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Welcome
to February's Issue of the Newsletter for members of "The
Creative Networks"
'Creative Networks' at UCE Birmingham'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 both knowledge 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, 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 -
February's Creative Networks Event @ tic *DONT
MISS OUT*
2. Event Reviewed
- January's Creative Networks Event - New Year - New Pitches
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:: Summaries of the client showcases
:: Summaries of the open floor pitches |
3. Get
the most from your business with our latest i4 short courses
4. Creative Networks On-Line Portal - Latest Tender Opportunities
5. Student Placements Opportunities
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::Your chance to gain cost-effective access to students with the latest knowledge |
6. Forthcoming Events
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Making the Move Conference - Friday 24th March 2006 - Progression through Sound & Vision
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...we’d also like to hear from you!
Contact Mandeep Chana, The Creative Networks administrator
with your news and views:
:: phone
0121 331 5400
:: email
mandeep.chana@tic.ac.uk
:: or
post to Technology Innovation Centre, Millennium
Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG |
| 1.
COMING UP - February's
Creative Networks Event @ tic *DON'T
MISS OUT* |
Thursday
23rd February - From 6.00pm til LATE at tic, Millennium
Point
The
Collaborative Networking Event for Creative Industry Professionals
Get That Contract
Successful TV executive Arnie Kinbrum will be joining us to tell you about how he has secured project commissions and how you can do it too!
Planetarium
Come early at 5pm if you would like to see the free Planetarium show –find out about opportunities to produce content for immersive digital cinema.
Showcase Exhibition *DON'T MISS OUT*
At last months event it was suggested to host a showcase exhibition this summer for creatives in the Millennium Point Atrium. Come along on 23rd Feb if you want to be a part of this spectacular event, where you'll also have the opportunity to be part of a steering group for this showcasing exhibition.
| AGENDA |
| FREE Planetarium show - Content production opportunities |
| Networking, Hot Buffet and Drinks |
| Open Floor Pitches |
| Guest Speaker: Ex Managing Director of Pearson TV |
| Steering Group Selection for Showcasing Exhibition |
| Networking at ‘The ibar’ (Millennium Point) |
The Creative Networks event is FREE. If
you would like to join us, please contact Mandeep Chana
on email
mandeep.chana@tic.ac.uk,
or call Ha Vu on phone
07967 706 445.
You'll be very welcome.
Register on the Creative Networks portal www.creativenetworksonline.com
and select the 'Business Profile' section.
Take the opportunity to showcase your media services and
projects on the Digital Asset Management (DAM) System. |
| 2. Review of January's
Creative Networks Event - NEW YEAR - NEW PITCHES |
Thursday 26th January From 6.00pm til LATE at tic, Millennium Point
NEW YEAR - NEW PITCHES
The 15th Creative Networks kicked off with drum fuelled food and networking in the tic café, courtesy of an inspired performance by PowaTree. Several network members got up to join in with the music to provide a colourful backdrop to the first of our twelve monthly events for 2006. This evening was dedicated to hearing from people like you, creative industry professionals pitching for opportunities to collaborate with peers and members of the creative community.
Steve Smith introduced the pitchers for the evening, with a visually stunning demonstration from Crystal Presentations to get the ball rolling.
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| Summaries of the
Client Showcases |
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Crystal Presentations was founded 24 years ago and is an approved and registered DfES Curriculum online Retailer and Content Provider specialising in the development of Educational resources, particularly interactive CD-ROMs and websites. Crystal has also developed interactive courses for Learn Direct.
The company has acted as a consultant and developer to a range of Blue Chip, Multi-national companies and other organisations such as Deutsche Bank, Environment Agency, Food and Drink Federation, Defra, PowerGen, Conoco and Shell International. The company has extensive experience of working on European-funded projects, special educational needs, multi-language CD-ROMs and in areas such as accessibility, equal opportunities and Gender and Race representation. |
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Big Button Media is a corporate television and multimedia company whose work ranges from simple video acquisition for archival purposes to complex and technically detailed CD-ROM and DVD productions. To demonstrate how widely his business activities range, Mark told us how last week he was editing a video about deep frying when he received a call to go to Paris and interview Midge Ure for a podcast. Big Button Media have demonstrable experience in this industry having worked with large companies such as Motorola, as well as smaller companies, to produce innovative creative content. This coupled with an unrivalled attitude for client satisfaction ensures that they consistently produce stunning and effective media products. |
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Powatree
Contact: Birry
email powatree@gmail.com
Powatree promotions pitched a concept called ‘Drum Nation’, which is based on supplying organisations and various agencies with professional performers through the medium of the African drum. This has long been used to bond and break down barriers of culture, language and religion, an idea which is a fairly new idea to these shores. Birry is looking at ways of bringing ‘Drum Nation’ into the corporate arena as well as supporting community based projects. PowaTree are seeking to undertake professional development courses to enhance the skills of the practitioners, and the creation of a website to sell products from drums, percussion equipment, framed poetry, CDs, DVDs, books and educational tools. |
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Neil informed the network of the Apple Accredited Training Academy’s promise to respond to increasing demand for screen-based media skills through a partnership between UCE Birmingham's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), and Birmingham and Solihull's New Technology Institute (NTI). The Centre has just opened in NTI's new central Birmingham headquarters in Eastside, using the very latest Apple equipment and run by TIC's experienced training staff from the neighbouring Millennium Point campus. Courses covering two to five days are now being offered to professional and keen amateur digital programme producers.
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Yaz Alexander
email yazalexander@hotmail.com
The next pitch came from Yaz Alexander, an experienced solo artist who specialises in providing vocals and live performances. This talented musician grew up performing roots reggae and many other musical styles, working alongside industry legends such as Anthony Hamilton. Yaz is currently seeking bookings and is willing to talk to promoters and agents who may be interested in what she has to offer. Please get in touch with Yaz if you would like to find out more. |
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Full Range Media are a video and new media technologies company, claiming to be one of ‘the most forward thinking, dynamic and open-minded consultancies in the UK.’ Lee described himself and his colleagues as ‘opportunists’ who seize any opportunity involving video. The company’s creative side was aptly demonstrated through a mini-screening of ‘The Glass Cities’, a short film with beautiful texture and lighting to name just two of its finer attributes.
As well as offering a video production service, FullRange Media offer straightforward video acquisition and post-production facilities, and claim to offer the cheapest Mini DV tapes in the UK through one of their services at www.tapestock.co.uk. |
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Seb Art
Contact: Sebastian Spence
email seb_spence@hotmail.com
Sebastian studied fine art at the UCE Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, and demonstrated a fine portfolio to the network. One of Seb’s main business areas is contemporary digital photography and Seb is looking for anyone who is interested in hiring his artwork for display at their place of business. If you are interested in any of the following services, then get in touch:
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Extra large scale prints - Any size you want! |
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Original photography - hand made to a high quality |
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Print and present onto a wide range of media |
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Competitive prices for professional art |
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Commissions welcome |
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Solar Pictures is a local video and film company which is managed by David King. David has just finished a documentary which was a digital short funded by Screen West Midlands, and has also just shot a short drama film called ‘Strapped for Cash’, which features his script. Solar Pictures has just secured some funding, and is looking for executive producers for this project, and people keen to help in raising finance in order to promote the corporate/video side of the business. David now works as a freelance Camera Operator, and has vast experience across film and television, having worked in this role at ITV for seven years, and also on the feature film 28 Days Later. |
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One of our regulars to Creative Networks got up this month to tell everyone what he can offer. Paul Pinnock revealed that the Scientist Sound System, in South Birmingham, is being rebuilt and new programmes of activity are being devised. Robbo and his colleagues are preparing for their 25th anniversary year in the business, and creating new events, in new markets as they proceed. Scientist Sound System offer the following services, so get in touch if you want to find out more:
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Staging of high-profile events |
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State of the art dj-based sound reinforcement |
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Speaker cabinet manufacture |
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Monitor hire for filming |
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| Summaries of the
Open Floor Client Pitches |
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Incubator Records
Contact: Scarlet Scardanelli
email scarlet@scardanelli.net
Incubator Records are a small independent music label based in Birmingham. Funded through the European Social Fund and Learning and Skills Council, the label is run through South Birmingham College. Unfortunately the project is due to end soon, and Scarlet is seeking employment opportunities from her peers in the Creative Industry. She has vast experience including years of music video production, exhibition design and marketing for young artists. As well as this, Scarlet has skills in Avid, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and Ilustrator. If you are looking for a reliable, creative all rounder, then get in touch! |
No
Picture
Available |
Alistair Parr
email alparr@hotmail.co.uk
The final pitch was an impromptu short effort which was delivered by Alistair Parr, a music composer creating Electronic and World Music. He is currently looking for film commissions and can compose bespoke tracks for any project you might have going. Feel free to e-mail Alistair to discuss your ideas with him. |
| 3. Get
the most from your business with our latest i4 short courses |
We
are currently negotiating with an ever increasing number
of companies in a range of sectors such as Tourism and
Leisure, Food / Drink and Higher Added-Value
Goods, who are looking for Creative Industry services.
Their wide ranging needs include assistance with Branding,
Website Design, Animation, Corporate Videos, Music etc.
The projects/courses below
will help give your company access to these opportunities.
Co-financed by the Learning Skills
Council and the European Social Fund, these projects are
run by tic in partnership with Wolverhampton-based
Light House Media Centre.
They offer a valuable range of short courses, which can
be accessed FREE OF CHARGE by eligible
clients. The full cost of each of these courses would
normally be in the region of £2,500.
| These Courses will benefit your business by giving you the following opportunities: |
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Access to our equipment at highly subsidised rates |
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Potential new Business Opportunities and clients |
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Assistance with creating or improving your Showreel |
For further details and to book a place on the courses below, please see contact Dave Taylor or Stephen Houston on phone: +44 (0)121 331 5400 email: dave.taylor@tic.ac.uk
or
stephen.houston@tic.ac.uk Visit
the i4 Skills website at www.tic-online.com/i4 to reserve a place online.
COURSE DETAILS
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Market
Maker Skills
Theme –
Market-led Diversification for Media Business
This course is aimed at helping well established
creative professionals diversify
their market portfolio. Formal delivery is made through
a series of seminars, workshops and activities on
subjects such as:
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Market Knowledge |
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Seeking Commissions
& Finance |
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Language & Communication |
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Media Needs & Intervention |
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Sales Tactics |
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Diversification |
The
aim of the learning programme is to help you engage
with new markets and seek projects (or paid employment).
Forthcoming
'Market Maker Skills' Short Courses: Course dates to be announced.
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Start
With Success
Theme – Business Essentials for Media
Start-ups
This course is aimed at new and recently established
creative professionals requiring business support,
particularly in terms of marketing and finance, in
order to help ensure long-term sustainability. Formal
delivery is made through a series of seminars, workshops
and activities on subjects such as:
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Business Planning |
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Marketing |
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Pitching skills /
Sales tactics |
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Managing and working
within a team |
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Health and Safety |
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Financial Planning |
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Networking and partnership
skills |
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Managing clients and
their expectations |
The Key here is to get you started in business and help you produce your own showreel using our facilities.
Forthcoming
'Start With Success' Short Courses: Course dates to be announced.
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I4 Management Skills
UCE Birmingham’s Technology Innovation Centre (tic) is offering creative professionals practicing in the West Midlands a valuable range of training courses.
Co-financed by the Learning Skills Council and European Social Fund, these courses are FREE to those meeting the eligibility criteria.
These courses are designed to develop and build up the management and marketing skills of those working in interactive and screen-based media businesses. Each course comprises of three full, tutor-led days of activity.
COURSE DETAILS
Grow Your Creative Business
FREE access to the inside skills and information that will make your creative venture a bigger and better success story.
Forthcoming
'Grow Your Own Business' Provisional Course dates:
February 7th, February 9th, February 13th
February 14th, February 16th, February 20th
February 21st, February 23rd, February 27th
February 28th, March 2nd, March 6th
March 7th, March 9th, March 13th |
| 4. Creative Networks On-Line Portal - Latest Tender Opportunities |
For suppliers of creative media content, the TIC now brings jobs and contracts directly to you through the Creative Networks Online portal on a regular basis.
A number of exciting tenders will be placed on the portal in the next few weeks offering significant contract and employment opportunities. While we do this, feel free to make a head start by completing your company pro-forma which will be included with every expression of interest you submit. The Pro-Forma covers generic information about your company and any interesting projects you may have worked on.
Recent tenders include:
Creation of a series of animated characters for an adult learning theme
Creation of a DVD for Glass Manufacturing Processes
Websites for a collection of artists in the music industry
Register online now on www.creativenetworksonline.com and see the opportunities our portal offers to you.
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| 5. Student Placement Opportunities |
Making The Move - A Conference about progression through Sound and Vision
Date: Friday 24th March 2006
Time:
from 9am - 5pm ..Followed by supper and a gig
Cost: £50.00 to cover food and refreshments
Venue: Radisson SAS Hotel, 2-18 Hollaway Circus, Birmingham B1 1BT. However, please note that the day starts at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome and finishes at South Birmingham College.
Keynote Speaker: Joan Armatrading MBE
From School to Start Up and Successful Businesses in Music and Media
A refreshing conference with new thinking on routes to building creative careers, businesses and making it big..
- There'll be expert speakers from education and industry
- Lots of networking
- A chance to debate the day's hot topics
Outline Programme
The Morning will start at The Patrick Centre with Joan Armatrading followed by a debate with the experts including key figures from education and industry. There will be a range of Industry & Education workshops followed by lunch and networking at the Radisson SAS Hotel.
Then onto South Birmingham college where you will have the opportunity to meet with current LSC, AWM projects and find out how they might help your businesses. Finish the day with reception and supper and a gig at Birmingham’s Barfly Venue.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone who has a business interest in music, film or new media industries.
Book Online at: www.birmingham-chamber.com/events
Or email: events@birminghamchamber.org.uk
Deadline: Friday 24th February 2006
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| ©
Technology Innovation Centre (tic) 2005
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG
phone +44 (0)121 331 5400 fax +44 (0)121
331 5401
email enquiries@tic.ac.uk www.tic.ac.uk
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