly it was all done in CGI.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Andes Friend Recovery
This is AWESOME. In a nutshell, the Andes Friend Recovery enables you to be in the pub with your mates, when in reality you're stuck at home with your wife/girlfriend...brilliant.
Monday 9 May 2011
Wiley 'Numbers in Action'
This new video for grime boys Wiley is quite decent.
Although it does have similarities to this Toshiba spot by the brilliant Mr Mitch Stratten.
Although it does have similarities to this Toshiba spot by the brilliant Mr Mitch Stratten.
Mr Men Logos
I've spent Monday morning rounding up these lovely Mr Men from Google.
It's all about Mr Tickle if you ask me...
It's all about Mr Tickle if you ask me...
Sunday 8 May 2011
Must. Watch. TV.
I've got to have a TV series box-set on the go at all times, otherwise I feel a bit funny...
The Noughties (hate that phrase, but hey) gave us the re-birth of the TV series, and I, like many others, would much rather watch a TV series than a film.
Not that films don't have their place, of course they do, but TV series episodes 1) fit better into your life time-wise, 2) are consistently brilliantly written thanks to the pool of writers they usually use to keep standards high, and 3) give the characters and themes more time to develop.
At the moment I'm deep into the third season of 'Big Love' - an HBO series that's into it's fifth season in America. It was recommended to me by an American friend in Chicago...I don't think it's aired here yet.
Anyway, on the surface it looks a bit 'chicky'...but, as with most HBO series, it's turned out to be a belter. The show centres around the lives of a polygamist family that have left the rigours and restraints of their prophet's cult-like compound in the sticks to try and live a normal life in the suburbs.
Bill Henrickson, (Bill Paxton of 'Chet' fame in one of my favourite 80s film - Weird Science - "You two donkey dicks couldn't get laid in a morgue..." etc) and his three wives live in three houses situated next to each other in a Utah cul-de-sac, where they have to try and keep their polygamy hidden from regular society (it was made illegal in the late 1890s). The wives are played superbly by Jeanne Tripplehorn (taken roughly over the sofa by Michael Douglas in Basic Instinct), Chloe Sevigny (Kids, Gumo etc) and Ginnifer Goodwin (in some trashy rom-com at mo). So far, so good...
Anyway, here's my top 10 TV (drama) series of all time:
1. Dexter. TV heaven - brilliant concept, immaculate casting with Michael C Hall, incredible 'baddies' and story-lines. Black humour mixed with serious drama. Just perfect.
2. Mad Men. Takes a while to settle into but so worth it. A slow burner.
3. Lost. Would be top were it not for the final season - supreme character development, totally unique story-telling. Like nothing you'll ever watch. Think it was probably a case of 'too many cooks' in the end, but don't listen to what others tell you - just watch it.
4. The Wire. Took me 6 months to get past the first 3 episodes, but the most brilliantly realistic TV you'll ever see. Not as quite as good as everyone bangs on about, but definitely up there.
5. The Sopranos. The first decent series I watched (apart from Grange Hill) so maybe I've forgotten just how good it was...but a must-watch. No excuses.
6. Six Feet Under. Great concept, amazing cast, consistently brilliant for all 5 seasons. And it gave us Michael C Hall.
7. 24. Crack TV - you can easily watch 7 episodes of this in a row. Tailed off towards the end when I got bored of the Jack Bauer show, but another must-see.
8. Big Love. Great so far, has similarities with Six Feet Under but with the darker undertones of the Polygamist 'cult'.
9. Band of Brothers. One season, but immaculately done.
10. Fringe. Like The X-Files but all science/reality based. Worth watching for John Noble's perfectly acted mad scientist role alone.
The only British series that comes close is Sherlock (three episodes aired last year, currently filming full series - Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent as Sherlock and the direction is stunning).
I'd love to write a TV series some day (or at least come up with the concept). But it'll be HBO getting first dibs, not the BBC...(I wish!)
The Noughties (hate that phrase, but hey) gave us the re-birth of the TV series, and I, like many others, would much rather watch a TV series than a film.
Not that films don't have their place, of course they do, but TV series episodes 1) fit better into your life time-wise, 2) are consistently brilliantly written thanks to the pool of writers they usually use to keep standards high, and 3) give the characters and themes more time to develop.
At the moment I'm deep into the third season of 'Big Love' - an HBO series that's into it's fifth season in America. It was recommended to me by an American friend in Chicago...I don't think it's aired here yet.
Anyway, on the surface it looks a bit 'chicky'...but, as with most HBO series, it's turned out to be a belter. The show centres around the lives of a polygamist family that have left the rigours and restraints of their prophet's cult-like compound in the sticks to try and live a normal life in the suburbs.
Bill Henrickson, (Bill Paxton of 'Chet' fame in one of my favourite 80s film - Weird Science - "You two donkey dicks couldn't get laid in a morgue..." etc) and his three wives live in three houses situated next to each other in a Utah cul-de-sac, where they have to try and keep their polygamy hidden from regular society (it was made illegal in the late 1890s). The wives are played superbly by Jeanne Tripplehorn (taken roughly over the sofa by Michael Douglas in Basic Instinct), Chloe Sevigny (Kids, Gumo etc) and Ginnifer Goodwin (in some trashy rom-com at mo). So far, so good...
Anyway, here's my top 10 TV (drama) series of all time:
1. Dexter. TV heaven - brilliant concept, immaculate casting with Michael C Hall, incredible 'baddies' and story-lines. Black humour mixed with serious drama. Just perfect.
2. Mad Men. Takes a while to settle into but so worth it. A slow burner.
3. Lost. Would be top were it not for the final season - supreme character development, totally unique story-telling. Like nothing you'll ever watch. Think it was probably a case of 'too many cooks' in the end, but don't listen to what others tell you - just watch it.
4. The Wire. Took me 6 months to get past the first 3 episodes, but the most brilliantly realistic TV you'll ever see. Not as quite as good as everyone bangs on about, but definitely up there.
5. The Sopranos. The first decent series I watched (apart from Grange Hill) so maybe I've forgotten just how good it was...but a must-watch. No excuses.
6. Six Feet Under. Great concept, amazing cast, consistently brilliant for all 5 seasons. And it gave us Michael C Hall.
7. 24. Crack TV - you can easily watch 7 episodes of this in a row. Tailed off towards the end when I got bored of the Jack Bauer show, but another must-see.
8. Big Love. Great so far, has similarities with Six Feet Under but with the darker undertones of the Polygamist 'cult'.
9. Band of Brothers. One season, but immaculately done.
10. Fringe. Like The X-Files but all science/reality based. Worth watching for John Noble's perfectly acted mad scientist role alone.
The only British series that comes close is Sherlock (three episodes aired last year, currently filming full series - Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent as Sherlock and the direction is stunning).
I'd love to write a TV series some day (or at least come up with the concept). But it'll be HBO getting first dibs, not the BBC...(I wish!)
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Design-in Japan Blog
Great little blog for Japanese design work. Check it.
Of course, I'm loving the customized Famicom cartridges that matey has done.
Just look at the colour spectrum on display...ah yeah!
Of course, I'm loving the customized Famicom cartridges that matey has done.
Just look at the colour spectrum on display...ah yeah!
Sunday 1 May 2011
E-Chromi
I took a trip to the Design Museum over in Shad Thames yesterday to see the Designs of the Year exhibition there. Although quite small the exhibition was worth attending, with a handful of real stand-outs...
But it was this one, the E-Chromi, that stood out the most to me. In a nutshell, you drink a special biotic drink (looks a bit like an Actimel) then if you have a disease, you faeces comes out coloured. There's a chart to tell you which colour matches which disease.
Very clever stuff. And a cracking example of collaboration between scientists and designers.
But it was this one, the E-Chromi, that stood out the most to me. In a nutshell, you drink a special biotic drink (looks a bit like an Actimel) then if you have a disease, you faeces comes out coloured. There's a chart to tell you which colour matches which disease.
Very clever stuff. And a cracking example of collaboration between scientists and designers.
Friday 29 April 2011
One Single Life
This a great concept for an iPhone/iPad game, beautifully designed.
It's called One Single Life. And it's free.
So, yeah, you only get one life. When you die, that's it. You can't play it again.
It's so good because of the pressure, made all the more heated by the dramatic music.
I got to Level 7. Not good enough.
It's called One Single Life. And it's free.
So, yeah, you only get one life. When you die, that's it. You can't play it again.
It's so good because of the pressure, made all the more heated by the dramatic music.
I got to Level 7. Not good enough.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Zangief is watching you
There's a man in our office who looks like Zangief from Street Fighter 2.
Sometimes he watches us work...
Tuesday 26 April 2011
The idea is dead. Long live the idea.
Remember ideas?
Those little things that hold together advertising campaigns. The likes of 'Reassuringly Expensive', 'What's the worst that could happen?', 'Don't die before you've lived'...off the top of my head. Ideas that you pushed for as a student in order to make your portfolio better than anyone elses? Ideas that you actually had to work hard to get to? Hours spent in a room with just a layout pad and your bare wit for company? Well my friends, it seems to me as though the big idea - the strategy - that should be at the core of every campaign, is dead.
I was down in Cornwall at the weekend and paid a visit to my old creative partner - he runs a lovely hotel down there now. We had a chat about this and that, during which he asked me if I'd seen any decent ads recently. And literally, I couldn't think of any. Absolutely nothing came to mind. It was incredible.
And it's not surprising really. After all, it's all about things that just look cool nowadays - style over substance as they say. And the bigger problem - you can't sell in an idea without a reference. Of course, coming up with a strategy from scratch and then finding a reference is much too hard/time consuming nowadays. It's much easier just to find something on YouTube or Vimeo, add a vague end-line and voila. Done. Which is why nowadays shit like this appears:
This spot for Lucozade sums up everything that is going wrong with the industry. It feels generic and easy. Get some celebs, shoot it like a music promo and add a vague line.
One thing's for sure, it's no 'Good things come to those who wait.' It's no 'Hate something, change something.' It's no 'Don't let a mobile ruin your movie.'
In it's defence some will admire the simplicity of it. But for me it's the wrong side of simple...it's empty. I'm all for simple, but with a proper idea please.
Interactivity is of course where it's at now. But marry the two together - a strategy AND interactivity - and you're onto a winner in my humble opinion.
And the moral of the story? More thinking, less stealing please children.
Those little things that hold together advertising campaigns. The likes of 'Reassuringly Expensive', 'What's the worst that could happen?', 'Don't die before you've lived'...off the top of my head. Ideas that you pushed for as a student in order to make your portfolio better than anyone elses? Ideas that you actually had to work hard to get to? Hours spent in a room with just a layout pad and your bare wit for company? Well my friends, it seems to me as though the big idea - the strategy - that should be at the core of every campaign, is dead.
I was down in Cornwall at the weekend and paid a visit to my old creative partner - he runs a lovely hotel down there now. We had a chat about this and that, during which he asked me if I'd seen any decent ads recently. And literally, I couldn't think of any. Absolutely nothing came to mind. It was incredible.
And it's not surprising really. After all, it's all about things that just look cool nowadays - style over substance as they say. And the bigger problem - you can't sell in an idea without a reference. Of course, coming up with a strategy from scratch and then finding a reference is much too hard/time consuming nowadays. It's much easier just to find something on YouTube or Vimeo, add a vague end-line and voila. Done. Which is why nowadays shit like this appears:
This spot for Lucozade sums up everything that is going wrong with the industry. It feels generic and easy. Get some celebs, shoot it like a music promo and add a vague line.
One thing's for sure, it's no 'Good things come to those who wait.' It's no 'Hate something, change something.' It's no 'Don't let a mobile ruin your movie.'
In it's defence some will admire the simplicity of it. But for me it's the wrong side of simple...it's empty. I'm all for simple, but with a proper idea please.
Interactivity is of course where it's at now. But marry the two together - a strategy AND interactivity - and you're onto a winner in my humble opinion.
And the moral of the story? More thinking, less stealing please children.
Monday 25 April 2011
Saturday 23 April 2011
Football. Footballing. Football Goals. Win!
I used to hate football and love skateboarding. Until, that is, the day my dad took me to watch Aston Villa in February 1993.
At that point in time Villa were 2nd in the first Premier League, pushing for the title. And from the moment Dwight Yorke scored the winner that fateful day I was proper hooked.
18 years later, all I've really witnessed is two league cup wins and a number of false dawns. But it's always an interesting ride with the Villa. Unlike other teams around us, not even a billionaire chairman has managed to turn our fortunes round. Indeed we're flirting (mildly) with relegation this year after pushing top 6 for the past 3. In the past 2 seasons we've been knocked out the Europa League by the same team: Rapid Vienna. And for the past 2 summers we've sold our best player to Man City.
I don't really know where this is going...and actually that sums up what it's like being a Villa, or indeed a football fan. I love the game, but where is it going? I'm not talking about 'the future of the game with all the crazy money etc', more like where's it going in general - I mean, its never ending really isn't it? It just goes on and on, until you win something I guess. Anyway, rambling now.
The photo above was taken after our last minute winner (always a pleasure) vs West Ham last weekend. There's no real reason for my posting of it, other than it makes me incredibly happy. I promise never to write about football on here again.
Neat Freak
Neat freak alert.
Well, certain things I like to be super organised...like if there's a load of crap on my desk, I can't even start to think about ideas. Or, if there's washing-up to be done, I can't even begin to start cooking. I also like to line up trendy toys on my shelves and make grids out of my SNES games (OMG).
So anyway, this website appeals to me...
Thursday 21 April 2011
Tuesday 19 April 2011
'Press Here'
This is a beautiful book for kids that is so simple, yet so clever. Interactive without having to be techy.
Little Memories
A really great little installation idea that enables old memories to be brought to life.
Friday 15 April 2011
RESPEC'!!!
We did a voiceover recording yesterday with a true British film legend - Julian Glover.
The man has starred in the 'Holy Trinity' of movies: Star Wars (Empire), Indiana Jones (Last Crusade) and Bond (For Your Eyes Only). Nothing else needs to be said, apart from he signed my DVD...
The man has starred in the 'Holy Trinity' of movies: Star Wars (Empire), Indiana Jones (Last Crusade) and Bond (For Your Eyes Only). Nothing else needs to be said, apart from he signed my DVD...
Thursday 14 April 2011
You smell like you look amazing
I simply can't tell you how much I love the woman's line at the end: "You smell like you look amazing!" THAT is exceptional writing, right there people. Right fucking there. Lines, in my opinion, don't get any better...with the exception perhaps of 'the man your man could smell like.'
Inspirational. And yes, it is a patch on the original before you say it.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Saturday 9 April 2011
Super Scope!
An exciting package turned up on my doormat today - a SNES Super Scope!
Bought for a handsome fee of 0.99p (plus £7 postage) on Ebay, this classic bit of gaming kit always eluded me at the time. But now, my time has come...
Stay tuned for a review. You can't wait, I know...
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