Introducing...Péter Vácz

The Pod is coming soon! Our new division where we introduce up and coming directors to you, who are just too wonderful not to be given the best start possible in their career. Picasso Pictures is known for nurturing talent and loving what we do, so we are very excited to announce our latest Pod signing.

Péter Vácz, is a talented mixed media director with a wonderfully refreshing technique and story telling ability. We fell in love with his short film 'Rabbit and Deer' and met up with him to find out more...

Picasso Pictures: What is your full name?
Péter Vácz: Péter Vácz

PP: Where in the world were you born /grew up?
PV: I was born and have lived in Budapest all my life. It is the beautiful capital of Hungary.

PP: How did you get into Animation?
PV: I first studied Graphic Design and made my first animation as I was fascinated by the subject, although I didn't realise how truly magical animation is until I continued my studies at MOME (Moholy Nagy University of Arts and & Design). In my second year I designed a puppet with a set for an film idea and it turned out to be a great inspiration that I switched to my degree to Animation and I haven't looked back since.

PP: How would you describe your style?
PV: Playful. Visually I always go for clear and simple images because they can be so expressive. I think my style develops with every piece of work I make, how they catch my imagination and inspire me.

PP: Who /What has been the biggest influence in your career?
PV: My father who is also an artist, my mother's love and passion for teaching, my two brothers' and sister's existence and the big old house where we grew up with lots of tools and things around. I feel really lucky that I had these kind of surroundings and the freedom to be creative. I loved tinkering and building things, and I still do. Playing the cello was another big influence, I had a fantastic teacher, and Music has taught me how to learn and work effectively and persistently. Last by not least my animation professors at MOME, József Fülöp and the Oscar nominee Géza M. Toth who I was lucky to work with, have both had a major impact on me as an animation director.

PP: Is there one specific project that you feel best sums up your style?
PV: I would say my two graduation films 'Stream School' and 'Rabbit and Deer' describe my style best and I'm really proud of them. These two short films differ in style and atmosphere. 'Stream School' shows more of my poetic side, whereas 'Rabbit and Deer' my narrative directing skills appear more emphatically.

PP:Where do you see the future leading you career wise?
PV: I feel comfortable and enthusiastic as a director. I'm good at thinking about projects as a whole, I love every part of the film making process. I see myself writing, adapting and directing films, not only short ones but also feature length films. My objective is to work with talented, hard-working and enthusiastic professionals who really inspire me.

PP: What inspires you?
PV: Storytelling. Making films that touch people and bring about happiness. I've always had a few films and directors which have inspired me depending what I was working on; Brad Bird, Henry Selick or Wes Anderson. I'm also motivated when I can be involved in several different things like music, sport and arts.

PP: Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows! 
PV: I love chocolate and (gluten-free) cakes. They make me happier.



Peter is represented by Picasso Pictures, you can view some of his work, including an excerpt of Rabbit & Deer here.

Introducing... Iria Lopez

Picasso Pictures is known for nurturing up and coming talent, in fact we now have a division to focus on just that called The Pod, which will be launching soon with some really exciting new directors!

One of those exciting new directors,  is the very lovely Iria Lopez, who has a wonderful short film 'Jamon' and some gorgeous illustrations in her portfolio.

We couldn't wait to find out a bit more about her, and see if she is related to J-Lo. (She's not.)

Picasso Pictures: Hello, What is your full name and where in the world were you born /grew up?

Iria Lopez: My name is Iria Lopez, I as born in Madrid but grew up in Coruña, a small coastal city in Northwest Spain. I spent a large part of my childhood with my brother and grandparents near Toledo, the home of Don Quixote.

PP: Where do you live now?

IL: London

PP: How did you get into Animation, when did you know it was for you?

IL: I had always wanted to be an artist, so I did my BA at the local Fine Art school. It was here I started experimenting with animation. It was technically quite messy at the time, but I loved the narrative, artistic and colourful possibilities. It was only when I moved to London that I learnt formally how to animate. The first time I saw my drawings move, talk and think as if they were alive, was really amazing. So I decided to keep doing it!

                  

PP: How would you describe your style and how did it develop?

IL: Funny, quirky and a bit dark sometimes. I am not sure how it developed, I guess through experimenting. I like to think my style is still developing, I will always keep messing around with techniques and ideas.

PP: Who /What was your biggest influence in your career?

IL: I think my course at the National Film and Television School must be my biggest influence. It was there I first learnt the tools and skills of animation. It was a great opportunity to work and study alongside some great animation directors. Also being a vegetarian in Spain has been a big influence.

PP: Is there one specific project that you feel best sums up your style?

IL: So far I think 'Jamon' my graduation film. It is a good example of the animation style and narrative structure that I like.

PP: And what inspires you?

IL: Many things! But mainly people, particularly in Spain; Baker, Butcher, Neighbours, Old Ladies, Family, Friends etc. Since I moved to London, I feel more aware of our culture and lifestyle than I used to, and I like to take it on board in my work. I like observing people and capturing them in my art.

PP: Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows!

IL: I always pronounce the word 'funny' incorrectly, and it sometimes gets me in trouble.

Iria is represented by Picasso Pictures globally, The Pod will launch next month, in the meantime please view the trailer to her short film "Jamon" here: Jamon

Saline Project's Skechers runs for Super Bowl

The Saline Project's long awaited spot for Skechers Go Run, launched at the weekend in the first half of the Super Bowl.

They created this fun and charming spot for West Coast agency Siltanen & Partners. 

Check it out here:

Introducing... Aakash Nihalani

We are very excited to introduce our new signing;  Aakash Nihalani. His incredibly beautiful graphic art created with coloured tape have already become an iconic symbol for a new generation of street art. We caught up with Aakash at the launch of his new solo exhibition in NY.

Picasso Pictures: What is your full name?

Aakash: Aakash Nihalani

PP: Where in the world were you born / grew up?
Aa: Born Queens, New York, 1986. Grew up in Jersey.

PP: Where is the world do you currently live?
Aa: Brooklyn, New York.

PP: How did you get into Art /Animation? When did you know it was for you?
Aa: I think my first introduction to art was collecting rocks as a kid, amethyst to tiger's eye. I was (and still am) fascinated with all the different kinds; the colors, the textures, and the fact that they were made by nature always amazed me. And then later in my childhood I became obsessed with becoming a magician, saving up money to buy magic kits and trick books.

Illusions are fun, and I like that part of the success of a trick depends on the viewers' willingness to believe in it.

I think the work I do now reflects those same attractions I had as a kid.

PP: What was your first experience with Tape? How did that become your thing?

Aa: The tape work started in late 2007. I was part of a student exhibition at New York University where I displayed a set of silkscreen studies involving the cube. I was using blue painter’s tape to hang the prints on a wall and noticed that the shadow of a nearby pedestal matched the shape in my prints. So instinctively, I outlined an isometric rectangle in the shadow with the tape. There were a few more trials inside before it became obvious I had to take it outside.

PP: How would you describe your style?

Aa: Good clean fun.

PP: Who /What has been your biggest influence in your career?

Aa: The need to keep getting better.

PP: Where do you see the future?

Aa: I'm looking forward to taking the digital interactive works to a physical installation format, interacting with the motion and touch of the viewer.

PP: Tell us about your .swf art? How did that come about?

Aa: I was doing tape installations outdoors interacting with the public, and I felt the Internet was its own public realm that I could make work for, to interact with…I was learning to build my website at the time and starting messing around with some flash coding incorporating my designs.

I like the idea of an artwork that’s kinetic and infinite in composition, depending on the viewer.

PP: What inspires you in general?
Aa: What doesn't!

PP: Tell us about NYC is it an inspirational place to live and work?
Aa: I want to make work that’s universal. If you’re eight or eighty years old, from Asia or Africa, you can relate. New York is amazing because it really has everything from everywhere. It’s important for me to be able to interact with every aspect and walk of life.

Aakash is now represented by Picasso Pictures for moving image and experiential commercial projects. 

A warm welcome to..Sophie!

We have a new face on the front desk; Sophie Harris!

We got to know a little more about her:

Picasso: What is your full name?
Sophie: Sophie Rose Harris

P: Where did you grow up?
S: North West London

P: What is your most favourite thing in the world?
S: Family, Friends and Food!

P: What do you love to do in your spare time?
S: Chill out with friends and family, watch the latest drama series and films.

P: What do you love about London?
S: Everything! Shopping, Imax, London Bridge, the multiculturalism. So many places to visit, different film and music events to go to etc.

P: Why do you love animation?
S: Who doesn't love animation? From Disney to Tex Avery, Walter Lantz…I love where you can take animation in terms of creativity and imagination and it will always appeal to all ages.

P: What are you most proud of?
S: Completing my English and Media degree along with a 10,000 word dissertation!

P: Tell us a secret about yourself!
S: A few years ago my brother asked me to buy him a Lurpack Lighter; little did I know at the time that Lurpack is butter… not an actual lighter for his cigarettes which got very confusing and embarrassing when I asked for a Lurpack Lighter at the cigarettes counter… 

P: Tell us a joke
S:  I could tell you a very lame knock knock joke or 'why did the chicken cross the road' but I'm sure you will still be laughing from the previous question.

Sophie can be found in our reception area and on the end of the phone, we very much look forward to making her part of the Picasso family. Welcome Sophie!

Treat or Treat? A Halloween Special

This Halloween we bring you a delightfully dark selection of visual treats to sink your fake vampire teeth into… Mwoohahahahaa.

Throughout the month of October, The Saline Project have been releasing their globally acclaimed 3D digital lenticular series called Monster, Villains, Heroes and Victims.  

See the collection here www.mvhv.tv

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Crafty duo Jens & Anna designed some wonderful make your own desktop monsters, featuring The Bone Cruncher, The Giant Orb and The Snake O’Death. We think these can accessorise any desk all year round, so if you haven’t made yours yet –it’s never too late! 

Download the templates here:

Bone Cruncher

Snake O Death

Giant Orb

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Holbrook’s Films have just released a surreal teaser for their latest dark and dry short film called “Teeth”.  It’s really set ours on edge…perfect for Halloween! 

View it here: Teeth

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What is your virtual pet zombie called? Wait, you don’t have one? That’s not a problem, you can get your very own with Finkbom’s clever app! Download Zombigotchi today and keep the little fella happy  - here’s a demo of what you are in for: Zombigotchi

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Motomichi's creativity has always reached out beyond the screen, here the humble cardboard box is transformed into a Robo-Motomichi special: Papp

Happy Halloween everyone! x