Jaime Martinez Animated gifs

There's just something about the simplicity of animated gifs I really love (click the image above if it ain't movin'). There's a bunch of them on Jaime Martinez's site which have a lovely calm, surreal feel to them. The rest of the portfolio's worth a look too.

Morris Dancing

Don't know how I've never seen this until now, but it's worth the wait. Four Tet's track 'As Serious As Your Life' - Morris dancing, in one fell swoop, became cool... almost.

James Bond Contact Sheet

I tidied a drawer the other day, which is a pretty rare thing. Almost as rare are these images which are 007 promo shots. I think they're from the first Bond film, Dr. No. If I had the original contact sheets as opposed to a crap photocopy of a crap photocopy, I'd probably auction them off and retire.

Adidas Ad

Like a lot of people my age, I've watched Star Wars IV in excess of a thousand times and all three films from the 70s and 80s hold a special place in my heart. It was appalling when they added in the extra scenes with the crass special effects for the DVD release of the original trilogy.
I'm by no means a Star Wars geek, but I just couldn't help my chin hitting the floor when I saw it, shortly followed by some totally irrational but well deserved screaming.
There are some things that should just not be messed with. That said, I actually enjoyed this spot for Adidas Originals. The quality of the post production and the humour spot on, as well as a good mix of people from different worlds which is perfectly fitting. But you still shouldn't have messed with it and for that I want to slap you all in the face. Really hard.

Pixels

This short film, Pixels, by Patrick Jean is getting posted, blogged, tweeted and generally bandied around like wildfire. And rightly so. It's totally awesome.

Spike Jonze - I'm Here

The preview of director Spike Jonze's new short "I'm Here" is online.

Eric Testroete's Japan Stop Frame Video

This stop frame video by Eric Testroete of his photos from a trip to Japan is really well put together and, partly because it's Japan, enchanting to watch. Anyone who's been there will fleetingly recognise so many of the flashes of places and thoroughly enjoy the video even more.

00-Weird

I'm too busy laughing right now, but I'm going to have to watch The Spy Who Loved Me again now, just to find out where the big fish featured in the story. And what's that? Lovers Fishie Club? I'm very confused now. At least Gary Wilmot, err, sorry, Roger Moore, is ready for settling down with his Lotus Esprit estate. See the original American version of the poster and more movie posters from Ghana over at Empire.

3 Frames

Pretty simple concept, take three frames and animate them on a loop. A little entertainment every day.

Seasick Steve

I'm a big fan of Seasick Steve, and this interview is nicely put together for the Take Aways section of French site Blogotheque - I know I'll be working my way through a few more of the Take Aways films as soon as I find time, but the Seasick Steve spot has a very natural feel about it, a behind the scenes glimpse of the real artist. I love the way he strolls around playing to an almost oblivious mix of tourists and rat-racers, then sits down in the middle of a bunch of skaters who duly stop and watch, tapping along to his blues tracks. I hope I'm like Steve when I'm older. Minus the dungerees, maybe.

The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother

Directed by Jonathan Glazer, the new video for Treat Me Like Your Mother. I've been a fan of Jonathan Glazer's work for years, but can't help feeling this has kind of missed the mark somehow. Great track though.

James Bored

This just makes me laugh. It's like the vodka Martinis have finally caught up with him and he just can't be bothered with saving the world today.

The Making of Electrabel

A bit of a late spot, but this animation for Electrabel's Happy New Year ad is stunningly simple and beautiful. After 4 weeks of testing, it took director Raf Wathion 5 days to shoot 1600 photographs with the help of 20 animators using 288 thousand tealight candles.

Batman Special Effects Magic Exposed

Finally, I know how they looked so effortless.