AB5TRAX AXIS

2010-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

We'll be shutting down our blog temporarily as we do some maintenance on our site. We're in the process of re-branding AB5TRAX for 2010 and beyond. We will be launching our site and blog with some new work in the next few months.

Before we leave, here's an update on our latest work.

ESPN 2010 ESPYS:
Ad Agency: Wong Doody
Production Company: Radical Media
Design: AB5TRAX

Also be sure to check out our new internet variety show on MSN:

MSN The Daily Bubble
Hosted by Will Greenberg
Media Publisher: Grind Networks
Production Company: AB5TRAX

MSN The Daily Bubble - With Host: WIll Greenberg

We'll be back. Be sure to check out our other projects:

ab5trax.com

vimeo.com/ab5trax

Many many thanks to our friend Ryan Ebelt for his contributions.

Best,

Seaton / Hunter / AB5 Team!!!

Love Me Tender...

2010-06-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies...it's time for the Friday Afternoon Ab5trax pin-up. This is the sexy face of digital TCB (which balances things out as an incredibly unsexy reference). Our fearless leader enjoys ice cream, 60 Minutes, and painting out pixels. Turn offs: Neo-modernist-postmodern-revisionism, and old couches.

Next week, we interview Producer Hunter Woo on his thoughts on life, relationships, beauty tips, and what Scotch goes best with strawberry Pop-Tarts.

"They Call Me, MISTER BUBBLE..."

2010-05-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Just in case you thought we might welsh on our promise to deliver the news, we're going to deliver the news AND some comedy...

We've partnered up with Grind Networks to deliver up, The Daily Bubble (Click it! The title, not me!), a web show on the best comedy that's shooting around the web. So load up some Will Greenberg, and just let the internet goodness wash over you. It's like a gentle sea wave...ahhhh....oh crap, here comes the kelp. Ah well, it was worth a shot. So give The Daily Bubble a spin, and hey, maybe someday this blog will be on there for great comedy writing...and we'll produce the episode on it...but we'll be in the episode...and it'll be the most meta thing we've ever personally encountered. (Unless we can't be on it like those old rules about you couldn't be within five generations of a broadcast network worker to win a game show or radio contest.)

Gee Whiz...It Figures...

2010-05-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

I was supposed to have big news for you all today. I woke up, stretched, ate at pound of bacon, 6 eggs scrambled, and a cantaloupe all between two oversized blueberry pancakes, and I was chomping at the bit to dish. My fingers were hovering over the keyboard when I looked to Seaton to give me the cue.

Instead, he looked at me and shook his head like a little kid and said "nooooooooooo." I was almost impressed at his ability to perfectly mimic a tone usually reserved for bratty 2nd graders. So then I let my fingers drop, and sat around pouting for a while. That's when Hunter almost sent me into "time out" (he did take away my Johnny Socko toy), so I stopped.

Then I figured, that I'd tell you that I couldn't tell you.

But stay tuned, and I will as soon as I'm able!

Hug Me...

2010-05-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

While you were pining away the hours wondering what we were doing, we were indeed doing what you were wondering about. (We just got the Yeti costume back from the cleaners, and its fur has never smelled fresher...Here's to you, Yuki from Halifax.)

We also managed to pull ourselves away from the office, the cocktail shaker, and a Taser-based game of spin-the-bottle (oh so sexy) to make yet another short. Director Seaton Lin again took the helm with his band of merry men of production (who threatened to lock me in the grip truck if I called them that again...but look at me now! Hah!), and as usual he tested the skills, the talents, the endurance, and the boundaries of good taste in capturing his newest vision.

Did I say newest? Do you have any idea how old that script is?!? Oops...ahem...this newest project, dubbed Little Candy Hearts, is a nasty fun little thriller that we hope will knock them dead on the festival circuit. It's all in the can now, and we're looking to our fearless leader to deliver a visual one-two punch to the gut with this one. So goodbye flying saucers and hello saucy fliers...whatever that means.

Thanks to everyone who made this little effort possible, especially José Martinez who didn't have a stunt double and took a "This director is crazy"-fueled beating from our debonair leading man. We'll keep you up to date on the latest for this project. We hope you'll stay curious.

The Two Longest Months of Silence in Your Life...

2010-05-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Whoa nelly, we sure hope you haven't all been contemplating drinking Mountain Dew until death because of our prolonged absence from the airwaves. I mean the Coral Plains, New Hampshire Hunger Strike for the Prompt Return of the Ab5 was a touching tribute, and we were sorry we couldn't make it as VIP's at the Annual Striped Weasel Stomp this year in Lichtenstein...but well...things changed on us.

(It's a dance, people...calm down...sheesh...what do you think we are?)

As we are an upwardly mobile mechanized unit of general mayhem in production (as advertised!), we expect to have to ride the whirlwind every now again. Having said that, we'd like to thank everyone from the former Ground Zero for all their help and support and the good times we shared with them. However, fret not, as we're still penpals with the various staff members from GZ who've already gone on to their own new ventures.

Now we're sharing some office space and the occasional falafel with ultra-director Bill Fishman and his company, Fallout Entertainment (I heartily recommend that you click...right about...no, no...right...HERE!...if you'd like to peruse their efforts). So far it's been an enjoyable time spent nestled in our little cubby hole down the hall where we're trying to squeeze as many employees and interns inside in some sort of clown car-styled experiment. We'd like to thank Bill for providing us with a new home and for not calling the proper authorities on us for that thing with the iron lung, the hula hoops, and the members of the Commodores who were not Lionel Richie. (We're not even sure who those authorities are or might be.)

And we might just have some more exciting news coming up soon! Don't cancel our tickets for Ruede Los Huesos, our favorite Argentine Rush Cover Band just yet!

Be Our Valentine...AND Our Sponsor....

2010-03-08T15:53:00.001-08:00

We're off and running on getting our newest short project up off the ground, on into the air...and possibly into the Mile High Club...of....uh...production greatness. Little Candy Hearts is a short script that we've been kicking around the block, the local pool hall, and the pool at Caesar's palace for some time now. And now, it's finally time we turned it into cinematic gold. If you'd like to see Little Candy Hearts make it to big and small screens alike, we could use your help. Granted, we knew full well from the start that cinema is one of the most expensive art forms of all time, but our choice to get into it shows just how crazy we really are. Now's you're chance to join in the lunacy over on our new page at Kickstarter. If you can spare us a buck, we'll see that you're a part of motion picture infamy!

In Heaven...Everything is Fine....

2010-03-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

A few month's ago, we related our tale of high adventure in the misty planes of Iowa for a weekend of contemplation and helping out the David Lynch Foundation. It was definitely one of the pinnacles of excellence in our frequent hell-raising...ahem... somber sojourns into the public space. Well, the Foundation and the lovely Erin Skipper were nice enough to give some of our thoughts and comments some web space, so we thought we'd share: DLF.TV: Inside and OUT.

Old Hands at Being New...

2010-03-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday (Hey! Get off my back!), Reluctance, made it's film festival debut as part of the New Filmakers Los Angeles showcase. Not only did the core of the ab5 team win 1st place in the evening gown competition, but people actually seemed to enjoy the short too. A minor technical glitch with the soundtrack threatened to mar the evening, but Producer Hunter Woo stifled my offer to "streak" the auditorium as a momentary distraction. In all, it was very kind of them to include us, and it was great to be reunited with cinematographic genius Abe Martinez as well as our star performers Ramsey Robinson and Grant Mahnken. Next time, we might even try to tell you about a screening IN ADVANCE of the screening itself...because some of us (I'm lookin' at you, Secretive Seaton) forget to remind others of us (who me?) that these things are coming up...

(Meanest bunch of hombres in the production business...)

Pixelated Pearls Before Flu Season...

2010-02-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with Ground Zero Ad Agency, we've helped launch a 30 second CG animated spot for the New York State - Department of Health's new campaign to "STOP H1N1." To spread the message, they've launched a new FB app in conjunction with a print, web, and broadcast campaign. The spot is currently airing throughout New York state. You can see the fruit of our labor below, or go right HERE.

...It's the Box that Has the Music Coming Out of It...

2010-02-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

Much like us, the boys in Radio Freq have been hard at work on new material, and today sees the launch of their latest track, "Turn On the Radio." And as we're obviously fans of shameless endorsement of ourselves, we figure that we can get a few karmic points back by shamelessly endorsing others. So by all means, run, don't walk, to the RADIO FREQ Page, to give that new track...hmmm...I'll say one hundred listens. It's the least you can do, if you aren't a complete philistine. (All enquiries regarding this inside joke will be sealed in a jar and dropped off of a pier.) Also, while you're out there clicking on web pages, check out Radio Freq's own Cliff Magreta's newest venture...right about...uh....here at Digital Noir Records.

And because we can't get through an entry without plugging ourselves, we're happy to say that we're also working hard on cutting together a video of live performance footage for Radio Freq's track "Feel the Beat." We'd be willing to bet that without our help, you'd never know that you can check out said song...uh...well...HERE. We'd tell you to enjoy it, but you probably already are. Look at you!

Munch & Crunch...With Your Eyes...

2010-02-24T10:44:00.001-08:00

(Or a bit bigger here at the source...)

For those of you that missed it (and shame, shame, shame on you for that)...here's a three minute chunk from our spot on Visual Crunch from MYXTV. Obviously you can't get into all the Jungian imagery, the post-post-modern modernist visuals, or the late Camus subtext of the piece in just a few minutes; however, they did a pretty good job at making Seaton look good. Not that he needs much help with that, by which, I mean he needs a whole lot of help. Pardon me...**{{sniffle}}**...it's like seeing your little baby all growed up and off on his first development meeting...

"When Stars Threw Down Their Spears..."

2010-02-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

You might think that a free-wheeling bunch of production monsters would not really be that invested in any holiday. You'd be wrong, but that doesn't mean you didn't think that. But, we here at the ab5trax, the dream team of modern media, take any kind of celebration seriously. So when we were tapped to march in the annual Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown, we were on it like white on...ahem...we not only sped on down, but we were proud to be a part.

Now some of the members of the ab5 team had to immediately be treated for 3rd degree burns after a mere 5 minutes in the sun, due to our recent marathon course of all-nighters. Still, it was not enough to shake our foundational principals for any parade: fun, frolicking, and fireworks. We'd fight our way across a third world, warlord-infested, third world hellhole to get to some good fireworks. Fortunately, the people in Chinatown and the celebration proved to be the polar opposite of the aforementioned descriptive situation. It was a delight, and we appreciate them asking us to be a part of it.

The streets were mobbed that day with fun-seekers. We showed up way early (we slept in our action van in front of Sam Woo the night before), and were surprised that the streets were already jammed packed. By the time we were on the march, our director, Seaton Lin, put it best: "Now I know what it feels like being a princess in a parade." So maybe next time we do this, we'll break out the tiara and he'll shave his legs. Never one to miss an opportunity for a pop culture reference, he later added, "It was like being in an Altman film." At that time, Producer Hunter Woo was using the big straw from his drink to shoot boba balls at cars on the 110 freeway, and could not be reached for comment.

The Face of Four in the A.M....

2010-02-16T19:47:00.001-08:00

Running a successful production company isn't all jetsetting, hobnobbing at festivals, and running around from one music venue to the next breaking hearts and swilling cocktails. While those do take up a significant portion of the festivities, there's always the real tasks to be done. The nitty gritty. The dirty work. Pushing the pixels, and cleaning up the cyberwaste. As much as an all-nighter usually means hot tubbing with several exotic airline hostesses, a chimp, and an astrophysicist, in this case, it's just staring at a screen for long periods without sleep while shoving a mouse or Wacom pen around. This is what that looks like. Look upon this image and tremble all you would be pixel pushers!

Exit the OX...Enter THE TIGER...

2010-02-14T18:30:00.000-08:00

It isn't just that only one of the ab5 team has a steady sweetie that we're choosing to ignore Valentine's Day sentiments. Seriously. Not a thing to do with it. So we'll let Hunter "Shnoogie Oogums McSweetness" Woo enjoy his romantic holiday. Instead, as a fair few of us have ties to the Far East, we'll instead turn our attention to the Chinese New Year. So let's welcome in the year of the Tiger (isn't he cute, girls?)...and we'll look kindly on any hóng bāo you want to send our way...well, to all the bachelors we got around these parts. We certainly like to consider this year to be one of sleek power and virility...and it also helps that vertical stripes are both excellent camouflage in urban Los Angeles, as well as slimming...

...Please Stand-by....

2010-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

It's a CG heavy week here at the Strax...And due to a flaming tequila shot becoming an errant missile, all systems are nearly down. So far, neither the Wet Vac and rounds of Ave Maria, our crack Heaven's Gate IT team, nor the various magical spells our old D&D manuals suggested have brought it back on-line. So, alas, we've been downgraded to using the above. But we remain defiant in the face of adversity: Who needs your fancy-shmancy 3D imaging software?!? Granted, with all this code...it's not so much Tron 3.0 as Tron 0.3 (Beta version).

Mere Mortals: Sunspots

2010-02-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a plan only makes it halfway to completion. That's not always a bad thing...we probably couldn't have flown that blimp all the way to Cuba. In this case, it's a good thing.

We got to work with a band whose music we've enjoyed: Mere Mortals. And we ended up with a gorgeous piece out of it. I'm going glass two-thirds full on this one.

Heck, let's say 3/4's. The Mere Mortals plan to feature the footage in live performances. Anytime, your work gets out to the public, I think you should cherish that little fact. But if you don't get out into the public, why you can still enjoy it here:

MERE MORTALS - SUNSPOTS from c-10 on Vimeo.

With Intrigue...Comes Birthday Cake...

2010-02-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

(Interpol Sketch based on descriptions of our own Man of Mystery, Hunter Woo.)

Today, we celebrate the birth of Hunter Woo: Master Producer, Fine Artist, and Purveyor of Danger. As soon as we ice three more people, we'll be able to finally erase him from the grid...the very grid that keeps dragging him back into the shady deals, awesome gun battles, and the hard drinking life of video, commercial, and motion graphics production. Happy B-day, Hunter. This one's on us.

Do You Have Cable? A TV? Eyes?...

2010-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

It's embarassing...but I have to ask: did anyone catch our bit on Visual Crunch last night? We effectively managed to miss it. I'm not going to say what we were doing, but there needs to be a restock on Aisle 3. (This is the point at which I would wink enigmatically, and you might titter coyly or it might even be advisable to slap me...soundly.)

Rumor has it that director Seaton Lin looked like a virile Herculean monstrosity of creative demi-god. That's just the rumor...I mean, I know what he looks like...and that's not how I'd describe him. That's all. But I will tell you that it's what made him so popular in Hungary.

Either way, that interview was just the highlights. Come on by sometime for the full version: includes the bracing "Could you read the question again?" out takes, plays at around 8 hours long, and addresses all the wardrobe changes. Truly, a journalistic tour de force that's 100% our fault.

Art Walk...as Opposed to Moon Walk...

2010-01-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we were still waiting for our livers and eyelids to get back from the shoppe to report on the events of Monday. On that historic day, as soon as the NO Vacancy sign went up on our hôtel de production et l'amour, we trundled into the car for a trip to Hollywood to catch Radio Freq. But this time, we wouldn't just be standing at the back of the Dragonfly shotgunning canned champange, we'd be documenting.

Sure we perused the art and listened to the other acts, but once Radio Freq took the stage, we had our shirtsleeves rolled up and a pair cameras in hand. You might be saying: "Are they nuts? You can't properly cover a live show with just two yo-yo's in the audience with cameras!" Or, you could be saying: "I think I'd like a little more cheese on this sandwich." Either way, you could be right, you could be wrong, and you could be floating down the rivers of British Columbia. The fact was, we approached this task like anything else we do...you can draw your own conclusions to that...but we all know that that means professionalism.

So keep an eye out for whatever mythical creature we can carve out of this recording chicanery. I think we do a pretty good job at failing to disappoint.

If you wanna catch Radio Freq tonight...because that just popped into your mind as a good idea...here's your chance. Take a gander here, and go get you a lapdance and a show!: Radio Freq: The FB Page

Set Your Browser and Your Time Machine Way Back...

2010-01-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

If you've followed us for any time at all, you know our brains were scrambled right out of the gate. Who in this day and age does anything for the sheer love of it anymore? Your answer to that rhetorical question might very well be our thoughts exactly. So we set ourselves the jubilant task of making O-to-Low Music Videos...and we chalked up some fine, fine work.

This Thursday, January 28th, MYX TV's Visual Crunch is looking to honor our little slice of visual genius with an interview spot with our intrepid director Seaton Lin and Roger Moon's Chad Anderson. They'll answer the hard hitting questions about whatever it is that hits hard about the hard hits of making music videos. You catch all the action here: http://visualcrunch.myx.tv/ . For a sneak peek at the piece and for that preliminary dose of ab5trax action, run here: Visual Crunch Episode 2 Sneak Peek , or dash here: The Youtube Version.

We'd like to thank everyone over at Visual Crunch for taking the time to interview us and for keeping us in the loop about the broadcast.

(Ed. Note: No portion of this interview was filmed in front of a brick wall.)

Rain Pours...News Still in Drought...

2010-01-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Yessiree, it's been a slow news month here at the Strax...or has it? We can't telll you everything we're up to. After all, our meeting room is something like the War Room in Dr. Strangelove...and you'd have a better chance of having a picnic up at NORAD than getting in without our express permission. Look for our special decoder ring and secret handshake booklet in specially marked boxes of Ab 5 Cereal.

So today, due to the weather, we're staying safe in the cave...and well..working on...super secret stuff. (And not watching RED DWARF reruns as our fearless leader Seaton Lin suggested...the big nerd.)

(Dramatic Illustration of the Storm's Aftermath...We didn't want to get wet photographing ACTUAL rain.)

So if you're stuck indoors like we are...grab a warm mug of cocoa, and use this opportunity to cozy up with a viewing of Reluctance:

RELUCTANCE from c-10 on Vimeo.

It's the video we're going to shill until we: a) have a new one, b) beat the hit count of any video of random guy being hit in crotch with random object, or c) we're more popular than "Two Girls..."...Well...no one can be that popular. Enjoy, and come back often!

Adieu 2009...The Year We Made Contacts....

2010-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

"Good riddance" seems to be an awfully harsh way to say goodbye to 2009...we can't say that some good things didn't happen for the team here at Ab5trax, but we can't say that the world in general didn't take a general pummeling this year. In fact, for us, it was a pretty darned productive year: a new short, some new video work, and a fair few spots. That's not even including our luxury car demolition derby, being marooned with those professional cheerleaders, or the time warp that Hunter found just behind the coffee machine. Now that I think of it, except for our fortune crashing with the rest of the worlds', we seem to have come out ok. When your friend and surly narrator got paid $5 American for a drawing at 3 am or thereabouts, he was certain that the fortunes for the Ab5 were definitely on the upswing for 2010.

We spent our evening with usual mad dash across town (in fact, we'll often drive across town just to make a mad dash back across to a party next door). The town was less than it's "packed to the gills" self, but you wouldn't have known that from the outside of The Standard in downtown. We met up with our good friends Radio Freq! After a considerable amount of multi-floor freeze tag, we all rendezvoused downstairs to catch yet another well delivered set. The band played. The crowd danced. And we did a great job of being...well...ourselves. But we were not only double-parked and but also double-booked...

The New Year itself was rung in amongst friends from a scenic rooftop view of downtown Los Angeles, complete with "champagne" in a can. Somehow, even with the plastic juice box straw it all still seemed classier than wine in a box. Hugs and cheers were passed about...and we raced back to the Standard for more multi-floor freeze tag with the band and various co-conspirators. Only a moment of "Grand Theft: Bottle" seemed to mar the evening's air of considerable tomfoolery.

By the time we retired, we'd already seen a fair few hours of the first day of 2010. And while we agreed that 2010 always seemed to be a part a future, that future had certainly become the present. So as we went our separate ways toward pyjamas and pillows, we resolved to face the future, but to also try to be at least as cool as the past...

...like this...only behind computer monitors...

...The Day the Holiday Season Came Back...For Us...

2009-12-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Another year came to a close for the Ab5 team. Our holiday shenanigans, however, are never at end. Throughout the year we waited for this time. We planned. We prepared. We partied.

(Artist's Recreation of the Holiday Party...)

The semi-bi-annual holiday party had come to a close. A foam covered nearly every glass from the epic egg nog chugging contest (brought to you by whatever proof we spiked it with). The office was in ruins. The copy machine had been emptied of papers with much pressed ham. Inert forms still laid stacked on the Christmas Edition Twister we'd purchased (a new tradition we shall from here on look forward to). A breeze rustled through the stockings hanging from the computer monitors, when I hear Hunter quietly mutter, "Did you hear something?" I had but I couldn't be sure what it was. What follows was almost too graphic to relate.

You see, Santa Claus had invoked an old Austrian custom. The Krampus. You may have heard of him. Santa's demon buddy who punishes the...uh...Naughty List. Now you would assume from all you've read that we'd be shoe-ins for the Good List. After all, we'd liberated that island in the south Pacific, we'd made a new short film (goes great after opening presents! see it!), we'd been hard at work on music videos, and we single-handedly bolstered the cufflinks and spats industry. Old St. Nick just didn't see it our way. As it goes, the Krampus carts the really bad kids off in his baskets...to Detroit, I think...and we really had to negotiate to keep Seaton here with us. Now, I don't know if you've ever been hit with a birch branch...flogged actually...well, if you're into that sort of thing, we've got a great court appointed therapist you can talk with...

Look at this guy. He looks all cuddly and grandfatherly, but that bag of toys comes with a price. He's coming for us all. And if you ask me...he means business with that pine tree there. Next year, though, we're going to be ready...and I don't mean by having the salve, masseuses, and hot toddies ready either. The budget for next year will include a necromancer, a lot of snow gear, a portable hot tub...and a ticket to the North Pole....one way.

Don't be surprised if at this time next year we're not managing the world's greatest toy production and distribution service.

Many happy holiday wishes to you all. (Just wait until you see New Year's...)

The Holiday Half-Time Report...

2009-12-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

Friday evening at the Strax came to a quite close. The computer fans whirred down. Monitors zapped to a still black. We crawled back to the Castle Strax brushed our teeth, pulled on our tuxedo jammies (just in case), and pulled the warm covers up in anticipation of the excitement that December 12th would bring. We'd been good at being bad all year...A La Fin Du Monde sat by the fireplace and a plateful of Skittles...What awaited us on the morn...?

It was to be the birthday of our friend and humble narrator, Ryan, the singer of Ab5trax's song. Our good friend John Pina had arranged for all manner of cheer and excitement on this crisp winter morn...er...eve. He whisked us off to Blossom, for warm pho and cool spring rolls...and ok, an Orion or two...We strolled down the brisk streets of town before catching a sleigh to where we might settle in. Our friends brought good tidings, warm whiskey and merriment from out of the damp and the cold. We had ping pong and pool, sang songs and we cackled...at merry pranks and pratfalls beside a fire's comfy crackle.

The birthday quite finished. The good feeling settled in. We were but a sleighride from the offices of Skinny, dear friends and compatriots, in both the production of production as well as the production of joy. No holiday is complete without a good office party, but why stop at the office when so many more might find themselves welcome. The night we let slip by in videos, live music, and laughs...in remnants of a fine ham...a macaroni salad...and the search for another corkscrew for that last bottle of holiday spirit. What was that on the horizon? Was it the sun? Surely not...there was indulgence yet to be had....

We found it at Spaceland, where the bands that had put LA music abuzz were to appear. We went to see bands, meet bands, and hear bands. There were bands all around. Bands that we knew. Bands that friends new. Bands of bands that were friends of friends. And into our eardrums they did ring their notes against our minds. (You might even say that we enjoyed our selves...) Was the party over? Had the good time concluded? Was it time to go home...?

No, my friends. No, it was not. We stopped off for our nightcap on a weekend well earned at the Dragonfly in Hollywood. And who should appear, but our old friends, Radio Freq to bring us songs quite dear. They jammed out the night. They played quite a set. They proved themselves a powerful quartet. We were glad that we'd gone. You shouldn't have missed it. But we stayed up too long, and we played too hard, we had to admit it.

So in did we trundle back to the office. We fired up the machines and pushed on some pixels. It was back to work for another few weeks...until we were called back to another holiday adventure....Look out Christmas, we're resting up. (And we've got an eye on you New Year's....) Pre-Season's Greetings from us here at Ab5trax....

The Ab5 in the Wonderful World of Moz....

2009-12-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

When Billy Friedkin directed the landmark car chase in The French Connection, he famously (should I say allegedly? We love your work Mr. Friedkin!) used his documentarian background to have Hackman race through live traffic, and had the production pick up the tab for damage. I mention this only because it sounded much like the commands our own director Seaton Lin was issuing to producer Hunter Woo last night on the way to the Gibson Ampitheater to catch Morrissey. And though Doll and Kicks were a fantastic opening act...our cross town antics still delayed us and we missed a portion of it...but we'd gladly catch them again! (We showed up early to our last Moz show and met Gedde Watanabe...an important lesson on being on time if ever there was one...) Then, out came the man himself...

Morrissey ever the showman easily spun off a show with both flawless voice and effortless charm. The band was tight and unleashed a veritable sonic powerhouse of music. With a bit of a wink, he modified lyrics to suit his mood, or pepper older tunes with a little modern satire. In the end it was everything we've come to expect: and a good taste more: songs from his latest (Swords), the prior album, and a fair few Smiths' tunes. And who would've expected a b-side single from Kill Uncle, The Loop...who is this guy? (This description could have gone on quite a bit longer...but I had to tune out the super-fans excess for description of the gallant performer.)

We filed into the night where a rain had been falling on Los Angeles, but was not enough to dampen our spirits from a show deeply enjoyed. If we had any lingering doubt about the night it was summed up thusly: "I wish they'd do that damnèd Smiths reunion...not that I don't like Moz's solo work...just so it will shut up the annual rumors....and well yeah...it'd be kinda cool too."

(Photos provided by April Richardson. Thanks April for not making our author look like a dreadful tool in having no photographic evidence...)

We Have Lift Off...

2009-12-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the ab5 team closed up shoppe early so we could hightail it across town to the venerable Silver Lake establishment, SpaceLand. We're no stranger to this venue, and have put enough quarters into the Galaga machine over in the corner to build Spaceland II. We had arrived there in support of our friends Mere Mortals, who had triumphantly returned from their Japanese tour.

It was good to see them again, both in person and on stage. They were in fine form last night, and gave us just the show we need to propel our inspiration. We've been hard at work on a new video for their powerful super-tune "Sunspots". We can't show you much yet, but we've promised everyone that it'll be far superior to our teen days of eating pixie sticks, spinning in circles for seven minutes, then staring at old Yes album covers. You'll know more when we feel it's safe for public consumption.

As an added bonus, we also got to catch Frank Black and his spectacular new band, Grand Duchy. We caught Frank solo the last time we saw Mere Mortals, but Grand Duchy snuck in a secret set last night. As fans of spy tactics in entertainment, we appreciated this. You can catch Frank hosting and playing a charity benefit, Winston Calling, at the Echoplex in Echo Park tonight, and tomorrow night.

At Long Last...Forced Visual Psychotherapy...

2009-11-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

We here at "the Strax", love surprises. This is why we've spent so much time in jail over the years on April 2nd. So we couldn't come back from our ThanksG break without something special for all of you. So, despite the fact that it almost got it's first birthday candle in post production, here is the amazing new short, Reluctance, by our very own Seaton Lin.

For months now, we've been telling you about Seaton's previous short, Civilian. Reluctance was originally conceived as its companion piece, but while Civilian was more cerebral in its execution, Reluctance has added on a new scope of dynamic action. Much in the same way we often plan to go out for a lunch with some chipotle mayo, and instead rescue the princess of a hidden city in a land of forgotten mystery all before afternoon meetings on a spot for cheese fries.

Fortunately for us, over the course of several projects we've been able to hone together a fine crew that's made each of these projects possible. So it would be inconsiderate of us to show you the final project without taking another opportunity to thank all of them for all the hard work involved. After watching and enjoying the piece, you too should go out of your way to thank them. (We recommend the purchase of spirits and/or party favors...)

So without any further ado, set your eyes, ears, and mind to stun at the latest Ab5 creation, Reluctance....

RELUCTANCE from c-10 on Vimeo.

The Ab5 Reflect on Thanksgiving Past...

2009-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

As we take life and work with some seriousness, we here at ab5trax also take our holidays quite seriously. From our ostrich egg hunt last easter to our archery contest to pin lovers together on Valentine's day, we are at the cusp of the ultimate in holiday enjoyment. Now that the nip of November has settled in, we turn our attention from ghouls, girls, and goblins to dames, dinner, and dartguns.

Two years ago, we tried something traditional, something in a the family Americana, genus 1950's, species Suburbanites. As a rather diverse group, we found it hard to celebrate with all the white actors we'd hired. "Grandma" refused to dip some chaw and use the spitoon like Seaton's, nor would she perform the annual beer shotgun like Nick's. In all, kind of a letdown (the cranberry sauce, however, was excellent...but that might have been all schnapps we put in it). If we were going take a break from pushing the proverbial pixel, we'd have to do better than that.

The following year, with Halloween still fresh in our minds, we decided to go ultra-traditional. The Puritan get-ups weren't exactly fun, and the Quaker Oats jokes flew, but at least we got to wear costumes. The evening, however, broke down when our Asian contingency began to argue that they should play the Native Americans, instead of Pilgrims, since historically/evolutionarily speaking they were closer to them than to white guys. Despite the Caucasian party's insistence of Eastern invasion by figures such as Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan into Western gene pools (no marauder ever forgot what side dish went best with pillaging) rendering the argument moot, an impasse was reached. The evening became less about Thanksgiving and more about the giant RISK tournament that broke out.

So this year, it's back to basics (and one of the only Thanksgiving pinups we could find to hang up in the office): we're going to go to each of our far corners of the globe and pretend that the rest of us don't exist for a few days. It's sort of like in certain action movies or old westerns...the heroes disband and settle into lives elsewhere...then a job arrives...like one of them is taken hostage by some crazy dictator...and one by one, we all converge on LA to once again pick up our mice, hammer on our keyboards, blow up a heavily armed compound...and make the world safe for another commercial, music video...uh...etc.

Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Ab5trax!

Radio Freq! - I'm Alive

2009-11-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Radio Freq - I'm Alive from c-10 on Vimeo.

At long last, Seaton Lin's music video vision is released for public consumption (it goes best with red wine, tossed greens, and Venezuelan beaver cheese). It recounts the story of Giovanni Grimaldi, an innocent lad turned court fop in 17th Century Florence, who has a bad run in with the Vatican, and is forced to flee across the Mediterranean and eventually ends up in the Crimea where...oh...sorry...I must've been thinking of something else. This video...ahem...is about Radio Freq! and their song I'm Alive, and it was as fun to make as the band is to work with. They are well worth catching live in the greater LA area, and if they head out on the road, we'll try to keep you in the loop. Enjoy!

Canadian "Civilian", eh?

2009-11-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hmmm....was it just the quality of the work, or is there some connection that the story depicted in Civilian crossed over the Canadian border that gained us acceptance into the 18th annual $100 Film Festival held by The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers? We can't help but feel that this is no coincidence. Well whether it's the work of forces beyond this world or just the fine selection process of the festival's judges, we're honored to bring our little piece of paranormal experience to this festival. So if you're in the greater Alberta Province come on down (or it's immediate neighbors...we're looking at you Nunavut!)...we just can't recommend driving to New Hampshire from there....(Sorry, terrible inside joke...you have to see the short...) Thanks Again to The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers!

Friendly, Quiet, Eerie...and very Lynch-ian...

2009-11-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

For one weekend, we thought that perhaps we should give up your wild jetsetting, cocktail swilling, Goldfinger-esque production lifestyle and leave behind the grimy glitz of Los Angles. So we arrived in the grey-skied chill of the flatlands of Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines (shortened from Ft. Des Moines) comes from the French for the Des Moines River or Rivière des Moines which translates as "River of the Monks". It was name that might be ironically appropriate as we rode out to the Maharishi University of Management for our weekend with David Lynch and transcendental meditation.

David sat down with the group and discussed creativity, answered questions on his films, and stressed the importance of meditation in his creative process. Transcendental meditation has been one of the most widely researched and practiced meditation techniques since it's creation in the 1950's. David was introduced to transcendental meditation by the aunt of producer Erin Skipper (our friend and contact at David Lynch Foundation Television) during the making Eraserhead. While it's tough to reconcile peaceful relaxation and focus with Frank Booth from Blue Velvet, we couldn't not take David at his word.

Another speaker, physicist and neurological researcher, Dr. John Hagelin (pictured right) discussed consciousness and peace in the light of new scientific breakthroughs in unified field theories, physiology, and neuroscience. Frankly, our knowledge of physics beyond pushing pixels is comparable to the action/reaction of the square ball of Pong; however, it didn't keep us from trying to understand what he meant. We figure that next year, we'll have our own two cents to toss into his unified field theory...probably as soon as we stop thinking of particles as just the dusty thingys we use in CG scenarios.

When we got a little one on one time with the man himself, we thought maybe as one group of creatives to another, he might slip us some trade secrets...but it was no go! So our traditional cinema study sessions over day old Chinese food trying to figure out how he made the baby from Eraserhead will continue. David did discuss with us how the nature and distribution cinema was changing much like music, but told us to keep at it and to be sure to always do what we love. Suffice it to say, he was an amazing guy and we savored all the time we got to spend with him.

However, like most good things, the weekend soon came to an end. We bade farewell to the school, the friendly locals, the lovely Erin Skipper, and the city of Des Moines, Iowa. Though we still had our white jacket tuxes on aboard the plane, something was not the same, and I like to think we came back a little smarter for what we'd seen as well as a little better rested in mind and body than before. Now back at home and at work, we are glad to put the word out there for meditation on behalf of the David Lynch foundation (www.dlf.tv) and look forward to either working for or spending time with them again in the future.

(For those of the group left behind in Los Angeles, we'll file our report on the Mercedes Helnwein opening at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery here soon!)

David Lynch Foundation Visitors Weekend...

2009-11-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday some members or our team boarded an aircraft (after signed affidavits to be on their best behavior) for a flight out to Iowa for a weekend of consciousness expansion. After doing some design work for the David Lynch Foundation, we were invited to the Maharishi University of Management to take part in the festivities. Having long been fans of Mr. Lynch's creative works and his efforts to expand measures of peace through meditation, we leapt at the opportunity with both feet and a parachute. I'm sure we'll have some new reports next weekend, but wish us luck in at least gaining a bit of inner peace for ourselves first. If you'd like more information on the David Lynch Foundation's goals and programs, by all means, go here: http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/

(The home team, however, can be found at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery this Saturday for a new opening. See the last post for details.)

Merry Karnowsky Gallery: Mercedes Helnwein - East of Eden

2009-11-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Karnowsky Gallery: Mercedes Helnwein - East of Eden from c-10 on Vimeo.

This Saturday, as promised, we will return to the Merry Karnowsky Gallery for the opening of LA-based artist Mercedes Helnwein. By all means, roll the above video and see the plethora of pencils, catch a glimpse of the compositions, and a taste of the talent. The almost noirish images of Mercedes cavalcade of characters is as steeped in high drama and high fashion as it is high contrast. The event, hosted by Jason Lee, will be this November 14 from 8-11pm. For more info, you know where to go: Merry Karnowsky Gallery .

...Warriors of the Weekend...

2009-11-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

Never ones to rest on either the Judeo- or Christian Sabbaths, this weekend presented us with yet another whirlwind of activity, socializing, a touch of drink, and a whole lot of moving violations. To recap a mad Saturday goes thusly...

In order to do as much damage as possible, we separated into multiple shock units and descended upon the city from the ab5trax helicopter (our jet is back in the shoppe, and the concorde is now under investigation for a mooning incident beyond the sound barrier...it was a whole lot of speedy pressed hams.).

Some of us went to the Shock Film Fest for yet another screening of the mighty Civilian which continues on its proud march through film fests around the world. Though we may not have been the grittiest of the goriest, the good people at the Shock Fest saw their way fit to include our little piece of alien arcana in their jam packed and bloody line-up over at Cinespace. Despite the lack of hatchet-based murder, the screening went pretty darn well. We can only imagine what our next short is going to do to the film festival universe...we're looking for good things. Meanwhile, in another part of the city....

Others landed at the reunion show for alt rock gods, The Pixies. We had only just caught Frank Black at The Mint about a month back, and now it was time for the whole enchilada that gave Black Francis to us in the first place. The show, possibly one of the best ever witnessed, occasionally had the thunder and attention torn away from it by our antics in the balcony. Producer Hunter Woo finally revealed the gymnastic routine he'd been practicing along the railing...we've never seen him more graceful and it was a fitting tribute in movement to the band who had given us so much.

For the remaining team members of a quieter temperament, we took our last chance to take in Kent William's excellent group show at the Merry Karnowsky gallery. Being a far less human interpretation of everyday LA traffic compared to the opening, we were able to sip a few drinks while standing back and enjoying the work. A quality and inspiring time spent with some good friends and those with an eye for quality art. (We'll be back at Merry's gallery next week to cover the opening of a new show by Mercedes Helnwein.)

For various personal reasons and possible accusations of self-slander, we'll draw the activities of Saturday evening to a close and turn to Sunday...

On Sunday, we sat down after a few oat sodas and a couple of pizzas (thanks guys!) to have a group showing of the completed video for Radio Freq! After a brief pow-wow on the when's and where's of release for this marriage of sound and image, we decided that you get to see it when the band decides to show it. It's in their hands, boys and girls, and we can't wait to see what they'll do with it. So count the days, cross your fingers, click your heels together, and make a wish...and by that time, all should be ready for the big reveal (...if not...just keep doing that until it is time...).

In other news, everyone had been telling us that we were overdue for a full company move from one office to the next...so we've done just that! More news on that to follow...But for now, as James Whistler would say: "It would have been called provincial and barbarous; it would have been cited as an incident of low civilization to confuse such art.”

...The Kind of Thing We Heartily Endorse...

2009-11-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

We here at Ab5trax have known fellow filmmaker John Pina since the soundtrack of the original office was "Stomp" by the Brothers Johnson, and Korean food was on the menu nearly every day. When we caught sight of his latest video, we were quite smitten by both song and the dreamy spirit of the visuals. Lissy's haunting husk of emotional vocals threads through a ghostly transition of speeding wheels taking us from the city into both the light and darkness of the countryside. (Personally, we recommend giving it two or three run-throughs to take in the whole thing.) It's a strong marriage of visuals and performance. We can only hope he has as many nice things to say about our upcoming Radio Freq! video...probably good odds that he will.

Mere Mortals...In Body & Mind...

2009-10-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

As an upwardly mobile unit of quality professional production, you can't let a hard day's work completely derail a hard night's play. As the ab5 team, we like to think that we have have a reputation to uphold. We're known for our firm sense of honor, our strong commitment to integrity, and our unbridled passion for socializing.

So after clocking in a twelve+ hour workday on a considerable summer blockbuster, we slid on into Hollywood's Three of Clubs to catch Mere Mortals before they shipped out to rock the island of Japan. (Is there a "Live at Budokan" in their future? Will they join the pantheon of such acts as Cheap Trick and Chic?) Our work-wearied bones and spirits were buoyed up by the Mortals nouveau blend of brit pop and sonic psychedelia (and maybe, just maybe, by a few rounds at the bar) that created an admirable display of sound and light bulbs. We had a fantastic evening, and certainly wish them well in sending them on their journey across the waves.

And those were precisely our thoughts...until we were back on set before the sun had broken the horizon or the birds began to chirp. Our first order at our daily meeting was to establish the first Company Nap Time and the oft-broken vow "to never do this again"...at least until Mere Mortals blast back for their triumphant return show.

MERRY KARNOWSKY GALLERY: Kent Williams - The Human Eclectic -THE VIDEO!

2009-10-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Merry Karnowsky Gallery Presents - The Human Eclectic : Curated by Kent Williams from c-10 on Vimeo.

If for some reason you were unable to attend the opening (Act of God...or heck, gods...is about all we'll accept), then the ab5trax team is proud to present a brief view of the coverage of our evening out at the excellent Kent Williams' group show. Judging by the turnout, that couldn't have happened to too many of you as the Karnowsky gallery came dangerously close to critical mass and the birth of a new sun in terms of artists and art enthusiasts. The show is still open through November 7th, so if this teaser isn't enough, please do take it in for yourself. We're looking to foster along some more work with Kent and will keep you in the loop...in the know...on the line...we'll uh...let you know.

Memory is RAM...

2009-10-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

(Behind the Scenes: The ab5 IT team at work. Also good at VCR repair!)

For some reason unbeknownst to us, the Ab5trax IT team asked that we acknowledge the release of Windows 7. Naturally, this prompted an all out OS flame war. Cubicles were rife with the sound of angry posting until a table of Cheetos and Mountain Dew was set up for the Peace Talks. The treaty is unsigned, but fairly besmirched with a greasy orange-ish funk with "FIRST!" written in the first name blank. So...Congratulations Windows!

Still, we all learned an important lesson. The wisdom I think we all walked away with is best summarized thusly: "When I change the way Action Center alerts me to don't notify me about alerts, it stops alerting me."

Easily up there with: "The unexamined life is not worth living," and "A flute with no holes is not a flute...and a doughnut with no holes is a danish."

MERRY KARNOWSKY GALLERY: Kent Williams - The Human Eclectic

2009-10-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

(Kent Williams and the lovely Merry Karnowsky)

While every excursion to the Merry Karnowsky Gallery has been an opportunity for us set aside our usual surly boorishness, this past Saturday stood as particularly poignant. We washed up. We coiffed. We shaved. We even tried to dress like proper human beings. Then we drove to 170 S. La Brea so that our electronic eyes might take in the opening of a group show curated by and featuring our good friend, the phenomenal Kent Williams.

Now you might be saying, "Hey pal, you told us about it already," and I would reply "If you want to keep reading this with all your teeth, chief, you'll put a button on it!" (Surly...I warned you.) We can't say enough about how much we enjoy Kent's work nor about what a great gathering of talents he put together for this show. It speaks volumes about the curator and the artists that the pieces in this show were each striking and unique, and yet carried a cohesion and harmony of contrast we've rarely seen in any group show.

(Above: What we in the business call 'hubbub')

From opening until closing, the gallery was jammed pack with viewers, artists, cheerleaders, buyers, photographers and plain old gawkers. Most of the artists were on hand to meet, greet, and parlay with an appreciative crowd. At one point, we asked featured artist Jason Shawn Alexander if security could still get angry if you were looking at a piece when the crush of the crowd caused you to face plant into it. Though he seemed to ponder if for half a moment, his answer was an unequivocal "Yes."

After a three hour barrage of art scene amateur and aficionado, suddenly it was closing times and we were ushered to the street. The doors shut on a gallery full of Barron Storey's elegantly controlled chaos, Dean Karr's playfully apocalyptic visions, Jon J Muth's soft focus on stolen moments, Kevin Llewellyn's dark sense of romance, Aaron Smith's chromatic yet regal palette, Sara Escamilla's handcrafted childhood memories, Jennifer Poon's washes of color over puzzle pieces of paper, Mari Inukai's flowing impressionistic hope, Peter Liashkov's illusionistic abstraction of human form, Chris Anthony's lens into a wonderful otherworldly age, Jason Shawn Alexander's rough hewn and raw grace, and Kent Williams' turbulent amalgam of the abstract, the cartoon, and the touchingly rendered. If you couldn't make it out, you owe it to yourself to take a quiet moment and slip away to this gallery for this wonderful show.

(Jason Shawn Alexander and Barron Storey in pre-game warm-up)

The show over, we did what we do best...We moved up the street for some cutting loose and socializing. Friends, artists, and artists' friends took over our restaurant/bar of choice, and coated the tables in libations and victuals. Conversation ran the gamut of topics, and we began to feel less self-conscious of letting loose with our more crass...but always professional...manner of communicating. A definite highlight of the evening was spent with Barron Storey, who related to us some stories of Kent's days as his student as well as a few of his own moments in art school. (We're currently rethinking a bid at enrolling.)

We were happy. We had another art opening shoot in the can, and a fantastic one at that...

When closing time finely came, we dispersed into the streets. A cool fog had settled over the overheated city of Los Angeles, and provided the perfect blanket of mystery for all these creatives to dissolve into.

The Beat...The Bleeps...The Boops...And a Night with the "Boys"...

2009-10-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

In order to save both our sanity and our reputation as a production team on the go, the ab5 emerged from our hidden techno cave to return to the El Rey theater. Tarfest had already proved us the champions of this fine venue, and last night we came to soak in the minimalstic yet dreamy tonal textures of the Junior Boys. After braving the slippery oil slick of these rain-soaked Los Angeles streets, hails of fog-hidden gunfire, and a quick stop off to rescue a baby...I mean a bevy of babes...from a burning building, everyone agreed that the Junior Boys had better make us want to cut loose and turn everything between our ears to blissful goo.

Now, I'm not going to say the show was good or bad. Those are just words. Mere words.

What I will do is put it to you this way: The show was such, that our own Seaton Lin was sparked to end his decade long moratorium on buying concert shirts. He ponied up the cash, and walked away with a 100% cotton memento of what he'd seen and all that he'd heard. That alone is three times the concert review you're likely to see anywhere else...and it was in less than fifty words (For sticklers I refer to the words above between "The show..." and "...he'd heard." Everything before that was merely setting the scene.)

Afterwards, we piled back in to ab5 mobile and disappeared back into the fog, where we never heard from again...that is until we got back to work on the magic electrical boxes this morning.

A Manifesto of Destiny...

2009-10-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

As a fairly mixed bunch, we here at the Ab5 have a special appreciation of the wondrous atrocity that is imperialism...so a nightcap of Ninas, Pintas, and Margaritas were the perfect closer for a weekend that spilled over onto Monday. Thursday we had a special session to see who would take what parts of the city to bring our brand of excitement to the people. This cabal of social calamity had us spread from the Marina to Downtown in a torrent of fashion, music, art, and general carousing. When we woke up next, we were in the Green Room with Radio Freq before their powerhouse performance at Cinespace on Sunday night. Veteran funster, director Seaton Lin was quoted as saying "I'm just gonna put my head down for a minute."

However, to keep this level of fun and fine professional filmmaking, one must always plan ahead. Last week, we informed you of the Berlin and Miami shows of our friends Ver Mar and Jason Shawn Alexander respectively. This week, we'll be attending and covering the show curated by one of our most beloved creators, artist Kent Williams. Kent's gathered together a line-up of artists deliberately designed to melt your visual cortex with pure liquid amazement. This champion team of operatives includes: Peter Liashkov, Barron Storey, Jon J Muth, Kent Williams, Aaron Smith, Dean Karr, Mari Inukai, Chris Anthony, Jennifer Poon, Jason Shawn Alexander, Kevin Llewellyn, and Sara Escamilla. The opening at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery in Los Angeles is this Saturday, October17th at 8 p.m., and for this class in socializing, attendance will be mandatory! For more info, see The Merry Karnowsky Gallery or Kent Williams' own site.

A Visual Onslaught of Grandeur Both Far and Away

2009-10-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

As our wild antics have gotten us grounded by nearly every airline, domestic and international, and our Concorde is in the shoppe, we're sad to say we're going to miss two events we were prepared to drown goldfish over. (If your private jet is up and running, we can't pay for gas, but we'd be happy to help you look especially cool while jetsetting.) However, that in no way means that you can't attend these wonderful events.

Tomorrow night, in Berlin, our very good friend and the woman who kills clay with both hands, Ver Mar (work pictured below) will be attending the opening ceremony of her latest menagerie of work at the Strychnin Gallery. If you are anywhere this side of Luxembourg and that side of Transylvania, there's no reason not to hop on the fast train to catch this show. Lovely as photos may be, nothing beats seeing Ver's work in not one or two, but all Three Dimensions. (More info here: http://www.strychnin.com/_new/_html/fs_cont.html )

Once you've soaked up enough of das Vaterland, it's high time you soaked up some sun and culture in Miami. More specifically, on Saturday, you should find yourself at 101 Exhibit for a show by our friend and the man who shoots paint with both brushes, Jason Shawn Alexander (flyer above...and you can keep your comments on my editorial decisions to yourself). Jason's raw and rough-edged work can be as overwhelming as it is beautiful. (More info here: http://www.101exhibit.com/home/)

You owe it to art, yourselves, these fine artists...and of course us...to attend these two shows by these two great creative talents.

We'll be back with more art news soon enough, as we prepare to provide coverage of Kent Williams' upcoming show at the Merry Karnowsky gallery here in town. You have no idea how exhausting it is to practice drinking free wine and making camera moves for entire days on end.

This Leaf's for You...

2009-10-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

In yet another landmark moment in Ab5trax history, founder and creative genius, Seaton Lin today drank his Millionth Cup Of Tea since becoming a part of the entertainment/motion graphics/commercial world. Lin was heard to say, "I think it contributes to the longevity of my life, I just hope it contributes to my longevity as a creative." Tea's origin as a quality beverage can be traced back to the Yunnan province of China, which claims to be the home of a 3,200 year old tea tree. When asked for comment, CG yeoman, Nicholas Smith said, "I don't know if all the tea drinking stems from him being Chinese or not. Personally, I think it's the unhealthy obsession with Brit pop. A man can only listen to so much Suede and Smiths before you start downing that stuff just to stay awake." Lin holds the fifth rank on the chart of greatest single tea consumers. A replica "East India Trading Company" Plaque is set to be issued at a ceremony at the end of the month.

Pixel Princes amongst the Rock Gods...

2009-10-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend was no time to merely sit in front of the tube and relax. So the ab5 team took to the Hollywood hills for two nights of debauch...ahem...two nights of solid professional production. We arrived ready to bring a little cinematic touch to the music of Radio Freq!

The point of the piece was to bring a little of the 80's neon noir to a stylish house party in the hills. While Director Seaton Lin tried to convince us that it was all about a beautiful aesthetic of the past, we knew that it was really because he had conjured up the hallucination that he was directing To Live and Die in LA 2. (We had to explain what the original movie was to the more junior members of the team who were born when it was playing in the theater.)

The evening went very smoothly, and as the swat team of music video production we couldn't hope to have an easier band to work with. (We only had to get the dogs out once...once.) True, the whole scene really did double as an actual house party...sure we had fun...sure we chatted up the ladies...we might have even drank a beer or four, but we came to film and the cameras rolled. Now we just have to cut these two nights into something amazing...

We'll be on the case...as soon as we've gotten some sleep...

The Big Screen...

2009-10-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

If you were unable to make it to Tarfest and you feel like basking in the warm air of the Valley, Civilian , directed by our very own Seaton Lin, will be playing in an excellent shorts program thanks to the Valley Film Festival. (Details are here: http://valleyfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=214835 ) The theater is a fine place to enjoy short films, just ask David Lynch!

(We'd go...but do you have any idea how many times we've seen this thing?!? And we have to think of all the doggies!)

The Tarfest Post-Season

2009-09-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

(Contrary to popular belief...this is not ab5trax director C10 Lin...who only operates the bamboo camera fully nude.)

Well, the festival has come and gone, and fortunately we only have mild hangovers, a little ring in the ears, and a few hickeys to show for it. The team wrapped up work on Friday evening to head to the Korean Cultural Center for the Tarfest opening, the Art Show! Between hobnobbing, enjoying some fine Korean cuisine, and busting some pixellated street funk, we took in the art.

(Miracle Mile Art Mogul James Panozzo wields the mic for the gallery opening.)

Having had our fill of the majesty of the work on display (and the complimentary wine), we retired for the evening in preparation for our neck of the event. The following morning, we headed back to our meeting with Wilshire boulevard and destiny.

It was a fortunate coincidence that the screening room was air conditioned for all the heat our program of shorts was generating. The crowd settled into the rows of seats with a gentle cascade of anticipatory murmuring. A hush fell over them as our producer Hunter Woo stepped into the spotlight of the darkened theater.

(Hunter Woo: Angelic Vision in Human Form. (Warning: Staring too long may damage your retinas.))

The film's played, and from what I could tell, no one took a breath until the lights came up again. A unified deep inhalation was followed by thunderous applause. Hunter once again took the stage to discuss the specially selected short, Rift, with local filmmaker Andy Huang. (You can take a gander at some of the participants at the Tarfest Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/tarfestfilm )

(Hunter grills Andy on his feelings on Planck's Constant as well as classic country music.)

Speaking of music...

(Eskimohunter rocks out from behind a screen that threatened to eat our minds.)

After taking a well deserved rest, we entered the familiar lobby of LA's El Rey theater for a night of thundering tunes and considerable dance. This year's acts (The Polyamorous Affair, Eskimohunter, & The Deadly Syndrome) provided both a visual and aural assault. We danced, we listened, we watched, and we generally cut loose (aka. the usual ab5trax S.O.P.).

(Deadly Syndrome provided the 3D glasses for a 3D display, and I'm pretty sure they too were 3D on stage.)

The next morning, with clouded minds from yesterday's revelry, we made our way back to Miracle Mile for the Grand Prix. Our own Hunter Woo took part in the race, but despite a brilliant effort (that none of the rest of us were in any condition to offer up), he was beat out by an old lady.....Alright, alright...an older woman who actually runs these things all the time. So we stand proud of the athletic achievement by our friend and co-worker, who did more than we could physcially muster.

(The runners before the swim through the tar pits themselves...)

Congratulations to everyone for a fun event and a great showcase for a lot of creative talent. We'd also like to thank them for asking us to participate in the event. For now, we will politely retire from Miracle Mile...and retake our citadel in Marina Del Rey.

(The ab5trax ballet team converges to discuss next year's entry for interpretive dance...and rhythmic gymnastics.)

In Case Your Memory Was Wiped By Aliens....TARFEST!

2009-09-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow sees the triumphant return of Tarfest! The Art Show will be tomorrow evening. Film and Music on Saturday. Sunday is the Grand Prix. See our previous post on the subject for details or go to Tarfest.com for a full schedule of events.

Saturday's film program will be an exciting showcase of all the short film fantasy you can clip, paste, and crochet onto a screen in under five minutes (The shorts are under five minutes EACH....not the whole program.). And what would this post be without a shame-filled plug for us?

Please, please, please come and see the show....and please, please, please stay for Civilian directed by our own Seaton Lin. (Was that shame-filled enough? It's tough to type and kowtow simultaneously.) Certainly the ab5trax crew looks forward to seeing it for the millionth time since he made it. It's a good event and a fun time...We really really really hope to see you there!

The Refreshing Feel of the Black Bubbly...

2009-09-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

If by that cryptic header you guessed that it was once again time for TARFEST...well then, YOU are a very good guesser.

That's right! This September 25th through September 27th, it's Tarfest again down on Miracle Mile, and Ab5trax is a proud member of the festivities! Once again we've put together a program of pieces for the Festival's Short Film Portion. So come on down and take part in the fun, whether it be the art, the films*, the music, or you simply feel like high-tailin' it down Miracle Mile! See the program poster below or visit tarfest.com for more information!

(*Note: Members of Ab5trax may be in attendance...it would be inappropriate to fling cash, prizes, underwear, or yourselves at us.)

Men of Production Produce Productions!

2009-09-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

We're happy to announce that our illustrious director Seaton Lin has managed to land his short, "Civilian", into yet another film festival. There will be a screening on Thursday, October 01, starting at 5:30 pm along with a slate of other shorts. For more deails on how, where, and when to paste this short on your visual cortex, visit the festival at:

http://www.valleyfilmfest.com/valleyfilmfest/app/home

(Note: If you view the short...keep an eye on your doggy...)

Later that Same Week!....

We'll be making a music video for our friends Radio Freq! We're not going to say that it will be two evenings of visual hedonism, aural pleasure, or minimal craft service...We are, after all, professionals. Updates will occur here as they happen! For more on Radio Freq! see them here:

http://www.myspace.com/radiofreqmusic

An Evening for Musicalizing...The Sequel

2009-08-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was another evening for building scar tissue on our ear drums.

We enjoyed the tunes of our friends Radio Freq! (http://www.myspace.com/radiofreqmusic) as they rocked out the Troubadour with The Shys (http://www.myspace.com/theshysmusic).

But as someone forgot to take any pictures, our coverage will end here...in the hopes of teaching the guilty party a lesson about journalistic integrity...

An Evening for Musicalizing...

2009-08-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

There was little threat of sleep in Brooklyn once the house lights went down and the stage lights came up. The Phenomenal Handclap Band took to the stage with their blend of James Gang style funk, 60's soundtrack music, disco hues, and prog rock sensibilities. Like many surprise opening acts (though some of us had been warned of the fun), here was another that made you wonder whether the headliners were afraid of being eclipsed. It quickly became apparent why the former DJ's turned frontmen would start making the tunes if this is what they had to bring to the table.

The energy, however, was not going to be dropped on the Friendly Fires watch. With their strong combination of airy melodies and dance beats, they had the crowd moving in no time. One concertgoer amongst our number described it as 'bombastic' which I assume he meant in a good way. They inspired much enthusiasm and much movement in the crowd that (from what I, the reporter, was told) had the men boogieing down, and the women wrestling themselves to keep from taking off their clothes (these results not guaranteed). It was certainly a double-header that made us wonder why we ever spend any time in the office.

Never ones to rest for too long (we save the bran muffins and 60 Minutes episodes for the weekend), we'll be back at it again tonight with another show.

MERRY KARNOWSKY GALLERY: Victor Castillo - Gameland

2009-07-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, someone left the door open once again for us to sneak back into high society. It was the opening for Chilean-born artist Victor Castillo's new exhibition, Gameland, at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery. In his visual commenaries on modern life, Victor brings a classical feel to a dark Disney-esque universe wherein cuteness equals cruelty and violence is the best fun. We spent the evening capturing the intrigued on-lookers between snatched moments talking Kubrick with Victor. The video for the opening will be available as soon as it's sliced up and pasted back together.

Bike for Three: More Hearts Than Brains

2009-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Who would have ever thought that we, the mighty Ab5trax team, would in some ways be at the crossroads of a creative collaboration that spanned continents. Some of us have known and corresponded with Belgian electronic producer, Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê (Greetings from Tuksan) for years now, and some of us have met and filmed Canadian hip-hop artist, Buck 65. They, on the other hand, have never met in person, and yet have produced an album of intimate collaboration, mutual respect, and an imposed exile from each other under the name Bike For Three ( http://bikeforthree.com/ ). From track to track, Joëlle mixes up a delicate tapestry of beat and sound that enhances the sharp staccato impact of Buck's lyrics (Take a listen to the synchronized force of "Nightdriving") or undercut them with an unmistakeable air of vulnerability ("All There is to Say About Love" is a prime example of this where the soft sounds seems to pick apart the hard fast delivery until they've stripped bare the raw emotion). In all, the album More Hearts than Brains is an exciting alliance fueled by distance that we like to think we're somewhere at the nexus of...

Merry Karnowsky Gallery: SHEPARD FAIREY: PRINT RETROSPECTIVE 1997-2009 (Berlin)

2009-07-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

Merry Karnowsky Gallery : SHEPARD FAIREY: PRINT RETROSPECTIVE 1997-2009 from c-10 on Vimeo.

Unfortunately, our Concorde was in the shop for repairs...and jet fuel...and new wiper blades...Otherwise, we would've jetted to Berlin to catch the opening for this retrospective of Shepard Fairey's work. After all, while the 2008 election opened up this iconic creator's work to the world at large, some of us still have a couple of original "Andre The Giant Has a Posse" stickers buried around here somewhere. So enjoy this latest work for the Merry Karnowsky Gallery, and we'll be seeing you again soon.

Robbed of Cake Once Again...

2009-06-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Once again, we've been duped out of Birthday Celebrations and our chance use our new mayonnaise gun. Team Member and the only 80 year old man to look like a 14 year old boy, Seaton Lin, became both older and younger simultaneously this weekend. Now he might tell you that a night out that weekend at the Texas Filmmaker's Showcase (having fun with our plants in the Houston Film Commission) is a party, but it's not a birthday party without Tequila smoothies and Tricycle races. So, Happy B-day to Mr. Lin...if we're not interrupting 60 Minutes.

We've been Robbed of Cake...

2009-06-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Team Member and all around Creative Monster, Ryan Apuy, managed to slip a birthday under the radar without the contractually obligated Streaking down Sepulveda (the whole street from start to finish), the Billboard Striptease, nor the Cow-Tipping Contest. As he's managed to avoid this we've decided to humiliate him here instead. So Happy Birthday, Ryan...and you had best have travel plans to escape what we have planned for next year.

Non-Perpetual Motion...

2009-06-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

This week also saw us land in our new offices back on the west side of town. Nothing like a move to remind you how difficult a move is and how much stuff you've managed to accumulate. Now we're nearly settled in, zip-tying the cables, and ironing out the technical kinks. Soon enough, more work and good times will flow.

Merry Karnowsky Gallery: Kill Pixie (Mark Whalen): I'll Hit You Up Tomorrow

2009-06-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Another Saturday in high society for the opening of Kill Pixie's new show at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery. Kill Pixie's highly glyphic work drew viewers in with it's bright colors, intensive detail, and shiny finish. The back room featured a large interactive pinball machine installation with sound design by noise pop trio Autolux. Host Tim Roth worked the room catching shots of the exhibition and it's wall-to-wall audience. We'll have our video coverage of the event available soon.

...with a little Reluctance

2009-05-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

This week was a busy one. In addition to the normal workflow, we stepped out of the office to do a little production. Over three days, we shot another UFO abduction inspired short entitled, RELUCTANCE. Some minor equipment problems, some prop fires, and some shifting locations and it was in the can. Thanks to everyone who helped put this thing together. We look forward to posting the outcome as soon as it's ready.

Merry Karnowsky Gallery: Edward Walton Wilcox - Recent Work

2009-05-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Merry Karnowsky Gallery : EDWARD WALTON WILCOX: SOLO EXHIBITION from c-10 on Vimeo.

This month we were back again at the Merry Karnowsky gallery to cover the opening night of Edward Walton Wilcox's show. Edward's work is a phantasm of richly romantic and ominous pieces. A particular highlight of which was his coffin-gun carriage installation which allowed the spectator to step into one of the artist's compositions. In contrast, the artist himself is a warm conversationalist and yarn-spinner.

2009-04-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

A short montage of vj graphics created for the Los Angeles based electro / ghettotech band Radio FreQ! These graphics were created for their live performances and features an edit of their song Freq Beat.

RADIO FREQ! - FREQ BEAT (VISUALS) from c-10 on Vimeo.

Directed by: AB5TRAX
Music by: Radio FreQ!
Track: Freq Beat
Written by: Cliff Magreta / Ben Adams
Produced by: Hunter Woo

www.myspace.com/radiofreqmusic

Merry Karnowsky Gallery Todd Schorr - The World We Live In - Opening Reception

2009-04-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Merry Karnowsky Gallery TODD SCHORR: THE WORLD WE LIVE IN from c-10 on Vimeo.

Merry Karnowsky Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition of new works by renowned American artist Todd Schorr. One of the most prominent pop surrealist painters working today, Schorr uses the exacting techniques of the old masters to paint colorful cartoon characters, corporate mascots and other pop culture icons in a unique style he calls cartoon realism. The Opening Reception on March 28 was hosted by actor David Arquette, and a portion of the evenings sales will go to Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity.

Video produced and created by AB5TRAX.

DIRECTORS = RE$PECT (?)

2009-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ab5trax: now open for business as directors! Just today we finalized, signed and became apart of the "A Common Thread" umbrella.

This has actually been a longtime dream of ours to become a part of a production company, and it's an honor to be represented by one as well established as A.C.T.

Check out their work at: www.acommonthread.tv

From now on, we demand everything to be awesome.

Cheers.

Man Man - Rabbit Habits

2009-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hey peoples,

In our latest adventures, we have for you this gem of fun. It's a music video for Man Man "Rabbit Habits". We had the fun and fortune to help out on the vfx/design with this zany blast-from-the-past piece (think "Teen Wolf" meets "Casablanca"??).

In anycase, here it is, credits below!

Director: Lex Halaby
Label: Anti Records
Artist: Man Man
Track: Rabbit Habits
Talent: Fred Armisen, Martin Starr, Charlyne Yi , Brett Gurewitz.
VFX: Ab5trax
Title Design: Ryan Ebelt

Check it OWT

2009-04-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a test for a music video from an undisclosed artist that we DIDN'T land. However, we just wanted to post this because the star of this test is so seXXXy!

Check it. (sorry ladies {and Eric}, he's married)

AB5TRAX - TEST from c-10 on Vimeo.

2009-04-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

We've completed work on an animation for Vital Voices Global Partnership. Vital Voices is the preeminent non-governmental organization that empowers emerging women leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe. The work was showcased at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to honor Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The World We Live In

2009-03-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we were asked to shoot, edit, and produce a short film capturing the Todd Schorr art exhibit at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery. The event was a red carpet affair that included David Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Dita Von Tesse. Todd's work is described as "cartoon realism," and is truly stunning in person. Later this week, we will have a chance to interview Todd about his latest show, and hope to be posting the results of the interview soon.

Welcome, Civilian...

2009-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

A big happy new year to all... in this ever shrinking universe! Welcome to our place on the blog'o-sphere. Here we update with the latest news and projects. We didn't want to overlook our latest short film, CIVILIAN. It's based on the true story of Betty Hill, who claimed she had experienced an alien abduction in 1964. It can be viewed here

the robot salvation...

2009-01-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

it's coming....

Lynch Box

2008-11-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Last night we stood in line at Amoeba to have Mr. David Lynch, cinematic visionary, sign a Dune lunch box. Yes!

Ab5trax vs. Plastic - Eco to Go

2008-11-20T01:07:00.000-08:00

So, in our latest adventures within the creative universe -- we bring you a brand new spot for eco friendship. May we present, Eco-to-go. This spot was written by the Cricket Club of New York and directed and posted by us. Check it out on our site! Credits below:

Client: Eco-To-Go
Agency: the Cricket Club of New York
Agency CD: Roald R. van Wyk
Director: Seaton Lin/Ab5trax
Producer: Hunter Woo
DP: Abraham Martinez
Music Written by: Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton
Song: "Telethon"
Post: Ab5trax
Color: Entertainment Post

Acting Credits go to:
"Man in Love": Brad Newman
"Woman in Love": Sunny Doench

WINTER DESIGN UPDATE!

2008-11-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

AB5TRAX PRESS

2008-10-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

In other blog worthy news, Media Bistro has posted a story about the making of our Obama spot on their Daily Agency Spy Feed. The spot was done in conjunction with NYC's The Cricket Club and mastermind Roald Van Wyk.

Agency: the Cricket Club of New York
Agency CD: Roald R. van Wyk
Director: Seaton Lin + Ryan Apuy/Ab5trax
Producer: Hunter Woo
Animator: Nick Smith

THEME Magazine

2008-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

The good folk at THEME Magazine have posted our Obama spot. Thanks Themesters, check out their blog, it's cool.

TARFEST this Saturday, Oct. 4th

2008-10-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the show open, here!
We wish to thank all the people who helped with the film festival:

Organizer(s): James + Hunter
Creative(s): Seaton + Ryan + Nick
Venue: Korean Cultural Center

And once again, thanks to all the great filmmakers who took the time to submit. We enjoyed watching all your films, and hope to see you again next year.

Stash_49 Podcast featuring Ab5trax!

2008-10-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello... so Stash_49 is almost here (Oct. 7) BUT the podcast preview has already arrived! Click HERE to check it out. And look at our big head, no wait, that's Eddie's head...

TARFEST

2008-09-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

Some design boards for our show open for the film festival we are curating. Zen Garage Style!

Who Wantz to Play?

2008-09-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Advance sneak peek at our new spot for, you guessed it, Xbox... cause in an XBox universe, the most deadly weapon... is your hands!!

STASH_49

2008-08-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sometime in early October, Stash_49 will come out and AB5TRAX's HELLO GEORGE will be included in their line up... Congrats to our very own Ryan Apuy! Thanks to everybody that helped out! Credits include:

Client: Toyota
Director: Ryan Apuy
Producer: Hunter Woo
Animators: Matt Longwell, Ryan Apuy
Sexy Rig by: Matt Longwell

Vive le Monsieur LeBleu

2008-08-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Sadly, the awesome Coplin LeBleu has had his last day at AB5TRAX, at least for awhile. He's moving on to another project, but we can't say enough about this talented motion graphics artist. Quite simply, Coplin ROCKS! Thanks Again... you will be missed.

Hollyweird Walk of Fame

2008-07-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

Just had to run an errand up the street and ran into this mess on Hollywood blvd. Actor Charles Durning was getting his Star on the Walk of fame. In attendance, from what I could see was Jon Voight, Dom DeLuise, and Elliot Gould. I just like that they had the induction ceremony in front of "Lady Studio: Exotic Shoes"... classy! Congrats Mr. Durning.

Duke Spirit @ Amoeba Music

2008-07-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

One of the nice things of being here on Cahuenga blvd. is the close proximity to Amoeba Records, earlier this week we saw the Duke Spirit there and they put on a great show. A nice break from the computers.

Three Clubs

2008-07-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

So we have found this little dark rock n roll bar around the corner that we walk to called Three Clubs, which is a misnomer because it is really only one bar with a dance floor... But while C10 and I were waiting for our songs to play on the jukebox, I took this photo.

Adventures in Hollyweird

2008-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

So we found this sign at the intersection outside the shop... It reads: "Hi my name is J. I Love The Police. I would like to meet some people to make friends. If your interested give me a call at... 323 XXX-XXXX" Go figure.

TGIF

2008-07-25T18:35:00.001-07:00

GLOW

2008-07-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was the first ever all night event sanctioned by the city of Santa Monica on the SM Pier. It featured DJ's and light sculptures, here are a few of my favorite shots.

Furry Monster Love <3

2008-07-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

The New Frontier... is coming soon!

2008-07-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

supergrass show in hollywood

2008-07-14T09:48:00.001-07:00

Hello George!

2008-07-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

A few more test frames of our upcoming car spot... think, the future of transportation!

Andy Rourke

2008-07-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Last night the legendary Smiths bass player was kicking out the jams with a DJ set at the Beauty Bar. Our own, C10, got to spend a choice moment talking to Andy about past and current projects. Check him out snarling on the Top of the pops, and now with his shaggy doo and Beatles Tee.

We had a Birthday....!!

2008-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Prius Test

2008-06-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

We have had our eye on several big automotive spots around town, and have developed this test to show potential clients. If you like it, you should see the animated version where the car transforms into a briefcase... now that's tight!

Baby Heat

2008-06-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

It seems Hollyweird never fails to disappoint, on our way over to the Sub shop, we spotted this little guy in the bushes. I guess the heat finally got to this one.

Back in Post

2008-06-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Got our team hard at work in post... delivering next month!

Tiger Snake Grass

2008-06-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

On the way to the original Zankou Chicken in Hollywood, we were stopped by this curious (albeit) stuffed snake. Nature photography Hollywood style at its best!

Xbox : Changes

2008-06-12T16:35:00.001-07:00

Check out the boards for our new Xbox spot entitled "Changes"... more to come later!

We Moved!

2008-06-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

We have left the west side for the greener pastures of Hollyweird... And we like it that way!

HEAD

2008-06-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

We have recently wrapped an interanl spot for HEAD tennis. The spot showcases our ability to concept/shoot/and post all in-house. A big shout out to everyone who gave us a hand including our DP Abe Martinez and actors Aaaron Paajanen and Sunny Doench. We hope to complete the spot sometime in July...