Friday 28 November 2008

News Reel 28/11/08

Dig for Fire Launch cutting edge website.

Digital platforms are changing the landscape and modern production companies are shedding their skins to match the scene. One such chameleon is NY based Dig For Fire.

Since its formation in 2007, the production company Dig For Fire has been marrying the work of established talents and fresh voices, all of whom share the goal of creating best of breed music films lead by the finest independent artists. DFF is now dabbling in branded content as well as new methods of communication.

Recently the collective will launched its own platform http://www.digforfire.tv/ to showcase its broad palate of creative projects and music series. Dig For Fire has already built an impressive archive of inspired music films and has been embraced by the online music community. With the launch of its own devoted site, the company debuts a significant destination intended for both industry types and fans alike.

Setting themselves apart from the rest DFF have a downloadable news widget pulls headline feeds from the other independent music and art blog sites that form the community of which it is a part. Dig For Fire has also opted to turn the site not only into a high def video platform, but also by inviting young visual artists to use the website.

Not only that but DFF (embracing the D.I.Y. spirit of the audience it caters too) invites a new creative voice each month to custom design original site backgrounds and thus develop a kind of virtual gallery and exhibition space existing over the site's established framework. It offers a unique opportunity for artists, designers and photographers to reach new audiences, linking to these creators’ own websites and portfolios.

For more info go to http://www.digforfire.tv/


RUSHES moves in with ITCH Films.

Rushes in partnership with Itch recently announced the reopening of a fully equipped, newly refurbished and re-branded Studio. The new venture combines a state of the art studio space with Rushes’ long-standing knowledge of pack shots and motion control studio shoots. Boutique production company Itch Film, whose founding partner Charlie Paul is a highly experienced food shoot specialist, is perfectly suited for this new collaboration.

The studio has undergone a complete transformation; the stage area has increased in size and there is a stylish, contemporary client area, WIFI internet access and a roof terrace. The studio is equipped with the only permanent Motion Control Camera in central London, making it the most convenient studio for shooting film or video in town. In addition to the Mitchell 35mm camera and Mark Robert’s Flair software, it offers a large range of lenses, filters and lighting, making it hugely versatile - suitable for all sorts of production needs, including VFX, stop-frame animation, blue or green screen shoots, effects element shoots and pack shots.

The highly experienced team are on hand to ensure that shoots run smoothly and production skills are of the highest levels. They will offer advice on comprehensive best quality techniques, performing high or low speed, time lapse and shooting of VFX shots. Packages for shooting, neg developing and post production are available.

Since it’s opening in September, the collaboration has already carried out a number of jobs including brands such as Galaxy, Gillette, Sony and Persil.

Rushes’ Director of Production Carl Grinter commented on the opening: “This is a huge opportunity for us to apply our VFX and post production knowledge to front end shoots for VFX elements, stop frame animation and pack shot versioning, combined with the creative and Directorial support from Charlie, in terms of his huge skills and knowledge in animation, demonstration sequences, food and beauty.”

Itch Film Managing Director Lucy Paul added: “We are very excited about our studio re-development and the installation of the Rushes motion control rig which will tremendously increase shooting capabilities for us. This new partnership will allow our roster of Directors to expand their horizons, which, coupled with our current high end production values, and the benefit of Rushes’ outstanding post expertise, will enable us to offer our clients a smooth running full production service.”

http://www.rushes.co.uk/

http://www.itchfilm.com/


Pirata’s set sail in 08.




Former senior Dare Digital creative duo, ­Eduardo de Felipe and David Boleas, are going solo by establishing a new independent digital production agency called PIRATA. The new outfit opens its doors on 1st December 2008 with initial backing from Work Club.

Launched to provide a hi-end digital production partnership for both advertising and digital agencies, Pirata will specialise in design, production and technical solutions. Pirata’s first commissions are from two leading digital agencies and a major project from an undisclosed top 10 advertising agency. Work will go live in early 2009.

Whereas most production agencies rely solely on digital expertise, each member of the Pirata team has impressive advertising credentials. Eduardo de Felipe was previously Dare’s associate creative director and is a 2009 D&AD judge. David Boleas was formerly creative lead at Dare. Cathy Olmedillas will be providing production and project management experience gained by working for Work Club, Poke and Unit 9. And a top level technical hire will be announced in December 2008.

Between them, Eduardo, David and Cathy have nearly three decades of advertising experience; share many industry accolades, including D&AD, Campaign Digital, Cannes Cyber Lion, IMAA, One Show and Webby awards; have crafted notable campaigns for Sony Bravia ‘Colour Like No Other’, Vodafone, Sony Ericsson Cybershot, Google, eBay, Barclays and PlayStation; whilst also securing pitches for the likes of Sony Europe, Beck’s and BMW.

Pirata’s Eduardo de Felipe said: “UK ad agencies are commissioning much of their high-end digital production overseas. We’re here to offer a face-to-face alternative here in London.”

Work Club’s creative partner, Andy Sandoz, said: "Sail ho! Britain needs more high-end digital craft shops like this. Shame they're all Spanish."

UNIQLO / CANNES Competition.

After winning the Cannes Lions Titanium Grand Prix in 2008, UNIQLO is to produce an official Cannes Lions T-shirt for 2009. The festival and uber-brand have decided to invite people from all over the world to design a memorable T-shirt based on the Cannes Lion logo suitable for distribution at the 2009 Cannes Lions event.

In the Cannes Lions T-shirt Grand Prix competition, previously unpublished designs can be only submitted from November 21, 2008 to the exclusive website:

http://ut.uniqlo.com/utcannes/en/

A Grand Prix-winning design will be commercialized as a T-shirt for distribution at Cannes Lions 2009. All 10 selected entries will be adopted for T-shirts to be sold next summer in UNIQLO.

(We expect ours in the post by June the 1st guys…)

For more info go to www.canneslionsjapan.com/index.html or here if you cant speak Japanese (shame on you) http://www.canneslions.com/


Mustard Sign Animation Director Michael Wright

Mustard Films have signed live action / animation director Michael Wright to their roster for commercials representation. Michael previously directed through Aardman Animation where he began making films using a mixture of 2D animation, Stop Frame, CG and other effects, combined seamlessly with live action.

http://www.mustardlondon.com/

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