National Zero-G(eographic)

Gravity – overrated isn’t it? I mean, who really needs it. Unfortunately, since Newton ate an apple under a heavy tree and invented the bloody thing we’ve been stuck with it. Or something like that. We don’t know – The Reel deals with ads, not sciences.

Joshing aside, if there’s one thing that pretty much unites all ads it’s the fact that the people, products and places involved are all subject to the laws of physics. Well not any more, as brothers and sisters London have created a set of idents for the National Geographic channel that reduce the G’s to zero!

Made to correspond with the channel’s upcoming Space Week event, the campaign is the first time a TV channel and European agency have filmed in total weightlessness. To achieve the effects, the creative team took National Geographic’s iconic yellow border, 20 cubes of jelly, a rack of pool balls, four balloons, two apples, several torches, four packs of M&M’s shoved them in a G-Force One airplane.

Travelling to the Nevada Desert, the team, headed up by creative directors Steve Shannon of brothers and sisters and Lee Parker of National Geographic Channel UK, experienced weightlessness in a specially-adapted Boeing 727 aircraft - the G-Force One. The same type of plane used by NASA to train their astronauts, the aircraft performed a series of high-altitude flight movements, during which the plane climbed at a 45 degree angle to approximately 10,000 metres before freefalling rapidly in what is known as a parabolic curve. The top of each curve allows 30 seconds of true weightlessness – achieving zero gravity.

The crew experienced 17 parabolic dives in the vomit comet, giving them just eight and a half minutes to record the idents. Strategically positioned camera crews captured each angle, ensuring that every second of zero gravity was recorded on film. Each time zero gravity was achieved, every member of the crew on board was sent floating – lights, cameras and props in hand – as the action commenced. Amazingly, the majority of the shots worked!

The resulting idents are ‘experiments’ in zero gravity with various objects, including a handful of pool balls being hit by the cue ball, the bursting of a balloon filled with water; and crew members sliding up the walls of the plane, throwing each other to play catch. Smartly retaining the shambolic spontaneity of the shoot (for evidence just check out the terrific Making Of) by leaving in the accidental socks and crew floating in to view, the idents contain a truth that wouldn’t be achieved through a CG interpretation of the experience. Coupled with the fact that Nat Geo views got to recommend the items they wanted to go all Jim-Bexley Speed, the resulting work combines the channel identity, explorative nature and sense of fun with aplomb.

http://www.brothersandsisters.co.uk/

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/

Barnardo's Break The Cycle

Children’s charities have a tendency to tug on the heartstrings in order to raise awareness and contributions – but the past couple of weeks have seen a devastating new campaign for Barnardo’s launched that is more likely to rattle your ticker around its cage than tug on its strings.

Monday 24th saw the TV launch of ‘Break the Cycle’ – a shocking document of an ever-quickening cycle of crime, domestic violence, drugs and despair from which a young girl cannot break free. Through smart editing, painfully emotional scenes flash across the screen, accompanied by a relentless drumbeat of slaps, cries, mocking laughter and demands for money which escalate until the viewer is exhausted and desperate for release. Emotionally draining, the ad forces punters to see the plight of some children and the good work of Barnardo’s.

However, the startling TV spot is just the tip of the campaign’s shocking iceberg. On the charity’s website - www.barnardos.org.uk – is housed the online film ‘Hunting’. Raising the debate around the UK’s demonisation of children, the piece’s grainy, hand-held footage portrays a group of men preparing to tackle their local pest problem. It’s not until they shoot at a group of kids that the viewer learns that every line of their dialogue was written by members of the public about children on newspaper websites (including the shocking line, ‘shoot a few and if that doesn’t work, shoot a few more’).



A direct element to the campaign can be found in the accompanying digital work – viewable here and here - in which the user is invited to interact with the characters from Barnardo’s point of view. An abusive teenage girl shouting at the camera just wants to be told she is worth something. When the viewer clicks on the scream during her rant a voice over translates what she is actually trying to say if only someone would listen. A violent boy destroying his cell is literally crying out for a human touch. The clear call to action at the end of each execution invites viewers to learn more about Barnardo’s work and about what they themselves can do to help.

Speaking of the project Nick Gill, ECD at BHH says, ‘Our new Barnardo’s campaign uses TV and ground-breaking digital banners to drive home the message that even the most troubled children need rescuing’. Barnardo’s UK Director of Communications Diana Tickell adds, “The campaign seeks to remind the public that the children we chastise, fear, expel, despise and lock up, are still children. There is a story behind the behaviour of many of our youth and as a nation we seem to have lost our empathy’.

Shocking and emotive, the new campaign certainly gets its point across. Regardless as to whether it will inspire a heap of folk to dig deep and send over their pennies, the spots and accompanying digital work will certainly make most think twice before judging an unfamiliar youth.

Meribel 08

Meribel 08…

It’s almost upon us.

Cannes smaller, cooler, more discerning boutique cousin is suiting up once more for another round of awards, workshops, seminars and an obligatory bash at the slopes in the 3 valleys.

Launched in 2001 the Meribel Ad Festival has grown steadily over its lifespan. The inaugural festival had just over 300 in attendance and this number has grown to over 1000 for the up and coming 08 meet. In just under 6 years the festival has generated the reputation of the ‘not to be missed’ end of year meet in the European advertising calendar. Considering that Meribel only opened its doors to the rest of Europe in 2004 – that is no mean feat!

The Festival attracts a heady mix of agencies, clients, media buyers, producers, directors and press (pretty much all, sundry and the kitchen sink) and provides a truly unique atmosphere for discussion and networking. Unlike the loud, showy kegger-party that is Cannes, Meribel offers up a quieter, classier, more focussed take on the years advertising. And whilst it may not be as big as its summertime cousin, it certainly doesn’t lack the punch, drawing in industry heavyweights from all over Europe, eager to contribute and indeed, learn.

Founder Christian Cappe recently announced the ambition of the festival, dubbing Meribel as the place to ‘promote European advertising creativity’

Always moving forward, Meribel has enlisted the talents of many industry luminaries to head up debates and give inspirational talks about the industry as a whole. Sister-mag Contagious are at the meet again this year pinpointing the importance of ‘people era’ focussed brands in their groundbreaking ‘wildfire’ forum. Meribel attendees can see who won which quality awards in 08 in Patrick Collister’s ‘Won Report’ as well as taking part in a multitude of other enthralling debates and talks.

We at the Reel are still most excited about The Meribel Young directors Forum, where 8 new directors are invited to the meet to take part in the festivities and have their say. This years Jury consisted of people involved in the all aspects of filmmaking, giving a broad and rich pool of opinion in the selection process.

The jury this year included:

Gérard Pirès Director
Jeremie Noël 2C Associés/Meribel Ad Festival
Olivier Dujol Bellefaye
David Green BETC EURO RSCG
Justine Valletoux CB News
Charlotte Bricard CB News
France Monnet CLM BBDO
Marc Eychenne Dailymotion
Florence Potiee-Sperry DDB PARIS
Christophe Caubel H
Fabien Fournillon Kodak
Valérie Lacoste Kodak
Fabrice Damolini Mikros Images
Gilles Gaillard (DGA) Mikros Images
Pierre Marcus Production WAM
Hani Tamba Director
Hugo Rubini Rubini & Associés
Mickaël Pradignac Shorts TV France
Renaud Chan Studio 37
Pascale Petit Les Temps Modernes


And more importantly - Winning this year was:

Abimbowé by Alex Montoya (Spain)
Bulletproof I wish I where by Brice de la Corte (France)
Interférences by David Bertram (France)
Jésus et les drogués by Antoine Della Maria (France)
Les Williams by Alban Mench (France)
Rémy by Romain Basset et Christophe Berthemin (France)
Retour Simple by Philippe Dufaux (France)
Seeking you by Jean-Julien Pous (Canada/France)


The overall competition in December close the creative year and in past years have acted as a yardstick of the coming international prizes in 09. We look forward to the fresh air and great company that Meribel always offers, and as always, can’t wait to see the new work from the agencies and directors involved!!

P.s...

The Reel will be in Meribel from the 14th - so if you want to meet up... You know where to go!

NewsReel 21/11/08

Hey you!! News us up by emailing editor@thereel.net. In the words of Arnie - 'DO IT!'

Short and Sweet / Getty Images FILM CHALLENGE
Over the past few months, Short & Sweet has been working with Getty Images on a film challenge – asking upcoming helmers to illustrate the many ways in which the Getty archive can be used.

Short & Sweet put forward a selection of talented, undiscovered film makers from which ten directors were chosen and given a brief. From those ten, four very different directors - Laurie Hill, directing team Big Red Button, Jasmin Jodry and Ian Mackinnon with directing partner Dominic Parker - got to make their films come to life. The films will be judged by Eliza Williams (Creative Review), Bill Bungay (CD BMB), Al Maccuish (CD Mother Vision), James Spence (CD BBC) Graham Fink (CD MC Saatchi) and Matthew Butson (Getty Images)

The superfly prize giving for the film challenge plus a special Short & Sweet end of year screening will take place on TUESDAY, 25 November at the AKA Bar, 18 West Central Street - Doors @ 18h30, Films @ 19h30 and entrance (as always) FREE!!!

Get your bums down for what guarantees to be a night of top notch filmic talent.

Partizan gets Eskil-ed

Partizan have signed Daniel Eskils to their roster of directors – whose filmic past includes videos for Those Dancing Days, Alphabeat and Dungen, as well as virals, including one for Boys Noize. Find more info on Daniel and his work here -
http://www.partizan.com/partizan/musicvideos/?daniel_eskils – or wait for you November Reel where you’ll see him in our coveted Ones To Watch section

HRA get Bowl(er)ed over
Hibbert Ralph Animation’s extremely busy autumn period just been crowned with the signing of hot animation newcomer, George Bowler. Since joining in early November, George has already secured a Nokia-sponsored short film commission.

Bristol-based Bowler comes from a graphic design and animation background. His skills include stop-frame animation, graphics and 3D; with his reel demonstrating talent in a wide range of fields: short films, design commissions, stage visuals, titles and idents.

…and finally

We don’t often get to feature spec music promos on our DVD as record labels threaten to punch us in the face with an angry lawyer. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to link to a superb one from our NewsReel, does it? Check out what uber-talented Partizan director Eric Lerner did for opne of his fave Sigur Ros tracks.


[][][][] / "Sigur ros - Gong" / Eric Lerner from Eric Lerner on Vimeo.

What a clever chap

NewsReel 14/11/08

Wave Studios launches in Amsterdam.

Award-winning audio post-production and sound design hot-shop expands operations, opening new studios in Continental Europe

Wave Studios one of London's most respected audio post-production and sound design facility, opens its doors in city-centre Amsterdam, at the heart of the city’s creative hub, on the Herengracht. This month, founders Johnnie Burn and Warren Hamilton, who opened Wave’s UK doors in Soho in 1999, see the culmination of two years work in bringing Wave’s audio expertise and creative talent to the Netherlands.

The UK’s multi-award winning sound design hot-shop capitalises on its reputation at the top of its game with the new facilities in Continental Europe. Wave Amsterdam is designed to service both the local Dutch market as well as the international creative industry and will be working on a local rate card.

Founder Johnnie Burn explains: “Amsterdam is a magnet for creative bureaus. The Dutch are known for their design talent and creative eye, we’re excited about tapping into that. We also considered New York and LA, but expansion into mainland Europe is a better first step. Eventually we’d like to attract business from throughout the Continent, but the Netherlands is certainly our main focus.”

Co-owners Burn and Hamilton assume the role of Creative Directors to oversee projects by their audio-design team, who work from three state of the art studios. These cater for all radio and dubbing needs including Dolby Cinema in 5.1. The studios also have digital picture facilities and access to a vast collection of 200,000 sound effects.

Warren Hamilton points out: “Wave has developed a worldwide reputation for sound excellence because we've built the business on a core ethos of creative distinction, passion for audio and unswerving dedication. Our Engineers are like artists; their creative talents make them an obvious choice for the industry's leading writers and directors."

Established 10 years ago, Wave's very first TV spot was the iconic Guinness 'Surfer' ad which sees horses stampeding through the ocean. Since then, Wave has been responsible for countless ad classics including Sony Bravia 'Paint', Sony 'Balls', Honda 'Grrr', Stella Artois 'Skating Priest', BBC ‘Rush Hour’ and Levis 'Planet'.

http://www.wavestudios.com/
http://www.wavestudios.nl/


Awards Mania.
The Reel was recently invited to attend the 22nd London International Advertising Awards, the winners of which were announced at an epic ceremony in London’s glitzy, velvet draped, Hippodrome. This year saw a grand total of 17,969 entries in total, with categories ranging from packaging design to digital and integrated media. In keeping with the awards’ spirit of rewarding only the ‘right kind of advertising’, only six of the nine categories saw grand prizes awarded at all, with integrated, packaging design and outdoor missing out on the top spot.

BBDO New York made history by scooping a grand total of three grand prizes; for BBC World in the NTM and design categories and for their HBO Voyeur campaign in the digital media category. The office scooped a staggering 39 statues including the three grand prizes.

A fourth was scooped by Colenso BBDO in Auckland for their radio ad ‘Offensive’, to promote the New Zealand Comedy Festival in what amounted to a bumper year for the network. This coincides with the launch of the 2008 Gunn Report, which saw BBDO claim the most awarded network spot.

Big TV winners that were on the night included the eponymous Fallon ‘Gorilla’ bashing his way to the big prize as well as a slew of other Reel faves winning one of the many, many gold and silvers. Some of the highlights included Shweppes ‘Burst’ Skittles ‘Touch’ and ‘Enemy Weapon’ for Halo 3.

Awards for best haircut and lamest dance were not given out at the event, but we at the Reel are hoping that they will be included next year. Well done to all the winners (and there were quite a few) and thanks to the LIAA for a top night.
For more info the winners this year and details on next years event / submitting work check the LIAA site http://www.liaawards.com/


Mauricio Alarcón joins SCPF.
Mauricio Alarcón joins SCPF to share the Executive Creative Management of the agency with David Caballero. Both will have responsibility over all of the accounts and all of the agency teams, reporting directly to Toni Segarra. With this addition to the team, the restructuring of SCPF’s creative leadership is complete.

Born in 1973, Mauricio Alarcón has spent the past two and a half years working at Crispin Porter + Bogusky on accounts for such names as Burger King or Nike
Mauricio will share the management of the Spanish agency’s creative department with David Caballero, while Toni Segarra will be in charge of overall supervision and strategy coherence.

Toni Segarra comments:
“We continue to work with mature talents who possess a wide range of experience and solid strategic thinking, capable of both dialogue and maximum levels of collaboration with every single one of our clients. We hope that Mauricio’s incorporation will allow him to share his international experience; his first-hand knowledge of the transformation being brought about by digital technology in all areas of day-to-day life; and his fascinating experience in a projects that is one of the most successful in achieving an overall management model with the idea as the fundamental principle, as the seed and process, not as a momentary solution to problems as they arise. We do not understand communication that lacks structure. For this reason, we believe our job is more akin to architecture than to the creation of trends or fashions.”

Cyber Jury Announced.
The Meribel Ad Festivel has unveiled the Cyber Cristal Jury for the 2008 meet.

The award will be under the presidence of :

Stéphane BERINGER, (collège International)
President Tribal DDB Europe, Global Chief Strategic Officer, Tribal DDB Worldwide

Jean-Et ienne BOUEDEC,
E-market ing Manager , La Française des jeux

Florian LANG, (collège France)
Président Di recteur Général , KASSIUS

Its on like donkey kong!

Reel Opinion: Barry Hughes

For this month's Reel Opinion we handed the baton of judgement to Therapy's Barry Hughes. After checking out five pieces that caught our eye from the October editions, here's what he had to say:

Barry Hughes

MD
Therapy Films, London

Thankfully, up to now, I have managed to steer clear of having to publicly voice my opinions on aired work. Most of which will obviously have had all sorts of barriers put in its way, prior to delivery of the finished spots we see. I am very aware of how frustrating this process can be, only for someone to then start slagging it off and highlighting it’s shortfalls. Nearly all of which will have been the result of endless research and testing, prior to airing. Hence the reason that there is still an abundance of director / agency cuts that get put on show reels.

Here however, we do have a couple of fantastic examples of exactly what can be achieved with creative thinking and a degree of trust.

Diesel - 'SFX XXX'

Agency: The Viral Factory, London

Production: The Viral Factory, London

Director: The Viral Factory

For so long, virals relied entirely on sexual content, and lacked strong ideas. We are all becoming more aware of how far reaching good virals are, and the need for something original and either eye catching or very funny, in order for anyone to feel the urge to pass it on. This one has it all. Fantastic idea, brilliantly executed, better with repeat viewing, and definitely one I would pass on. Even to my Mother, who may even find it amusing – not that she buys Diesel products… I even like the cameo appearance of Graham Fink chewing the corn cob.

Guinness - 'Fridge Magnet'

Agency - IIBBDO, Dublin

Production - Sonny, London

Director - Fredrik Bond

I am a big fan of Fredrik Bond. I don’t know how he finds the time to do every job he does, but each one is handled with the same flair and artistry as the next. And this is no exception. Looks fantastic, and each of the cast members look like they are genuinely having a good time. This adds a great depth to the spot, and coupled with a cracking track, makes for the best Guinness ad I have seen for a long time.

From here it all starts to go downhill a bit.

Amnesty International - 'Electrocuting Man'

Agency - n/a

Production - Stink, London

Director - Darkfibre

It is getting increasingly difficult to deliver a hard hitting charity ad with a message that the viewer can not only understand, but also feel enough to donate money for. This one for me does not manage either. I was completely at a loss to understand what was going on, and felt absolutely no emotion toward the people on screen, or their plight. At first I felt guilty about this, and started to think that maybe that was the message: So many charity ads challenging for money that the best way to get it is to baffle the viewer and make them think that only they don’t understand it, and surely its better to donate money than admit stupidity…. I still didn’t put my hand in my pocket.

Cadbury Roses - 'Showers'

Agency - Publicis Mojo, Melbourne

Production - Independent Films, Sydney

Director - Scott Otto Anderson

This is probably a personal one to me. I am not a sweet person, but every Christmas, it has become tradition to fill the house with every conceivable chocolate and sweet available. Within our family it has become a big challenge as to the diversity of sweet on offer. Roses and Quality Street are a staple part of the mix. So when confronted by pictures of Roses in a nice sunny location, it does absolutely nothing for me. Surely the last thing you would be thinking about in the midst of summer, is a chocolate sweet. I do realise that Christmas down under does occur in the middle of summer, and that the feelings I have here may be shared by countless Antipodeans, that would think it odd to partake of chocolate any time other than the middle of summer. Oh the joys of global advertising. I shall still be buying my one family size tin of Roses in around three weeks time.

BBC Radio 2 - Jonathan

Agency - RCKR/Y&R

Production - Outsider, London / Red Bee Media, London

Director - James Rouse

I stopped listening to Radio 2 when Mark Lamar ceased doing his show on Saturday mornings. When Jonathan Ross took over, it was enough to make me take it off the auto tuner in the car. Not being a fan of Jonathan’s, it is hard for me to watch anything he does. But this spot does sum up what Radio 2 has become. Men of my age trying to revisit their youth, on air, to millions of people in the same boat. I much prefer accepting middle age, and moving straight to Radio 5 for a good old rant and rave on a phone in.


I am sure there really is a need when writing reviews to think more laterally. But what the hell. These are my thoughts and opinions. They will surely not matter to anyone, but apologies to anyone that feels I may have done them any sort of disservice.