Tonight was launch night for our new creative school / experiment / talent incubator / thing: Platform.

It's a new venture – yes, we're embarking on it in the teeth of the worst recession in living memory, but this is a place created to encourage and challenge creative people, of all types, to fulfil their potential. So here we go. Sam (above) is boss of Platform and explained what it's all about to the hopeful, huddled masses.

Lucy is creative leader of Platform. She introduced the first intake of human guinea pigs for this experiment, each of whom said a few words about themselves and explained what they do and what they hope to get out of this. Sorry, I can't remember all the names and facts now but they are a fascinatingly bizarre and eclectic bunch. Can't wait to see what they do.

They had each designed and made elements of the word P-L-A-T-F-O-R-M, in a way that relates to their talents, interests and origins. (The Platform logo itself is comprised of a number of different elements brought together to form a cohesive, creative piece.)

Live entertainment included the excellent, growly, rootsy sound of Pete Lawrie and his band.

Laura McG. Rich Hooker, Sophie Lewis & Anna Smith have returned from a Honda idents shoot to support the Tour of Britain race programme on ITV4 next week. They write:

3 birds and a bloke in a hybrid.
Over 1000 miles.
456 sweets.
16 idents.
13 Costas.

8 Honda dealerships
1 KFC – and that was 1 too many.

Our own Tour of Britain – well, when I say Britain, it was more like Somerset to Blackpool, but that’s kind of Britain, isn’t it?
Director travelled in, and shot from, the A Team van. We’d reach a dealer, a van window was removed, a camera was mounted, and the team drove by filming. Like a drive by shooting without the guns or the bad feeling.
Speeds of over 10 mph were reached.
Many things were learnt:
Honda Dealers are more than shiny suits and showrooms.
Rich wants a motorbike.
Sound recorders should not be left on top of moving vehicles.
Laura’s Dad is better than any Sat Nav.
Blackpool is cold even in August.
Lenny Henry was right – Premier Inns beat Travellodges hands down.
&
Pop-corn Chicken is the work of the devil.