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Welcome to April's Issue of the Newsletter for members of "The Creative Networks"
'Creative Networks' at Birmingham City University's Technology
Innovation Centre (tic) is
about bringing together all parties involved in sound
and screen-based media in the West Midlands. 'Creative
Networks' seeks to promote both successful business development
and collaboration. It also seeks to contribute to the establishment
of a strong, long-term, sound and screen-based Creative
Industry in the West Midlands. The tic
achieves this through increasing knowledge sharing and use of innovative
technologies, creative practice and business processes.
Regular monthly networking events are held at tic.
They offer opportunities for individuals and companies
to network, make pitches and identify the resources they
are seeking or support for the projects they are planning.
Visit our online portal www.creativenetworksonline.com
for up-to-date news, funding, business support, training
and tender opportunities.
In This Issue:
1. COMING UP - April's Creative Networks Event
*DON'T MISS OUT*
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:: Soweto Kinch: Performance, innovation and all that Jazz - Soweto Kinch is the multi award-winning alto-saxophonist, composer and lyricist. Combining straight-ahead jazz with funky hip-hop and rap vocals, Soweto will explore the power of originality and innovation in his rise to prominence. |
2. Event Reviewed
- March's Creative Networks Event
- Creative Industries Convention
3. Media Vault - New Equipment - *DON'T MISS OUT*
4. The Music Network - Monthly Networking Event held at tic
5. IGNITE - Creative Photography
6. i4 Skills - Courses NOW Available
7. Events Coming Up...
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We’d also like to hear from you!
Contact Scarlet Scardanelli, the Creative Networks coordinator
with any feedback, case studies, success stories, interesting projects, collaboration opportunities or news:
:: phone
0121 331 5400
:: email
creative.networks@tic.ac.uk
:: or
post to Technology Innovation Centre, Millennium
Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG
:: or online at www.creativenetworksonline.com |
| 1. COMING UP - April's Creative Networks Event *DONT MISS OUT* |
Thursday 24th April - From 6.00pm until 10.00pm at tic, Millennium Point
Soweto Kinch
Performance, innovation and all that Jazz
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Creative Networks welcomes the multi award-winning alto-saxophonist, composer and lyricist, Soweto Kinch, to our April event. Combining straight-ahead jazz with funky hip-hop and rap vocals, Soweto will explore the power of originality and innovation in his rise to prominence.
Having a passion for jazz from an early age, Soweto joined the ‘Tomorrow’s Warriors’ development programme, for talented young jazz musicians, after completing his degree in modern history at Oxford University. |
Leading jazz artists Gary Crosby, Courtney Pine and Denys Baptiste became important mentors and future collaborators.
Soweto is now a well-renowned jazz leader and pioneer in his own right, with a collection of accolades including two ‘Best Jazz Act’ MOBO Awards in 2003 and 2007. The event promises to inspire and challenge you to innovate in your creative approaches.
This event is free to attend. If you would like to join us, please email creative.networks@tic.ac.uk, or phone 07969 226 693. Alternatively, you can register online via the Creative Networks portal www.creativenetworksonline.com.
You’ll be very welcome. |
| 2. Review of March's Creative Networks Event |
Thursday 27th March - From 5.00pm until 10.00pm at tic, Millennium Point
Incorporating during the day, the Learning and Skills Council's Creative Forums and Advantage West Midland's IDM "LiVE - Learning in Virtual Environments" project 5.30 until 7.00pm
Creative Industries Convention 2008
The Creative Industries Convention is the annual centrepiece of tic's regular monthly Creative Networks events. Sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the Convention expanded on our usual programme of networking and guest speakers, with the opportunity to meet the wider support organisations for creatives in the region.
The LSC hosted two creative industry provider forums during the day, attracting 77 representatives from the region's agencies. Many of these organisations then joined our main audience in the café during the evening, manning stands so that information about their support projects was available during the usual buffet and general networking session.
The event also saw a stunning demonstration of the AWM-funded ‘Learning in Virtual Environments’ (LiVE) project. To the delight of many of our attendees, the LiVE project team presented a tour of their virtual recreation of tic's Millennium Point campus. This has been constructed in the internet-based Second Life environment, by LiVE project technology partner, Daden Ltd.
A staggering 259 attendees had registered during the day and early evening so at 7.00pm we moved to the Lecture Theatre for the main event – to hear this month's pitches and our keynote speaker Tony Garnett explore his career and other topical media issues.
Creative Networks provides the opportunity for individuals and companies to pitch and identify the resources they are seeking or find support for the projects they are planning. If you wish to pitch at a future event please email creative.networks@tic.ac.uk |
| Summaries of the Business Support Exhibitors |
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Staffordshire University is a major provider of arts, media and design courses. Employer engagement is central to our agenda and we are continuing to develop strong links with both industry and support agencies within the sector. We offer a number of CPD packages tailored to meet the needs of creative industry practitioners and we welcome enquiries from individual organisations with bespoke training needs. For enquiries regarding training or to join our employer forum, please contact: Lou Reynolds, Coordinator of Work-based Learning for Arts, Media & Design. |
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Creative & Cultural Skills is a campaigning body representing UK employers in advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, visual and literary arts. We are the Sector Skills Council for these industries. This means we are the link between industry, government and education – working in partnership to identify skills gaps and develop their solutions.
The impetus for our existence came from employers. We were licensed in July 2005, in response to the demand for a body that could represent the creative and cultural industries and provide a real influence over the supply of education and skills.
We don’t have all the answers, but we do provide a platform for communicating industry needs to government and education or training providers. |
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Midlands Offstage Skills Consortium
Contact: Sebastian Barnes
email sebastian.barnes@mosc.org.uk
phone 07803 615153
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The Midlands Training Consortium (MTC) is now a registered company called MOSC (Midlands Offstage Skills Consortium), and will continue to research, develop and deliver training in backstage and offstage skills
MOSC is an employer led group, made up of representatives from arts organisations, suppliers, training providers and freelancers, in live theatre and music across 70% of the Midlands. This group has been meeting regularly since May 2007, discussing the formation of the National Skills Academy for Backstage & Off-stage Skills and common training issues and developments. We are following the common need to ensure our organisations are staffed by skilled and competent employees.
Our vision is to source and coordinate provision of quality training to support the region's entertainment industries, and to increase the number and range of skilled backstage and offstage technical staff to meet the region's current and future needs. |
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CINEMA EXHIBTIONS TRAINING EVENTS
Light House aims to increase the enjoyment and understanding of technologically - based media, in particular film, video, photography and creative media and to emphasise their importance to the cultural, social and economic life of Wolverhampton, the West Midlands and further afield.
Creative? Get in touch.
Who we support: musicians, designers, filmmakers, multimedia companies, glass makers, jewellery designers, record labels, photographers, publishers, theatre designers, animators, editors, production companies, textile artists, furniture designers, graphic designers.....
How we support: help with marketing, business advice and planning, exhibition space, web development, mentoring, script development, access to resources, networking, production support, training and professional development, showreel and portfolio support, design services.....
PLOT has been supporting creative people across the region since 2002. During that time we have worked with over 200 businesses and freelancers across the West Midlands and play a strategic role in developing the creative sector in the region. |
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Screen WM is the regional agency for screen-based media in the West Midlands which aims to develop a sustainable and thriving screen media sector.
Our work covers the areas of production and development; skills development; archive; exhibition; education and inward investment. |
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'The Musicians' Union is the single largest organisation of its kind in the world. The MU represents the interests of some 34,000 performers, composers and teachers across the UK music industry. Membership benefits include public liability insurance, equipment insurance, specialist contract advice, legal support, careers advice and a dynamic programme of learning opportunities. The MU has had a long association with Creative Networks and is pleased to continue to be part of this event. |
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The West Midlands region, which has long been a hotbed of entertainment games development, is leading the way in terms of both industry applications of Serious Games as well as academic research into the field. To continue to bolster its position as a key driver of the Serious Games industry, the Advantage West Midlands has invested in the Interactive Digital Media Project. Managed by Birmingham City University, the project’s key objective is to establish the region as the key player in this emerging industry. If you are interested in this space and would like to utilise the resources of the West Midlands, go to www.seriousaboutgames.com to find out how we can help. |
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Business Link West Midlands provides comprehensive information and advice to help all companies make the most of their opportunities, putting people in touch with the expert help they need – whatever the issue.
We can offer information and services tailored to the needs of the business, working with leading experts to help you train your people, embrace new technology, meet growing Government legislation, diversify into new markets and achieve more sales.
To see how your company can benefit, please call 0845 113 1234 or visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk |
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Interactive LOCAL TV made easy
Chamber TV offers and delivers a compelling and memorable locally focused digital TV channel of: Business, Sport, Education and Lifestyle, with networks of partners locally, regionally and nationally. Chamber TV is a commercial TV channel full to the brim with daily cutting edge local news, reviews and weather shows supported by local advertising, broadcast across the web and large screen displays, located in high profile venues throughout your local area. These are high dwell areas and venues with a high footfall; i.e. receptions, waiting Rooms, dining and staff rooms reaching a captive audience exceeding 100,000 viewers every week!
Be a part of it... Get on board now to get the maximum benefits from this exciting new system and guarantee yourself a place in the evolution of local media TV.
Hands up who wants a FREE screen?
Chamber TV are looking for very special customer sites we call our Channel Partners. Do you have...
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High Footfall, Multiple occupants? |
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Secure area to install the screen display? |
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Controlled public access? |
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New production technologies |
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Guaranteed captive viewing audience? |
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Reception, dining, waiting or staff area? |
...if so you could become a Channel Partner. Host sites are provided with the latest digital signage equipment FREE OF CHARGE worth over £8500 plus over £1000 per year worth of FREE broadband, design, hosting and maintenance. |
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The Skills team at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) works to align post 16 learning with the needs of employers and the marketplace. The Skills team also work through the Train to Gain framework to help employers discover and articulate the continuing skills needs of their employees that are necessary for company growth.
The LSC has just completed an employer driven research activity to discover the gaps in the West Midlands between the skills delivered by education and the needs of learners, employers and freelancers and will be ready for launch in March 08. |
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Louter Productions are a film/video production company. They have a range of clients from public bodies (the Refugee Council, the Ikon Gallery) to private (Oxford Brookes University). They produce artist films for exhibitions (the Secret Art Fair Berlin) as well as shorts (TV Kills, My Name is Arkan). We have two feature projects in production, one about post conflict trauma, the other treating mental disability.
Louter Productions also provide workshops in a range of environment from disabled children to refugees to drug users and provide duplication and DVD authoring services. |
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The Technology Strategy Board is a business-focused organisation dedicated to promoting technology-enabled innovation across the UK. The TSB has developed a department focussed on supporting innovation in the Creative Industries.
As part of this mission the TSB is providing £10M of funding to support innovative collaborative research in the application of digital technologies - for creation, preservation, interaction, personalisation and increasing the competitive advantage of creative industry products, services and experiences.
Three Types of Project:
Large projects –above £50K of grant –but likely to be several £100k. – with duration of 2 to 3 years. (50% funding)
Fast –track projects – up to 50k of grant – duration of 2-18 months – (50 % funding)
Feasibility projects – up to 15K of grant – duration 3-6 months – (75% funding)
Scope:
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The development of new processes, novel products, content, services or experiences |
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Tools and methodologies that increase production efficiency or product quality |
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Techniques & tools for enhancing experience in entertainment or information services |
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New production technologies |
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Applying creative sector disciplines to solve challenges or realise opportunities in other sectors |
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Promulgating spill over from creative businesses to the wider economy |
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Exploiting existing technology in new ways |
Deadlines:
Feasibility studies - Applications – One page project description – Now open – assessed monthly up to August
Fast-track – Applications from June to November
Large Projects - EOI by May, Full proposal by June. |
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The team at RMJ Broadcast have many years experience working in broadcast television in the Midlands.
Their website www.rmjbroadcast.com explains what they have to offer as a production company.
They have spent the last few months developing an exciting new project providing high quality video delivered over the internet via their website www.bhamtv.com
RMJ Broadcast intend to make this site one capable of showcasing not just their own productions but those of other interested businesses.
They hope to turn this site into a channel promoting businesses and events across the city and beyond. |
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The West Midlands region, which has long been a hotbed of entertainment games development, is leading the way in terms of both industry applications of Serious Games as well as academic research into the field. To continue to bolster its position as a key driver of the Serious Games industry, the Advantage West Midlands has invested in the Interactive Digital Media Project. Managed by Birmingham City University, the project’s key objective is to establish the region as the key player in this emerging industry.
If you are interested in this space and would like to utilise the resources of the West Midlands, go to www.seriousaboutgames.com to find out how we can help. |
NOTE: If you would like to pitch your own company in this way and get you message across to all the attendees at CN (as well as getting a mention in our monthly newsletter) then please contact Scarlet on 07969 226 693 or email creative.networks@tic.ac.uk |
| Guest Speaker - Tony Garnett - Making It Happen |
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Tony Garnett
Making It Happen
We were honoured to welcome our guest speaker, Birmingham-born film and television producer, Tony Garnett, to the 41st Creative Networks event.
Tony's work has spanned nearly 40 years and his enthusiasm for creative production was demonstrated to the packed audience with his fascinating presentation about the media industry’s past and its possibilities for the future.
Impressed by the energy of the tic and the creative community here in the West Midlands, Tony mentioned that, as a staunch Aston Villa supporter, he was shocked to be asked to speak at Birmingham City University but was happy to do so, once he found out of course that we had no association with his foot-balling arch rivals.
On being asked to speak as an 'industry expert', Tony modestly suggested that this was actually some way off the truth. He gave two main reasons for this, firstly that every piece of creative work is different and unique and secondly that the industry is changing so fast that it is now unrecognisable compared with when he first started work.
Tony said that old time television production has become obsolete and lost its way, with new methods of content delivery yet to be revealed completely and the future of the creative industries in general still very much unknown. However, a positive thing about the new technology available to creatives is that it has allowed the barrier or entry level for commercial work in the industry to be much lower. When Tony first started in the industry shooting a film was incredibly expensive, with stock, sound, light, film technicians and equipment representing a huge production expense. Though now, when anyone can pop into any high street technology store and buy a camera and laptop with which to shoot, edit and design everything at home, requiring minimum technical knowledge, then inspiration and skill can produce high quality work for little cost.
This ease of use has also meant that creatives are not so reliant on sponsors, e.g. Broadcasters, however Tony also emphasised that this in itself can cause problems. There is now no problem making content, the problems arise in getting the content to the people who actually want it and eventually to the people who actually want to watch or engage with it. So the ‘big boys’ still rule the way that media is consumed on a mass scale and sometimes to get your work shown it becomes necessary to make a deal with the devil in order to get the audience you want.
Giving more examples of how to 'Make it Happen' in the industry, Tony explained that the industry is still tricky and it's important to realise that you cannot, even with the availability of the required technology, do everything yourself. There is a need when producing work to mix up the skills, you need both creative people as well as industry people to make things work and the best way to achieve things is to form strong teams and build relationships. If work (and money) is spread around, this will open up whole new avenues of skills and possibilities, in turn facilitating better results. These new relationships are the key to getting work done, with the most important element being not to compartmentalise people. If you see someone as a 'business' person, or a 'camera-person', or an editor, that doesn't mean that this is the only thing they do. All input is important; people adapt and, with the right team dynamic, are capable of achieving fantastic results. Team building works, collaboration and like-minded viewpoints get things done.
As well as constructing the right team, the other thing one will need to get things done is to gain a reputation, make people trust you and let your work speak for itself. In the creative industry all you will ever really have is your reputation and you need to guard that with your life because it's the most important thing you have. Be on guard, reputation can be lost overnight. Credibility allows you to produce the work you want, however you have to remember that you are not working for yourself most of the time. You are generally working for somebody else and you have to make sure that the work you produce satisfies them. To be happy in your work, make sure that the work also satisfies you, as a creative person.
As an example, Tony cited his work for the BBC in the mid 90's. At the time, as now, Cop Shows and Documentaries always sell, so when he was asked to produce a new drama series he gave the client what they wanted with all the elements they required. However, using 'Trojan Horse' tactics, for instance when asked to create a show about a group of lawyers, Tony was able to push the boundaries of drama storytelling and programme making, creating 'This Life' as a result of this approach.
Finally, Tony stressed that to 'Make it Happen' you have to persevere with what you do and need to be prepared for knock-backs. Criticism or comment of your work and ideas is essential and even though it's sometimes hard to take, ensure that you take what is constructive onboard whilst still retaining your original vision.
Creative work is messy, be child-like, be creative, experiment but don't get too busy. Giving people time to evolve creatively is important, developing an idea is essential; experimentation and exploration are all part of the creative process. Big decisions need to be made at the outset, early decisions are the most important and things need to be resolved at the start of a project. Such decisions are fundamental for your work to succeed, making the creative process run, not only smoothly, but also in a way that realises the work that you want to do.
This event was a highlight of the Creative Networks programme thus far; Tony's natural ability to tell a story shone through and we were captivated by his passion for the industry and, by association, for what we do. After a Question and Answer session, Tony ended his presentation to rapturous applause. We thank him for his time and trouble, he even joined us in the iBar after for more networking, but most of all we thank him for his support and for rounding off, so appropriately, another successful day in the calendar of Creative Network events, encouraging us all to prosper through innovation and creativity. |
| Event Feedback - Find out what some of our attendees had to say... |
"Valuable information gained from the speakers and useful contacts made via networking."
John Priest - Creations
"So far it's just been great to attend and be inspired by the speakers and hear about opportunities through the pitches. The Nick Broomfield talk was truly inspirational."
Mitra Memarzia
"Creative Networks is useful to the industries we are in, pushing creativity forward."
Jasroop Grewal |
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The Music Network leads a monthly networking event at the tic for all music related businesses from the West Midlands region.
Running successfully for over five years, their meetings have proved inspirational in the support, development and promotion of thousands of music related activities.
If you have news to report, events to promote, points for discussion or a pitch to make, the Music Network will be useful for you.
They offer access to contacts, opportunities, help, advice and guidance - and even free tea and biscuits.
The Music Network is a voluntary, not for profit, social enterprise organisation seeking charitable status. Meetings take place on the last Thursday of each month, 4-6pm at Birmingham City University's Technology Innovation Centre (tic), Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.
email info@birminghammusicnetwork.com
web www.birminghammusicnetwork.com |
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A new group has taken us up on the offer of hosting their meetings at Millennium Point.
Ignite is a newly formed group of 14 photographers who aim to showcase their work to new audiences and start a new network for creative practitioners to link into.
If you would like to join the group, their meetings will take place on every last Thursday of the month from 4-6pm, prior to each Creative Networks event. Please contact annie@creativealliance.org.uk |
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LOW COST Short Courses Currently Available
i4 Skills courses at Birmingham City University's Technology Innovation Centre (tic) provide a low-cost way to realise the full potential of your creative talents.
Courses |
Course Start Dates |
Introduction To Computer Animation |
11-Apr-08 |
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Introduction To Website Design & Production |
21-Apr-08 |
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Graphics For Web & Multimedia |
26-Apr-08 |
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Market-Led Diversification for Media Business |
01-May-08 |
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Further Website Design & Production |
02-May-08 |
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Introduction to 3D Modelling |
13-May-08 |
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Broadcast Editing |
16-May-08 |
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Digital Video Editing & Production |
21-May-08 |
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Introduction to MAX/MSP |
23-May-08 |
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Introduction to Sound Recording |
28-May-08 |
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Introduction to Sound Production |
29-May-08 |
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Business Essentials for Media Start-Ups |
05-Jun-08 |
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Camera, Sound & Lights |
06-Jun-08 |
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Desktop Publishing |
10-Jun-08 |
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Digital Video Editing & Production |
11-Jun-08 |
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| Further MAX/MSP with Jitter |
13-Jun-08 |
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Further Live Sound Engineering |
18-Jun-08 |
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Graphics for Web & Multimedia |
20-Jun-08 |
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Further Sound Recording |
23-Jun-08 |
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Flash Video Development |
26-Jun-08 |
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Further Sound Production |
26-Jun-08 |
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Broadcast Editing |
27-Jun-08 |
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DVD Authoring |
30-Jun-08 |
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Motion Graphics and Video Effects |
01-Jul-08 |
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Digital Video Editing & Production |
02-Jul-08 |
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Market-Led Diversification for Media Business |
03-Jul-08 |
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Further MAX/MSP for Audio DSP |
04-Jul-08 |
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Introduction to 3D Modelling |
08-Jul-08 |
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Introduction to Digital Photography & Image Manipulation |
08-Jul-08 |
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Introduction To Website Design & Production |
12-Jul-08 |
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Further Website Design & Production |
18-Jul-08 |
All courses are delivered at Millennium Point in Birmingham City Centre.
For more information or to book a course phone 0121 331 6400 email course.enquiries@tic.ac.uk or visit www.i4skillsonline.com. |
:: The Asylum
The Asylum, a 400 capacity live music venue based in Hockley, only 5 minutes walk from Snow Hill Station, will open on May 16th.
The music policy is rooted in Rock and Blues, though other styles will be presented.
The Asylum will have state-of-the-art PA, a big stage, great acoustics and will be open most nights of the week. Operators Roy and Jackie Davis also run The Madhouse Rehearsal and Recording Studios next door [0121 233 1109].
The bands are booked by Big Bear Music phone 0121 454 7020.
:: Local Short Film Club
The next Local Short Film Club! Wed, 9th of April - it's the last one in the current series!!!!!!!!
We've got Docs and Pop Vids as well as Drama for your delectation on this super eclectic mix night.
LSFC - Library Theatre, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
6.00 Drinks and Networking
7.00 Films
Further information and submission forms on www.creativepathway.org.uk (Film First / Local Shorts) |
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© Technology Innovation Centre (tic) 2006
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG
phone 0121 331 5400 fax 0121 331 5401
email enquiries@tic.ac.uk www.tic.ac.uk
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