With this year being our 7th time working on a 48 hour film (and 5th time leading a team in the Nashville competition, having won 3 years ago with “Electricity: Unplugging the Myth”), Becky & I (Chute! Pictures) teamed up with fellow 48 veteran Torry Martin (multiple year best actor winner, and co-writer of last year’s best screenplay) to do something a bit out of the ordinary as an added challenge, and something that would be interesting for the audience to discover when viewing the films.

What we came up with involves sharing brainstorm and writing sessions, locations, and actors between three different teams. This brought together a huge array of talent including Steve Feldman, Adam Drake, Ryan Dunlap, Teri Modisette, Dave Moody, Josh Moody, Rusty Whitener, Allen Clark, Lee Lannom, Marcus DePaula, Winston Hearn, and many others. The results can be seen in the screening of Group D on August 12 at the Belcourt. It’s a subtle added detail… but pay close attention to films with team names including “…in the Fourth Dimension”

Our Film, “Veni Vidi Vyschy”, focuses on two travelers from another land who visit America and find that what they were searching for, wasn’t really what they needed after all.  Take a look at the poster we designed and check out the trailer for the movie.  If you would like to visit the “4th dimension”, group D screens Thursday August 12th at 9:30 pm, at the Belcourt. Hope to see you all there.

Scroll down to see the 30-second trailer as well as the poster.

Veni Vidi Vyschy (trailer) from Chute! Pictures on Vimeo.

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It’s funny how things change over the years and Disney World is a great example of trends in innovation.  They are never behind the times, especially in their ticketing, so enjoy these examples of Disney World tickets since 1975:

In 1975 they still used the “E” ticket system, and whoever had this ticket (no it wasn’t ours) certainly took advantage of those big rides, but clearly wasn’t as impressed with the “A” tickets because they left them all in the book:

These two tickets are from the late 80’s – early 90’s era:

Around the mid 90’s Disney World went high tech and started automating everything, even tickets (third one above).  From then on, your plastic ticket has been your room key, credit card, park ticket and just recently your way to a fast pass.

We can only guess that the next new ticket will involve computer chips and mobile phones.  We’ll just have to wait and see.

Until next time,

-Kevin and Becky Tucker

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Kungaloosh my friends of the interwebs.  I am here again with a report from Ft. Worth, Texas, my latest place of exploration.

As it were, Ft. Worth is the 17th largest city in the great US of A.  Located in the northeast section of the HUGE state of Texas, Ft. Worth is a wonderful gateway between the east and west and gives you a small taste of many different cultures from Mexico to the old south, and the wild west to high society without being too much of any one of those things.  Rich in history, Ft. Worth was the center of the early cattle drives and was a stop on the legendary Chisholm Trail, earning it the renowned nickname, “Cowtown”.

While in Ft. Worth, I had many intriguing experiences including the Water Gardens (seen in the film “Logan’s Run”), which is a lovely architectural representation of a natural environment designed by Phillip Johnson (This attraction receives 5 WUCees).  You will see from my photos that I spent many waking hours exploring its wonders, before I returned to my hotel (the Downtown Sheraton) for a quick nap before dinner at the Reata (a Ft. Worthian staple, culinary team led by Juan Rodriguez, Fred Hamilton, Travis Purdin, Ignacio Rodriquez and Melissa Aguilar ) where I dined upon a lovely appetizer of quail and garlic cheese grits, followed by a main course of buffalo steak and finished with a unique jalapeno flan. Rounding out the evening, I viewed the  fireworks show from a local parking garage to celebrate our great nation on the 4th. Of July. Which is Independence Day.

The next day after awaking from my morning nap, I took a trip to the Stockyards which is where it all began.  Full of saloons, longhorns, cowboys, rodeos and other critters of the like, there was plenty to keep me occupied on this blazing hot afternoon.  Make sure to take a camera and a backup camera, and some batteries, because you wont want to miss documenting your travels in this place.  Also, I beg of you, take time to visit some of the older buildings in town.  Somehow, Ft. Worth escaped the garish refurbishment that the 1970’s brought to most towns and much of the original architecture still remains. Along with the historic architecture, you will find wonderful new examples as well such as Bass Hall which you won’t want to miss.  With its towering angels and gilded trumpets, this is truly a modern day architectural treasure (David M. Schwartz, architect).  If you’re feeling adventurous, (like me) carefully stray off the beaten path in this city for it is full of Mexican popsicles, wheat crunchies and Dublin Dr. Pepper (which is the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant in the world).  You have to be willing to go where others may not to find these things, but they are worth the effort.  While you are straying, drive through the historic neighborhoods and savor the beautiful homes being refurbished.  Along with the downtown buildings, many of the older homes have been salvaged and restored to their original glory.

In addition, there is a zoo, a train and many art museums in town to finish out your trip. While I enjoy a more historical perspective, I do hear tell of a Six Flags theme park and water park just about 30 minutes from Ft.  Worth.  If you get tired of Ft. Worth (as if you could), there are many surrounding cities that are a day trip away such as the famous home of the Alamo, San Antonio. There’s also a really big city very nearby called Dallas - you may recall it from that early 80s TV show… I can’t remember the name of it, but it was the one where that guy wakes up in the shower and everything was just a dream. That’s kind of how I felt when I woke up from my morning nap at The Sheraton. Smashing pillows they have.

Truly, I enjoyed visiting this great city and whether you are young or not so young there is something here for you to enjoy.  If you choose this area, be aware that the further into the southwest you go, the hotter it becomes, so pack appropriately.  I hope you get a chance to visit this lovely town soon and if you do, tell them Wandering Uncle Clyde sent you!

Until we meet again!

-Wandering Uncle Clyde

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Kungaloosh my friends from the interwebs!  Wandering Uncle Clyde here with a blast from some of my past adventures, this week the spotlight is on Savannah, GA.

Savannah Georgia, USA is a bustling town filled with culture, color and rebirth.  One of the oldest towns in the United States and the oldest in the great state of Georgia, Savannah is full of education and entertainment alike.  If it’s old things you’re interested in Savannah was settled in 1733 and has been home to a myriad strange, illustrious and notorious people.  John Wesley (of the Methodist Church), Juliette Gordon Low (Founder of the Girl Scouts) and Johnny Mercer (Singer) have all called Savannah home.  Along with famous people, Savannah has some of the most ripping buildings to be found, most of which are being restored by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and can be seen on almost every tour including the trolley tour and many of the walking ghost tours around town.  You can also see the area where they filmed parts of one of my favorite movies, “Forrest Gump” (which I will give 5 WUCees*).  Something that is also notable about Savannah, is their “squares”. Every few blocks, they have small little areas like parks that contain fountains, benches or statues of old people.  These make for a quaint afternoon place to rest (or “people watch” if you’re into that sort of thing).

If it’s the supernatural you want, Savannah has plenty of that too.  From old homes to pirate hideouts, stores that sell old things to cemeteries, Savannah has loads of spooky places to put a chill in the air and raise those little hairs of the back of your neck (sometimes I wish my back weren’t so hairy).  My favorite haunted spot is Bonaventure Cemetery.  Whether you are there for the haunts or the history, Bonaventure cemetery is a wondrous location, teeming with live oak trees and Spanish moss, that will not soon be forgotten.  (I give it 5 WUCees for a must see spot.) Savannah has really taken advantage of being featured in the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” as well, so if you have read the book or seen the movie (I am not a fan –personally it gives me the heebiejeepies– and refuse to give this any WUCees, but I WILL allow you to make your own decision)  then you may recognize many of these places already.

A little further east from Savannah, when you tire of scavenging for purchases on River Street, antique hunting, pub crawling, ghost tour taking, southern food eating, trolley riding, architecture studying and praline savoring, there is a little island called Tybee. Make sure on the way to Tybee you stop off at Fort Pulaski for the Civil War buffs (more information about old things here)  and The Crab Shack (not many old things here) for everyone else.  The Crab Shack is a scrumptious hidden restaurant in between Savannah and Tybee Island.  It is less than mile-long hike (or drive, as the case may be), back into a local village.  They serve some of the best seafood in these parts, but be aware it is their custom to eat large shellfish with only your bare hands.  For the wee ones you can feed the gators and have your picture taken with great statues of piratey things.  Once you reach Tybee, try to stay in one of the island’s bed and breakfasts (I stayed with some kind natives at the Tybee Island Inn).  This gives you plenty of opportunity to talk with other adventurers and locals about what to do and what to avoid in the area.  The island is small and the foot traffic is fairly light on the beaches (although no-see-um traffic is above average), but they are full of tide pools and critters of all types for lots of learning.  The water isn’t very clear (much like all of the east coast) but the beaches are clean, quiet and the people are friendly.  There is also a lighthouse (the Tybee Lighthouse) and museum to occupy your time, although check before you go because they keep curious hours.

All in all, the Savannah area is a pleasant vacation spot full of mystery and intrigue (which as you know is what I look for anywhere I venture).  It may not be as enthralling for the younger members of your clan but it’s not an inappropriate place for them either.  You just have to know in advance that you have to create your own fun, it’s not provided in the form of miniature golf or amusement park rides.

Hope your summer is full of adventure or relaxation, either of which you may find in Savannah!

-Wandering Uncle Clyde

* “WUCees” are Wandering Uncle Clyde’s personal brand of endorsement. Like gold stars and chocolate chip cookies put together, only a little furrier.

Throughout this entry you will find links to my recommendations for favorite old things, shopping, food and fun, but to recap, here is a list of the things in Savannah that get the 5 WUCee seal of approval.

Restaurants:

The Crystal Beer Parlor

The Crab Shack

The Lady and Sons (Paula Deen’s Restaurant)  Be hungry when you go here, and know that the wait could be hours.

Pubs: (All of these have great English food as well)

Molly MacPherson’s

Six Pence Pub

Pub Crawl (There are plenty of these and I haven’t gone on them personally, but I have seen them in action)

Shopping:

RiverStreet

Universe Trading Company

River Street Sweets

Old stuff shopping (I liked the ones on River Street the best, but all of the antique stores are great.  Be prepared, some of them are very expensive: you will know if you have to ring the bell to get in)

Things to do:

Ghost Tours (There are too many of these to count or link)

Bonaventure Cemetery

Trolley Tours

Juliette Gordon Low House

Tybee Light House

Fort Pulaski

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Kungaloosh people of the internet!  Let me begin by introducing myself.  I am Wandering Uncle Clyde, Uncle of Kevin Tucker and ace travel reporter for Collide.  What are my credentials you may ask?  Since I was 17 young years of age I have been a member of the Adventurers Club. I have travelled the world from Bangladesh to The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Minnesota in search of mystery and intrigue. While on these journeys, I have kept a log of notes and photos, hoping that one day I would be able to share them with the world.  Kevin has so kindly made me an administrator of this bloggy thingy so that I may share my past and present adventures any time I wish.  I will continue to take time out of my busy schedule to ensure that you all have access to my exciting tales of peril and danger.  And maybe a nice recipe from time to time too.

Until next time,

Kungaloosh!

P.S.  Make sure to follow me on Head Book and Tweety Bird!  You don’t want to miss one second of this!

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If you were to take a time machine back to 1984, when you were but a wee lad or lass, walked into your room and opened your closet…  what treasures would crash down on your toes?  Collide has been granted access to the use of a secret experimental prototype of an invention… so secret, that not even we have been able to use it.  Through the secret non-use of this secret invention, we have brought to you Collide’s Retro Closet!  When we didn’t enter our closet in 1984, giant sticker books fell out and this is what we found….

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Below is a preview of our new poster for Nashville flood relief. A 12×18 digital print can be purchased for $10 + tax & shipping at liftupnashville.com (scroll down to see the additional posters). Proceeds go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s flood relief fund.

Also, check out our blog post – a comprehensive guide to products created by area designers, with all proceeds going to charity flood relief efforts.

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Well, the 2010 Nashville Film Festival has now wrapped up and Collide was there throughout the week to see some of the best films on the festival circuit. Here are some that we felt were particularly noteworthy.

The Festival opened with “Nowhere Boy”, a full length bio pic about John Lennon’s years before The Beatles.  While I felt the movie was a little long and the score didn’t quite work, the cast gave some of the best performances I have ever seen.  This is not really a film that tells much about The Beatles and it is not an overly cheery tale, but if you’re ok with that, it was definitely worth seeing. This movie is set to release in theaters in October.

“I Can Speak Swedish” is a short film about a woman with social issues and how she overcomes them, at least for a little while.  This was a very humorous story that had me giggling throughout.  At this point I don’t believe you can see it anywhere but festivals, but if you happen across it, make a point to see it.

“Dear Lemon Lima”, a full-length narrative about an awkward girl in Alaska getting in touch with her Eskimo roots.  This story is a little bit “Napolean Dynamite”, a little bit “Northern Exposure” and a little bit “Dead Poet’s Society”, but it is smart and funny and although the graphics are a bit distracting at times, they make for a great feel to the film.

“Feeder” is an innovative short film that amazingly tells a story through the view of a camera inside someone’s mouth.  Warning:  Not for those with a weak stomach!  :  )

“Wisdom Teeth” is another short that makes you question whether or not you should really be laughing.  This one is animated and some of you may recognize the style of Don Hertzfeldt. He has done several films along this line. Disturbing but hilarious, definitely track this one down.

“TiMER” is a full length narrative that proposes the question, “what if we could know, down to the exact second when we would meet our soul mate?”.  Even though this is pretty much a romantic comedy, it is funny and clever and thinks out of the box.  If you live in Nashville, it is showing on Comcast on demand under the Tribeca Film Festival section.  We actually missed it at the Nashville festival and cheated and saw it in the comfort of our own living room!

“Hipsters” is a Russian musical about teenagers in the 50’s…  enough said.  :  )  We missed this one at the festival too, but I have no reservations about recommending it to you all.  It won best narrative in Nashville and everyone I heard talk about it just loved it.

I have attached links to all of the trailers I could find online so you all could check them out for yourselves.  Just a side note, most of these are not kid friendly.   If you want to take the kids, we did see “The Secret of Kells” at the Belcourt.  There are a few scary scenes, but man, if you can choose to see only one of these films, go to this one.  It is animated and each frame is more beautiful than the last!

Until next time,

-Becky Tucker

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As today is Good Friday, it seems an appropriate time to share the imaging we created for The Village Chapel’s Easter services this weekend.

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(continued from Part 1)

Comin’ To Your City

By the time their second album was in the preparation stages, Big & Rich had become quite a success, and there had been many changes at the record label. I was thrown headlong into the second album project, and after we settled on a concept for the cover, I set about getting the final imagery to have the right look. I had in mind a very specific aesthetic for the globe on the cover – a vintage-looking globe with “chunky” topological features and not much other detail. I searched high and low, scouring stock collections as well as antique stores, and just when I was about to give up hope of finding just the right globe, I was on my way to one last antique shop, when, while stopped at a traffic light, I found it on the side of the street.

Left: The globe as seen on the side of a building; Right: The final Big & Rich: Comin' To Your City packaging.

It’s very seldom that a “Eureka” moment happens in the course of a project such as this, but this was one– there it was, mounted on the side of a building. To this day, I have no idea what business had existed in years’ past that warranted a huge globe as part of its signage, but at the time the building was occupied by a cleaning company and an attorney, as I recall, and the globe is still there as of this writing. After some difficulty in tracking down the owner, we worked out a deal, and I had photographer Eric May capture the globe from several angles. (By the way, if they ever tour China, India, or Australia, I’ve got an alternate cover image). The band had put together an outlandish photoshoot independently, utilizing the talents of the recently wed Christiev Alphin as art director & stylist, and photographer Kristin Barlowe, and incorporating everything from buffalos and camels to a bank robbery scene, to… a life-size plastic cow.

Packaging elements for Big & Rich: Comin' To Your City

Sadly, on the day of this album’s release, we bid farewell to Warner Nashville’s Creative Services director Eric Mansfield, who was tragically shot in a carjacking. I had worked with Eric for several years at that point, and though we were only “work friends” I have to say I was very impacted by the tragedy. Eric was one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with, or probably ever will, and I know that everyone whose life he ever touched thought very highly of him. It is some tiny solace, however, to know that the two young men responsible are currently serving prison sentences.

Left: An example of the print ads for the project (this one a 'congrats' ad for their ACM nominations); Right: An industry marketing piece titled "A Field Guide to Big & Rich."

Click here to see the interactive version of the above print piece, created with the help of the very talented Jake Stutzman.

The Pepsi Challenge

The following year, I got a call from the label asking me help coordinate some artwork between the label and Pepsi, who was doing a co-promotion on an upcoming can design. It was unusual campaign, aimed at “Generation Y” and relying on a “discovery” promotional method, in which consumers are intended to mentally connect the dots between the visual clues and a special website printed on the can. It was part of Pepsi’s “Artist Series” which also featured All American Rejects and Pharrell Williams. After several discussion with Pepsi, their agency, the band, their management, and Warner Bros., it was decided that Pepsi would hire me to do the design of the can. Of course I was thrilled, and to date the resulting product has the highest print run of anything I’ve worked on (by several million). It was a complex process involving five different parties with varying levels of approval. Below are a few of the 70+ options presented, as well as the final product.

A few of the 70+ comps presented for the Big & Rich Pepsi can, including a near-final version (bottom-right)

The final product of the Big & Rich Pepsi can.

Coming in Part 3: Super Galactic Fanpak 2, Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace, Greatest Hits, the Bell Witch, a duel, and an unwinnable board game.

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