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Welcome
to June's Issue of the Newsletter for members of "The
Creative Networks"
'Creative Networks' at the University of Central England'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 -
June's Creative Networks Event - *SUMMER PARTY*
2. Event Reviewed
- May's Creative Networks Event
3. The Music Network - Monthly Networking Event held at tic
4. The Musicians Union - Midlands Regional Events from June to September
5. Creative Networks Online Portal - TENDERS NOW ONLINE *DON'T MISS OUT*
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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. |
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 - June's Creative Networks Event *DON'T MISS OUT* |
Thursday
28th June - From 7.00pm til LATE at Rooty Frooty, The Custard Factory
Gibb Square, Birmingham, B9 4AA
The Collaborative Networking Event for Creative Industry Professionals
SUMMER PARTY
The West Midlands’ most successful networking event is coming to Rooty Frooty at The Custard Factory for its 2007 summer party. Kicking off at 7.00pm we’re inviting creative professionals from across the region to join us for live music, hot barbecue food and drinks.
This event is free, if you would like to join us, 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.
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| 2. Review of May's Creative Networks Event - Making Business Personal |
Thursday 31st May - From 6.00pm ‘til LATE at tic, Millennium Point
The fifth Creative Networks event of the year (31 events to date) was held at tic last week. The focus of the evening and challenge for the attendees was to improve networking skills.
As ever, hot food and refreshments were served in the café, with everyone being given the opportunity and time to chat, mingle and catch up. However, in a change to the norm for this part of the evening, our guest speaker Rob Brown turned up early and immediately set about putting into practice some of the skills that he promotes. He wasted no time in getting everyone networking together.
After a hugely successful half-hour of networking, our speaker’s crash course moved upstairs to the lecture theatre for the usual pitches and a lot more valuable information from Rob.
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Exhibit 2007
A showcase of work from tic's BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology Students.
The importance to students of showing and receiving recognition for their work from professionals working within the creative industries is invaluable.
Exhibit 2007 was an exhibition providing such an opportunity to students from the BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology course. Several students presented work produced over the last year including animation, short film, web applications, and interactive media. Students were able to discuss their work with those working commercially with the same technologies as well as demonstrating the use of technologies to others.
Any enquires about BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology course can be sent to the course director Andy White on andy.white@tic.ac.uk
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| Summaries of Open Floor Pitches |
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Originally trained in acting, physical theatre, dance and music, Elinor has 20 years' experience in the media business as a performer, director and drama tutor.
As a freelance actor and director, she was formerly the co-artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Dreamsurf Theatre Productions. Recently retrained in film making, media studies and writing, she has formed a new company, Martell Arts & Publications Ltd,with the aim to produce her own theatre, film and multi-media projects, as well as providing residential training events at a venue in France. As one of her first pieces, her company has produced ‘Here After’ a multi-media piece that combines live theatre with video and film production. Aiming to showcase her project in Canada, Elinor showed attendees an exciting trailer of her show. |
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Providing a perfect opportunity for creatives to showcase their work, David talked about the launch of 'Central Vision TV’. A 'not for profit' community TV station, the station's ethos is to promote and deliver real citizen involvement across all communities and demographic groups within the West Midlands. Programme content will include short films, local news and documentaries, live music from the region and much more. A particular focus will be placed on the region's creative industries, with Central Vision TV providing a broadcast medium to showcase the work of local talented artists to a worldwide audience. Youth participation in the creation of media will be particularly encouraged. They are now actively seeking suitable content from local filmmakers.
For more information on how to contribute then please contact David on 07775 742275 or via email on david.edwards@cswpconnexions.org.uk. |
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CN regular Kent Davies enthusiastically told everyone about the massive gig happening at the Custard Factory on June 30th. Called Rootsville, the gig will be held in and around the Custard Factory and feature acts such as Inspiral Carpets, Osibisa and Soweto Kitch. All the sets and stages will be set up and provided by local company, Slick Events.
If you want to contact Kent for tickets, pop over to Rooty Frooty in the Custard Factory or look online at www.rootsvillefestival.com , www.myspace.com/rootyfrooty or www.myspace.com/rootsvillefestival.
For more details on the unique stage setup then contact Jane at Slick on 0121 4403609 or check out http://www.slickevents.org for some of the company's other outdoor work.
View PDF Flyer
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| Guest Speakers - The Art of Successful Networking |
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“All the money you will ever earn is in somebody else’s pocket”. With this statement our guest speaker Rob Brown addressed a captivated audience with his presentation about the importance of networking. Explaining that it is not how good you are at doing something but rather how good you are for other people, Rob focused on the need to ‘sell’ yourself and told us how to go about it.
Stating that there are three key factors to your sell, Rob explained that at first you have to sell yourself (and actually believe in what you’re selling). Selling your idea to somebody then follows this and finally, you are the ONLY person who can provide your potential client with this idea.
Rob explained that face to face contact is the most effective way to communicate your ideas, he stressed that it’s imperative that companies and individuals learn how to communicate and that the easiest way to do this is via networking.
Although, as Rob pointed out, networking is really only talking and listening in a way that builds relationships as a bridge to future business, there are many mistakes that people commonly make. From body language to targeting the wrong person as a potential client, to approaching people in the wrong manner, his hints and tips provided invaluable guidance on how to change an awkward social situation to your advantage.
Rob emphasised that networking is not natural for most professionals. Whilst most people are very technically gifted and good at what they do, they struggle to market themselves. Many have a rough idea about how to network effectively, few are comfortable with it and even fewer have been properly trained to put together a strategic plan of action to make the most of available opportunities. With ten essential tips and a wide variety of helpful advice, Rob kept the audience spellbound with a fascinating series of scenarios, workshop themes, role play activities and ideas that might foster more interaction.
Of course, at the end of the evening these skills were put to good use in the i-Bar where attendees, full of vigour and enthusiasm, networked and chatted for the rest of the evening, trying to build working relationships into actual profits.
After a fascinating and thought provoking evening that was aimed at every strand of the creative industry, tic would like to thank Rob for all the hard work he put into the delivery of one of the best Creative Networks events.
If you would like to find out more about networking or about some of the other 'coachable' techniques Rob used in his presentation then please feel free to contact him at rob@thetripsystem.com , take a look at his website: www.thetripsystem.com or to ask his advice about the ten great steps of networking then give him a call on 0115 846 2127.
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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 UCE Birmingham Technology Innovation Centre (tic), Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.
email info@birminghammusicnetwork.com
web www.birminghammusicnetwork.com |
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| 4. The Musicians Union - Midlands Regional Events |
Midlands Regional Events from June to September 2007
ADVICE SURGERIES
Advice surgeries allow MU members to meet with MU Officials for 1-2-1 advice on gig rates, contracts, careers, media agreements and much more.
Non-members are welcome to attend and receive limited advice.
BIRMINGHAM
12th June 2007 - from 8pm - 10pm
Tower of Song, 107 Pershore Road South, Cotteridge, Birmingham, B30 3JX
NOTTINGHAM
1st July 2007 - from 1pm - 5pm
Chill in The Park, The Arboretum, Nottingham
SEMINARS
To Book your place, email midlandsevent@musiciansunion.org.uk
These seminars are FREE fro MU members and £5.00 for non-members (refundable if you join on the day).
COVENTRY
28th June 2007 - from 5.30pm - 9pm
"Turned On?" - The possibilities of music & the internet
Lecture Theatre, Ellen Terry Building, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry.
Featuring guest speaker Mark Thorley (Coventry University).
BIRMINGHAM
12th July 2007 from 5pm - 8pm
"Making Jazz Count" - All you need to know about promoting & marketing Jazz
Wine Republic, The Rep, Centenary Square, Birmingham
Featuring a panel discussion with Digby Fairweather, Chris Hodgkins & Chris Walker
LEICESTER
18th July 2007 from 5.30pm - 8.30pm
"Turned On?" - 20 Things you must know about music online
Half-Time Orange, 121 Burnmoor Street, Leicester
Featuring guest speaker Andrew Dubber (UCE) www.newmusicstrategies.com
GREAT MALVERN
25th September 2007 from 1.30pm - 4.30pm
"Promotion & Marketing for Musicians"
Malvern Theatre, Grange Road, Great Malvern
featuring guest speaker Chris Walker (Musician, writer and broadcaster).
For more information on any of these events, please telephone the Midlands Regional Office on 0121 622 3870 or email midlandsevents@musiciansunion.org.uk Visit the Musicians' Union website
www.musiciansunion.org.uk
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| 5. Creative Networks Online Portal - TENDERS NOW ONLINE *DON'T MISS OUT* |
Health and Safety for Media Technicians
This course will help you develop knowledge and skills in personal safety planning, risk assessment and conflict management, as well as raise awareness of the legal requirements and responsibilities with regards to risk assessment under Health and Safety legislation.
Course Dates:
Friday 6th July 2007, Friday 13th July 2007, Friday 20th July 2007
Other LOW COST Short Courses Currently Available
i4 Skills courses at UCE Birmingham Technology Innovation Centre (tic) provide a low-cost way to realise the full potential of your creative talents.
| Course Title |
Course Start Dates |
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Desktop Publishing |
15th June 2007 |
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| Introduction to Website Design & Production |
16th June 2007 |
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| Business Essentials for Media Start-Ups |
19th June 2007 |
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| Market-Led Diversification for Media Businesses |
21st June 2007 |
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| Introduction to Website Design & Production |
2nd July 2007 |
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| Digital Video Editing & Production |
12th July 2007 |
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| DVD Authoring |
13th July 2007 |
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| Further Courses coming soon - please call for availability |
Desktop Publishing |
| Introduction to Website Design & Production |
| Business Essentials for Media Start-Ups |
| Market-Led Diversification for Media Businesses |
| Introduction to Website Design & Production |
| Digital Video Editing & Production |
| DVD Authoring |
| Graphics for Web & Multimedia |
| Introduction to Sound Production |
| Further Sound Production |
| Introduction to 3D modelling |
| Introduction to Sound Recording |
| Further Sound Recording |
| Multimedia Scripting |
| Introduction to Multimedia Authoring |
| Camera, Lights & Sound |
| Digital Video Editing (FCP) |
| Digital Asset Management |
| Broadcast Editing (AVID) |
Virtual Set Design |
| Interactive Television |
| Grow Your Creative Business |
| Commissioning Tactics |
| Network Selling |
| Business Planning |
| Further Website Design & Production |
| Introduction to Computer Animation |
| Introduction to Digital photography & Image Manipulation |
All courses are delivered over three full days (9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), 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. |
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| ©
Technology Innovation Centre (tic) 2006
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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