July 2, 2008 : 11:14 PM
Gift Guru
Lately I've been on a good strike rate when giving gifts. Admitadly I've just been choosing gifts for people that I actually want myself (or in the latest case already had) but that doesnt count.
May 27, 2008 : 11:40 PM
May 22, 2008 : 1:20 AM
May 21, 2008 : 5:56 PM
May 17, 2008 : 11:00 AM
The Evolving Digital Market
I was chatting to Mike the other day about how much the work we do at Soap has changed in the last 12-18 months. The type of work, the clients and the expanded team are all obvious ones but I was more referring to the marketplace and tools available.
For me the change has been for the better and things have gotten easier to produce good results (if not more complicated due to all the options.)
Here's a list of things in the last 12-18 months that have become part of my my daily working life.
- Facebook/Myspace (I don't use either daily but that's all you hear people talking about)
- Mochibot
- Mochiads
- ClearSpring/Gigya
- Widgets
- Google Reader
- Google Analytics (OK this one we got into earlier but it's more prevalent now)
- Google Adsense
- Google Adwords
- Disqus
- Feedburner (again a little older than 18 months)
- New blog systems (Word Press, Expressions Engine) I used Moveable Type exclusively since 2000 until recently.
- Backpack
- Wiki's
- VPN's (somehow I have to use 3 now (after going years without needing one) which are all a pain in the ass to upload files though)
- Tube Mogul
- Technorati
- Tumblr
- Yahoo! Pipes
- Vimeo
Mike would have to add Twitter to that list but I've got enough on my plate to not micro blog my life.
Some tools I wonder how we ever managed without them!
The next big thing is Flash 10. This is a huge visual update for the player. Flash 9 brought with it just AS3 which did wonders for performance but didn't add much in the way of Eye Candy. Flash 10 though is the Eye Candy step we've been waiting for. It's hard on enducing the stuff that the player can do.
It's the same WOW factor that 8 had over 7 but multiplied and I can't wait.
City of Ember
We just launched the first stage of Fox + Walden's new film City of Ember.
A big part of this initial launch is the films widget which you can see below. I've read the script which was great but after seeing the trailer I'm even more excited. It's directed by the guy who did Monster House which was a great film and this film is aiming a little older I think.
Check the widget map to see where the widget is generating power from. Someone in NZ liked it :)
There's lots more to be added (which we have to keep hush hush right now) but I'm excited to work on the project and we have a client who's pushing us to do better work too. Which is a rare thing.
May 11, 2008 : 10:24 PM
Chaser's Age of Terror Variety Hour Review
I just saw Chaser's Age of Terror Variety Hour (info here and here and can't really say I was impressed.
I'll keep this brief but I should have known the "Variety Hour" meant just that. An hour. I expected more than 65 minutes from the show.
The routine was musically jam packed and at many times I could hardly understand what they were saying. The jokes felt stale or laboured and the few times they did anything enlightening were few and far between. The best part of the Chaser's show was when they ambushed people and did stunts. This was lacking from the stage show for obvious reasons. There was a good routine about online dating and one about powerpoint but hardly side splitting stuff or even explored in depth.
I went to a spoken word by Henry Rollins and that was a 3hr (OK 3 hrs was a touch too long) but I laughed more at that and he had more interesting things to say about politics (even Aussie politics).
So all I'd say is that if you are planning on seeing the show save your cash and buy their DVD set. If you already have that then don't worry. You're not missing much and go out and buy the Venture Bros DVD set. That's worth every cent.
Justice Stress Film Clip
Amazing clip from young French director Romain Gavras! Check our his previous clips here on his myspace page.
I'm going as far as saying he's the new French Spike Jonze although with less of a sense of humour and more of a chip on his shoulder. Very powerful and asks the question was this acted or shot for real. Check this page for a big debate on the clip and it's controversy.
Reminds me of watching Kids or Gummo. Justice not only have one of the best albums of last year but also 3 killer film clips to go with it and sexy cover art.
The other director I can't get enough of is Tom Kuntz. Best name too. I can;t wait to see him progress to the big screen. Another Kuntz film. I picked a few of my favs of his work here previously.
May 9, 2008 : 2:29 AM
God of War Movie Poster Teaser
I cant wait for the God of War movie. The games are so rich and original the movie will kick ass. Even Prince of Persia game i think will work
May 2, 2008 : 7:33 PM
April 25, 2008 : 3:44 AM
Iron Spud
Tony Starch is Iron Spud! The Iron Man Mr Potato Head is done! Phew just in time for the movie release.
www.mrpotatomash.com
April 24, 2008 : 7:34 PM
April 20, 2008 : 2:10 PM
H Gun 3
The prop gun we're buiding for a shoot in May is almost done. It's looking badass! Just a few yellow highlights and it's done.
It's a frankenstein of two toy guns. We were able to combine the left over parts for another small weapon too.
You can see the duct tape in this shot but when it's shrunk down to screen res you wont see any of this.
Not bad for $40 and half a days work.
April 18, 2008 : 12:27 AM
April 17, 2008 : 7:36 PM
links for 2008-04-17
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people replecating their childhood photos now that they have grown up
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cool artists work
April 15, 2008 : 7:37 PM
April 14, 2008 : 7:34 PM
Kiss Toy
Ervi's latest knitted creation. A wool version of Ace Freely!
I now never have to hear about this damn toy again. It's been in the works for 1 yr!
