The Smashbox Yello! Blog

Photography: Notes From The BOX

Renee George — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:33:03 +0000

We have some goodies for you in our weekly photography fix. The batch of images rolled through to my inbox smoothly and I have to say, this thing is becoming one of the most exciting parts of my week. The reason is clear: Just like you, reader, I also get to see what “lens” the Smashbox Studios crew gets fixated on. We have a sculptor in the mix this week which I think you’ll surely dig. As far as my eye is concerned, it landed nicely on a shoot by photographer Henrik Halvarsson. “I love photographer’s that employ comedic themes in their work from time to time. It’s refreshing to see subject’s be carefree—the 60′s concept in this series plays well with the feel of each photograph resembling a candid snapshot.” So there you have it. See what the rest have in store—the notes are a mid-week booster, aren’t they?

Darren Shannon (Billing Manager)

Photographer: Georges Antoni

“Ode to the redhead. Dita is one of the most beautiful women i have ever seen. One of natures miracles”

Rebecca Cabage (Director of Studio Bookings)

Photographer: David Sims

“I love the romantic, ethereal quality of this entire campaign.”

Tamaki Nicole (Studio Bookings)

Photographer: James Barnes

“I don’t usually like to advocate smoking but there is something so beautiful, feminine and elegant about this photo that catches my eye.”

Peter Heirendt (Studio Bookings Coordinator)

Sculpture: Rachel Whiteread

“Rachel Whiteread takes the invisible air and transforms it into impenetrable castles. Some of my favorite work of hers was shown at the Hammer about a year ago. Her drawings and studies for sculptures are flat intimate realization of her larger more impressive works.

Listen Up: Jacob Montague & The Unheard Parade

Renee George — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:01:19 +0000

The last hour was pure enjoyment as we discovered musician Jacob Montague. A simple video made for his new song, “The Unheard Parade,” has a build, hook and ending that leaves us thoroughly impressed…and soothed. Montague’s musicianship is all over the place—in the best way possible. It was fun sifting through his discography and film compositions (he’s done so many commercials!) make you take note of how well-rounded he is: “My sound comes from many different influences, from classical training on guitar to the love of folk instruments, from the timbre of an orchestra to the soundscape of synthesizers, drum machines, and sampled sounds. For the instruments that I can not play, I have a large network of talented musicians who help me to create the sound you are looking for.” Easy breezy anyone? Take a listen, DISCOVER, bookmark.

Shot@SMASHBOX: Tyler, The Creator & Glenn O’Brien

Renee George — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:01:36 +0000

Opposites attract in this case— Music’s skater-boy Tyler, The Creator and GQ’s Style Guru Glenn O’Brien #realtalk on Stage 2 at Smashbox Studios West Hollywood. We love it when Tyler’s here, since he likes to run around and SMASH things. GQ conducted an entire interview with them revolved around the epic brand SUPREME and in between takes, two creatives that are generations apart prove that there’s no gap or void in liking the same things. Photographed by Robert Maxwell…and video? Yes, there’s video too and it’s stellar.

Video by Gordon von Steiner. Read the full-on interview shenanigans over at GQ!

*Thank you always, Tamaki!*

(5/17): SPDWest & Unsung Heroes of the American West 5 @SMASHBOX

Renee George — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:03 +0000

It happens again. The Unsung Heroes of the American West and Smashbox Studios WeHo invite you to an evening of inspiration, joy and creativity on Stage 2 this Thursday, May 17th 2012. There will be a keynote and conversation with iPad Design Guru, Joe Zeff, plus Gallerist Paul Kopeikin, Photo Rep Carol LeFlufy and Art Director Charlie Hess—maybe one of the “Unsung Heroes” they present can turn into yours also. They got banned from a few good words recently—and decided to use that news as their invite. Go Charlie! See you Thursday, grab your tickets!

My Top 5: Flight Facilities x Animated Music Videos

Renee George — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:39:08 +0000

Following their first two singles, “Crave You” and “Foreign Language,” Flight Facilities‘ new single and video are out today—”With You” featuring the vocals of Grovesnor is bound to be the song (and remix) of summer. The video is a full-on animated short film that spills the story about love, loss and ROBOTS! The DJ and production duo have surpassed the music video expectations after the well applauded production value of their first two singles. We pretty much bump “Crave You” on our stages quite frequently, and when presented with the opportunity to get to have a little chat with the dynamic bunch we wanted to see what their current musings are.

To keep with the theme of their new music release today they go in depth about their Top 5 (more like 9!) animated music videos. Off the top of their head, no less. Watch watch watch!

1. Breakbot, Baby I’m Yours.

If I’m not mistaken, each one of these frames was individually painted by Breakbot’s girlfriend. The time and effort that has gone into this video is astonishing. It produced an unreal result and it’s hard to decide if the music is better than the song or vice versa. That’s always a good sign. The coolest part was that each painted frame was tucked into the cover with each pressed vinyl so those lucky record collectors were able to own a part of the music in more than one way. Ed Banger have a pretty good reputation for their music videos. DVNO by Justice is another animated video worth a mention:

…. so is ‘D.A.N.C.E’ but that comes later.

2. La Bionda, I Wanna Be Your Lover.

This style of cartoon reminds me of Sunday morning cartoons. I would love to have a music video in this style. The song is awesome too. Its sound is timeless and I’ll never be sick of it.

3. Gorillaz—Stylo, The Greeks—Is Tropical, Justice—D.A.N.C.E!

It might be cheating because none of these are strictly animated but contain heavily animated elements. The Gorillaz clip obviously has an extremely impressive budget for their aesthetic, CGI and cameos. It set up the (well deserved) hype for their ‘Plastic Beach’ album.

The Greeks clip is what’s going through every kids mind when they’re playing guns. Can’t imagine how happy the Greeks must have been when they got that one back.

The Justice video is a song that defined a time in both our djing lives. It’s also an incredibly creative animated video. So Me has serious skills.

4. Moby – Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?

There are such conflicting emotions in this video and there’s almost a sense of sadness by the end. It’s such a beautiful clip and the visual fits so perfectly with the music. Probably more so than any other animated music video. It’s a great song from what was one of the best albums of our generation.

5. Rupert & The Frog Song (Paul McCartney – We All Stand Together)

This song is special to my childhood. I only found out it was by Paul McCartney as I got older and actually discovered who Paul McCartney was. Until then, this was just ‘The Frog Song’ to me. The frame by frame animation is mezmorizing to watch and it’s worth watching the video in its entirety. It would be a dream come true to have a music video of this caliber. It’s probably also worth mentioning that The Beatles ‘Yellow Submarine’ movie is like the Interstella 5555 of last generation.

6. Because, DAMMIT I NEED 6! Sebastian Tellier, Look.

Nothing really needs to be said about this. Look.

*We are LOOKING, mmmk?*

Weekend Shenanigans: May 11 – 13, 2012

Renee George — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:26:43 +0000

Hey Momma! Mother’s Day is pretty much here. That means brunch, flowers, saying a prayer if she’s no longer here and sending gifts and cards if she’s out of state. Los Angeles is the scene to be seen with our hot momma’s come this Sunday, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite mother and child to-dos and a few major happenings you simply cannot miss this weekend. May flowers. Yeah!

Friday, May 11—2012

Theatre: Next Wave L.A. Looks amazing and lasts through the 27th!

Culture: It’s National Public Gardens Day at The Getty.

Music: Shooter Jennings @The El Rey Saturday, May 12—2012

Culture: It’s the L.A. Vegan Beer Fest.

Fashion: UNIQUE L.A.!

Foodie: Dominick’s. Crawfish Broil. Still!

Art: REBEL OPENS AT MOCA!!

Mother’s Day!

FOODIE!

Scarpetta = YUM!

The Bazaar. Extended, delicious hours!

Mezze! Mmmmediterranean!

The Waffle. Mommy Mimosas, no brainer.

The Tasting Kitchen. Flavorful!

Comme Ca, Oui!

Patina…na na na…

Magnolia Bakery in the A.M.!

BEAUTIFY!

Blushington. It’s a make-up and beauty lounge.

Laser Away. Grab a Mother and Daughter 50% off massive special!

Olympic Spa. Godess Scrub!

Photography: Notes From The BOX

Renee George — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:38:33 +0000

This week’s edition of Notes From The Box has a timeless and classic feel to it. Images from the past live on and inspire us daily. We pin and tweet images constantly, and while doing so, pay homage to the photographer’s behind their epic lens by typing out their names as the caption—after all, they are the reason that the images we adore live on. I chose photographer Francesco Scavullo because: “This portrait of Margaux Hemingway stamps his exquisite style of capturing most icons I look up to from the 70′s and 80′s.” Look further for a wonderful time we look back on, and why we still get captivated in the here and now.

Darren Starr (Billing Manager)

Photographer: Tom Munro

Quote: “Aside from her beauty and his talent, this shot screams elegance and class. Which inspires a recreation of a way of life that used to be and should be again.”

Tamaki Nicole (Studio Bookings)

Photographer: Itaysha Jordan

Quote: “Beauty!”

Peter Heirendt (Studio Bookings Coordinator)

Photographer, Fine Artist: Ed Ruscha

Quote: “Ed Ruscha has spent his lifetime capturing the spirit of the west with endless creative curiosity and prowess.”

Rebecca Cabage (Director Of Studio Bookings)

Photographer: Robert Doisneau

Quote: “Having just returned from an amazing trip to Paris I am awe inspired by the legendary street photographer Robert Doisneau for his ability to capture energy and passion in the streets of my new favorite city!”

Smashbox Digital: A RED Epic Capture, “Blow Up”

Renee George — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:58:19 +0000

In director Michelangelo Antonioni’s first English language film, “Blow Up” (1966) starring Vanessa Redgrave & David Hemmings, reality is the “strangest fantasy of all.” Smashbox Digital has gained inspiration from the film and naturally gave it a sexy twist by capturing a photographer and his muse—with the RED Epic. Not only does the piece tell the story of musings that most photographer’s experience constantly, there are crystal clear photographs of what the RED Epic can provide in still images…taken right from the video capture…which we have right here for you to appreciate. Shot on Stage 1, Smashbox Studios West Hollywood. Instructions: Watch the video and scroll through impeccable, revolutionary photography from live-action footage.

Directed by CARLO DALLA CHIESA
Starring TAD COUGHENOR / CELESTA HODGE-ELITE

Produced by DANIELE COLOMBERA
Executive Producers CARLO DALLA CHIESA / ALBERTO TOLOT

Hair Stylist SERENA RADAELLI
Make-Up Artist FRANCESCA TOLOT
Stylist BIC OWEN

Film Editor PEGGY EGHBALIAN
Musical Score ORCHESTRA MAHAVISHNU

Cinematographer DANIELE COLOMBERA

Photophiles: Photos We Love

Renee George — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Long Live Love—Grandparents Holding Hands, Vinh Long, Vietnam, 2011.

All That Buzz: MOCA Presents “Rebel”

Renee George — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:05:05 +0000

Douglas Gordon, “James Dean, Self Portrait of You+Me and Me+You+You+Me+Me+You” (2011). Prints and burned print, smoke and mirror courtesy if Studio Lost But Found, Katharina Kiebacher.

Fantastic news is among us. MOCA presents “Rebel”—conceived by James Franco with Douglas Gordon, Harmony Korine, Damon McCarthy, Paul McCarthy, Terry
Richardson, Ed Ruscha, and Aaron Young. You better be going to this ode to Nicholas Ray’s masterpiece Rebel Without A Cause (1955). James Franco set out to create this homage to embrace and mine the main themes and events in the original film. We say it’s an exhibition with a cause! It will be on view from May 15th through June 23 at JF Chen—a newly emerging contemporary art space in LA. You’ll get to witness reinterpretations of the film’s legends, the people that were behind the scenes, it’s impact on Hollywood and unconventional presentations of film, video, photography and painting installations housed in and framed by legendary Hollywood structures. Sounds like a plan, Franco. James Franco, featured above in “Brad Renfro Forever” (2011). A 26 minute projection with sound also featuring Scott Haze, Mark Mahoney and Jim Parrack. Photo courtesy of the artist.

“MOCA is excited to present Rebel,” said MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch. “This exhibition, based on an iconic Los Angeles film by artists with strong ties to MOCA, represents a convergence of extraordinary talents and has a profound resonance with the Los Angeles art world and its relationship to Hollywood.”

Terry Richardson is also involved by exhibiting a selection of photographs that portray Hollywood themes: celebrity, identity, sexuality and personalities inspired by the original film. Visit, revisit and explore this massive collaboration. The opening night celebration is this Saturday, lovers—pencil this massive outing in.

Rebel is presented by Gucci. Major support is provided by Seven For All Mankind and Samsung. Additional support is provided by JF Chen. Designed and produced by Commonwealth Projects.