MODERN TOSS

This weekend see Brighton's Ink_d Gallery host an exhibit of  Modern Toss (aka writers & cartoonists Jon Kink and Mick Bunnage)'s unique brand of dry wit. Their colourful and frankly very naughty work includes prints, postcards, tea towels and even clothing. Look out for their Kate & Wills-inspired "Royal Shitnacks"...

KATE & WILLS & EVERYBODY ELSE

The whole country world has gone royal wedding bonkers, and so we thought we'd join the bandwagon. Check out this wonderful stop-motion film courtesy of Nowness, by still-life expert photographer Jenny van Sommers & set designer Rachel Thomas. All manner of cardboard, cupcake wrappers & light bulbs have been used to represent tomorrow's festivities. See if you can spot best man Harry...

HOME-GROWN: SUE WORTHY'S NEW AD FOR VEET

Check out our very own Sue Worthy's gorgeous new ad for Veet. The shoot took place at the Alexandra Palace ice rink and, we won't lie to you, we've got a bit of a crush on the stunning skater girl...

FACEBOOK STUDIO

Social media juggernaut Facebook has launched a new community, entitled Facebook Studio, where ad agencies can display, review & comment on their work. Creatives from agencies, PR companies and media strategy companies will get to share their campaigns and learn exactly what it takes to create a successful page for a brand.

The campaigns will be arranged into assorted galleries: most recent, most shared, region & language, and finally ranked based on what your own friends have to say about them. Some of the UK agencies already involved with the project include Maxus, LBi and MEC.

The initiative makes sense for Facebook, and will no doubt prove an invaluable tool for ad agencies. Whether Joe Bloggs will take any notice remains to be seen.

PIGEON JOHN & PJ HARVEY

First music vid crush of the day comes from Brit rocker PJ Harvey. In The Dark Places was directed by photographer Seamus Murphy and comes from the singer's new LP, Let England Shake.

Music vid crush of the day number 2 is courtesy of LA-based rapper Pigeon John's latest, So Gangster. The single is taken from his 2010 album Dragon Slayer, one of our favourites from last year - look him up & check him out asap.

STONE AND SPEAR

Up-and-coming designer & illustrator Stone and Spear, aka Simon Cook, is causing quite a stir at the mo. Creative Review recently described him as "one of this year's most promising graduates in visual communications". His bright & colourful work has already featured in trendy magazines all over the world, as well as special commissions to promote Swedish flatpack furniture giant Ikea. Check out his work above and below, or head to his website for more. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

TV BAFTA NOMS

We told you about the YouTube Audience Award nominees just last week, and now here's a highlight of the remaining nominations for this year's TV Baftas, which were announced this morning. Congrats to all!

Leading Actress

Vicky McClure - This Is England '86

Natalie Press - Five Daughters

Anna Maxwell Martin - South Riding

Juliet Stevenson - Accused

Leading Actor

Jim Broadbent - Any Human Heart

Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock

Daniel Rigby - Eric and Ernie

Matt Smith - Doctor Who

Supporting Actress

Gillian Anderson - Any Human Heart

Lauren Socha - Misfits

Jessie Wallace - The Road to Coronation Street

Lynda Baron - The Road to Coronation Street

Supporting Actor

Brendan Coyle - Downton Abbey

Martin Freeman - Sherlock

Johnny Harris - This Is England '86

Robert Sheehan - Misfits

Drama Series

Being Human

Downton Abbey

Misfits

Sherlock

Drama Serial

Any Human Heart

Mad Dogs

The Sinking of the Laconia

The Promise

International

Boardwalk Empire

Glee

The Killing

Mad Men

Comedy Programme

Catherine Tate's Little Cracker

Come Fly With Me

Facejacker

Harry and Paul

Situation Comedy

Mrs Brown's Boys

Peep Show

Rev

The Trip

DISINTEGRATE INTO BUBBLES

Behold the enthralling creation of computer genius Matt Pyke...

The Brit digital artist headlines Super Computer Romantics; the first major exhibit at Paris's new La Gaite Lyrique gallery. The show offers an extensive retrospective of Pyke's video work, in the shape of all-encompassing, immersive HD projections on 10-feet-tall by 69-feet-wide screens, engulfing the viewer into a veritable whirlwind of digital trickery.

The stunning excerpt above, entitled Supreme Believers, is just a glimpse into what's on offer at La Gaite Lyrique until 27 May. Don't miss it.

HOME-GROWN: MAX & MICHAEL FOR CHARLIE SIMPSON

British singer Charlie Simpson has been one to watch for a long time, but it seems his new solo venture away from alternative rock band Fightstar is where he feels most at home. His new single Down Down Down, available on iTunes now, is already getting lots of attention after being added to the almighty Radio 1 Playlist. DJ Fearne Cotton recently made it her record of the week, and it's easy to see why - the track is beautifully written, and Charlie's unmistakable voice really suits the folk-lead production. 

When it came to shooting the single's video, Charlie approached our very own Max and Michael, and we couldn't be happier with the result. The promo stars actor/model Rob Knighton, and was shot on private land in Worlingham. Here's a quote from Max and Michael about the shoot & working with Charlie: "This new musical direction for him is something that spurred our interest very quickly; we are really pleased to be there as it breaks. Making this film was a truly collaborative project, which is so conducive to the rich performances and enticing plot, which we believe genuinely comes through. The good weather gave us a helping hand too!"

Charlie enjoyed working with our directors so much that the team are due to re-group for the singer's second single release, due to shoot in mid May. Check out the wonderful video for Down Down Down below, and look out for the album, Young Pilgrim, out this summer. 

BON IVER IS BACK

His debut album For Emma, Forever Ago topped every critic's list when it came out in 2008. Since then, Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) has worked with all & sundry, including contributing to 3 tracks on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

The man and his band are now back with a self-titled album due out on 21 June (see artwork above); each track on the album is said to be named after or representing a place. Opening song Perth apparently features a marching drum beat, a children's choir & wailing guitars. Fans of moody folk rejoice! Here he is performing an impromptu, a cappella version of For Emma.

BENZ

Mercedes Benz have teamed up with Grammy-winning, Mississippi-born rapper David Banner, Estelle & the very amazing Daley for a re-interpretation of the classic Janis Jolin song, Mercedes Benz. The tune will be used to promote the vehicle internationally. Check it out below, and the 'making of' below below.

TESCO BUYS BLINKBOX

Supermarket giant Tesco is taking on competitors Lovefilm and Sky with their recent acquisition of TV & movie-streaming service, Blinkbox. the site was created in 2006 and currently gets 2 million visitors per month, with access to over 10,000 films and TV shows. This follows a similar deal made when Lovefilm was bought by Amazon back in January.

The prevalence of instant-access to content through streaming makes perfect sense, and all the big companies getting on board can only mean one thing: they'll soon compete with each other to offer the best value to their customers.

HAPPY EASTER FROM KATE MOSS

You might have gathered by now that we're not impartial to a bit of Kate Moss - she's clearly very nice to look at, but mostly we reckon she'd be a laugh down the pub. Cue this strange film below, intended to promote South American fashion brand Basement (us neither). Take it as an early Easter greeting from the world's greatest supermodel.

JONATHAN VAN TULLEKEN JOINS HOME CORP

We're very excited to welcome a fantastic new talent today! Screen International's 'Star of Tomorrow', one of Creativity's up and coming talents, and BAFTA-nominated director Jonathan Van Tulleken has joined Home Corp.

A graduate from New York's Columbia University Film School, with an MFA is Film Writing & Directing, Jonathan most recently worked with comedy duo Armstrong & Miller for Comic Relief's "Do Something Funny for Money", as well as a series of online shorts for E4's excellent Misfits.

Last year, his nail-biting short Off Season was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Short Film and went on to receive the UK Film Council New Cinema Award, and the Grand Jury Prize at Palm Springs International Short Festival. Off Season is now being developed into a full feature. Check out an excerpt below.

Here are a few words from our lovely Managing Director, Emily Bliss: "Jonathan is a face to watch - the incredible buzz around him is well deserved. In a short space of time he's received a wealth of accolades. We look forward to welcoming him to Home."

TV BAFTAS NOD TO ESSEX

Here's something we never thought we'd write... ITV2's The Only Way Is Essex is up for a Bafta. The perma-tanned "reality" show is up for the YouTube Audience Awards at next month's ceremony. As the name suggests, the award is decided by public vote (The Inbetweeners won it last year). 

Other programmes shortlisted in the category are Channel 4's hit My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Miranda and Danish import The Killing. The TV Baftas will be held at Grosvenor House on the 22nd May and will be hosted by Graham Norton. Our money's on the hugely popular Miranda, but best luck to all...

HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE

Let's start this sunny Tuesday morning with a butchers 'round the recording studio where Florence Welch (of And The Machine fame) recorded her enormously successful debut album, Lungs. It's a right bloody mess, but whatever works for you love. Keep making good music!

5QUESTIONS: SYNCHRODOGS

A couple of weeks ago, we told you about Synchrodogs (aka Tania Shcheglova & Roman Noven)'s provocative brand of photography; now the Ukranian duo answer this week's 5Questions. Readysetgo!

1. Who would be your dream subject to shoot?

That would be a naked Sir Elton Hercules John.

2. Last film you saw + 3 words to describe it.

Inside I'm Dancing. Stupid, stoned, delete.

3. Best advice you've ever been given?

"Don't give out advice"

4. What are you doing this weekend?

Going far and shooting some naked pictures for a new project.

5. Recommend your favourite bar in the world.

Hmm... we like to party hard at people's houses, and then hop from one place to another until the end of the night. So there aren't really any bars we can clearly remember haha.

Synchrodogs, we love you.

WEBSITE: www.synchrodogs.com

DR MARTENS' NEW RAGS

This may come as a surprise, but traditional Brit footwear brand Dr.Martens never made clothes before. They do now. Have a look.

The items will compliment the brand's iconic look & silhouette; think British workwear but a bit cooler. From the pictures above, the menswear isn't exactly brimming with originality, but the womenswear is nice enough. Prices will range from £30-£70 (not bad).

Incidentally, check out Sceptered Isle, a film celebrating the classic 3-eyelet DM 1461 shoes, starring Louis Simonon.

FRIENDS OF MR PORTER

Freshly launched men's e-commerce website Mr Porter plunges into its first fashion film, with this aspirational animation courtesy of Christian Borstlap. The film imagines various Mr Porter customers, their worldly whereabouts, distinguished activities & specific sartorial preferences...

A QUESTIONABLE USE OF POST-ITS

GIZMO'S BAROMETER

I'm Gizmo, you're reading the Home Corp blog,

it's Friday, it can only mean one thing - it's time for my barometer!

As always, click on the headlines for web-links

WOOF!

JUSTICE

French electro duo's new album, Civilization 

cannot come quickly enough

Ryan McGinley

The photographer's new show at Galerie Gabriel Rolt 

is a must-see

Record Store Day

Keep your local music shop alive!

GRRR!

The John Snow pub in Soho 

Asked 2 gay customers to leave because they 

were kissing. Booo.

Scream 4

Meh

Spotify

Our favourite music player is cutting 

free music allowance by half

TODAY'S MUSIC ROUND-UP

2 tings:

1. Santigold is back. This is excellent news, readers - her first album was epic. The new album is on its way, but in the meantime check out new single Go (below), which features guest vocals courtesy of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O. 

2. We told you about Arctic Monkeys' new single Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair on Tuesday, and now the video is out. Check it out below.

Consider yourselves up to speed.

GALLIANO SACKED FROM GALLIANO

John Galliano has been sacked from his own namesake label. We reported back in March that not only was his future looking bleak at Dior, but that luxury conglomerate LVMH also owned & funded the John Galliano label.

It was announced this morning, soon after John left a rehab clinic in Arizona, that LVMH is expected to keep the label going, with the creative team currently in place working hard on the forthcoming pre-collection - without a creative director.

Galliano is expected at the High Court in Paris on 12 May, where the designer could face months in prison and a fine of €22,000 if found guilty of public insult, following the anti-semitic scandal that broke in February. Ouch.

HOURGLASS

Contemporary watch brand Ikepod has commissioned Australian uber-designer Marc Newson to reinterpret one of the most significant timepieces of all: the hourglass. In a truly beautiful short film for Nowness, Philip Andelman captures the making of these captivating pieces at the Glaskeller factory in Switzerland. Craft at its most engaging.

WOMEN GO FOR PALME D'OR

Next month's Cannes Film Festival sees 4 female film-makers lead the way to Palme d'Or glory. British director Lynne Ramsay (pictured below)'s We Need To Talk About Kevin, starring Tilda Swinton & John C. Reilly, is amongst the frontrunners, as is Japan's Naomi Kawase, Australian novelist and film-maker Julia Leigh, and French director Maiwenn Le Besco. 

Last year's ceremony was criticised for a shortlist of films entirely dominated by male directors, so it is encouraging to see that the organisers have opened their eyes a bit. Film-making is oddly still a predominantly male-lead profession, yet there is absolutely no reason why more women don't choose it as a vocation. 

TUTTI FRUTTI

And the fashion films keep rolling out... this time in the form of this very bright and colourful editorial 'shoot' for Vs magazine, courtesy of legendary photographer Ellen von Unwerth. Stills from the shoot will feature in the print version of Vs, starring models Dana Drori, Issac Weber & Adrian Cardoso - check 'em out above & below. Click HERE to see the film. 

JOAN MIRO: THE LADDER OF ESCAPE

Celebrated surrealist (& one of our all-time favourite artists) Joan Miro is the subject of a substantial retrospective which opens tomorrow at Tate Modern. Over 150 paintings, sketches & sculptures are on show, bringing to light the Spanish modernist's political engagement and examining the influence of his Catalan identity. More info & tickets here.

HEAT REACTIVE WEAR

Check out Stone Island's awesome heat-reactive jacket! The Italian label researched a specially formulated thermo-sensitive coated material, which will basically change your jacket's colour from black to green at high temperatures. Yours to own for £595 from here.

VIAGGIO NOTTURNO

Italian luxury goods house Bottega Veneta's first foray into fashion film is a slick and nocturnal affair. Viaggio Notturno (Night Journey), directed by Christian Weber, observes the anonymity of hotel life, sprinkled with a whole lot of the label's signature leather luggage & accessories. Check it out below.

ALIVE

Hollywood heartthrob actor Emile Hirsch - of Into The Wild fame - gets behind the camera for his directorial debut; this music video for Daft Punk's Alive, which features director Ace Norton engaging in a dance-off with Frankie Levangie. It's weird, funny, quite gay, and it's our music video crush of the day.

DON'T SIT DOWN 'CAUSE I'VE MOVED YOUR CHAIR

Arctic Monkeys have released their new single online, and it's a goodun. Listen to Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair below, and click here to check out the lads talking about their new album, Suck It And See, which is out on 6 June. Cannae wait.

IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?

You already know all about Coca-Cola's 24Hr Session with Maroon 5, but we thought we'd let you know that you can now download the resulting song, Is Anybody Out There?, for free - click here to get it.

Our very own Tomas Leach was on hand to capture the event through a series of mini-films; check out his 1-minute edit of the entire recording process below. Congrats to all!

HOME GIRL: FLAVIA BLAJFEDER

Each month, we'll introduce you to a member of our lovely team. The gorgeous Flavia is this month's Home Girl. (click on Flavia's answers for web-links)

Name Flavia Blajfeder

Job Title Marketing & New Business

Where are you from? Rio/London

Where do you live? Chicksand street, just off Brick Lane

How long have you been a Home Girl? Very nearly 2 months

What is your favourite Home Corp ad? I don't have 1 single favourite; I love all of them!

What are you currently working on? Perfecting the art of Monday multi-tasking

Favourite film? I've watched Dirty Dancing A LOT... but I'd say Garden State, or Amores Perros

Last book you read? The Nutrient Bible

Last gig you saw? The Temper Trap

Favourite bar in London? Beach Blanket Babylon is nice. But I like to discover new places; I love rooftops, a vast cocktail selection, pretty lights & party music

Favourite restaurant in London? Hakkasan

Which London shops do you rely on? Urban Outfitters

What are your home comforts? My sofa. And chocolate.

What was your last extravagance? My rent

Your life philosophy? Live it to the max

What do you love about being a Home Girl? The people, the creativity, the atmosphere, Gizmo, the ambition and the laughs

Thanks Flavia! Here's a bit of Temper Trap

UTOPIA

Let's keep this one simple: director Francis Ford Coppola owns a Belizean beach resort called Blancaneaux Lodge; photographer Mauricio Alejo has recently shot this rustic yet expertly designed utopia, and we have the pictures. Enjoy. *Sigh*

ZOOEY + WINNIE

Actress & sometimes-singer Zooey Deschanel has written a couple of songs for the new Winnie the Pooh film, out on 15 April in the UK. Check out Zooey below chatting & previewing one of the tracks. Aww.