New Funky Fanta Spot

Check it here – really nice work

Jesus 2000 – thoughts?

Part of me thinks this is cool, the other part thinks it’s slightly inappropriate. Bringing Jesus into the 21st century with moonwalking on water and firing bread from his sleeve – I need Steve McAuley to break this down….

No more dandruff – if only all ads could be this polished

Derren Brown predicts lottery numbers – my theory on how…

I’m a bit of a fan of Derren Brown, and i hate not being in on his tricks so often find myself theorising how they could (not neccesarily were) done. So tonight we saw Derren ‘predict’ the lotto draw and I have a theory as to how he did it.

Ok, first things first, what do we know…

1. It was live – we saw him watch BBC1
2. The numbers on the balls reflected the balls that were drawn.
3. It was filmed indoors.
4. We didn’t see anyone tamper with the balls.
5. We didn’t see the balls until after the draw due to Camelot rules.
6. The camera for the majority of the programme was locked off (static).

So what’s the theory? Again, I hope i’m wrong as this is simple and lazy, but feasible.

To confirm again, Derren remained on the right of frame and the balls on the left. The location was lit by a constant and unchanging light source, the camera didn’t move.

I apologise for the poor illustration, I did it on my iPhone.

Theory time:
I don’t think the numbers were predicted, I think they were recorded as they were drawn and what we saw was a camera trick, where a still of the balls hid what was really going on whilst Derren distracted us with his staring at the TV and legal mumbojumbo banter.
I think the left of frame was temporarily masked (video effect) with a hold frame of the balls to the left on screen. As this was uninterrupted until a good few seconds after the draw, an assistant / second cameraman could have stuck numbers on the balls as they were drawn and the full frame live feed restored once they had left frame. Derren’s delay in writing the numbers down bought valuable time to get it all right.

Et voilà, two sets of matching numbers. Of course I realise I’m probably wrong and Derren will reveal some crazy maths on Friday, but it’s good to speculate isn’t it! Great show.

My child’s first toy? Trainsformers – Engines in disguise.

This is too cool! A thomas the tank childrens toy that transforms into Thomtamus Prime – Trainsformers – Engines in disguise. What an amazing concept!.

Alice in Wonderland, sampled masterpiece

Visual Merchandising for dummies (and mannequins)

Just spotted this unique window display in an unnamed but overpriced denim store in St Albans. The jeans (as you can see) are being modelled unzipped and halfway down the leg. I did wonder if it was a prank but the store was full of them.

Who thinks of this stuff and who in their right mind buys pants based on their ability them stay open. It’s beyond me completely. Must be some sort of urinal homage or underwear statement.

Bizarre

48-Hour Film Challenge

Calling all budding film-makers with a passion for stress driven tight deadlined film projects. As part of the Mathew St fringe festival I have been invited to the judging panel for the 48 hr film competition.

From 9am on Sunday 30th August to 9am on Tuesday 1st September we’re inviting film makers to compete for £250 and the chance for their video to be shown at FACT on Saturday 5th September. To take part come to the Box in FACT at 9am on Sunday 30th August where you will be given 5 elements that must be included in your film. You then have 48 hours to script, shoot, edit and return to FACT at 9am on Tuesday 1st September with your finished DVD. Judges from FACT, North West Vision & Media, Canvas and Mathew Street Fringe will spend four days coming to their decision, all the films will be shown in the Box at FACT from 12pm on Saturday 5th September and the winner will receive a cheque for £250. If you have any questions please email 48hour@creativeuniverse.co.uk

Stanley

As you are (possibly) aware, I’m not the RSPCA’s biggest sympathizer, and not because I think their work is wrong or unnecesary – but because I’m not…well, bothered about animals that much.

Either way I am working to rectify this by posting a picture of Stanley – the owner of our friends Don & Leslie as he sleeps in the conservatory whilst the seat he takes cover under in their porch is raised. People say dogs have it easy, but obviously they’ve not seen this fellows lifestyle.

Beastie Boys / Herbie Hancock / ACDC