Joshua Prince-Ramus of REX encourages architects to step up and take responsibility not only for concept, but also execution in design. He then reinforces his point by exhibiting the transformative qualities of the recently completed Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre in Dallas. Having seen a few talks with Prince-Ramus, I have to say he’s a fantastic speaker and very articulate.

Warning: The video has a 19 minute runtime, so grab a tea/coffee/beer and enjoy.

via TEDxSMU

February 01, 2010, 3:50pm  Comments

Current TV’s Embedded series puts viewers up close and personal with various musical acts, having featured such artists as Mos Def and the Silversun Pickups. This episode centers on one of my favorite artists, Common. We see him on tour promoting his latest album at radio shows, record store signings, and live on stage. We also get a panel of Common’s colleagues talking about why he’s so dope. Also on offer: thrift store shopping in San Francisco with Lykke Li, and an acoustic performance in a Paris alley with Bloc Party.

So kick back and check out the video, you’ll be very glad you did.

via okayplayer.

November 25, 2009, 9:17pm  Comments

A conversation with the great Paul Rand. He talks about the meaning of (graphic) design and how it relates to art, his own definition of design - “The synthesis of form and content.” - and the importance of clearly communicating your terms.

Definitely worth a look.

Paul-Rand.com

October 05, 2009, 12:38pm  Comments

So while we were down south for the SDFF last week, Jeff of Breadtruck Films informed us of his idea to re-cut Mixed Message from a runtime of 13 mins to about 7 mins. We holed up in his apartment for several hours, offering encouragement (and sometimes derision) as he re-edited the film and remixed the sound. Finally, we had the lead, Sean, come in to record some ADR and additional narration to tie the whole thing together. The result is an even more focused film with a bit more urgency, but one that does not lose any part of the original message.

Call it a Director’s Cut if you will (the original version will continue to be screened at festivals and other gatherings), here it is for your viewing pleasure. Please feel free to leave comments (no really, we insist!)

September 29, 2009, 3:56am  Comments

We’re seriously digging the new EP OOF! from Blue Scholars, an intelligent and very funky Seattle-based hip-hop duo.

The album is an ode to Hawaii and the video above is for the song HI-808 (referring to the state of Hawaii, it’s area code 808, as well as the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine) which inspired the EP.

August 26, 2009, 8:23pm  Comments

One of the most fascinating pieces of film in the Prelinger Archives shows a trip down Market Street in 1905, the year before the great earthquake and fire. A movie camera was set up in the front of a cable car and recorded the scene as it moved toward the Ferry Building. Many of the buildings you see were destroyed in the catastrophe which tore the city apart in 1906.

Truly stunning footage of the era. Apparently there weren’t any traffic laws back then? I sure don’t envy the cable car operators…

via Flickr / bobster855

August 20, 2009, 4:53am  Comments

The hands on the screen belong to James Paterson. He is using “Rhonda”, a 3D drawing tool developed by Amit Pitaru circa 2003.

The first half of the video shows James doing a drawing start to finish. In the second part James is cycling through various previous drawings, created between 2004 and 2005.

All I want to know is, how long until I can use this?!?!?

via anArchitecture

August 14, 2009, 1:13pm  Comments

This is a short film by MAYA Design about architecture in its broadest sense.

Very succinct description and really brilliant visualization. Also check out the companion piece about INFORMATION, the animation is even better.

June 12, 2009, 1:51pm  Comments

Objectified is the new film from Gary Hustwit, director of Helvetica.  It looks to be a promising documentary on designers, their objects, the commodification of those objects and their impact on our everyday lives.

P.S: I’m still in love with my iphone…

June 12, 2009, 12:15pm  Comments

One of a pair of stop-motion video reels we did recently for our very good friends at Breadtruck Films to help promote their new short Mixed Message.

Jeff shot the stills during pre-production, and we did the editing/mixing after the film wrapped.

Song is Doing the Wrong Thing by Kaki King.

May 26, 2009, 11:03pm  Comments