Taylor James » News

TJ London has moved to Hoxton

TJ Press — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 09:46:53 +0000

Taylor James started life in a basement in Shoreditch, and after 15 years and a few upsizings later, our new home is the biggest and best yet. Come and say hello, we’ll put the kettle on.

45-47 Underwood Street, Hoxton, London, N1 7LG

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Shots Awards 2014 – Sponsored by Yours Truly!

Maltin PR — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:44:54 +0000

We are extremely excited to reveal that we are official sponsors of this years SHOTS awards in November- an award ceremony dedicated to TV advertising and the industry!To spot some of our work/branding, see this years contenders, or for more information visit

http://www.shots.net

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CAUSING A STIR AT DEVELOP 3DLIVE – SEEING TECHNOLOGY FUTURE

TJ Press — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:42:21 +0000

Develop 3D celebrates design, engineering and manufacturing technology at the one day event today. Insightful talks covered innovative technologies, including 3D printing and 5th Gen software, from manufacturers at the cutting edge, such as Infiniti Red Bull Racing, and the vehicle concept designer on Tron: Legacy. TJ’s Keith Jeffery showcased for the first time images for the launch of Ford Focus 2015 and discussed how design assets can be most effectively built for marketing needs.

The lifecycles of global product development projects are continually being cut. We are seeing shorter development cycles than ever before in the race to launch products and gain market share ahead of the competition. Manufacturerstherefore need to maximise the use of their design assets, even completing adverts for a car launch before a car has ever left the production line. Once the product designs are complete, a manufacturer’s marketing team needs to produce advertising material and go into audience testing fast, often long before a product is deployed.

Keith examined the steps that manufacturers need to adopt in order to produce product visuals and virtualisations indistinguishable from real photography. Comparing “As Designed vs. As Manufactured” data, there are subtle differences needed to take a CAD render and turn it into a piece of virtual product photography.

Taylor James has been working with automotive manufacturers who are leading this important process and “garaging” their design data for the purposes of marketing. We are now seeing the same pressures that were experienced in the auto sector over the last decade spilling out into all areas of manufacturing.

To this end, Taylor James has developed a unique solution to deliver complex visuals for rapidly changing products and configurations. hydraGen™ is proving to be a real game-changer for our clients as it enables us to be more responsive to the inevitable changes that take place through their development cycles. It also gives us the ability to produce assets of every version of a client’s product with different colours and specifications handled with maximum flexibility.

Jeffery explains “We understand what is needed from both engineering and marketing teams to maximise their ability to produce high quality marketing material across different media. With our unique process, we can meet this need with accuracy and efficiencies, creating world class digital visuals for today’s fast paced multimedia needs.”

Check out the Ford Focus 2015 visuals, and if you’d like to know more, give Keith a call on 020 7739 4488.

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DAVID BAILEY’S ‘STARDUST’ EXHIBITION AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

TJ Press — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:51:26 +0000

300 mercurial portraits by the great image-maker, currently on exhibition at National Portrait Gallery, 6 February-1 June 2014. This is of the gallery’s largest scale photography exhibitions – an enormous, immersive show featuring models, musicians and his exotic travels.

We sent our current intern Laure Fauvel, who joined us from University Gobelins, école de l’image, to investigate over 50 years of photographs selected by the man himself…

Bailey’s Stardust is a retrospective arranged into 19 themes, with iconic images presented alongside many lesser-known portraits. Portraits of a range of sitters – from the glamorous to the impoverished, the famous to the notorious – are presented in a series of contrasting rooms, and through images of skulls and pregnancy, powerful meditations on birth and death. Over 250 photographs occupy the ground floor and his selection includes icons from the art world, such as Mick Jagger and Francis Bacon, as well as the people he encountered on his travels from Australia, India and Papua New Guinea.

Each room has its own atmosphere, in one of them, songs from the four volumes of Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook were played, adding a great ambience whilst you view his work. Strong personalities give strong portraits, Bailey clearly had a fantastic skill for getting the best out of people. Bailey’s never really gone for a mainstream look, he’s always liked something slightly off-centre and this is used to identify his signature style. His roster of beautiful women make an appearance, Jean Shrimpton, Catherine Deneuve, Penelope Tree, Jerry Hall, Marie Helvin and Kate Moss – women who have all defined a beauty of their age. The consistency in all these photographs is the relationship he’s found with each individual at that time, in that place.

One room is totally devoted to his “fourth and final wife” Catherine Bailey. He reveals her as a wife, a model and a mother through a tender family album in which a viewer can connect with and this collection was the one that impressed me the most. With no music to set the tone, the entire wall is covered with pictures of the woman with whom he has spent thirty year of his life with. You can feel the intimate link between the photographer and the sitter throughout all these moments; a powerful patchwork of existence.

The show explores all sides of Bailey’s work. Away from fashion and his close relationship with the Rolling Stones, there are documentary images from London’s East End, where he grew up. There are intimate portraits of the characters, faces and streetscapes he encountered in the East End during the ‘60s. These images are familiar and you can see that Bailey has influenced so many photographers. The likes of Nan Goldin and Martin Parr, although not necessarily directly, have benefited from his documentary work. Unfortunately, his travel pictures are less powerful; they are a far cry from the usual style we see, so maybe that’s why he’s included them. I feel far more intensity by watching portraits of Marianne Faithfull lying on the grass than in front of Papua’s children, but this is all personal preference.

His iconic portraits of The Stones are available for all to see, and we’re also given a glimpse into unpublished work, including a close-up silhouette profile of Man Ray from 1968, reminiscent of an elephant.

All in all, Bailey’s signature studio style shines over his documentary work. The colour images are a stark contrast to the rest of the exhibition and unsubtle compared to the relevant black and white prints. Bailey’s work is full of originality, poetry, sensitivity and humour and the Stardust exhibition offers an unmissable opportunity to experience firsthand his incredible prints on a huge scale.

Have you visited yet? Let us know what you think!

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TJ PRODUCER LETS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS IN ON THE ACT

TJ Press — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:59:50 +0000

If you follow us on our blog and social media, you will know that we at TJ like to share insight into the world of professional advertising productions, and at this time of year we visit undergraduates on creative courses from CGI and animation to photography to digital design. The fresh talent is inspiring and we’re proud to help the ambitious folk jump into their next adventure armed with a little know-how.

So last week, our Business Operations Manager, Laura, and one of our newest Producers, Heather, took the train to Cheltenham to visit the University of Gloucestershire’s Art and Design centre. Heather graduated from their esteemed ‘Photography: Editorial & Advertising’ degree course just 3 years ago and remembered how inspired she was getting a glimpse into the commercial world from “the best post-house” all those years ago…

We kicked off with the launch of our 2014 showreel and a preview of our latest work. Heather and the team delivered print, broadcast, interactive and short film projects, often simultaneously, and our BTS videos showed the scale of sets, props and high tech equipment the students could only dream about. Heather told of the ups, downs, knock-backs and fantastic opportunities that followed her graduation. Drum roll, please, for….

FIVE MINUTES WITH… HEATHER, TJ PRODUCER

How long have you known about TJ and when did you join in?

Taylor James have been growing and evolving since 1999 and I was very aware of their work throughout my Photography degree. We often referenced their work in our modules and found the behind the scenes a great learning tool. I’ve been at Taylor James fulltime since July 2013, I worked for another stills and film company prior and collaborated on a few productions with TJ.

What do you like about the studio?

Definitely the attention to detail and pride in the quality of our work. Also I love being able to chat with everyone from CGI, editors, retouchers, CDs (not the musical kind), EPs and everyone who keeps the cogs turning whilst we’re out on big productions. Working virtually with our team in NYC is also great. I’ve found it a great way to learn about techniques such as live-action animation integration and how to get the best of render files in retouch.

We have a healthy bunch of freelancers who come and go so it’s nice to get to know them all. It’s a relaxed atmosphere as there’s so much respect for everyone and what they bring to the party. Plus, I get to come to work in my high tops and nobody bats an eyelid, always a plus.

What’s your alter ego role, if you weren’t a Producer?

I have this image of being a successful west end star playing all the cool lead roles. However I’m SO good at singing I thought I’d give everyone else a try… I had so many career ideas when I was younger… athlete (I was 3rd in UK Under15s in hammer throwing!), police officer or a chef (my cakes are quite good.) I did at one point say I was going to join the circus, I can ride a unicycle.

The piece of advertising work I wish I had thought of is…

I completely fell in love with Chipotle’s The Scarecrow. It literally hit all the buttons for me, iconic song choice, adorable graphics and it’s topical. I couldn’t stop showing everyone the video even if they didn’t want to watch! The behind the scenes video is also a great insight into the production.

My dream collaboration is…

Anything with Martin Schoeller or David Bailey. If they needed some portraits animated, that job would be mine. The other TJ producers wouldn’t be allowed to touch it and I’ve already got my dream team listed out.

The last piece of criticism I’ve received was…

That I plan things too much. I’m not big on last minute decisions.

At the moment I am working on…

A nice product campaign for an Indian agency, combining CGI and post-production. It’s great to broaden the spectrum on who Taylor James works with, as many of our clients are based in the US and UK.

The best piece of creative work around at the moment is…

Anything that comes out of Wieden+Kennedy. I’ve been incredibly jealous of those who worked on the “The Ride” and “Pony”. They’re just totally my type of ads.

The last song I listened to was…

Vera Lynn – Travelling Home. I commute from West London to Shoreditch everyday and there’s something about 50s music that helps me not fly off the handle at rude commuters twice a day.

This year I’ll be attending…

Nadav Kander’s talk at the National Portrait Gallery. The NPG is one of my favourite places to go and this is my first event for The Late Shift, tickets were free!

The next big thing in advertising…

There’s a cardboard woman at Kings Cross station that talks to you when you go past her, she freaks me out. I don’t want to imagine my reaction when, in the future, her hologram will call me over by name from the departures board whilst knowing where I’m about to travel…

Creative production and image making is changing all the time, and the creative industry is an attractive place to be. No more do you have to get a sensible job in law or accountancy or a bank. If you have the passion and desire to work in the creative sector and want to come and see what’s happening behind the scenes, let us know. Drop us an email at recruitment@taylorjames.com with ‘Internship’ in the subject line or click here formore info.

Heather’s advice to people seeking a placement at TJ?

In terms of shoot production, you need to be organised, proactive and have common sense. It sounds daft but so many people just do not think! In my early days as a runner, I saw someone, higher up in the chain of production, put a box of chocolates for the client down in front of a heater and remember thinking, did that seriously just happen? I also saw a hairstylist use hairspray next to a candle… Be aware of your surroundings; always think the worst on set and make sure it doesn’t happen.

A good sense of humor is also vital; I don’t think there’s been a time where my height and hair colour hasn’t been thrown into banter. (I’m 6ft and ginger.)

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£8 MILLION AN HOUR FOR UK CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

TJ Press — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 09:31:24 +0000

The latest official statistics reveal that the UK’s creative Industries, which includes the film, television and music industries, are now worth £71.4 billion per year to the UK economy – generating just over a staggering £8 million pounds an hour.

Employment in the UK creative media industries is continuing to grow, and has done despite the economic climate. The Creative Industries accounted for 1.68 million jobs in 2012, 5.6% of jobs in the UK. Furthermore, employment in the Creative Industries increased by 8.6% between 2011 and 2012, outperforming all other sectors of the UK industry and a much higher rate than for the UK Economy as a whole (0.7%).

2014 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM FOR VISUAL CULTURE – TJ take the stage

With UK creative industries renowned across the globe, they are driving growth and investment. What does this mean for the creative professional of tomorrow? We had the pleasure of speaking at the first annual Visual Culture Symposium recently, hosted by Plymouth College of Art Visual Culture, to consider how to keep ahead of the changing times in visual culture, and what could be in store for the future.
The UK Photographic industry, specifically, comprises a workforce of approximately 43,000 people (Creative Skillset, 2011), including freelance photographers, image producers, picture libraries and agencies, manufacturers, retail and support services. According to Creative Skillset “the photo imaging industry increasingly requires a workforce with a wide-ranging skill set, combining technical proficiency with creativity, visual awareness and business acumen. Career success, in any context, typically requires not just strong passion for the subject but also a high level of entrepreneurial ability.”

It is vitally important that photographic education reflects current industry practice. Student need to be informed and effective industry liaison and collaborative partnerships between education and commerce can provide students with opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

Plymouth College of Art’s 3E’s (Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship) strategy aims at giving students the opportunity to develop the skills and dispositions to apply their knowledge in the workplace. The Annual Visual Culture Symposium has been launched in support of their aim to establishing aspirational learning environments that encourage the development of creativity and innovation together with business acumen.

Contemporary photographic practice was debated by the students and the industry speakers at length at the event in TJ’s home turf of Shoreditch. Over 100 attendees left with an insight into the knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed in this dynamic industry sector. Looking to the future, the rapid pace of technological change means that businesses and individuals must develop strong market awareness and demonstrate flexibility to adapt rapidly to new business opportunities.

Creative Industries Council Chair, Nicola Mendelsohn, commented that the figures released by the UK’s Office of National Statistics last month “amply demonstrate the huge contribution our sector makes to the economy and it’s vital that the right framework is in place to nurture and support the industry. We are working with Government on developing a growth strategy for the sector which will identify how all involved can ensure the creative industries continue to go from strength to strength.”

If you’ve got a strong passion for photography or creative production and a high level of entrepreneurial ability, this industry may be the one for you. The Taylor James team certainly love every minute. If you are motivated and self-sufficient, committed and enthusiastic, get in touch for potential Easter and summer internships. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our newsletter for future events.

This blog includes information from the Skillset Report ‘Who does the photo imaging industry need?’ (www.skillset.org/photo/industry/article_6769_1.asp) which goes on to consider the profound impact that technology has had on every area of the industry, noting that significant skills gaps exist in the use of digital technology and the ability of those employed in the industry to respond to change.

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TJ SUPPORTS SAATCHI & SAATCHI HEALTH IN THEIR VALENTINE’S DAY AD FOR BREAST CANCER CHARITY

TJ Press — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 09:32:50 +0000

Give yourself some love this Valentine’s Day and CoppaFeel!

Taylor James is honoured to support Saatchi & Saatchi Health’s advertising campaign for charity CoppaFeel!, to promote breast cancer awareness this Valentine’s Day.

CoppaFeel was founded by twin sisters Kristin and Maren Hallenga after Kristin was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. Because of the late diagnosis, Kristin now lives with a stage four cancer. The twins devote themselves to educating young women about the dangers of late diagnosis and launched CoppaFeel in 2009. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women and the earlier it is diagnosed the higher the chances of survival. The charity encourages young women in their 20’s to routinely check for signs of breast cancer, using a fun-loving tone and attitude (Note: the boob heart!).

Saatchi & Saatchi Health teamed up with Taylor James, London and NYC based creative production studio, to promote the charity and raise awareness whilst ‘love is in the air’.

Brendan Haley, Executive Creative Director at Taylor James, explains “it was important for the style to capture the right tone of the campaign – it needed to have a strong and clear visual message, but in a style that wasn’t crude or offensive”. Their in-house illustrator worked with Haley and Saatchi Health to explore design styles and develop this cheerful, pastel-coloured heart.

“I’m really pleased that Taylor James and Saatchi have worked together spreading the love for such an amazing cause.” Eduard Llena Portell. Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi Health.

“The work that Kris and Maren do is just inspiring and we are happy to be able to help them promote their very worthy cause.” Raakhee Thompson, General Manager Saatchi & Saatchi Health.

The advert is running in the Metro and Evening Standard newspapers today, Friday 14th February. So whether you have a date with that special someone or a date in front of the box, have your boobs checked on Valentine’s Day. And feel the love every month!

See the full ad here!

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OUR NEW FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY DIVISION

TJ Press — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 12:16:52 +0000

We are excited to announce the launch of our Film & Photography division, these services complement our existing in-house expertise.

Creative, CGI, Post and VFX- we create fully integrated campaigns and furthering our ability to help agencies and brands realise their creative vision.
Heading up the division is LJ Hopkinson. Having worked closely with TJ as a photographer, producer, director and cinematographer for many years, LJ Hopkinson’s experience enables us to take your vision further across any media. From animation to digital content and commercials, our intelligent production approach offers efficiencies and consistency, helping to save you time and money by:

Maximising the budgets available by overseeing multiple areas of media – print / motion / CGI.
Continuity and quality is upheld across all media – print through to motion and digital.
Efficient and intelligent solutions are implemented by dedicated creative and production teams.

Every step of the way we collaborate with you to build a bespoke production solution, and we ensure the complete solution is top notch and runs smoothly, with in-house or commissioned artists. Combing production services such as:

Storyboarding / Concept Development / Pre-vis
Budgeting / Planning and Scheduling / Line production
Art Buying / TJ Stock library
Creative and Art Direction
Studio and Location Photography and Direction
Location scouting
Crew booking and management
Casting and talent management
Styling, hair and make-up
Set building, model making and props – physical or 3D
Camera and Lighting equipment
Logistics – Accommodation, travel and transport
HDRi Capture
Behind the Scenes

We also offer all elements of Post-Production including CGI Integration, VFX, Matte Painting / Retouching, Colour Grading, Edit and output for multiple media.