Robot Films News

Syndrome - Musiq Soulchild "RADIO" Premiere

2008-08-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

This joint is hot! Great job from Mars, Micah and James of Syndrome.

Syndrome - Upcoming Gallery Show!

2008-08-15T11:27:00.001-07:00

First and foremost, here at Robot we consider ourselves artists. Robot directing team SYNDROME is putting on an art show next month here in Los Angeles and I know they'd love to get as many 'bot fans out to see their art. The show is entitled "I Learned It By Watching You!" and is gonna be wicked cool.

The show is SATURDAY September 6th at Crewest Gallery 110 Winston Street, Los Angeles, 90013. Log onto the site for the show HERE and get all the latest and greatest info on the show, their limited edition toy, and all the latest and greatest as they prep. The 'bot is down with the 'drome!

Robot Films NEIGHBORHOOD

2008-08-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already taken a look, click on over to the ROBOT FILMS NEIGHBORHOOD community and take a look. We've got copies of most of our videos, pictures from set, and tons 'o Robot kinds of stuff...

Syndrome - Production UPDATE

2008-08-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

The boys from Syndrome (James Larese, Micah Hancock, Mars Sandoval) have been super-busy on the Robot video front! Putting together a nice month.

In addition to celebrating their MTV VMA nomination for Danity Kane "Damaged", they are in various stages of production on some hot music video work:

T-Pain featuring Lil' Wayne "Can't Believe It" is in the final stages of tweaking. We'll get you a look as soon as we are allowed.

Syndrome recently shot a video with Musiq Soulchild "Radio" on July 20 on stages in fabulous North Hollywood. The early cuts for this look sick! The art direction from Benji Bamps is not the usual. Syndrome pulled out all the stops! Coming soon, soon, soon...

Don't forget Kaz James "We Hold On" shot on July 25 in a secret Los Angeles location (high in the hills, my friend, high in the hills). Syndrome and producer Billy Parks pulled together a wicked shoot, logistically tough, stylistically fresh. Look for this one as well soon, soon, soon.

Rumor has it that the boys may be heading to Miami in the not so distant future...

C-Rob - Ne-Yo "Miss Independent" Shoot

2008-08-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Robot founder Chris Robinson and the 'bot crew hit the mean streets of Santa Monica for the Ne-Yo "Miss Independent" shoot. The video was filmed on Monday August 11 and featured cameos by 'bot fav Lauren London, Gabrielle Union, and Kerri Hilson.

The piece is gonna look hot. The location was absolutely cutting edge ("don't sit on that chair!") and the cast was outrageous. Thanks as always to the Robot A-crew for pulling out all the stops:

Executive Producer: Amanda Fox

Long, long nights for producer Megan Gutman and her production staff Samantha Gershberg, and Mark Demarais.

Thanks to Robin Frank and Director's Rep Hillary Pitcher of Robin Frank Management.

Super-sweet imagery from DP Jonathan Sela and his camera department Eric Anderson, Don Burton and Peter DePhillippis.

Thanks to Gaffer Scott Todd and his electric department Tom Nead, Mark Hadland, Steve Irwin, and Anthony Olmos.

Nice, nice grippage from Key Grip Mark Hyde and his grip department Pablo Santiago, Greg Freeman, Cynthia Bystrak, and Vladimir Tamayo.

Super-sweet art department look from Benji Bamps and his art department George Stahl, Dan Whedon, Nico Miolican and 'bot fav TBD (I love this guy).

Thanks to VTR supreme Robert Morales and playback Paul Gervasi

Thanks to the funniest barber working today, Deon Ramone.

And last but certainly not least, the P.A. patrol: Christi Anderson, David Flores, Amanjah Anthony, Craig Clements, Aicia Burch, Maurice Turner, John Alford and pulling double duty TBD (I love this guy).

Robot VMA Nominees!

2008-08-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Chris Robinson and James, Mars & Micah of SYNDROME for their nominations at the 2008 MTV VMA's...

Best Pop Video - Danity Kane "Damaged" Directed by Syndrome.

Best Female Video - Jordin Sparks "No Air" Directed by Robot founder Chris Robinson.

VMA's Vote, Vote, Vote!

2008-07-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Time to get the 'bot nominated! The average joe gets to vote for the nominees, so please cast your vote (if you are so inclined!)for the following videos from Robot:

Chris Robinson's NO AIR video from Jordin Sparks

Chris Robinson's ROC BOYS video from Jay-Z

Syndrome - T-Pain Feat Lil Wayne "Can't Believe It"

2008-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Syndrome hit the mean streets of North Hollywood to shoot the latest from T-Pain "Can't Believe It" (featuring Lil' Wayne). The shoot took place on Friday July 18 at the world famous Apache Stages in Noho. Anytime you see a call sheet with 'Contortionist' and 'Mighty Mike and the Sword Swallowing Midget' written on it, you are in for a treat.

James, Mars and Micah of Syndrome pulled out all the stops for the latest from one of the hottest dudes in hip-hop right now!

Thanks to the Robot crew for hanging tough when the tough got going:

Executive Producer Amanda Fox.

Thanks to Producer Clark Jackson for pulling this one across the finish line. Also thanks to his production staff Michelle Larkin, Rachel Straus, Melissa Jacobs, and Kim Grooms.

Thanks to Directors Rep Hillary Pitcher (Robin Frank Management) for keeping things square in video village.

Thanks to Simon Thrilaway for the stellar DP-ing... Thanks to his camera department CJ Roy, Jerimiah Pitman and Ross Wilson.

Thanks to Steve Francis and his electric crew Victor Major, Halley Manning and Robot fav TBD.

Thanks to Rudy Covarubias for the grippage along with his grip dudes AJ Burden, Chad Beekman, and Phillip Frontuto.

Thanks to Production Designer Extraordinaire Benjy Bamps and his art corps Mark Benasoroff, Dan Weiden.

Thanks to the VTR / Playback team Justin Martinez and Pete ROles.

And lets not forget about the PA patrol: Johnny Wilson, Ken Green, Q. Lefevre, and Lee Davis.

Thanks to Mighty Mike the Sword Swallowing Midget. We didn't think THAT was possible.

Roth Boys in the House!

2008-07-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

You can either take this as a slap or a compliment. The 'bot sez, "This is hot!" An homage to C-Rob's 'Roc Boys' video from Jay-Z, Asher Roth brings you Roth Boys

Boogie Bots Killin' It!

2008-07-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

This dance squad totally repped the 'bot! Check out those awesome clothes they're wearing...

Alicia Keys - "Superwoman" Hits the Air!

2008-07-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

The latest from Alicia Keys from director Chris Robinson. Beautiful...

Boogie Bots Sportin' the 'bot!

2008-07-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Have you been catching Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew season 2 on MTV? ... If so, you know the Boogie Bots from DC. You don't want to miss this weeks episode airing on MTV Thursday July 17th at 10:00pm ET/PT. Not only are they poppin' out their latest routine, they will be sporting the latest t-shirt from "Robot Is the Future". Watch as the tee gets the a-treatment and even a shout-out from host Mario Lopez. Don't forget to VOTE here...

Margaret Nathans Benefit Event

2008-07-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hey there... one of the crew needs our help! Anybody who's been through this kind of situation knows that proper & healthy care costs some real dough. Monday July 14 here in Hollywood is the time & place. If you cannot attend or want to throw in to help out Margaret, please hit the website HERE to book your tix or to donate. Anything is very helpful!

C-Rob - Biore commercial shoot

2008-07-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Robot founder Chris Robinson hit the mean streets of Beverly Hills to direct the latest tv spot for Biore entitled "Paparazzi". The shoot took place in and around the beautiful WESC boutique in Beverly Hills on Thursday, July 10. The spot features supermodel and all-around-great-gal Cassia Lara.

Thanks to cool cats at Biore Gary Cooper (yes, the Gary Cooper), Nina Cornwell, Katie Fortiage, Steve Sutherland.

Thanks to the even cooler cats at Kirshenbaum, Bond + Partners Jen Pybus (yes, the Jen Pybus), Tamara Behar, Elizabeth King, Michele Teramatsu, Erica Quiroz, Kayvalyn Tersch, Andrea Fagan.

Thanks so very much to the Robot A-crew for stepping up their A-game for this A-list commercial:

Thanks to A-list executive producer Amanda Fox and her A-list ultima-vacation-interim EP Rosanne Cunningham.

Thanks to A-list producer extraordinaire Rachel Curl and her A-list crew Michael Manacop and Liz Schindler.

Thanks to A-list rep Robin Frank and A-list Director's Rep Hilary Pitcher.

A-list DP Jonathan Sela brought his A-game beauty photography to make this spot look super gorgeous and poppin'. Thanks to his crew Barry Berona, Eric ANderson, Hiro Fukuyada, Don Burton and Tim Clarke.

A-list gaffer Scott Todd lit the heck out of it along with A-gaffers Tom Nead, Clive Richards, Anthony Olmos, Curtis Failor, Amy Hoffecker.

A-list grip Mark Hyde gripped the heck out of it along with Greg Freeman, Cynthia Bystrak, Bobby Ikeda, Dan Wells, and driver Mike Maurry and crane op Steve McDunagh.

A-list Production Designer Robb Buono, and his crew Jenna Felling, Nicole Selmo, John Selmo, Nick Pectol, Brad Clark, James Costello.

Thanks to A-list VTR King Robert Morales.

Thanks to A-list script supervisor (yes, they exist) Dina Waxman.

Thanks to A-list caterers to the stars Alex's Catering.

And last but certainly not least the P.A. patrol: Scott Rickels, Mr. T. Legrone, Anthony Sims, Francisco Hernandez, Frank Colabelli, Nathan Carbballo, Michael Smith, Kee Chang, Angel Rosa, Che Hurley, Jimmy Ramirez and Gary Matosian.

Thanks for drinking water and not fainting.

Chauncey Black - "Everyday is Your Birthday" Complete!

2008-07-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Find more videos like this on Robot Films

Director Iren Sheffield has finally delivered Chauncey Black's "Everyday is Your Birthday" ... Thanks to everyone who was able to help get this piece to the finish line and looking hot!

Paula Campbell - 'I Can't Leave' to VH1 & BET

2008-07-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to director Iren Sheffield... His directorial effort for Paula Campbell "I Can't Leave" looks to be hitting VH1 Jams & BET Jams starting next week. Good job, Young I!

Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight

2008-07-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

The latest from Robot founder/director Chris Robinson. Jennifer Hudson "Spotlight". Nice...

Congrats to Mr Roboto!

2008-06-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

The mysterious Mr Roboto (Who the heck could it be?) took down the coveted best director video along with Erykah Badu for their work on "Honey" during the BET AWARDS '08 live telecast on June 24. Check it out HERE.

(L to R:) Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto

It was a tight race, but Mr. Roboto edged out such notable directors as Benny Boom, Gil Green, Hype Williams and even Robot founder Chris Robinson (could be trouble around the office today).

Congratulations to all the winners!

C-Rob - Jennifer Hudson "Spotlight" Shoot

2008-06-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

A busy week at the 'bot! Robot founder Chris Robinson directed Jennifer Hudson in her latest single "Spotlight" here in Los Angeles Thursday June 12. The shoot took place on stages at Sony Studios in Culver City (down the street from Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy! Ooo, baby).

Thanks to:

Executive Producer Amanda Fox

Producer Jil Hardin and her crew Kathy Palmer and Krysta Stark.

Thanks to super-rep Robin Frank and the rep wonder Hillary Pitcher.

AD Michael Kahn ran an efficient set along with his AD's Steve Kovacic & David Flores.

Beautifully photographed by DP Crash and his camera department Joe Pro, Daniel Bombell, Luis Suarez and Steadicamer Chris Cunningham.

Beautifully Gaffed by super-gaffer Jeff Ferrero and his electric department Randy Dye, Mickey Peterson, Kyle Bryson, Brian Mundell, Robert Kedner, Jeff Noble.

Gripped by Quinn Grove and his grippers Duane Parker, Fritz Weber, Jake Smith, Jimmy Johnson, Mark Majaski & Scott Carden.

Thanks to the beautiful sets from Art Director Paula Good and her art department Lauren Sherman, Jil Rolie-December, Brett Hess, Alvin Charles, Chris Gioia, Dustin Brandt, Philip Ali.

Beautifully barbered by the funniest barber in the biz Deon Ramone.

Last but certainly not least, the PA patrol Braden Baldwin, Peter Da Silva, Harry Tran, Lyons Yellin, Angel Rosa, Romone Hodge, JC Senelier.

C-Rob - Alicia Keys "Super Woman" SHOOT

2008-06-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Robot founder Chris Robinson just wrapped his most recent collabo with Alicia Keys "Super Woman". The two-day shoot took place on stages at the fabulous Quixote Studios and LA Center Studios here in Los Angeles on Monday & Tuesday June 9 & 10. You can already tell just from watching the monitor that this could be the next classic! We've got some really interesting cameos to say the least. Stay tuned for more "Super Woman" news as it hits...

Thanks to the Robot A-crew for pushing, pushing, pushing super hard:

super-Executive Producer Amanda Fox

super-Producer Jil Hardin and her crew Kathy Palmer and Krysta Stark.

Thanks to super-rep Robin Frank and the rep wonder Hillary Pitcher.

super-AD Michael Kahn ran an efficient set along with his AD's Robert Torres & David Flores.

Beautifully photographed by super-DP Crash and his camera department Joe Pro, Daniel Bombell, Luis Suarez.

Beautifully Gaffed by super-gaffer Jeff Ferrero and his electric department Randy Dye, Alex G., Abe Najam, David SLodki

Beautifully gripped by super-grip Quinn Grove and his grippers Duane Parker, Fritz Weber, Jake Smith, Jimmy Johnson, Scott Carden.

Beautifully VTRed and Playbacked by Marvin Varela & Paul Gravasse

Thanks to the beautiful sets from super-Art Director Paula Good and her art department Lauren Sherman, Jil Rolie-December, Brett Hess, ALvin Charles, Chris Gioia, Sustin Brandt, Philip Ali.

Beautifully barbered by the funniest barber in the biz Deon Ramone.

Last but certainly not least, the PA patrol Braden Baldwin, Peter DaSilva, Harry Tran, Lyons Yellin, Angel Rosa, Romone Hodge, & JC Senelier

Robot "Dear Summer" Clothing Line has Dropped!

2008-06-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

The new "Dear Summer" clothing line has popped and dropped! Robot has always been about the staple colors of black and white, but this June we start to drop flavors. Every three weeks we're going to bless you with a new set of designs in honor of the Summertime. Paying homage to everything that happens from June through August. From Mister Softeee in the streets, to BBQ's in the park. Open fire hydrants on the corner to the broken air conditioning in your apt. Everyday girls are wearing less clothing, and sun's out till 9pm.

This month, we hit you with the very crispy Robot Polo’s sporting the Robot icon on the bottom left. Representing the future, the year 2088, on the right sleeve. And if you pop your collar, you’ll see Robot Is The Future printed under the hood. Also dropping, we have the Robot Shout tee In black, white, and turquoise. This shirt is a collabo between Urban Medium of ATL and our very own Chris Robinson. Rounding out the June drop is a dope Premium Tee, a collabo between DCMA and Robot Is The Future. Shout outs to Benji Joel and Tal at DCMA.

Limited quantities of the tees can be purchased here and also on digital gravel.

Holla Black!

Robot GEAR is Here

2008-06-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

The latest and the greatest of the new clothing season is back and ready for sale. Click HERE to order from the classic collection or from the new duds... It's hot!

Alicia Keys - 'Teenage' video #1 on 106 & Park

2008-05-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Director Chris Robinson's video for Alicia Keys "Teenage Love Affair" has been holding the top spot on the 106 & Park daily countdown since last Wednesday 5/21. Nice...

Syndrome - Selected for 2008 Shoot New Director's Showcase

2008-05-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

The boys from Syndrome have been honored by being selected for SHOOT's 2008 new directors showcase.

Here's the text of their mini-profile:

Syndrome (James Larese, Micah Hancock, Mars Sandoval)
Robot Films, Los Angeles
Estelle's (featuring Kanye West) "American Boy" (music video)

How did you get into directing?
The three of us started out as an L.A.-based art collective under the name Syndrome. We were doing gallery shows around L.A. showcasing experimental work, and always had a strong respect and passion for directing. After a chance meeting with Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, he gave us the opportunity to direct a video for the Peas. That video opened doors to other amazing experiences and opportunities that helped us pursue our goal of directing, and we ultimately signed with director Chris Robinson's company Robot Films.

What is your most recent spot project?
If you haven't done a recent commercial, what is your most recent project?
As well as having directed videos for artists such as Estelle featuring Kanye West, we recently did a spot for Cîroc Vodka with Diddy, and we did the post for Chris Robinson's Boost Mobile "Anthem 2.0" commercial. We are currently working on our next body of experimental work, which will be exhibited at our solo show in L.A. at Crewest Gallery opening Sept. 6. The show is entitled "I Learned It From Watching You."

What is the best part about being a director?
When we were starting out, we could really only take our concepts so far based on what the three of us could physically execute. With the collaboration and support of amazing crews, we can now bring concepts to fruition that were once only sketches on napkins.

Syndrome's very own James Larese will be on one of the panels tonight Wednesday May 28 at the DGA Theater in New York City. Congrats to Syndrome from your pals at the 'bot. Enjoy...

MUTO - A wall-painted animation by BLU

2008-05-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Some things are just too cool not to share. Enjoy...