Oh No! And it's only November!!

Two days later...

Music Video : Currently in Production

We're increasingly getting involved in video production which is something we really enjoy. It takes the telling of a story from one frame to telling a story in thousands of frames. I now have a very high regard for cinematographer's given they have to think about framing, light and composition for every frame in a movie and not just for a single shot. It's very exciting though and adds a new dimension to the work we're doing, and of course, we're determined to bring the 80eight ethos of quality, imagination and value to the moving image.

Currently in production is a music video for Ramzy Ross for his single which will be released early in the New Year. Here's a little peak :

Latest Family Portrait :: The Ayling Family

Joanne and her lovely family came in for a portrait shoot earlier on in the week. The kids were delightful and the adults were alright too! Joanne owns the fabulous Joanne Ayling Ladies Dress Agency in Kelso, which is full of wonderful clothes and other items for the discerning lady that I don't understand. Fascinators? I don't really know what they are but Joanne has the best!

Anyway, enough of me talking about things I don't understand - here's a shot of Joanne and her husband, James.

Latest Musician Portrait : Jason Kyrone

We had a great shoot and listened to some quite stunning music at the weekend, when Jason Kyrone came to see us. This is a singer / songwriter who quite simply, lives and bleeds music. Currently living in Edinburgh he's a very special talent, a natural in front of the camera and more importantly very compelling to watch and listen to. He's currently working on a new release and getting his MySpace and website up to scratch, so for now, if you're curious we can only point you in the direct of : www.myspace.com/jasonkyrone

His voice is deep yet soaring, sensitive, yet emotive - and he put me in mind of Alexi Murdoch with the guitar playing of Richard Thompson. Comparisons are odious though and Jason has his own distinct and wonderful sound. Check out 'Counting Raindrops, One Dollar Bill and Little Black Book' on his MySpace and listen to the sound of the next big thing.

Live Music Video :: The Acoustic Warehouse /2

Here's another video from the acoustic set by The warehouse Announcement a couple of weeks ago. This time, it's "Keep on Movin" which when done acoustically really swings. A great song...And you download this track and others by TWA by visiting : www.warehouseannouncement.com

Take One Minute Guest Video :: Dr Thomas Senderovitz

In addition to the 'commercial' part of 80eight, there is also a vocational / non profit making side called 'Take One Minute'. Here we produce short video's that have a message for anyone who is ill, particularly from Parkinson's Disease but also relevant to any patient with any condition. I film and edit, Colleen speaks - it's art imitating life :)

We've now introduced a slot for guest speakers and our first video was with Doctor Thomas Senderovitz who we met up in London last week. Dr Tom is a great person and has a lot to say, but even though he was restricted to one minute only, he packed in a lot of thought provoking messages about the changing relationship between clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and their patients. As he says it's about "Creating Health, not just thinking disease".

Latest Musician Portrait :: Ames

Ames came to visit us yesterday with a view to getting some additional shots done on location. We did try this a few weeks ago but it was blowing a gale and despite her best efforts, Ames couldn't help but look as though she was freezing to death - mainly because she was. Now the 'blue skin' look can be a good effect sometimes, especially if you're say Marilyn Manson, but that's not really Ames' thing...Anyway, this time we wanted moody cloudy skies and what we got was a perfect and cloudless November day! So we headed to the beach as you do and got some really lovely shots. Although it was a very bright day, we managed to change the atmosphere completely with a very high powered flash in order to over power the sun, so aside from the B&W, what you see here is what came right out of the camera. Here's a taste.

The Acoustic Warehouse

Accompanied by Ames, who was down from Edinburgh for a promo shoot, we went along to see The Warehouse Announcement play an acoustic gig at 'The Barrels' in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Also on the bill that night were 'Moonlit Sailor' from Sweden, and more of them later.

So....TWA, purveyors of loud, melodic and grungy yet funky rock music were sat down on stools and plucking at acoustic guitars, while on drums, Robert was gently brushing away...It was a little like the shock of Bob Dylan going 'electric' but in reverse. Well, it was an absolute triumph. Songs that are fabulous as pure rock songs were revealed as pieces of absolute beauty and subtlety. Slowed down, warm and intimate, from strong beer and vivid light, to a good red and a warm fireside. But no passion lost. I loved it. And I loved 'The Barrels' - I've never been there before but will be going back. It has a great feeling (I'm too old to say vibe), Angus was welcoming, enthusiastic and tall, while the beer on tap, is delicious. Here's a few pics - video to come shortly.

And 'Moonlit Sailor' ? How to describe them? Melodic and soaring - they make a guitar driven sound that while I'm not religious, provided the sort of visceral yet gentle ecstasy which I imagine comes with a certain kind of faith. Skilled, passionate and enthusiastic, they are worth checking out. They have great haircuts also.