Burn After Reading

I rarely write about movies, even I devour legions of them in my spare time. I enjoyed 'Burn After Reading' on the big screen yesterday and it was grande. I do like all other Coen Brothers' movies, so I was prepared not to be prepared. I must admit that my flatmates & neighbours who came along, were either unimpressed, bored or amused. So there's no definite verdict from the group. Yet I think it is a brilliant film. The acting is great, there is a lot of tacky stuff that is used really well, and the film charms with lots of subtle details - definitely the best part of the movie. I am chuckling all morning thinking back of some scenes.

Seriously, go watch it. The title will make perfect sense afterwards.

BFI's Comic Book Season

I've been a huge fan of Superman since I could walk. Read all the comics, used all the stationary, wore all the t-shirts and might have even named a girl I fancied at school Lois. Since those days my obsession had somewhat calmed, but last night it all came rushing back. As part of the BFI's Comic Book season this August they had a one night only showing of Superman II. Oh my goodness, was it good. Overly camp acting, terrible effects, corny dialogue and more Amerciana than at a Bush rally in Ohio. I loved every minute of it. The best part was the fact they didn't use the remastered version. We were shown the original print, so it was grainy, the colour was faded and the sound was only a little better than what we'd expect from a Grundig cassette player from Argos. It felt the way it should have done, it was watched the way I have always wanted to see it; like it was 1980, for two hours I had gone back in time (well kind off).

For those into your comics, there's lots going on for the remainder of the month so if you get a chance I'd give the Southbank a visit. They are showing Persopolis from the 18th-20th Aug, never seen it before but it looks good. I was lucky enough to be given the tickets as a gift but I think they're about seven quid, totally worth it. Right, off to do some more people watching for our Feel brief.

The Rise and Fall of the Ad Man

'Cultural commentator Peter York takes a look at the changing fortunes of British advertising, through the story of the personalities who led it through its highs and lows.' Ah, jolly good ol' days, the golden era of the Ad Man. Watch the whole program here (online for 5 more days) and learn about advertising history.

They say the un-corporate and flamboyant ad man is gone? We shall all prove them wrong, shouldn't we?

The Pearce Sisters

The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards took place a couple of weeks ago here in London and there are lots of great films to be explored from the nominations. The winner of the category 'Short Animation' is one of our favourites, we discovered this one earlier in the year at Short & Sweet. It is called 'the Pearce Sisters' and directed by Luis Cook. Fabulously twisted and evil it is very much worth nine minutes of your time. If you like, come along to Short & Sweet next week, we'll go to the one on tuesday, as they will show more BAFTA nominees and winners. You can watch the full short film here at atom.

Black Cat White Cat

What a wonderful day for no reason. Maybe it's Thursday approaching me unexpectedly with the feeling of the weekend in a hidden pocket. The delicious cappuccino coffee I usually miss out on in the morning? More likely the music I listened to during the battle of commute. I will share some of that on a distant day.

I have never written about a movie, I never intended to – there are enough movie review resources on the net. Yet there is Emir Kusturica, a director of sheer brilliance who made my single favorite movie picture – Black Cat White Cat. There is nothing else playing in a rectangular shape that can lift my mood into such joyous heights.

Every scene is packed with vitality and music, a purely beautiful combination that is, for me, Kusturica's trademark. The characters are escorted by a gypsy orchestra during all possible situations – old school portable music I say. A spectacle of absurd but amusing characters that has to be experienced with a Hollywoodless open mind. There was never a movie I thought about countless times and dreamt of watching it again and again. See for yourself, to get yourself in the right mood listen to Bubamara, the musical theme of this masterpiece that offers unequaled opportunities. You won't forget this melody after watching Black Cat White Cat.

I do not want to link to a trailer, as I don't like these short summaries of film in general, mostly they are unworthy – especially of this movie. I would not doubt that after this on screen performance you feel the urge to go o a journey and explore more of Kusturica's work, as there is way more to discover about this artist.

'This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship'.

What is he drinking?

Good morning London. After this long weekend I just stumbled across this video about product placement. I'm always quite aware of brands in movies but this one points it out very well. My favorite 'branded' movie has to be Zoolander, it really made me drink evian, weird! For more information about movies and the brands in them check out brandchannel's cameo section.

Can anyone spot any product placements on our blog?

Young creatives doing it all *Part2*

We've reported on the YouTube video contest for Buck's 3rd year students. Now I've heard back from their (and my former) tutor Julie Wright that Mother looked through all the movies and decided, almost. Unlike we thought that the winners will be determined by the most views – Mother's creatives rather rated them creatively. The outcome: a tie between these three:

• The meat off
• Belly Dancers
• Cheap Thrills (not featured on our blog before)

So these three creative teams now have to impress Mother in order to determine the placement winner, how? We're left in the dark but we wish them good luck! I'm happy that they didn't go by most views since this can be manipulated easily, as discussed here.

Young creatives doing it all

What do you think, what would young creatives do for a placement in a hot London agency? More than you imagine. They would pick up a chewing gum from the street to chew on it, dance on the street with a face painted on their naked belly, dress up as a granny and jump around in a retirement home or they would even pull a shoe lace through their nose.

Here's the deal: Students from the 3rd year advertising course from Buck's university are competing against each other for a placement at Mother. The teams have to make a short video and upload it on youtube. The video which gets the most views will win the race, and the team can enjoy the placement. Sounds like fun. Underneath are most of these videos, we'll update this post when new links will arrive from their tutor in our inbox. Have a look at them, and if you like any, pass them on.

• Living with Pro Evolution 6
• Party Popper Russian Roulette
• Kissing a gran
• Up her Nose and Out again...
• The Magic Number 10
• Chew it
• Belly Dancers
• Fit Granny's
• My gran complaining about pigs and ham
• Panto montage
• Lift giving birth
• The meat off
• Cardboard box game
• How to look hot on the dancefloor

What's your favorite so far? Did you do any strange / intersting things in order to get a placement? We're curious, tell us!

'Does he look like a bitch?'

I love this part - I love this film, and many will agree. If you're a Pulp Fiction fan or interested in moving typography you should it check out! It's a typographic interpretation of the famous monologue 'What does Marcellus Wallace look like?' done by Jarratt Moody, great stuff.

Found on aurgasm

Rabbit

Woooooh, an amazing video, interesting but slightly disturbing.

'Rabbit, an animation by Sclah Film could well be the weirdest animation you have ever seen. It won the Best Film At The Cutting Edge Award at the British Animation Awards 2006. Bizarre and original, it delivers a strong message at the end of the animation.'



Do you like it? I certainly do.

Found on PSFK

Roof Sex

Seen yesterday at Short & Sweet it might be perfect to start a tuesday in a good mood – enjoy! It's done by a young director who calls himself PES, check out his website for more sweetness. By the way: This video is definitely safe to watch at work, but please make sure to wear headphones.

Gamble on your commute

We've been quite busy sorting things out, doing work for our placement and our book, Kris is doing some freelance work on the side (nighttime) and I'm taking care of my new flat. So in order to make up our absence we present you this concept. Found as a film on Short & Sweet on monday, tubepoker is well worth to take a look at.

'This is Poker with a difference - cards are replaced by people. Whether male or female, young or old, everyone is worth a certain value. The game can be played by two opposing players on any train with five seats in a row.'

If it's a real thing or something Simon Levene made up for his brilliant short film, find out for yourself and check out www.tubepoker.com
My friends and I played two games last night on the way home. Even if I couldn't stand a chance against Marco's royal flash and lost my change, it was big fun. Try yourselves and pass it on.

Monday at Short & Sweet

We enjoyed an exquisite fresh line-up of short films last night at Short & Sweet. If someone would like to join in and have a drink with us afterwards – we're there every Monday from 19.30 o'clock on. Location is the Cafe 1001, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.

In order to stay interested we love watching and attending new things, we usually would not look at – or would not know about it. We think: Staying curious – that's one of the key skills in being a creative person.

A cozy place to enjoy some eye candy


Daniel, was curious enough to join in for last nights S&S

Welcome to Short & Sweet

This is something you really have to check out! It's called Short and Sweet moderated by Julie, a very cool girl. It takes place every monday in Shoreditch, Brick Lane and it's full of creative people. Julie presents short films of young or well known directors which often come around themselves to enjoy.
I'm used to go there with my boyfriend too and we always leave in a good mood and full of inspiration. It's really a good thing and you are all invited to join us next monday. I gonna post time and location later.
See you there, thanks Julie!