Since the 16th May 2011, we’ve reached many milestones, clambered over them and got stronger on the way. Here’s some of the highlights on our journey so far…

Our new home

On the 8th August we hit Llanover House with our paintbrushes, blackboard paint and Pacman stickers. Gone were the days of Skype meetings and brainstorming in Starbucks. Finally, with a home of our own, we took on the world from our creative hub. Yes, that’s right, I said it. Hub.

If you haven’t seen it already, take a look at this blog post about it, where you can see a timelapse video of us hard at work decorating.

Sarah

Reinventing the Camera

I’ve come across two very different camera design concepts this week, and as an amateur photographer who frequently has a falling out with her camera, I’d like to share them with you.

First off, there’s ADR Studio‘s concept design for Socialmatic, a ’physical’ Instagram camera – literally a camera made to look like the Instagrm app icon. A blatant bbranding excersise akin to walking around with Mickey Mouse tattooed on your face, but  quite frankly it’s rather cool.

The idea is that it’ll be a flat touch screen camera with a built in printer, 16GB of storage capacity and two different camera lenses – one ‘normal’ and one for filter shots. A printed image will be accompanied by a QR code that allows others to ‘follow’ your future images. On top of that, of course, it will have its own WiFi and Bluetooth functions, so that you can share straight to Facebook. It’s still in the concept phase, but I don’t think it’ll be too long before this, or something like it, hits the market. And I can’t wait. If you’re so inclined, you can give this project a push into maybe-reality by contributing some pennies on indiegogo.

Meanwhile, a very different approach was taken by Ikea recently, who stripped back to basics and gave out 2.3 megapixel cardboard cameras at a private show. The cameras run on two AAA batteries and are held together by small plastic bolts and nuts, with a built in USB, but Ikea has said they won’t be available for sale to the public. Granted, this is a promo item, and they might be jumping on the ‘green’ bandwagon, but I love the simplicity, even if the quality of the images is a bit poor. You can find out more, and watch a demo video in this TAXI article.

Matt

Build The Enterprise

You may have heard this story already as it seems to be taking the Internet by storm. One man who goes by the name of BTE Dan is an engineer that has worked out how to create the iconic Starship Enterprise for interstellar travel. It won’t have warp capability, but using today’s technology, the ship can be realised. It can get to Mars in 90 days and the moon in 3.

His website Buildtheenterprise.org gives more in-depth information about the project and reckons it can be made in 20 years.

The video below shows how a rotating wheel can be used to create 1g of gravity on board the vessel.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

This is really exciting, especially if more people get involved to help realise it. We can finally explore more of our universe without staring through telescopes.

I wonder if it will go as far as being compulsory to wear the Star Trek uniforms whilst on board?

Paddy

VW Polo Ad

Car manufacturers know how important loyalty can be, not only of the customer, but their own in delivering what the customer expects. VW are the most recent company to pull out and dust off the old ‘family growing up with the car’ ad. Yes, this was said with a bit of ‘tedium’ lightly dusted on top, it’s by no means a new idea. But, that’s neither here nor there. And, why? Because it’s executed well and loyalty is not necessary about what’s new and exciting. VW’s ad is centered around a caring father and his much loved daughter…and of course the VW Polo….which is an awesome car, me loverrr has one. This ad is a heart-warming picture book of the father n daughter’s milestone relationship, supported by that plucky VW Polo in it’s various evolutions, until it’s eventually being passed on to the daughter. It’s a simple premise- the name has been around and supporting this small ‘n’ humble young family for all those years. As it says….small, but tough.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Sarah

End of the World Survival kit

Speaking as someone who’s often discussed the security of the studio in the event of a zombie invasion, we at Jammy Custard believe in being prepared. So, as the end of the world draws nearer (still scheduled for 12th December, unless an important meeting comes up), you might want to get your survival kit on order.

This End-of-the-world survival kit, crafted and designed in Mexico by MENOSUNOCEROUNO, is so beautifully put together that I think it’s worth a look, no matter what happens.

Matt

The Visual Effects of The Avengers

You’ve probably heard by now the success of The Avengers. I was worried the film wouldn’t live up to the hype before seeing it, but rest assured that Joss Whedon ‘Hulk-Smashed’ it out of the park and delivered a fantastic film.

I can’t get enough of reading and exploring more about the TheAvengers since seeing the film, so when I came across this article on the making of the film, I had to share it.

It always fascinates me seeing a film come together from pre-vis storyboards to the final composition, I always get a kick looking back at storyboards of the videos I have made. This in-depth article at FXguide.com will take you through the pre-vis to final shots, working with different companies and looking at their approaches and how they communicated with each other to deliver the effects.

Paddy

Tube Train Offices

The workplace – you have to feel invigorated by it to help produce your best work and keep morale up when things aren’t going your way. I’ve always been a fan of wacky and down-right pleasant ways of creating that workspace, particularly office sheds and those lucky enough to have a great natural view. I also like those that, despite being indoors, still manage to shut themselves off in their own personalised word, like Pixar for example.

But then, there are those that are really just outlandish. Shoreditch in London is home to the Village Underground, a dedicated arts performance and work space for creatives made up of recycled vehicles… the iconic (ex-) London Underground tube train. That’s right, you can share your workspace with writers and artists inside a converted tube train….oh and perilously placed on top of some shipping containers.

For more info, visit http://www.villageunderground.co.uk/

Sarah

Storybook mash-ups

This billiant poster campaign for Colombian book exchange initiative Colsubsidio was created by by advertising agency Lowe/SSP3. Each poster features a subtle mash-up of well known storybook characters: Snow White meets Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter mixes with Troy and  Little Red Riding Hood turns Moby Dick, all with a headline that reads “come with a story and leave with another’. A fantastically simple idea very well executed.

Matt

Lego Antikythera Mechanism

This week I have more Lego to show, but secretly you love it. This remarkable Lego construction is a replica of what is said to be the oldest scientific computer, built in Greece around 100 BCE. The original device was found from a shipwreck in 1901 with no understanding of its purpose until a century later, where it was discovered that it predicts the time and date of future eclipses. Watch the video below to get a more in depth explanation of the construction and understanding of how it works.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Paddy

Festival No. 6

So, festival season is upon us, but I’m sure we’re all feeling a bit aware that 1. it’s not the weather for it right now and 2. there are some significant gaps in the mainstream festival calendar. But against all that is Wales’ new ‘big’ festival at Portmeirion (I’m expecting man eating inflatable balls at this). Festival No. 6 is looking toward creating a more cultured festival in what is a very beautiful setting. Much like their website. It’s a simple and elegant approach with a lot of bang for your buck content. Their call-to-action is lovely too. Not impatient but not too subtle either. I won’t be at this festival – it’s not my type of music anyway, but besides that I’ll be in the midst of wiring chaos and ear fatigue working on Rumney Folk Club’s festival, but the very best of luck to them and a new Welsh festival! Website: http://www.festivalnumber6.com/

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Why video is so damn good

There’s no denying the popularity of web video as it has grown to become an integral part of the Internet. With leading video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo making it easy to upload video content, and with more smart phones and devices able to surf the Internet whilst mobile, accessing and sharing video content is easier than ever. Web Video is an engaging, interactive and powerful medium that is proven to decrease website bounce rate and improve conversions in sales and sign ups. More and more businesses are utilising this power to promote their products and services, as well as using it to improve search engine visibility with web video seo.

• When compared to images or text on a web page, web video can be a far more effective way to present a product before purchase
• Visitors viewing an embedded web video on your home page are more likely to seek further information and explore your web site
• Web videos build brand loyalty, trust and engagement
• Web video appears in search engine results, making your listing that much more appealing
• Web Video SEO is 53 times more likely to produce a first-page search engine result

Ordnance Survey use web video to demonstrate how to use their product in different scenarios

Simple Recycling used a characterful web video to promote their products

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Sarah and Patrick will be attending the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony this Friday (27th April) at Miskin Manor Hotel, with BBC Wales Today sports presenter Ashleigh Crowter hosting the black tie event, and a special appearance from Olympic legend Colin Jackson.

Stay tuned for updates (and probably a few photos) from the night, and if you’re there, do come and say hello. Oh, and wish us luck!

Sarah

Lego Street Art

Those of you who’ve followed our trifles for a while will know that I’m partial to a bit of street art, be it painting or stenciling, sticker-bombing or eye-bombing – if it decorates the urban landscape and is in any way attractive, chances are I’ll like it. Well, you probably also know that I love my Lego.

So… how could I not love this collection of Lego Street Art?!

Matt

24 hours captured in a panoramic photo

I don’t explore photography as much as I’d like to, but sometimes an image comes along that makes me want to pick up a camera and start experimenting.

I came across this photo taken by  Greek photographer Chris Kotsiopoulos. Hundreds of images were taken over 30 hours in Sounio, Greece then digitially stitched together to create this stunning photo. (Be sure to click the photo on the right to see a larger version)

Via Designtaxi

Paddy

IKEA UPPLEVA

Oh IKEA, the marvel that is a big blue warehouse that sends you on a journey of increasing love of furniture and food – unless you have kids, then I can imagine it being a challenge to go around.

Anyway, IKEA do know good design, but admittedly this one ‘had me’ a bit – IKEA marching into the world of TV tech. But they wanted to do something that’s probably not been done in TV for a while – they actually wanted to tackle a problem. The problem evolves around space, mess and ease of use and I think they’ve performed this GCSE D&T project brief quite well (and no, I’m not being patronising!). They’ve brought your TV, sound system (wireless) and furniture together in the best traditions of IKEA. I also like their accompanying ad as well. There’s no pretence with cats flying around in slow-mo – it’s all just personality:

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Sarah

Lego Star Wars Barrel Organ

This incredible Lego barrel was made to promote Star Wars Episode 1 in 3D in Germany. With precisely placed models, the barrel rotates and hits keys that play the Star Wars theme tune. The dioramas that can be seen recreate famous scenes and locations from the saga, such as the Battle of Hoth.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Matt

The Random Adventures of Brandon Generator

Brandon Generator is the creation of Edgar Wright and Tommy Lee Edwards in association with Internet Explorer (Boo Hiss!). It is an interactive HTML5 animated story that includes submissions from you. Episode 1 is online which sets up the premise that Brandon Generator is a writer with writers block until he consumes so much caffeine, he passes out into a strange dream only to wake up and find that he (or someone?) has drawn characters and produced written content on his computer. The next episode hasn’t been done yet and is waiting for your submission to create some content. It seems that 4 episodes are planned which would suggest a story arc is planned with gaps intended for user input.

Check out the trailer below and see what you think,

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

http://www.brandongenerator.com/

Paddy

Greggs Taste Rescue Centre

Greggs are embarking on a new campaign to support their breakfast range of on the go food and drink….and they’ve not been shy about it. The Greggs Taste Rescue Centre is the laboratory of Professor Gregg T Bud, a slightly nutty individual curing an array of ailments such as Broken Taste Face, by developing delicious ‘cures’. The campaign consists of a dedicated website, a video of the man himself, an app and a personal message system using your Facebook profile. Offline, they have also gone to the measures of using ‘smelly’ bus stops – something I first experienced with McCains Jacket Potatoes in London. It does work (although admittedly, I just wanted a baked potato and you can’t beat a home-made one). What’s possessed me to place it here? Admittedly, it’s not ‘grabbing’ me completely, perhaps its not my humour, but I have to admire the boldness of the campaign.

See the website here to get all the info and get a heads up with the video below.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Sarah

Titanic on Facebook

If Jack, Rose and ‘The Iceberg’ had smart-phones, this is what would have happened.

TEAM PWNICORN have created a collection of Facebook statuses following a number of film plots, political figures and a few randoms, like Justin Bieber vs. Jesus. The Romeo and Juliet page made me laugh (‘For never was there a story more emo, than that of Juliet and her Romeo’), but Titanic’s Final Facebook Posts tell the story of James Cameron’s Titanic in a way that is utterly believable, judging by the rubbish I see posted on Facebook every day. I particularly like the idea of ‘The Iceberg’ having its own profile.

Matt

Titanic Super 3D Trailer

James Cameron’s Titanic is back in the cinemas in eye-popping 3D. I’m curious to see how he has gone about the 3D conversion, I’d be happy to see just 10mins of highlights of the film just to satisfy my curiosity instead of sitting through the whole film. So to celebrate the re-release of the film, I found this trailer on YouTube for a Super 3D version if James Cameron collaborated with the likes of George Lucas, J.J Abrams and Michael Bay. Enjoy!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Paddy

Titanic Ad Man Rory Sutherland

Ok, time for another TED talk from someone who you have to admire for his ability to look at marketing-led problems through the lenses of perceived value and behavioural economics, both un-sinkable elements when selling goods and services. With some hilarious examples, Rory is almost frustratingly good at this. He highlights that when we look at problems, we’re obsessed with improving the workings or the reality of something- but why not change the perception?

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Further viewing:  Rory’s other TED talk “Sweat the small stuff” This is a great follow on from the talk above, explaining the dis-proportionality of thinking when looking at big problems, particularly when big budgets are at work.

Sarah

By the book

German design studio korefe have created the world’s first ‘Real Cookbook’, an edible cookbook that tells you how to cook it.

‘Made out of 100% fresh pasta it can be opened, filled with ingredients and finally be cooked.’

Designed as a one off for a publishing house, I think this is an intriguing idea. Next up, pop-up spaghetti!
(… I hope)

Matt

Robotic Performance Capture

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

This is a video on the Performance Capture used in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 film.

Do films use this technique much now? I think only few and far between when CGI is so much more convenient. This is proper movie magic for me.

But it’s stuff like this that draws me in and makes the world I’m seeing on screen that more believable. Especially when working with human actors in a real physical place.

This post nearly ended up in a massive rant about CGI and traditional effects. But I’ll save that for another time (or you can read my Uni dissertation).

Paddy

Travelling at the speed of Hertz

There’s just something about old adverts (say, 1900-1970) I always find very compelling. They actually make me want to buy things. I think it’s a combination of the story-telling illustration and the copy that’s always so divinely written. I was pleased then, when I spotted this campaign for Hertz car rental. Ok I’m not going to jump in a hire car straight away – I don’t need one right now, but the ads do something to resonate with the excitement and fascination of a ‘motor car’, when back in the day they were something of rarity and status – not that I would know of course. The campaign was crafted by agency DDB in New York and illustrator Chris Grey.

To see more fine examples from the campaign, go on over to Creative Review’s article.

In other news…

Michael Sheen in Conversation

The one and only Michael Sheen is doing a talk in Port Talbot on Sunday 8th April about his 72 hour performance of The Passion last year.

Oh you didn’t know about that? Check the coverage from the Guardian and the BBC to recap on the extraordinary event.