I just got back from Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure at about 2am last night, so I’m a little groggy. That park is friggin’ amazing, by the way. The fire and ice dragon roller-coasters are without a doubt the best roller-coasters I’ve ever ridden.
There’s a lot of work I want to post, but in the interest of proper digestion, I’m going to spread it out over the next few days. Okay, here we go…
Tronic: Adicolor
I never knew watching Jenna Jameson destroy a machine could be so entertaining. To see what I mean, check out Tronic’s short film for the launch of Adicolor, a new sneaker line from Adidas.
The ultra-white aesthetic of the spot is in keeping with the Adicolor concept and brand campaign. For more information about Adicolor, see the official site. For a little commentary on the brand campaign, read this post from Wooster Collective.
Like some of Tronic’s other conceptual work, the Adicolor spot uses the visual devices of destruction and disassembly to create dramatic tension and visual interest. Jenna’s ample breasts also help in this effort. It seems to me that Tronic had a good deal of fun with this spot, even poking fun at themselves a little in the process. Well done.
I’m not going to comment much on this, but I think it’s worth your time to watch Fad’s music video for Minus the Bear’s "Pachuca Sunrise," if only for its sensual textures and beautiful use of color.
Grid VFX
As I’ve said before, I don’t know much about vfx, but I’m a sucker for before-and-after sequences and making-of videos. Grid VFX’s site is full of this stuff, in addition to containing some solid vfx work.
There’s a ton of work on their site, and their reel is jam-packed with a wide variety of projects. I was so impressed, in fact, that I went ahead and added them to the Cream. Welcome aboard, Grid!
Feel Good Anyway: Smorgasbord ‘06
Feel Good Anyway has added a new reel to their site, Smorgasbord ‘06.
I’ve always liked FGA’s quirky take on the world. Their understated, subtle humor permeates everything they do, imbuing their work with a freshness that eschews trendiness.
Thanks Ryan Rothermel.



I’m sorry, but I’m going to start this topic off on a negative note, the Tronic spot is just absolutely ridiculous. They did adidas such a disservice. Look at the Wooster Collective commentary, see the concept behind the billboard postings then go back to watch Jenna Jameson destroy the machine. The billboard concept is ultra cool, respects the culture and is an overall brilliant concept, the tronic spot should be a promo for Spike TV promoting sunday night WWF.
This spot was a waste of Jenna’s valuable porn time and a waste of Tronic’s Maya time.
The Tronic spot doesn’t do much for me either. The podcast description says spots are coming from Roman Coppola & Andy Bruntel. Neill Blokamp, PSYOP, Saiman Chow, Charlie White, and Happy. Should be interesting.
Speaking of PSYOP, thanks for the heads up on the Stash screening. It was a nice event.
I also did not get into the tronic spot.. I love their work and I can’t put my finger on what exactly isn’t doing it for me.. just felt very bland and dry..
The adicolor flash site however, is fantastic!
I don´t know if I like FGA´s leftovers that much either. Some of the animated images in the spot are just not done well. The graphics aren´t good. Maybe tween could me a bit more slective and critical.
What I wanted to say, of course, was “Maybe tween could be a bit more selective and critical.” Can I edit my comments? Well…
I think Justin has always done a great job with posting work that will either spark conversation, like this one, or something that is just visually stunning. So to be honest, I think posting something like this is fine, although I took it to the cleaners in a earlier post… But well deserved.
Who knows, someone might even learn something from it, such as not to use a porn star to get a cheap reaction. One will learn they need to second guess that decision and do what is best for the brand.
But, I do agree with you Mate on some of the other members of tween, a few of them don’t have a clue.
Keep up the good work Justin.
Ahhh, there’s the big post.
re: Edit comments – no, not at the moment. Spelling mistakes are saved for the ages to see.
As for tween being more critical, well, thats a tough one isn’t it? Justin likes the FGA stuff, so why not post it? As per Justin’s request, we try to give a broad overview of things that will be of value or interest to everyone – not just to appeal to a particular persons aesthetic. As Justin has said many times before: In the end this really is just a blog/feed. Read the tagline; Motion Graphics, Design, Bombastic Rambling. We don’t get paid, we aren’t journalists – we do it for fun in our spare time and because people seem to enjoy it and find it useful.
On another note, mate – your sketchbook stuff is reeeeal purty
Good comments, everyone. (Sorry about not being able to edit them.)
I actually agree with you guys. I could probably stand to be a little more critical/selective. It’s funny how things have changed over the years. When I first started doing this, there really wasn’t much motion work on the web, so I posted whatever I could get my hands on. Now things are different; there’s a sea of work out there. And as Tween grows in popularity, it should become more selective, not less.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes.
I didn´t mean to not post the stuff. You can also post it and be critical (in a positive, constructive way) with it.
FGA…. So, Im living in Portland now, and just wanted to give cred to another agency thats doing work here. I don’t know anyone at FGA, but I do know that they are accomplishing some great jobs here in town. Portland is in by no means a comparison to LA or NYC, but we are trying. I agree with mate that the work should be selected more and that tween should be more critical… but i think that FGA has been there since the begining (mostly making flash animations) and that they should be recognized. they arent just a motion studio, but they kinda have been doing motion design and participating since the begining. woot bro. ryan.