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Welcome
to October'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.
* A new name - a new era
Birmingham City University is the new name for the former University of Central England in Birmingham. For further details please visit: www.bcu.ac.uk/namechange
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 -
October's Creative Networks Event - *DON'T MISS OUT*
2. Event Reviewed -
September's Creative Networks Event
- Commissioning for Broadcast
3. The Music Network - Monthly Networking Event held at tic
4. Cinematic 2007 Short Film Festival - 16th - 17th October 2007
5. TIC Education Day to feature in International Film Festival - 25th October 2007
6. i4 Skills - New Courses NOW Available |
...we’d also like to hear from you!
Contact Scarlet Scardanelli, the Creative Networks Administrator
with any feedback, case studies, success stories, interesting projects, collaboration opportunities or news:
:: phone
0121 331 5400
:: email
scarlet.scardanelli@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 - October's Creative Networks Event *DON'T MISS OUT* |
Thursday
25th October - at tic, Millennium Point
2.00pm to 5.00pm Advice with Business Link West Midlands
6.00pm to 10.00pm
Creatives' Cash Challenge
The Collaborative Networking Event for Creative Industry Professionals
I've got the ideas, now I just need the money!
Could you qualify for up to £250,000 in funding? Find out in the Creatives' Cash Challenge*
*This event has been inspired by the BBC's Dragon's Den
| AGENDA |
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| 2.00pm - 5.00pm |
Advice with Business Link West Midlands |
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Creative Industries (Tim Wilson)
Access to Finance (Paul Basil)
Enterprise (Creative Launchpad)
High Growth (Shuba Gupta) |
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To book a half hour session please contact Business Link West Midlands on 0845 113 1234 or email:info@businesslinkwm.co.uk |
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| 6.00pm - 7.00pm |
Buffet and Networking |
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| 7.00pm - 8.00pm |
Creatives' Cash Challenge |
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| 8.00pm |
Film Screening at the IMAX Cinema
This month’s Creative Networks event will conclude with a special FREE film screening at Millennium Point’s IMAX Cinema courtesy of V Television, as part of its inaugural Black International Film (BIF) Festival which is taking place across Birmingham between 24th – 28th October 2007.
The film being shown will commence at 8.00pm. For further details please contact V Television on 0121 236 1960 or visit www.biffestival.co.uk |
If you would like to join us for this FREE event, please email scarlet.scardanelli@tic.ac.uk, or phone 07969 226 693. Alternatively, you can register online on the Creative Networks portal www.creativenetworksonline.com
You’ll be very welcome.
MORE ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE CASH CHALLENGE FUNDERS:
Advantage Creative Fund
Advantage Creative Fund
can invest from £10K to £250K in YOUR company. Mike Arch and Rex Bird, Investment Managers from ACF will be your funders. They are prepared to make a decision on the evening as to whether you could qualify for funding.
ACF can invest in creative sector businesses including software, design, music, film, television, arts, other intellectual property based businesses, and more. This is the unique opportunity you have been waiting for to get directly in front of the funding decision makers.
Aston Reinvestment Trust
Aston Reinvestment Trust
is a community development financial institution whose remit is to fill the gap between bank lending, and grant funding. ART lends between £10K to £50K. Martin Edmonds, an Investment Manager from ART, will be your funder to determine if you can qualify for an ART loan.
Media Vault
New funding is NOW available so that Media Vault can continue to support the region’s existing and start-up media businesses with subsidised access to its content creation and distribution facilities based at Millennium Point. Up to a value of £2.5K, subject to eligibility.
HOW TO ENTER
A hard hitting seminar on how to present to
funders and gain enough interest for them to make an investment in YOU will take place on
18th October 2007 at tic from 5.30-8.00pm in preparation for your real live chance to get funding.
The seminar is limited to 20 companies, and of these, four will be selected to personally present their plan to actual funders capable of investing up to £250K on the Thursday evening in the following week at Creative Networks.
This could be the most important seminar you attend to get the funding you need to grow your company and best of all it is free to qualifying companies. To be one of these select 20 companies please register an interest with Advantage Creative Fund by email info@acfwm.co.uk or phone 01543 473 035 (ref.CNS)
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| 2. Review of September's Creative Networks Event - Commissioning for Broadcast |
Thursday 27th September - From 6.00pm ‘til LATE at tic, Millennium Point
With close to 200 attendees, this month’s Creative Networks provided the Midlands’ creative industry with the usual forum to network, chat and catch up.
The main event was the panel of experts assembled for the evening, who gave their time freely, to guide us through the broadcast commissioning process and the available opportunities for getting ideas, seen, heard and on air. From TV and Radio, our panel of experienced professionals gave helpful advice and useful insights into the workings of the industry.
In addition to networking, a showcase of Midlands’ creative talent was presented on screens in the café. The work exhibited was created with assistance from Media Vault and included:
Aston Walker / The Story of Aton Ra
Pogus Caesar / Francesca’s Key
Natalia Morris / Rag and Bone, new work by Laura Ford
Delegates also had the usual chance to pitch their output or skills to the audience in the Lecture Theatre.
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 drop her an email to scarlet.scardanelli@tic.ac.uk
This month, in the café, a Notice Board was provided where delegates could post any requests for collaborators to work on projects. Three categories were put forward and colour coded for Screen, Sound and New Media enquiries. Many attendees used this opportunity to find partners for collaboration, too many in fact to include in this Newsletter so we will be posting these on the Creative Networks portal very soon.
Our two guest speakers, Arnie Kinbrum (TV) and Neil Gardner (Radio), were introduced and each of them spoke for half an hour before the scope of the seminar was widened to include questions from the audience. Arnie and Neil were then joined by Mike Burch (TV) and Mike Owen (Radio).
Audience questions included: how best to set about presenting a trailer for a programme idea; how an edit of shot footage can be managed to tell a story effectively; how to pitch the idea of a showcase for music talent in the region.
Small wonder then that the evening was such a huge success, with standing room only and attendees delighting in the opportunity to receive first hand knowledge from the experts.
Business Link will be providing sponsorship and support for our next Creative Networks, with one to one surgeries from 2.00pm until 5.00pm on Thursday 25th October before the evening’s main activity – the Creatives’ Cash Challenge.
Advantage Creative Fund, who can invest from £10K to £250K in your company, is also funding our October event.
We hope we will see you all again on this occasion, the last Thursday of this month, for the Creatives’ Cash Challenge – your opportunity to qualify for up to £250,000 in funding!
October's event will conclude with a special FREE film screening at Millennium Point’s IMAX Cinema courtesy of V Television, as part of its inaugural Black International Film Festival which is taking place across Birmingham between 24th – 28th October 2007
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| Summaries of Open Floor Pitches |
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Business Link West Midlands provides comprehensive information and advice to help businesses, like yours, make the most of their opportunities, putting people in touch with the expert help they need – whatever the issue.
They can offer you information and services tailored to your needs, working with you to help you achieve your business objectives.
They can put you in touch with suitable and reliable sources of advice available across the West Midlands. All of which means you can quickly reach the resources you need and get on with running your business. |
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Finding Calcutta are a local band taking advantage of Birmingham's media
talent to take a fresh approach to online marketing and promotion ahead of their EP launch party on the 5th October at the Rainbow, Digbeth.
They have been making teaser documentary-style videos to build interest online, as well as using Big Button Media's Mailermate technology to send trackable video emails to customisable mailing lists.
The band are going all-out to make their record launch night a success, and a springboard to a bright future. Don't miss it! |
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Studio 3 is a designer-led post-production company that produces video-graphics and special-effects.
Story-boarding and traditional fine-art skills under-pin the use of top-end facilities to solve visual problems and communicate to the target audience.
Studio 3 is small in size but big on experience and covers a wide range of work from 35mm cinema sequences and broadcast titles to Web-design and Corporate videos.
In recent years the studio has expanded into art-direction and project-management and is currently looking for business partners with a view to building a Midlands-based FX team to compete with the West End.
Studio 3 recognises the need to be allied with major players in the region and business enquiries of all types are welcome. |
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Clare Edwards of the LSC and Gigbeth, who recently won Birmingham Future's Birmingham Young Professional of the Year outlines the benefits of the creative industries being more involved in Birmingham Future.
Birmingham Future's vision is to develop the future membership and leaders of a vibrant, diverse and world-class professional sector in Birmingham.
They do this by presenting the collective voice of Birmingham's young professionals and providing networking and skills development opportunities. If you want to find out more visit www.birminghamfuture.co.uk
Also, Clare wanted to remind everyone that Gigbeth runs between 1st and 3rd November 2007. www.gigbeth.com |
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ACRE - ‘Accommodating Creative Knowledge – Competitiveness of European Metropolitan Regions’ - a major EU research project bringing together partners from 13 countries across Europe, ACRE aims to improve our knowledge of conditions that stimulate ‘creative-knowledge regions’ and understand the extent to which creativity, innovation and knowledge are keys to regional competitiveness. Involving researchers, creative-knowledge professionals and policy-makers, the project will provide international comparisons of strategies aimed at improving regional competitiveness and will feed directly into policy. We need people who work in creative-knowledge industries in Birmingham to help us with this research. We want to know why creative-knowledge professionals choose to be located in Birmingham. Is Birmingham a good place to live? Is Birmingham a good place to base a business? Is Birmingham a creative city? If you would like to complete a short survey, please contact the ACRE project team: Julie Brown (j.brown.1@bham.ac.uk or 0121 414 2237). For further information on the ACRE project, please follow the link: http://www2.fmg.uva.nl/acre |
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Tribal specialise in working with the creative industries, developing pathways to employment, improving employability and helping businesses start up, develop their staff and prosper. They help to create strong and sustainable communities.
Tribal succeed because they employ dedicated professionals who are experts in their fields and committed to improving public services. They understand their client’s needs and constantly seek to enhance and develop your business offering.
Included in their service amongst others is learning and training including accredited leadership and management courses, vocational skills and basic skills. |
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EXPRESSO
Contact: Kevin Powis
web www.Expressofilm.com/donate.htm
web www.lastindependent.com/
In 2006, Kevin Powis and Martin Nigel Davey decided to make another short movie but little did they know they were embarking on what would become movie history. Expresso, a 10-minute comedy set at one table in a coffee shop during the course of one day, has become the most talked about short movie of the year.
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Taking a whole year to make the movie they enticed the legendary Sir Norman Wisdom from retirement to appear as well as a host of top named talent - such as Geoffrey Hughes (Keeping up Appearances), Don Warrington (Rising Damp) and even Hong Kong movie legend Richard Ng - star of 70's Hong Kong features.
The movie premiered in Cannes 2007 and when Macmillan Cancer support - saw the movie they realised it was a perfect fit to their annual charity event "The World's Biggest Coffee Morning" - so they adopted the movie and funded a fully classified DVD release. This, combined with Sir Norman announcing officially that Expresso would be his last ever movie role, caused a media scrum with clips from the movie being featured on BBC and SKY news every hour, and also being discussed at length on prime time ITV chat shows.
ALL PROCEEDS TO CHARITY - MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
The limited edition DVD which is set to become a collector's item can be purchased online for £5 at www.expressofilm.com with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer support.
Kevin Powis' own filmmaking web site is www.Lastindependent.com |
| Guest Speakers - Commissioning for Broadcast |
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Arnie Kinbrum
mobile 07765 254570
Background
Arnie has spent over 25 years in the UK television industry with periods at both Yorkshire and Central Television in various financial, strategic and operational roles. He was the General Manager of Pearson Television International where part of his role was convincing organisations to buy his programmes. He has also carried out a number of consultancy assignments including an assessment of Digital Asset Management for the RTL Group.
He has spent the last few years in consultancy roles in the media industry working with a range of organisations especially in the areas of content for new technology. He is currently the Head of Media for the industry leader in digital screen systems on transport in Europe.
Review of Event
Arnie opened his address to the audience by stating that “it’s tough” selling content to the broadcast TV industry. Giving an overview of the things one needed to consider, Arnie presented his hard hitting analysis under the following headings:
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Facts, Figures and Future |
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Broadcasters' view |
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Strategies to Succeed |
His first piece of advice was to watch television – in order to understand programme schedules and what broadcasters are doing. There’s no point in trying to provide content ideas unless one understands what the schedulers are looking for.
Arnie highlighted the rise of what he referred to as ‘the super indies’ – significant players in the industry, who have the power, money and clout to influence the output offered by broadcasters. They are difficult to beat, with reduced numbers of viewers of terrestrial TV; the major broadcasters are bound to rely on proven, tried and trusted programme formulae.
BBC 1 currently holds a 22% share of the viewing audience, not so long ago they could boast 50 – 60% of this share, so they are definitely having a hard time. What they commission has to be spot on, or they run the risk of losing even more of their share. Broadcasters base their decisions on ‘risk profile’ i.e. they need to weigh up your idea against any perceived risk of non delivery against budget and/or against quality standards. 56% of indies are small companies with less than 20 employees and in 2004 these companies achieved less than a 5% share of commissioned programmes.
It’s a sad fact, but London remains the hub of this activity – accounting for 65% of output origination, the Midlands (including East Anglia) accounts for a mere 5% of this programme content. To make matters worse, Channel 5, for instance, has a 13% share of this content, but this only represents 6% of its scheduled viewing hours.
In 2004, 800 companies provided content worth £780M. In 2014, it is estimated that this will double to £1.5B, although the number of contributing companies will remain at 800.
The top 5 indies currently account for 40% of this content, whilst the next 10 are only able to claim a 21% share, the middle bracket shows a 30% share and the tail end records a 9% share.
In 2014, it is estimated that these figures will translate as – Top 5 = 70%, Middle = 25% and Tail = 5%.
With such figures likely to be realised, Arnie emphasised that it’s not an encouraging prospect.
He went on to explain that Commissioning Editors have careers like the rest of us and consequently they want to make the right decisions. They take a risk in choosing between programme providers, weighing up your ability to deliver on time, on budget and against quality standards. Therefore, they are more likely to rely on organisations they know and trust, being assured of the quality required to engage an audience whilst believing that the agreed budget will be met. Delivery must be on time and to a quality standard that meets technical requirements – these criteria are much more likely to be met by an established company, whose reputation is a known quantity, than by a newcomer.
The days of a one man band are also numbered. More and more the delivery demands that must be met call for collaboration between companies and individuals in order to provide the necessary range of expertise required across projects.
The need to network and the importance of understanding the industry was stressed, ‘Broadcast’ is required reading for anyone with aspirations to be a content provider.
Arnie introduced a member of the audience, the M.D. of Framework TV, who, at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival, wrote a ‘blog’ for Broadcast – this was a great example of how to get yourself known and position your product for maximum exposure.
It’s equally important to join associations, such as your local RTS, BAFTA etc. and to consider attending industry conferences, to network and meet people of influence within the industry.
It’s not possible to make your way as a programme maker if you hide your light under a bushel. If it’s not possible to accomplish any of this on your own, then it’s worth considering the possibility of joining forces with established companies who can act as a gateway to your own eventual success. You might perhaps provide them with new ideas and end up sharing the profits, which is better than nothing at all. There is the risk that your ideas might be ‘stolen’ – copyright can never guarantee 100% legal ownership to intellectual property – but at least you get ideas realised.
It’s also possible to make a deal with Distribution companies, who may act as intermediaries in any financial negotiations; they may back an idea for a share of any eventual proceeds. Again, Arnie highlighted the case of Framework TV who held discussions with Stuart Cosgrove from Channel 4 – i.e. with someone of influence whose remit is to engage with emerging talent from the regions.
One final tip Arnie gave was to take every opportunity to ‘showcase’ your products. Whilst YouTube and other similar platforms might not be the most targeted of broadcast providers, they do represent the means of getting your product ‘out there’. Broadcasters do constantly look at the net to see what’s happening.
To sum up, Arnie accepted that he had been somewhat downbeat about our prospects but stressed that he did not want to give anyone false hopes. The current climate is very tough, but if you’re passionate about what you do and you have good ideas then what he outlined are some good ways of achieving success. |
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Neil Gardner
Company: Radio Independents Group & Ladbroke Productions
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email chair@radioindependentsgroup.org
phone 020 7079 2082
web www.radioindependentsgroup.org
Background
Neil Gardner is a radio producer, director and writer, with over 18 years experience of professional radio. He has worked in the commercial radio sector, freelance for the BBC, at local, regional and national level, as well as for several international broadcasters. Since 1999 he has been the Creative Director of Ladbroke Productions, where he has created, developed, engineered and produced over 300 programmes for BBC radio. Neil is also the Chair of the Radio Independents Group, the trade body for radio indies in the UK. He has been at the forefront of the group’s activities, including negotiating the recent BBC Terms of Trade. He has twice won the New York Gold Award as writer/director for Best Entertainment Programme, and is also a trustee of the Radio Academy and the Gateway Sound Education Trust.
Review of Event
Neil let us know that his work takes place within the M25 but that he had once lived in Nuneaton and rather than bemuse us all with a PowerPoint presentation he preferred to stick with an audio address since he considers audio to be the best medium in the world. Neil invited us to listen to a 6 minute piece that he had put together – and advised that it was best heard in the dark, with a friend and a bag of chips!
So the lights were dimmed and the evening continued to inspire with an audio extravaganza edit of radio reports that demonstrated the variety of output on the airwaves - from 9/11; to reminiscences from people who were homesick for their country of origin and sang songs in their mother tongue to emphasise their longing; to serious issues surrounding the supply of oil in the 21st Century and the demand that is subsequently likely to put pressure on this precious resource and on political alliances in the not too distant future.
These were examples of a documentary approach, the use of audio as a means of archiving and the emerging medium of full-cast drama audio presented online via the worldwide web to raise important issues.
Neil stated that for every 100 ideas one might have, one would be doing well to get 5 of them actually commissioned and aired.
He estimated that every 1,000 ideas he proposed might perhaps result in 25 actual commissions. Neil emphasised the need to be creative and pointed out that, in Radio, deals with commercial radio aren’t readily available – however, 10% of the BBC’s national radio output originates from the independent sector.
150 independent production companies participate in the BBC’s £12M annual spend for Radio, very little of the commercial sector accounts for commissioned programmes, although some indies do do good business with the commercial radio groups.
The BBC is the most active commissioner, with Radios 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Live and the World Service accounting for most of the output that it buys. The Tender rounds for this output are run along very strict timelines and deadline dates for bids.
The essential difference between Radio and TV is that Commissioning Editors are in post in Radio for far longer than in TV. This means that it is possible to build long term relationships within Radio.
Like TV, Radio requires business principles as much as creativity and is focused on a company’s ability to deliver on time and in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Unlike TV, in Radio a Commissioning Editor will not get actively involved in programme creation, preferring simply to settle on the proposition and receive the completed product at the set time, preferably requiring no revisions.
BBC Radio 4 is the biggest commissioner in the public broadcast sector, commissioning 13,000 programmes per year from in-house and indie suppliers. Classic FM is the world’s most listened to commercial radio station.
Of the 13,000 programmes commissioned by Radio 4 last year, 600+ were produced by ‘indies’. At a maximum, only 10% of BBC network radio ‘eligible’ hours are voluntarily required to be produced by indies, and only 5% of available commissioning monies are actually spent with indies. The BBC has had its licence funding cut, yet it still plans to develop facilities in Salford and London, so must exercise a saving or cut in programme production expenditure of an expected 3% per year. So it’s a tough market like TV.
But, an hour of Radio programming is relatively inexpensive – coming in at £6 to £8K. So with £650M of licence monies available – Radio still represents good value for money. Some ideas do get through and do get produced in such a climate. But there isn’t enough share to go round so it’s not advisable to form an indie. The BBC wants to see consolidation in the indie sector so that it can hand over large slabs of cash to one company at a time, thereby saving time and effort. The market is saturated, so it makes sense, if you are involved in audio production and want to get your ideas commissioned, to talk with existing radio indies. The Radio Independents Group, the trade body of which Neil is the Chair, can help put you in touch with the right indie.
Neil concluded his presentation by making reference to Mark Goodier of radio indie Wise Buddha, who had achieved much within and for the industry simply by networking and persevering, exemplifying the values that are required in order to succeed.
Two and a half years ago audio producers gained the right to exploit their products beyond commissioned broadcasts, so it’s important to recognise that if what you produce doesn’t have commissioning appeal then you still have the opportunity to exploit that product and gain commercial revenue over the longer term through other avenues. Commissioned programmes can also be commercially exploited, bringing small, but important, additional revenue in.
The tools for production have never been more easily accessible; Neil made the point that he now uses a standard SONY VAIO with a larger hard drive and ADOBE AUDITION for most of his productions. These applications are readily available and have become cheaper now that the market for programme production has been stimulated by the Podcasters. One person can now reach an audience of hundreds of thousands with audio production. Neil urged the audience to check out the market for distribution via the web. He also recommended that those engaged in TV Production should think about the possibilities within Radio, as it has often been the case that Radio Shows have migrated to TV with great success and vice versa.
Lastly, Neil reminded everyone present that, unlike TV where audiences were dwindling, Radio audiences were on the increase. |
| Panel Speakers - Commissioning for Broadcast |
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Background
Mike Burch set up X2 Productions Ltd in 2005 with well-known motoring presenter Mike Brewer to produce male-orientated lifestyle programming. This followed a long career inside ITV which began in 1983 as a film editor with Central Television. After working with such luminaries as Ken Loach and John Pilger he made a career switch from documentaries into drama where he worked on a wide range of primetime programmes. In the mid-nineties he became an Executive Producer with ITV before finally taking the opportunity to leave and form an independent company. X2 Productions is a growing company which last year produced over 40 programmes for both ITV and Discovery Networks Europe. Over the last twelve months they have expanded rapidly into the fast emerging world of online media and have specialised in producing content for blue chip companies keen to increase their presence in online video. This has led to a number of direct commissions from well known global brands to create content which works both for broadcast, online and DVD distribution. |
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Mike Owen
Company: Radio Independents Group & Ladbroke Productions
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web www.mikeowenmedia.com / www.radioaspire.co.nr
Background
Mike Owen Media, a media consultancy business, was established in 1997. Managing Director, Mike Owen, has over 30 years experience in the broadcast industry and has won a number of major awards including the Pulitzer award for outstanding services to publishing, two Sony awards and a Prix Italia nomination. These awards were granted during his time at BRMB in Birmingham from 1978 to 1997, during which time he was Programme Controller, Operations Director and then General Manager. Currently running Radio Aspire – providing radio training at pre-entry level, entry level and industry training under a national recognised scheme.
The business has won numerous awards in the fields of PR and promotion. For example, in 1999, Mike Owen Media won the Cream Award for Best PR Campaign, the Grand Prix Cream Award for PR, and the KPMG award for Best Promotion. The company was also nominated for Campaign Magazine’s Best Stunt of the Year. |
| Panel Question and Answer Session |
Our first response from the audience was a message of hope from an attendee who had secured a commission from a cable channel to provide an animated children’s drama programme. The question to the panel concerned the request from a Sci-Fi Channel for a trailer of other work, would it be a good idea to involve other people in order to make the most of the opportunity?
Panel member Mike Burch asked how long was the existing piece and suggested that it would be a good idea to post the trailer on YouTube and send a link to potential broadcasters, at the same time as recruiting people to the enterprise who were as passionate and enthusiastic as the originator.
Panel member Mike Owen pointed out that many courses were available where it was possible to explore the means of presentation of ideas and programme formats – he cited the Sky Captain film as an example of a product that was at first collated as a trailer before sufficient interest was generated to warrant it being produced professionally and with great success. The key to generating sufficient interest being the use of the internet for Radio in addition to TV.
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The message to the audience from our panel was always to be prepared with storylines and storyboards so you were not just pitching an idea but could show tangible evidence of a fully thought through proposition, being ready to present your case when the invitation arose.
A recent graduate asked the next question about his attempts to gain access to the industry with little success. He had sent out 80 CVs but had only received 12 replies. |
The panel suggested that as a screenwriter, a more rewarding route might be to contact the BBC Writers Room and keep pushing hard to gain employment, even if this meant initially working on the script for something that was not immediately desirable. This would at least give some track record and, with submissions to Script Competitions and the acquisition of an Agent to do the legwork, success would be more likely to follow. It was also suggested that it would be useful to subscribe to ‘Writers News’.
Neil Gardner commented that most new writing was commissioned by BBC Radio, as the biggest commissioner on the planet, for its afternoon plays. Mike Burch suggested joining a local drama group in order to showcase output and encourage subsequent recognition, making an impassioned plea that if what you proposed had substance and could be shown to be a living, breathing piece of work, then ultimately recognition of that talent was more likely to be realised.
Another question was put to the panel about the value of producing a ‘pilot’. Mike Burch replied that it was important to retain some leverage and that the trick was not simply to provide but to make a commissioner need your product before embarking on any product realisation. Neil Gardner said a commissioning editor would want to know what your idea actually sounded like, a sample would be sufficient to prove that you could produce your idea. Mike Burch added that it was always important to have a portfolio since we are all now competing with the likes of YouTube and that the term ‘pilot’ should be regarded as a specific commission, paid for and not to be confused with a teaser, taster or trailer.
The next question was from a new film maker who had plenty of footage but now required assistance with editing. The panel all advised that it was useful to acquire editing skills. Mike Burch highlighted the fact that, although not an editor as such, a journalist like John Pilger had editing skills for the purposes of telling a story and that really this was key to realising the end product even before one contemplated bringing in an editor to a project.
tic's Steve Smith put forward the proposal that the Creative Networks portal could host a Forum page to facilitate the swapping of expertise, such as the need for an editor requested by a cameraman, between interested parties and asked for a show of hands in support of this idea. A resounding ‘Yes’ was given by the audience so this is something that we will act upon by the time we next meet.
One last question was put to our panel by a delegate who wanted to showcase Midlands music talent but as yet the idea had met with little response. Our panel stated that the BBC had a remit to include programming from the regions but that it had little or no regard for the promotion of new music. Mike Owen suggested that Radio WM might be interested in unsigned talent and failing that he would be happy to explore the idea himself.
Arnie Kinbrum, first to sum up the evening’s session, said that the key to success was to exploit the assistance available from the region’s support agencies such as SWM who had development monies available, who could give individuals some weight behind their ideas as a known entity and as an ambassador for the region. Neil Gardner expressed his dissatisfaction with the fact that there were few Radio people looking at the indie sector. There were perhaps only 10 companies securing available commissions so it made sense to talk to them about ideas and possible collaborations.
Mike Owen said that although there was a lack of expertise for radio production he was heartened by the emerging talent he came across on courses in which he was involved. He was hopeful for the future because he had had the privilege of working with people who had produced content that was so powerful it made an audience cry.
Mike Burch said that it was the curse of TV that commissioning editors come and go every six months but that the trick is therefore to keep on trying, with the same pitches if necessary, every six months.
He recommended directing people to websites and sending your CVs whenever the opportunity arose. He’d done nothing but persevere to get to his current situation which was great, so you just had to believe in yourself and keep on trying.
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Arnie Kinbrum expressed the same sentiments – belief in oneself and perseverance would ultimately achieve success.
Steve Smith closed the evening by thanking our speakers and panel and extending the invitation to attendees to continue networking in the iBar.
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| Event Feedback - Find out what some of our attendees had to say... |
"I wanted to say how much I enjoyed my first Creative Networks evening last Thursday - very inspiring. Thought the swap shop idea was great."
Amanda Joan Grist
"It is my first time – but the info is good and helping me to focus and get more familiar with approaches to the creative industries. Good networking opportunities."
Keisha Thompson - nurvrax.com
"This is the first time I’ve come here and am intending to come next month. This seems ideal to gain contacts."
David Blakemore
"The Network is great and should be an envy of any industry. I think it could attract some serious interest in replicating the format elsewhere."
Rachel Davis - Klarity |
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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 5 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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| 4. Cinem@tic 2007 Short Film Festival |
CINEMATIC 2007 SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
THE FUTURE OF FILM
FOR FREE!
Innovative new films to entertain, intrigue and delight
16th and 17th October 2007 @ 7.00pm
IMAX Cinema at Birmingham’s Millennium Point. Entry is FREE and open to the public; however seats must be booked in advance.
View PDF Flyer
Reserve your FREE seats NOW
Contact
Nina Parmar on 0121 331 5400 or via email to cinem@tic.ac.uk or visit http://www.tic.ac.uk/cinematic / www.myspace.com/cinematicfestival
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| 5. TIC Education Day to feature in International Film Festival Programme |
As part of V Television’s inaugural 2007 BIF (Black International Film) Festival, Birmingham City University Technology Innovation Centre (tic) will be hosting an Education Day on Thursday 25th October at Millennium Point, Birmingham, with the aim of stimulating a greater understanding of the changing nature of technology: from past to present, in addition to introducing attendees to the dynamic world of Interactive Media encompassing film, sound and multimedia opportunities.
The full day programme, scheduled from 10.00am – 5.30pm, will be split between technology-focused activities at Thinktank, Birmingham’s Science Museum of Discovery for 16-24 year olds, whilst specialist media-related taster seminar/workshops sessions will take place after 1.00pm for those wishing to gain a greater understanding of the ‘media toolbox’ and courses designed to help creative businesses succeed. These sessions will be delivered at the tic.
The Education Day is free, however, all interested attendees must pre-register at www.biffestival.co.uk . Further information can also be gained by contacting tic’s Julian Moore on 0121 331 5400 or sending an email to julian.moore@tic.ac.uk
The evening will conclude with tic’s monthly Creative Networks event which, in supporting the BIFFestival, will include a special screening of ‘Deadmeat’, winner of the Accolade Award of Excellence in the USA. Find out more about this film at www.deadmeat.com
For details of the full Creative Networks event, which will include a Dragon’s Den style Creatives’ Cash Challenge, please contact Scarlet Scardanelli on 07969 226 693 or email scarlet.scardanelli@tic.ac.uk |
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.
| Enterprise Courses |
Course Start Dates |
Days and Times |
Market-Led Diversification for
Media Business |
1st November 07 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
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10th January 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
6th March 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
1st May 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
3rd July 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
|
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Business Essentials for Media
Start-Ups |
6th December 07 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
7th February 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
3rd April 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
5th June 08 |
Thursday x 3 (9.30 - 17.00) |
| |
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| Technical Courses |
Course Start Dates |
Days and Times |
Introduction to Website Design
and Production |
12th November 07 |
Monday and Thursday evenings x 4 (18:00 – 21:00) |
| |
12th January 08 |
Saturday x 4 (10:15 – 16:00) |
| |
4th February 08 |
| Monday and Thursday evenings x 4 (18:00 – 21:00) |
|
| |
29th March 08 |
Saturday x 4 (10:15 – 16:00) |
| |
21st April 08 |
Monday and Thursday evenings x 4 (18:00 – 21:00) |
| |
12th July 08 |
Saturday x 4 (10:15 – 16:00) |
| |
|
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| Further Website Design and Production |
30th November 07 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
2nd May 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
19th July 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
Introduction to Multimedia Authoring |
dates to be confirmed |
Thursday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
| Graphics for Web & Multimedia |
2nd November 07 |
Friday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
7th January 08 |
Monday and Thursday evenings x 4 (18:00 – 21:00) |
| |
26th April 08 |
Saturday x 4 (10:00 – 16:00) |
| |
20th June 08 |
Friday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
| Introduction to 3D Modelling |
13th May 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
8th July 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
| Multimedia Scripting |
31st January 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
Introduction to Computer Animation |
12th October 07 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
11th January 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
11th April 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
Desktop Publishing |
23rd October 07 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
1st April 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
10th June 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
Introduction to Digital Photography and Image Manipulation
|
20th November 07 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
26th February 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
8th July 08 |
Tuesday x 4 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
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Camera, Sounds and Lights |
25th April 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
6th June 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
|
Digital Video Editing and Production |
30th April 08 |
Wednesday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
21st May 08 |
Wednesday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
11th June 08 |
Wednesday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
2nd July 08 |
Wednesday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
|
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Broadcast Editing |
16th May 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
| |
27th June 08 |
Friday x 3 (09:30 – 17:00) |
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. |
|
| ©
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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