Toast TV News

Getty Images Gallery - EAST exhibition preview

2012-02-10T17:04:00.000Z

Westfield Stratford City is home to a Getty Images pop-up Gallery which is currently displaying their EAST exhibition, a collection of black and white photographs set in east London over decades gone by, and Toast's Sylvie went along to the preview last night.

When we think of East London now we think of Dalston cool kids and hip Shoreditch haunts (and also on occasion Pat Butcher's humungous earrings), but EAST shows archive images from Getty's vaults that take us back in time to the heart of east London and truly captures its working class spirit.

The candid photographs feature classic pearly kings, rag and bone men and a royal visit from King George VI and the Queen Mother.

The exhibition is on display from 10th February until 18th March and it's definitely worth a visit. The images are available to purchase. Good news for our walls, bad news for our bank accounts!

Red Epic camera VS Arri Alexa

2012-02-08T09:51:00.002Z

Having recently worked on a few moving image projects with leading DOP Brendan McGinty, we asked him why he prefers the Red Epic camera system over the Arri Alexa.

Brendan said: "At the moment the Red Epic camera is the highest resolution motion camera in the world, capable of a massive 5K resolution."

The comparison chart below shows how large 5K resolution is when compared to HD ( The Alexa shoots HD )

And below is a frame grab comparison of what this extra resolution means in terms of sharpness

These are the magnified corners of a resolution chart shot with the same lens, same light etc on an Alexa and on the Epic. This was an independent ratified test by the ASC in the States.

The Epic (on the right) is significantly sharper and its resolution holds the fine detail to the outer edges of the circle, where the Alexa falls off into some quite apparent 'aliasing' ( the ringing / reversed circles ).

This fine detail rendering of the Epic is particularly crucial for composite work.

All this makes pretty good sense but here's the bit we didn't know; the Epic provides a considerable level of resolution that you then sharpen to your taste. The chosen level of sharpening is never baked in to the Raw R3D files, but rather optional. This is considered the beauty of shooting Raw.

By comparison the post-processed-HD-footage that emerges from 'prosumer' or 'broadcast' HD cameras is filled with false detail, ramped up electronic sharpening or edge enhancement with no increase in scene detail. All this is widely considered not so good news for serious composite work.

Ok, so producers and their clients don't hit the panic button when they first see the rushes coming in to the edit suites the pictures that emerge from today's cinema cameras ( Arri's Alexa Raw, Phantom's Flex, The Epic or even a 4K film scan) generate images that appear 'soft' but are in fact far more detailed than any others going.

They are images that are simply waiting to be sharpened to the levels you desire without the ringing, aliasing and bristling that is 'baked-in' to the pictures from lower-end HD cameras.

But, as with everything in the world of the moving image industry, by the time it's written it's all change.

VW 'Touareg launch'

2011-11-30T16:00:00.000Z

DDB chose director Ben Hume-Paton and Toast to create a series of online & dealer launch films for the new range of VW Touareg 4X4. Shot over three days, in studio and on location, each film required its own distinct personality.

Filmed on latest generation Red, Varicam and Canon 5D, the finished films are a visual feast of excitement, beauty, technology and power.

Have a look for yourself here

2011-11-26T10:00:00.000Z

Want a gentle face cleanser that works? Then look no further than Cetaphil, the number 1 dermatologist and paediatrician recommended brand. The cleansing and moisturising skincare brand from Galderma have taken to the air with their first UK commercial featuring 5 gorgeous girls talking about their individual skin needs. And the proof is in the pudding as you can see from their glowing complexions!

Conceived by Nolan Willis at Sudler London, it was directed by Gregg Masuak with Angus Hudson as DoP. It was shot on the Arri Alexa & post production was at Toast, Square Zero & Rushes.

Watch the video here

BBC's Great British Railways - Talkback Thames

2011-11-16T09:57:00.000Z

Toast TV have created the latest round of in-programme graphics for the Michael Portillo travel show Great British Railway Journeys. The animated maps were built to echo the look of Bradshaw's 1860's Railway Guide used as a reference throughout the show. Great British Railway Journeys is produced by Talkback Thames, Series 3 starts on BBC 2 in 2012.

Toast creates Cymex sponsorship bumpers for The Only Way is Essex

2011-10-18T11:47:00.000+01:00

Being no strangers to a quick turnaround, when Sudler London came to Toast to create the Cymex sponsorship bumpers for hit ITV2 reality show 'The Only Way is Essex', Toast were well equipped to take on the task.

Capturing the flirty, party vibe of TOWIE, the finished product is, we think you'll agree, very watchable!

Watch the finished product here

Ambi Pur get in the festive spirit

2011-10-12T14:11:00.000+01:00

Who doesn't love the warm, cosy smell of cinnamon and vanilla whilst sat at home by the fire, wrapped up against the winter chill? With this in mind Toast TV, together with Alex Bass and Simon Jones from agency G2 UK, produced a 10 sec tag designed to promote a new range of Ambi Pur air fresheners just in time for the festive season.

Using inviting images of freshly baked biscuits and frothy hot chocolate designed to evoke the senses, we set about capturing the familiarity of those comforting aromas on film.

Directed by Gregg Masuak, and shot using the latest generation Canon 5D camera, the tag is a perfect example of how beautiful results can be achieved when you marry the right director with the right creative.

Sailor Jerry's 'Ink City'

2011-10-03T11:20:00.000+01:00

Award winning brand agency Elvis came to Toast to produce a film highlighting the unique 'Ink City' experiential zone they created for Sailor Jerry Rum at this years Big Chill and Bestival music events, and we were more than happy to go along and capture the action.

Designed in the style of a 1930's tattoo parlour, 'Ink City' invited festival goers to see first-hand 'live' tattoo craftsmanship of a number of classic Norman Collins designs whilst enjoying Sailor Jerry's fine rum, the live acts and DJ's on the Sailor Jerry stage.

Bacardi - Lovebox Festival Film

2011-07-27T13:08:00.003+01:00

At this year's Lovebox festival, the Bacardi 'Site' was the best place for people to get together and enjoy a real house party vibe. This 'teaser' style film has just gone live on their facebook site and we think sums up all that's great about our summer festivals and of course Bacardi. Enjoy.

Playboy - 'Sizzle' Online Launch

2011-07-27T12:59:00.004+01:00

Sometimes a new brief can seem impossible but when faced with the challenge of selecting 80 potential Bunnies for Hugh Hefner's triumphant return to the london casino scene, Goodtime productions commissioned Toast to provide ‘behind the scenes’ coverage of the auditions, training, costume fitting (ears and tails) and launch parties. We also produced ‘Hef’ interviews for Sky, Reuters, AP and the BBC. It was tough but someone had to do it.

SodaStream Idents and TVC Campaign

2011-07-27T12:52:00.005+01:00

Creative communications agency, Us London came to Toast to handle their latest Sodastream project - how to make 9 x idents and 2 x TV commercials out of just one 30 second Israeli ad! With a whole lot of noodling in the edit suite, a voice over from Patsy Kensit and a sterling performance from an 8 year old boy, the campaign was turned around in record-breaking time.

Transitions Optical

2011-01-31T11:56:00.006Z

Transitions Optical came to Toast to create a visually rich, timeline film designed to capture and amaze visitors at their stand at this years OptiMunich exhibition.

The film was created by our in-house design team and takes the viewer on a modern, stimulating journey of the company's many milestone achievements.

Corona & Grolsch Conference Films

2011-01-28T16:43:00.001Z

With a super quick deadline, leading creative agency BMB got in touch with us to dream up two short but powerful conference films for both Corona and Grolsch. The films were created using a combination of latest generation after affects and final cut pro from supplied visuals and stock footage imagery. There were tears of joy and talk of oscars nominations when both films played out.

Sony Bloggie

2011-01-27T09:40:00.005Z

Sony Bloggie start the roll out of their series of tutorials with the first film which is all about colour and light. Shot at around London, the Toast team of Director Ed Gill and Producer Toby Tobias worked closely with top digital Ad Agency Dare to deliver an eye opening series of films that showcase the new Sony HD Bloggie camera. Catch it here...

Toast Launch New Toasthealth Website

2010-09-02T16:59:00.004+01:00

Toast proudly unveils the new look Toasthealth website to showcase our recent flurry of creative and award-winning productions in the world of healthcare.

Sudler London selects Toast to produce their first project for the Sominex Brand

2010-08-06T12:05:00.003+01:00

Actavis UK Ltd launch their first TV commercial for Sominex, the night time sleep aid this week. Toast were commissioned to produce "Redundant Jumpers" by Sudler London working with creative director, Nolan Willis and group account director, Phil Adams. The live action was directed by Dave Wood and animation brought to you by Olly Tyler & Sarah Klan at Square Zero.

Flomax Commercial Wins IPA Best of Health Award

2010-08-06T11:54:00.004+01:00

Toast are proud to announce that the ubiquitous P Man has won an IPA Best of Health award in the 'consumer, film' category. The commercial was directed by Stuart Fryer and created by leading healthcare agency TBWA\Paling Walters. The live action sequences were filmed on location in the UK and South Africa, with 3D character animation and compositing by Square Zero. Congratulations to everyone who was a part of this successful product launch.

May news

2010-05-14T15:11:00.012+01:00

Wow, 2 updates in one month! And that’s because we’re using this blog to show each new project as it goes to air. You can click the image to play the film, or click the embeded youtube logo which will take you to our toasttvtube page.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Film:

Toast’s first job shot on the Canon 5D features a sensitive portrayal of a couple living life with Alzheimer’s disease. Created by a leading healthcare agency CDM and directed by Toby Tobias, this short caregiver’s guide will accompany every prescription of an Alzheimer’s disease medicine.

Director of Photography Alex MacDonald is right at the forefront of this new DSLR revolution, having built two Kinomatic 5D rigs. You could check out his work here.

And for those of you who want to know more about this DSLR revolution, check this 35mm and D5 comparison on Zacuto.

Euronics:

Euronics and Samsung have teamed up to create this TVC just in time for the 2010 world cup. Created entirely from archive footage, using motion tracking and after effects, all the key messages are played out on the advertising hoarding, spelling out an offer so great that the cameraman and commentator are more impressed by the offer than the game in progress.

2010-05-04T14:27:00.024+01:00

What does your blog say about you? Well ours has been saying the same thing since July ’09 but that’s because we’ve all been too busy actually working to keep the thing up to date. So what have we neglected to blog about in those nine months?

Ferrero for one. The Gods of chocolatey nuttiness smiled down on Toast and director Gregg Masuak and asked them to create a note-perfect informal dinner party for the UK version of the international “food of the gods” campaign.

Then there was Jenny Ash’s second spot, this time for radio station Magic FM. Eagle eyed readers may note that Jenny appears only to do TV commercials for radio stations. That may be true so far, but she does have an open mind…

Then came Paul Simon. No, not him… them – the curtain, beds and blinds people. Tasked with creating a recognisable brand identity that stands out from their competitors, Toast and director Toby Tobias created a series of five commercials to span the entire year.

What can you say about a lycra-clad superhero who wants to buy your unwanted gold. He’s called Goldbuyerman, we wears lycra and he wants to…. Well you get the picture. Director Dave Wood delivered a spot that truly stands apart from its competitors.

And then there was Pman. That ubiquitous blue pee person who affects one in four men over the age of 45. Directed by Stuart Fryer, with animation by Square Zero. If you haven’t seen it yet, you haven’t been watching television much, have you?

All of which may lead you to believe that Toast is only concerned with making TV commercials. We’re not. We’d love to show you our corporate internal communications film for Lipitor – but we can’t. It’s confidential.

Then there was the Drench Brand strategy film. Again, internal. Again, confidential.

And Bacardi. They wanted a film to celebrate the Bacardi brand at conferences across the world. And they got it. And we can’t show it to you because it’s for internal consumption only.

Oh, we also did stuff for the internet and DOOH. Love to show you the Investec Derby Day banners, but we cant. Not yet… Next month.

So all in all we’ve been too busy to blog. Too busy to keep adding regular updates (and cheeky keywords) to let our corporate clients, favourite Advertising Agencies and friends know all about our TV Commercials, corporate videos and other exciting media projects – digital if you will. After all we are a production company, not a blogging company.

Emma Bunton Gives It Some Heart!

2009-07-08T14:37:00.006+01:00

With Emma Bunton taking the drive-time slot as the new voice of HeartFM, it was only natural that BMB chose to freshen up the current commercial with a new vignette featuring the former spice girl. Jenny Ash once again takes the helm.

Look out for Jenny’s new comedy/drama TV series “Personal Affairs” currently airing on BBC3 and getting a real following.

Post Gold For Cash

2009-06-15T16:28:00.011+01:00

POST GOLD FOR CASH TV COMMERCIAL

Post Gold For Cash is the new business venture from entrepreneur Ashley Faull of BidTV fame. Featuring the reassuring presence of TV personality Anne Diamond, this DRTV Commercial makes effective use of a simple, quick, money-spinning idea.

The 1 x 30 sec commercial and additional website films were created by communications agency mr.h and produced by Toast TV.

Look out for Anne Diamond and Post Gold for Cash now on selected digital tv channels.

Heart FM revisited

2009-03-31T12:06:00.004+01:00

HEART FM TV COMMERCIAL
Marketing's 'Agency of the year' Beattie McGuinness Bungay returned to Toasttv to produce a second commercial for Heart FM as the campaign rolls out from London across the TV regions and in Odeon cinemas across the country. Toast director Jenny Ash takes the helm once again. BMB selected Jenny on the strength of her previous work for the BBC and channel 4 - notably BBC4's forthcoming series "P.As"

Investing in Brighter Futures

2009-02-09T15:24:00.004Z

Toast were asked by leading advertising agency mr.h to produce a short but powerful corporate communications film on behalf of the National Autistic Society.

The video entitled 'Investing in Brighter Futures' is all about the great work that the NAS, in partnership with the Bankers Benevolent Fund, are providing to families from the banking community who are living with autism.

The corporate video was produced with two clear objectives in mind.

To introduce the NAS and the BBF partnership and how they have set up the 'Investing in Brighter Futures' programme to help provide long lasting support to families from the banking community.

And secondly, the film acts as a stand alone piece of communication that will convey to families living with autism that there is a range of practical and emotional support on hand should they ever need it.

The finished film is a touching expose that features revealing, candid interviews from parents who are bringing up autistic children and how they're lives have improved considerably thanks to the 'Investing in Brighter Futures' programme.

Going Underground.

2009-02-03T11:27:00.008Z

Last year Toast TV produced a number of digital airport panel executions for BAA through leading advertising and communications agency Masius.

BAA tried its hand in the wonderful world of digital outdoor advertising by commissioning a number of retail focussed campaigns to play out across the network of digital airport panels operated by JC Decaux

The plasma screens are positioned strategically to cover the entire departing audience in any given terminal at any or all of BAA's airports, and JC Decaux reckons that the screens are viewed an average of 6 times per flight per person.

This year BAA have also decided to go 'Underground' and have asked Masius to create a new moving image campaign to raise awareness about their latest 'special rates' for airport parking.

The high def escalator panels are part of the CBS Outdoor portfolio, who claim that the screens offer advertisers a targeted message to potentially millions of commuters every day.

The digital outdoor arena is ideal for this style of reactive marketing, where clients like BAA can continually adjust their campaigns to take into account new market trends, pricing structures and services....without breaking the bank.

The Outdoor Advertising Association ( OAA ) recently commented that the outdoor digital screens rate of revenue growth is now outperforming that of online, making outdoor screens the fastest growing medium in the UK.

So if your thinking about taking advantage of these new and improving technologies call us anytime for our latest toastdigital show reel and production rate card.

The most depressing day of the year/the coming of expectation

2009-01-19T14:12:00.004Z

So, first blog of the year from me comes on apparently the most depressing day of the year but hopefully there are some stories around to bring a smile to your face. To begin, the most obvious is that America is on the eve of inaugurating it's first african american president in Barack Hussein Obama. A truly historic moment for the nation, which will no doubt be celebrated around the world as happened when he was declared the winner on the 4th november 2008. Now if that doesn't give you a 'happy injection' I don't know what will! Also yesterday Hamas announced an immediate new ceasefire with Israel. How long this will last in this volatile and fragile area of the world, no one knows, but for now Gaza can draw breath and try to get aid in quickly. On a lighter news note, it seems cows are receiving equality unheard of in Beirut.!!!

Closer to home Toast have delivered the first Highlife Review for British Airways of 2009 for Spafax, filmed on location at County Hall in London. With Mark Eccleston as presenter we took a trip around The Movieum, a museum celebrating the history of the British Film Industry. The show reviews the releases on board flights for the month which include Cadillac Records starring Adrian Brody as Leonard chess founder of Chess Records in the 1950s, who signed seminal african american artists such as Muddy Waters, Etta James, Howlin' Wolf and Chuck Berry. Keeping within this theme The Express starring Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown as Ernie Davis the first african american to win American Footballs Heisman Trophy in 1961 which is presented to the outstanding player in collegiate football.

On a personal note i have now gone almost a whole day without a puncture on my bike which considering the five i had last week is something of an achievement!!

So whatever is going on in the world and your corner of it try and find the good things on this reportedly most depressing day of the year and bring a smile to our downbeat brethren and yourself.

As a dear friend said 'Dance as if no one were watching. Sing as if no one were listening. And live every day as if it were your last!'

Airborne Assault

2009-01-14T13:06:00.003Z

GT Productions commissioned Toast to post produce all the video elements for a new Airborne Assualt Museum located at Duxford Airfield in Cambridgeshire. The installation and design by RDWP Ltd. is designed to promote the heritage of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces; to educate and inspire those serving; to commemorate the actions of past and present members; and to inform and interest the public. It tells the story from the regiment's creation in 1940 to the present-day campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jonathan Swinfen from GT Productions and Toast’s co-founder John Gradwell have worked together on many corporate video, commercial, TV and museum projects ranging from Shakespeare’s Globe to JVC and Disney. Working from archive footage from the Parachute Regiment and the Imperial War Museum archive, 16 films were created with graphics from Dave King, an original score by Robert Hartsthorne and additional editing by Emily Harris. The museum was opened by HRH Prince Charles on the 9^th of November 2008.

Bowling battle....

2009-01-13T16:05:00.002Z

Whilst we all returned from the Christmas break refreshed and ready for the new commercial and corporate challenges that lie ahead, it was felt by some, well James to be exact, that a little competition was needed amongst the Toast team. This comes along in the form of a bowling extravaganza.... Yes, a night where every member of the toast team becomes equal in a fight to the death. Well, not quite, more like we bowl and the person who gets the most points wins the prize...... (prize to be determined.... depending on who wins)

place your bets now........

Let's Get Physical

2009-01-13T14:19:00.003Z

The new year is upon us, new years resolutions have been made and it will be interesting to see how many have been broken, but here at Toast we're looking to push through the pain barrier with regular trips to the local swimming pool.

So far I've recruited Jeremy our senior producer but am looking for more Toast input. It has been going well and we haven't hit the mental wall yet except for an embarrassing accident last Thursday but that was less mental and more physical.

Afterwards however we raring to go for the rest of the day, ready to tackle any corporate film or commercial coming our way.

Let's see how long the aqua intentions last!!

2009-01-13T14:16:00.002Z

Toast TV were asked by agency Masius to produce another set of Digital Airport panels for BAA's Christmas campaign. Sticking with the highly successful green swoosh campaign the animating panels feature products and offers available at the major UK airports.

Give it some Heart

2009-01-13T13:40:00.006Z

Jenny Ash Directs her first TVC for Toast TV. Agency of the year BMB selected Jenny to helm their spot Heart FM. Previously Jenny has been in high demand directing such TV dramas as "PA's" "Waterloo Road" "Days of Darkness" and drama docs such as "Night Stalker" "Dead man Boarding" "Gurus" and "Dolly". Jenny's work is all about combining the best possible performances with great storytelling and Toast is proud to add her to our roster of directors.

2009-01-13T12:58:00.009Z

The British Legion breaks with a brand new poster campaign produced by Toast's digital arm - Toastdigital for this year's Poppy Appeal. The Poppy Man has been a feature of previous press and poster campaigns for the Royal British Legion. This year, Toastdigital brought him to life. This 3D figure appears out of falling poppies and extends a comforting, helping hand to an ex-serviceman. He features in cross-track poster sites throughout Central London Underground helping to highlight Poppy Week and the plight of those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces and their dependants.