November 30, 2009

Tristan Eaton Feels the Funk for the Soul Train Awards

2009 has been a busy year for Tristan Eaton, founder of Thunderdog Studios. He’s traveled around the world for Dell Design Studio, launched the B-Bot iPhone application, been featured in Art for Obama, released Thundermutt 3.0, and created murals for the Ace Hotel. We caught up with Tristan again to discuss his latest project, the rebranding of the 2009 Soul Train Awards for Viacom’s new network, Centric. The comprehensive campaign includes logo design, a new train design, print and outdoor art, subway station takeovers, animation sequences, on-air graphics, and the Soul Train award itself. Interspectacular wrote, directed, and animated the pivotal opening sequence (shown above) and all transitional elements. Bernstein & Andriulli produced the entire show package.

With a television show as heavily embedded in America’s cultural history as Soul Train, all eyes were on Tristan and Thunderdog Studios to see where they would take the updated identity. Never one to shy away from high expectations, Tristan was honored to be chosen for the task. Working closely with other Viacom networks VH1 and BET, he sought to keep the funk and spirit of the original show while making it look sharp and modern for today.

Read the interview with Tristan and get an inside look into the all inclusive campaign

October 8, 2009

Am I Collective Drives Mini-Cooper Through the Ages

Mini Cooper celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Am I Collective worked with agency Blackriver FC on the “Through the Ages” campaign that features typographic elements creating the shape of the car. Each phrase represents a specific era in time.

After the print campaign Am I Collective suggested the idea of using its illustrations in an animation. Blackriver FC was quite keen and loved Am I Collective’s treatment, giving them the go-ahead and creative freedom to create a viral ad that matches the Mini Cooper’s playfulness and energy.

Read more »

September 11, 2009

New Anime Features Character Design by Rhythm & Hues

Storied Japanese anime studio and production house, Production IG, asked Rhythm and Hues to design the heroine for the new feature film Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror (original title: Hottarake no Shima – Haruka to Maho no Kagami). Production IG is best known for top anime films such as Blood, The Last Vampire and Ghost in the Shell. The feature film will air Fall 2009, shown exclusively on TV Tokyo in Japan.

Click here to view the trailer (Japanese language only).

September 9, 2009

Jeremyville Illustration and Animation Featured in Mastercard Commercials

A series of classic ‘game’ moments has been captured in 15 and 30 sec animated shorts. MasterCard PayPass was developed at McCann Erickson New York. Artwork designs and animation by Jeremyville. Watch the animated shorts here.