We are all familiar with the high octane, VFX loaded, cinematic creations of Ridley Scott - Blade Runner, Gladiator, Alien and Prometheus just skim the surface when discussing this directors back catalogue.

With Christmas fast approaching, and many people dreading the inevitable high street conquest, my colleagues and I have decided to put together a string of blog posts, enlightening our readers to some unique presents for technology, film and games fans, that will hopefully put a bigger smile on the recipients face AND save the buyer from the perils of the high street hoards.

Japanese Animator Tetsuka Niiyama has created yet another beautiful video in the form of this short (but wonderful) CG movie.

For 50 years James Bond has been known for may things;  martinis, dames, gadgets, cars, and fantastic action sequences.  The James Bond franchise is also famously known for the stunning title sequences they've had throughout the years.  Many studios have clamored to get the chance to work on these amazing intros, and for the 23rd James Bond movie Skyfall, the UK's own Framestore got their 5th go around on the James Bond title sequence which coincidentally also marked the 50th anniversary of the british spy saga.

Here at Escape Studios we understand that more often than not, there is a huge pragmatic element to creating even the most far out scenes.

Earlier this month the Evening Standard compiled a list celebrating some of the top most influential creative figures in London. Inspired by the opening ceremony for this year’s London Olympics, which brought together an incredible pool of talent for a spectacular event, the Evening Standard took this opportunity to acknowledge the “fantastic cauldron of creativity” that exists in England's capital.

Want to build your own Bond car? Today may be your lucky day. The Aston Martin DB5 used in Skyfall seems like a pretty expensive car to blow up a good couple of times, which is why it isn’t a DB5 that you see blown to smithereens.

We are coming up to that time of year, the time of year that fills single people with dread, fills kids with joy and will empty out most people's wallets. Yes we are in the run up to Christmas...in fact you only have 45 days to prepare yourself.

So aside from the other movie news that can, for the next couple of hours at least, remain in a galaxy far far away, there is an excellent cinematic prospect around the corner, as it surfaced online this week that the Sin City sequel has started shooting. It appears there is still some casting to be done though…

We all know the importance good VFX play in films. They can turn scenes of total disbelief into ones leaving you asking how on earth did they do that?