Chris Volckmann

If Someone Could Locate One of These and Send it to my House Please...

2010-09-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

Thanks in advance.

Olly Moss for Rolling Roadshow

2010-08-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Designer Olly Moss created this series of posters for the 2010 Rolling Roadshow tour. Also be sure to check out his black and red version of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade poster.

Lesson of the Day: LEGOS Can Sell Anything

2010-07-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Genius viral marketing campaign from Grey Barcelona for Pilot Extra Fine ball pens. Thanks Cesar! (again...)

Grey Barcelona credits:
Art Directors: Jose Miguel Tortajada, Oscar Amodia, Dani Páez,
Copywriters: Jürgen Krieger, Joan Mas, Luke Sholer
Photographer: Gonzalo Puertas, illustrators Diogo Dutra and Malen Feliz.

"An Epic Compilation"

2010-07-23T15:30:00.001-07:00

icanhasinternets presents classic pop icons seen in a different light. Thanks Cesar!

The Selvedge Yard's Photo Essay of "Taxi Driver"

2010-07-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Amazing B&W photo essay of "Taxi Driver" from The Sevedge Yard. I highly recommend combing through this site for countless other essays, all equally fascinating.

Three Superstars in Miami?

2010-07-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

Barry McGee and Clare Rojas at Bolinas Museum

2010-06-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Barry McGee (aka "Twist") and Clare Rojas show at Bolinas Museum through 8/1.

Preguntas Hermosas from Superfad Director David Viau

2010-06-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

"Preguntas Hermosas" is a story about a time that was shared between two people, told through a combination of "Poema X" by Pablo Neruda and "Under the Harvest Moon" by Carl Sandburg. It unfolds in three parts; a fond remembrance, loss, and then finally acceptance.

Production Company: Superfad

Directed by David Viau

Executive Producers: Chris Volckmann and Will Hyde

Narrator: Gabriel Puerto

Adapted from the Poems Poema X by Pablo Neruda and Under the Harvest Moon by Carl Sandburg

3D Artists: Dade Orgeron, Robin Scher, Phiphat Pinyosophon, Andrew Butterworth, Tom Oakerson, Alex O'Donnell, Carlos Stevens, David Viau, Paulo Dias
Phiphat Pinyosophon, Jordan Blit

Animation and Compositing: David Viau, Loren Judah, Carlos Stevens, Justin Pae, Paulo Dias, Tom Oakerson

Subtitle Animation: Will Hyde

Editor: Ryan Haug

Finishing: Lightpress
Colorist: Jeff Tillotson

Audio: Clatter and Din
Sound Design and Mixing: John Buroker

Original Score: Christi O'Donnell
Pianist: Christi O'Donnell
Violinist: David Liu

My Desk is 8-Bit by Alex Veranese

2010-06-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

From the artist:

"I recently found myself wondering what a video game might look like in the form of a stop motion animation. While a normal person's response to such a question would of course be "who gives a shit?" I possess few of the qualities typically associated with normalcy and was irrevocably compelled to find out. This is the result.

Also, I'd like to think I'm the first person to be inspired by Michel Gondry AND R-Type on the same project."

I've been a fan of Alex's work for some time now, it's exciting to see him step into motion.

Superfad for Super Mario Galaxy 2

2010-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Nintendo “Planets” for Super Mario Galaxy 2 and advertising agency LAPIZ is an ambitious spot that marks the inaugural collaboration between production partners Superfad and Moxie Pictures. Superfad produced a seamless journey blending live action and visual effects in a playful narrative that mimics the way Mario performs in the game. Enjoy!

Agency: LAPIZ
CCO: Laurence Klinger
Creative Director / Writer: Javier Osorio
Art Director: Eduardo Cintron
Executive Producer: Tony Wallace

Production Company: Moxie Pictures
Director: Will Hyde/ Carlos Stevens
DP: Steve McGehee
Line Producer: Laura Heflin
Head of Production: Roger Zorovich
Executive Producer: Lizzie Schwartz

Production Company/Mexico City: Cedro Films
Producer: Leonor Vazquez
Executive Producer: Pepe Homs

Post Production: Superfad
Executive Creative Director: Will Hyde
Senior Art Director: Carlos Stevens
CGI/VFX Supervisor: Dade Orgeron
3D Artists: Ben Grangereau, Yas Koyama, Alex O'Donnell, Phiphat Pinyosophon
Compositing: Shuyi Wu, Loren Judah, Tom Oakerson, Justin Pae, Tyler Bowers
Editor: Ryan Haug
Colorist/Finishing: Jeff Tillotson/Lightpress
Producer: Nannette Ray
Executive Producer: Chris Volckmann

Also, check out the Behind the Scenes video.

Superfad for Quikrete

2010-05-12T14:00:00.001-07:00

Agency: Fitzgerald + CO
Executive Producer: Sarah Zehnle
Executive Creative Director: Bob Warren
Group Creative Director/AD: Hal Barber
ACD/Writer: Jerry Williams
Art Director: Matthew Sharpe

Production Company: Superfad
Creative Director: David Viau
CGI Supervisor: Dade Orgeron
Designer: Chris Saunders
3D Artists: Tom Oakerson, Andrew Butterworth, Phiphat Pinyosophon
2D Animation/Compositing: Loren Judah, Paulo Dias
Editor: Ryan Haug
Colorist: Jeff Tillotson/Lightpress
Producer: Nannette Ray
Executive Producer: Chris Volckmann

Superfad for Adidas F50

2010-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Agency: 180 Amsterdam
Producer: Josie Tucker
Senior Creative: Daniel Brooks
Creative Director: Todd Bois
Executive Creative Director: Andy Fackrell

Production Company: Superfad
Creative Director: Adam Parry
Director: Clayton McDermott
3D: Jerome Haupert, Rodi Kaya, Anders Freij, Tobias Meier, Weles Bussett, Maelys Faget
Compositors: Richard Frazer & Ian Sargent

Sound Studio: Resonate Studios

Star Wars Cliff Notes

2010-05-05T11:56:00.001-07:00

Brilliant.

Shepard Fairey @ Deitch Projects

2010-05-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Via 12oz. Prophet and cope2

The Orgins of a Sculpter

2010-04-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Dave Duncan Effect

2010-04-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

I know I've been on a baseball kick lately, but what can I say? It's April. I love that FanGraphs decided to prove that the "Dave Duncan Effect" is real and awesome. As a Cards fan by marriage, I witnessed first hand Jeff Weaver pitching like an allstar in the World Series. I knew that one or more of the following things had happened:

1. Weaver had made a deal with the devil Robert Johnson style, a deal for which he's currently paying for by pitching out of the bullpen for the Dodgers.

2. LaRussa had a Jeff Weaver suit manufactured and sent Chris Carpenter out to the mound wearing it.

3. Dave Duncan is one hell of a pitching coach.

I'm still not convinced that 1 is a myth, but FanGraphs proved that 3 is a reality.

Vans x SF

2010-04-12T20:31:00.001-07:00

Only 12 pairs made. Ugh. I guess I won't be getting a pair of these. But my wife proved once again how much she rocks when she surprised me with a couple pairs of the Adidas At-At Walkers.

Giants Fans, Meet Sabermetrics

2010-04-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

Bay City Ball has been around since late 2006, but with a rise in the popularity of sabermetrics and the honor of being added to Rob Neyer's Sweet Spot Network on ESPN.com, it's quickly become an essential for Giants fans.

Self advertised as an "intelligent forum where people can discuss the Giants and other baseball happenings" it's a pretty fascinating blog, and author Chris Quick offers some great assessment of all things Gigantes. Apparently ESPN thinks so as well, as Quick got to write the blurb about the Giants in the latest "Power Rankings" (where we currently sit #4 btw..). I love the fastball graph (above) depicting Lincecum's fastball velocity over the course of his 7 innings in Houston. Not too bad considering everyone was nervous about his velo drop in the spring.

Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi "Tightrope"

2010-04-07T17:31:00.001-07:00

The ringwraith homies kinda weird me out, but I'll tell you this... this makes me want to break out the saddle oxfords and shake my tail feather.

Back to the Future II Concept Art

2010-04-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks Cesar!

Superfad's Carlos Stevens Wins First Boards Award

2010-04-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Congrats Zarlos! Well deserved.

Oh My God Yes

2010-03-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

These guys are my heros.

Well...

2010-03-25T11:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Spring!

2010-03-22T12:20:00.001-07:00

Nothing like burgers on the grill and homemade onion rings to kick off the new season.

Obama Hitting Up!

2010-03-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

"Mad Men" Barbies

2010-03-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Ok. This is an insult to Joanie. via Glossy

TRON: Legacy Trailer

2010-03-09T10:51:00.001-08:00

Hells yeah.

Lamb and Honey Tagine with Saffron and Roasted Almonds

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

Even though we've had 50+ degree weather since January and blossoms are out everywhere, it's still winter damn it and I'm not ready to leave behind hearty meals. This take on a Moroccan classic is both sweet and savory, and surprisingly easy to put together.

2 lbs. cubed lamb stew meat
2 tblsp olive oil
1.5 cups of beef broth
1 medium onion chopped
16 pearl onions
24 pitted prunes
1 1/3 cup honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp nutmeg
10 threads of spanish saffron
20 sprigs of cilantro
1/3 cup whole almonds
salt and pepper to taste

Quickly blanch the pearl onions, remove skin and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375

In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add lamb and brown on all sides, then remove lamb and set aside. Add chopped onions and a bit of salt to the pot, let cook until slightly transparent. Grind the saffron threads between your fingers into the beef broth, and stir well, then add the broth and the lamb to the pot. Stir in honey, prunes, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, salt, pepper and cilantro. Cover with foil, then with the top of the dutch oven and bake at 375 until the lamb is tender. About 50 minutes.

In a pan, roast the almonds, roughly chop and set aside.

Once the lamb is cooked, remove top and carefully spoon out any grease. Add the pearl onions, recover, and cook for another 5 minutes. Then remove the top and put back in the oven to let the sauce reduce a bit, another 5 -10 minutes.

Remove the pot and add the almonds. Serve hot over couscous with warm crusty bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Superfad Gives Sony Some "Eye Candy"

2010-03-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Official Press Release:

Superfad’s new in-store campaign for Sony is a startlingly beautiful and surreal homage to Sony’s global brand message of “make.believe” and a tribute to the pleasure of “Eye Candy”. Unfolding in three parts, “Birth of Color,” “Explosion of Color” and “Release of Color,” the project was directed and produced by Superfad and will be seen in stores and installations throughout the world.

The concept was inspired by the idea that from one’s imagination, anything is possible. Drawing from the theatrical world of fashion photography, Superfad chose moments of visual drama and magic, with spherical objects representing the dot in “make.believe” as a connecting through-line.

Superfad Director/Executive Creative Director Will Hyde captured a live action, slow motion narrative with imagery that would showcase the picture value of the Sony Bravia screens including color fidelity and detail. The project’s effects and animation, completed in just under three weeks, was creative directed by Carlos Stevens.

The project keenly represents Superfad’s methodology; one that eschews a singular signature style in favor of applying project-specific creative approaches to reveal the unexpected. With Sony’s “Eye Candy,” the blending of live action and animation comes together in a seamless marriage of visual intensity and wonder.

It was a lot of work, accomplished in a really short amount of time. Lots of thanks to everyone who lent a hand on this one, it took quite a team and everyone kicked some serious ass to get it done. We finished woozy, a little hungover, with a few cuts and bruises here and there and some pretty disgusting mustaches, but had an amazing time.

Credits:

Executive Creative Director: Will Hyde
Creative Director: Carlos Stevens
CGI/VFX Director: Dade Orgeron
3D Artists: Tom Oakerson, Phiphat Pinyosophon, Andrew Butterworth,
Yas Koyama, Alex O'Donnell, Dimitri Luedemann, Billy Maloney
Compositors: Tom Oakerson, Paulo Dias, Loren Judah, Dorian West,
Sohee Sohn, John Stanch, Soyoun Lee, Dimitri Luedemann,
David Holm
Editor: Ryan Haug
Flame Artist: Andy Davis
Head of Production: Chris Volckmann
Executive Producer: Rob Sanborn

Production Company: Superfad
Director: Will Hyde
Director of Photography: Martin Ahlgren
Production Designer: Jason Puccinelli
Wardrobe Design/Stylist: Heidi Meek
Make Up: Bryin Smoot
Line Producer: Scott Ludden

Music: Matt Hutchinson

KAWS in Madrid

2010-02-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

KAWS shows at Arco Madrid

And Galeria Javier López Madrid, via glltn

SEAT "Good Stuff"

2010-02-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

Credits to come.

The Trial by Jane Mayer

2010-02-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

A very interesting read.

Best Sandwich Ever?

2010-02-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

It's old news to most Seattlites, but I experienced Paseo Caribbean Restaurant for the first time yesterday. The Cuban Roast sandwich (pictured above) immediately enters the conversation for the best sandwich I've ever had. Typically I need to wait a couple weeks, devour it again, then try and see where it ranks in the pantheon of great sandwiches, but sometimes you just know you've run up against one of the greats. It's like the first time I had the Bomb Fully Loaded from The Astoria Sandwich King, or the Crispy Beef Tacos from Cancun Taqueria.

The marinated, slow-cooked pork roast is obscenely tender, and heaped into a grilled baguette that is just firm enough to hold together while absorbing all the juices. Garlic mayo and a mound of cilantro, jalapenos and caramelized onions finish it off.

Paseo gives off the impression that they really couldn't care less if you go there or not. With two locations, Fremont and Ballard, both are cash only and neither have much seating. We went to the Ballard location, just south of Golden Gardens, on a surprisingly nice day for February. There was no sign and no parking, but the long line gave it away. We accidentally discovered that if you ask for it, you get free corn on the cob with a sandwich, though it isn't advertised anywhere. The corn was buttery and cooked well, delicious really, but secretly I was disappointed it wasn't traditional cuban style, with no paprika, chili or queso fresco in sight. You can't have it all I suppose.

Open Letter to James Cameron

2010-02-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

Lee Stranahan addresses fairness for VFX workers in this open letter to the King of the World himself.

The letter focuses mostly on the film industry, but the point carries across all post production, and really, art in general. Artists are passionate and dedicated people. I know designers and animators that leave work, go home, get on the computer and start working on personal projects. It's simply what they do. When that kind of devotion exists (and often it exists even in the absence of a pay check) then it's easy to exploit. The point is simple: as profits for Film, Television and Advertising increase as a direct result of visual effects, so must the compensation. In my specific world, AICP Digital is up to some interesting stuff, and I'm excited to see where things are going. For the time being, however, it's truly the wild west of the business world.

Beautifully Illustrative Video from Toxic Norway

2010-02-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Madder Mortem's "Where Dream & Day Collide" directed by Christian Ruud and Kim Holm.

A Wise Man Once Said...

2010-02-04T11:42:00.001-08:00

Superstache cont...

2010-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Superstache

2010-02-01T19:29:00.001-08:00

Sony's almost done... but it's driven us all a little crazy. More to come.

Historic Dought Levels Cause Catastrophic Fall in 2009 Global Food Production

2010-01-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

So um... yeah. Not good.

Langdon Cook on American Truffles

2010-01-27T13:37:00.001-08:00

Insightful post on American truffles from Fat of the Land.

SABER strikes back at FOX News

2010-01-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

Bartholomew Park Winery

2010-01-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

We got our shipment of Bartholomew Park Winery Cabernet yesterday (finally... shelves were getting bare...). What's great about BPW is that they primarily produce micro-lot, single vineyard wines that really allow you to taste what a difference both vintages and vineyards make.

Small production goes hand in hand with the single vineyard approach, so definitely get a hold of the '05 Estate Vineyard Cab while you can. Described as having "deep color and aroma of red berries. A full, soft entry leads to intense flavors of black plum, macerated cherries, dark chocolate and a wisp of sandalwood and anise. Soft, supple tannins lead to a long finish of rich berry compote and roasted coffee bean."

Well I don't know about the wisp of anise. But it definitely finishes with leathery tannins and strong coffee notes. At $38, it's one of my favorite value wines, as it compares with bigger boys that run in the $60 - $80 range.

Suggested cellar time is 5 to 15 years, but if you don't have a cellar, I suggest using the next best thing: a corkscrew.

The Syrah (photo) and Zins are also worth checking out.

Patrick Boivin for the Nexus One

2010-01-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

I've been a huge fan of Patrick's since I first saw "Mandalorian Dance". Good to see him getting "sponsored".

Doze Green @ Johnathan Levine Gallery

2010-01-17T21:10:00.001-08:00

One of the few reasons I miss NY. Go see this if you can. Opened last night, showing through 2/13.

LAIKA for SPAM

2010-01-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

Star Wars Kicks

2010-01-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not even into shoes. I wear untied hiking boots that I bought in '03 every day.

But holy crap am I gonna buy these:

Check out the spot:

Uh, Remind Me Not to Draft This Guy...

2010-01-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

#1 sign your career is on the decline.

SONY Teaser

2010-01-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a long week in LA shooting some eye candy for Sony's new "Make.Believe" campaign. Couple teaser shots here, I'll post the spots with some behind the scenes stuff once done.

Vintage Ad Browser

2010-01-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

Awesome. Found @ Glossy.

2010-01-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Whoa... they still make rap videos? I love this.

White Bean and Chicken Chowder with Delicata Squash and a Truffle Oil Pistou

2009-12-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Crappy Picture taken from my phone, but it was gooood so I figured I'd share. Played off the recipe from The Herbfarm cookbook, but added chicken and allowed it to reduce more to become a hearty, chowder like soup. Also made the pistou with a bit of truffle oil, which, you know, never hurts.

Man Spends 34 Years Building Toothpick Model of San Francisco

2009-12-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

I love this guy...

Thanksgiving Foraging

2009-11-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

In 2010 I want to try and get a little closer to the food that we eat. We're moving into our new house and will be able to have a much larger vegetable garden, but beyond that, I want to explore more of what the Northwest has to offer at a fundamental state.

Foraging is a difficult (and sometimes dangerous) art that takes enthusiasts years to perfect. The most common foods sought by foragers are mushrooms and truffles, delicious finds that can often go for a pretty penny, but the Northwest is home to many wild edibles (flowers, nettle, berries, etc.) and damn it, I want to try and find some. Let's just hope I don't mistake a Satan's Bolete for a Queen Bolete...

Prime time for foraging is obviously spring - fall, so we probably won't seriously get into this adventure until well into next year. We did however stumble across a couple nice finds in Bellingham over Thanksgiving weekend:

Candy Caps at the Christmas tree farm.

One of the many marvels of mushrooms is that they have so many distinctive fragrances, and the candy cap has one of the sweeter ones: that of maple syrup. Dried Candy Caps are often powdered to flavor desserts, or soaked, chopped and cooked to flavor cookies. They make a delicious counterpoint to savory dishes, especially those using smoked meats.

Chanterelles

Huckleberry Pie made from Huckleberries foraged on Mt. Baker
(This is from September)

Sprint "Buds"

2009-11-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

Probably my favorite since the "Anthem" spot back in April...

Superfad Credits:

Executive Creative Director: Will Hyde
Creative Director: David Viau
CGI Supervisor/VFX Director: Dade Orgeron
Designers: Carlos Stevens, Paulo Dias, Justin Pae
3D Artists: Tom Oakerson, Herman Kim, Yas Koyama, Sarah Bockett, Alex O'Donnell, Phiphat Pinyosophon
Compositors: Tom Oakerson, Shuyi Wu, Paulo Dias, Bashir Hamid, Justin Pae, Loren Judah
Editor: Jason Webb
Flame Artist: Andy Davis
Producer: Nannette Ray
Head of Production: Chris Volckmann
Executive Producer Seattle: Rob Sanborn
Executive Producer LA: Kevin Batten