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To the
Launch Issue of the MediaVaultNEWS |
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The Newsletter
for members of "The Media Vault" - The European
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project, managed by the Technology
Innovation Centre (tic) and designed
to assist Creative Companies based within the West Midlands.
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In
this Issue:
1. Preview Event Reviewed
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:: Macoy Media
- Corporate identity and literature
:: It's About Time Productions
- Website design
:: Lali Productions - Production equipment hire
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3.
Digital Short Film Festival 2003
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:: New Digital
Short Film Festival at the tic won by young
Birmingham performing arts group |
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:: West Midlands
Renaissance Feature, Birmingham Post 26th June 2003 |
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We’d
like to hear from you!
Contact Paul Trigg, The Media Vault’s administrator
with your news and views:
:: phone 0121 331 5400
:: email paul.trigg@tic.ac.uk
:: or post to Technology Innovation Centre,
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG
Do you know
someone who'd benefit from our help?
The Media Vault
is ‘open’ now and ready to support your screen-based
media activities. If you know of anyone who would benefit
from these support-funded services, please contact us via
The Media Vault Website at www.tic-online.com/mediavault
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1. Preview Event
Reviewed |
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:: The Media Vault Preview Event
- Tuesday 29th April 2003
Media Vault ‘opens the door’ to improved
Digital Asset Management and Content Creation services.
The Technology
Innovation Centre’s (tic) eMedia
team hosted an exclusive Preview Event on Tuesday 29th
April 2003 at Millennium Point in Birmingham, to launch
its new creative support facility called ‘Media
Vault’ which assists SMEs across the West Midlands
involved in screen-based media services.
The Media Vault is an innovative concept which encompasses
services in the area of Digital Asset Management (DAM)
and Content Creation for screen-based businesses. It offers
a complete resource for the creation and on-going management
of every type of screen-based asset from broadcast TV
production to hire of specialised equipment and interactive
television product development. |
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The DAM system forms the basis of the Media
Vault facility. It is the only resource of its kind in the
Midlands, and probably unique outside London.
Fifty invited guests from a variety of different organisations
and partners, all with a direct interest in the services and
facilities available through Media Vault, attended the Preview
Event. This was an opportunity to learn about the new resource
facility and wider services available from the tic’s
eMedia team.
After light refreshments, an introductory overview of the
tic by Mike Wilkes, Divisional Manager for
Electronics, Communications and Software. Steve Smith, Centre
Manager for eMedia, then presented The Media Vault project
in more detail, with particular emphasis on the many relevant
solutions it offers to screen-based businesses.
Both presentations created a high level of expectancy prior
to guests being given a tour of the facilities.
Jay Patel, amidst bright ‘florescent pink light’,
creating a suitable ambience, introduced clients to the DAM
system – how it works and it's major benefits. These
include improving productivity and cost saving, as well as
protection of valuable assets.
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Manager
of the TV studio, Maureen Davis appeared in front of
the ‘live’ audience to demonstrate how the
TV Production process works. The studio is capable of
producing broadcast quality material and has already
generated keen interest from both the BBC and Channel
4.
Guests also viewed the editing
facilities, with technologist Chris Roberts providing
an overview of the field-editing kits and various items
of technology available to support companies in this
area.
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Guests
were much impressed by the state-of-the-art technologies
on display and the wealth of eMedia services available
from the tic.
Many guests signed up for services during the evening
which endorsed the value of The Media Vault. Already local
film producer, Mark Pressdee from Macoy Media (see work
in progress below) has received support.
Mark recently went to the Cannes Film Festival where he
pitched a feature film to the professionals, which has
attracted sustained ongoing interest. For the full Cannes
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The ‘Eastside’ of Birmingham
is being developed into the City's learning and culture zone.
It will see an increasing number of screen-based media companies
relocating to the area, and the move will encompass, the Custard
Factory, the current hub for creative industries in Birmingham.
The Media Vault and the tic’s eMedia
services portfolio will prove of great value to the whole
area.
An eMedia Awareness week is being planned at Millennium Point
later this year. This will enable The Media Vault facility
to be exposed to a wider audience of potential creative industry
companies. Watch this space for further
details.
The Media Vault is
‘open’ now and ready to support your screen-based
media activities. If you know of anyone who would benefit
from these support-funded services, please contact us via
The Media Vault Website at www.tic-online.com/mediavault |
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Check
out some of the work we've done so far and what our clients
have said about it.
Macoy Media - www.macoymedia.co.uk
:: Corporate identity and literature
Mark Pressdee approached Media Vault with a view to
creating a corporate identity for his company Macoy
Media. This included the design of a company logo and
development of the business stationery such as letterheads,
business cards and complement slips.
Well established as a media producer, Mark started Macoy
Media in 1999. Recently he felt the business needed
a complete brand overhaul. He wanted a strong image
that was easily recognisable and looked more professional.
Mark had a clear idea of what he wanted the design to
achieve. He was seeking a clean, crisp, professional
image with a contemporary feel, which would also reproduce
well for both his digital and hardcopy requirements.
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Because
of the creative nature of Mark's business, the use of
bold colours was used to highlight the exciting and
artistic essence of the company.
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A simple and thickset type face was used to create the
contemporary feel, using two colours, grey and orange.
The Media Vault provided Macoy Media with a professional
and uniform image to portray to existing and future
clients. This branding is now easily recognisable and
functional for all their requirements.
Testimonial
"Having recently initiated a new start-up business,
as well as participating in a European training scheme
and realising various projects, time is of the essence.
I approached tic to ensure from the
start that they could meet my specific requirements
for re-branding. I have to say I am very pleased and
impressed with professionalism and friendly manner I
have been dealt with. This opportunity has certainly
motivated me in this new enterprise and really helped
move things forward in a positive direction. Thanks
to all at tic who have helped me to
date."
Mark Pressdee, Macoy Media |
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It's About Time Productions
:: Website design
"It's About Time Productions" are an independent
artist led video and multi media production company, specialising
in Social documentary, Social Art and collaborative arts projects.
"It's
About Time Productions" required a website to provide
an online presence for their company. The website is
used to showcase the company's range of video solutions
tailored to the needs of a wide range of clients.
The site uses a gritty, urban feel to convey the personality
and ethos of this production company. Heavily featured
is artwork by Sabine Gollner of "It's about Time
Productions". The website will soon be online at
www.itsabouttime.org.uk
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Testimonial
"We, from It’s About Time, are a team of artists
who are currently having our first website constructed
by tic. Although we are quite demanding
and probably hard to work with, Neil Cocklin (of tic)
has been very patient and we like the colour scheme and
design he’s come up with it.
We think that the designer listened to what we wanted
and now we can't wait to see the final outcome and go
live. After 6 years as Multi-Media Artists without a website
It’s definitely About Time!!!"
Nigel Amson, It's
About Time Productions |
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Lali Productions
:: Production Equipment Hire
Lali Productions have developed a short drama of an Asian-Indian
man's emotional journey as he becomes a father for the fourth
time. Entitled 'Re-Born', the film tells the story of the
father's initial disappointed because the baby is a girl.
This disappointment is because of the cultural expectations
and social patterns within the Asian community. This could
mean a girl would never have the same love as a boy. How does
the father come to terms with this?
Lali Productions are using The Media Vault's broadcast standard
DVCAM cameras and sound equipment for location filming. They
will be compiling a rough cut for preview using Final Cut
Pro on a G4 laptop before bringing their project to The Media
Vault itself for final mastering. The finished film will be
shown at film festivals throughout the UK.
Testimonial
"The Technology Innovation Centre (tic)
are a HUGE support for all rising film-makers. At first, the
offer to help us in bringing an idea we had to fruition seemed
too good to be true. However, The Media Vault team were both
influential and helpful. Both my colleague and myself, creatively
had 'Re-Born' down to a tee, but without any decent gear,
we had nothing to showcase our ideas. The tic
not only provided top broadcast quality DV equipment, but
also top-of-the-range Apple Mac computers to edit our footage.
We honestly couldn't have hoped for better support for our
project. Now 'Re-Born', a story which we've always believed
to be a valid one, has been given the opportunity to be made
and shown. We couldn't have hoped for a better result and
are sincerely grateful for all The Media Vault's
help."
Lal Dadrah, Lali Productions
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3. Short Digital Film Festival
2003 |
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New
Short Film Festival at the tic won by young Birmingham performing
arts group.
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The first
Short Digital Film Festival held by Birmingham’s
Technology Innovation Centre (the tic) at Millennium
Point has been won by locally-based Rage Ensemble -
a performing arts company for 14-19 year olds.
Entitled ‘The Release’,
Rage’s debut movie was a dramatic 10 minute-long
story of a young man released from prison trying to
go straight. The film, produced with financial support
from Severn Trent, was judged to be well written, shot,
directed, acted and edited.
The Rage Ensemble students who made
‘Release’ are working towards foundation
GNVQ qualifications in performing arts encouraged and
mentored by the Rage professional community arts organisation.
Rage seeks to educate people of all ages through performing
arts.
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Commended runner-up was ‘Daytrip’,
a 15 minute comedy written and directed by Northern Media
School masters-graduate Dominic Green and produced by his
wife, Jenny. This caused audience laughter which was in contrast
with the powerful drama of ‘Release’. These two
productions triumphed in competition with 29 other films from
a total of 16 directors.
Sub categories for under 5-minutes and 5-10 minutes were won
by ‘The Jagged Little Pill’, by the tic’s
own Tai Luing, and ‘Plethora’ by Pardeep Sangha
from Wolverhampton, respectively.
The Film Festival judges were made up of Midlands film, TV
and video production experts - Mike Burch, Executive Producer
with Carlton TV, Jane Slater, Executive Producer with Screen
West Midlands (responsible for digital shorts and first cut),
and Stephen Gordon, Course Director for TV Technology and
Production at Sandwell College.
This specialist panel was chaired by the educational correspondent
of the Birmingham Evening Mail, Tony Collins who said of the
standard: “It was genuinely very high and gave me and
my judging panel of screen professionals some tough decisions.
We were most encouraged by the wealth of talent revealed in
this Festival which is just what the tic wanted to achieve.”
:: More about Rage
The Rage Ensemble is led by West Midlands youth director and
actress Kay Morgan, whilst Owen Radmore is general manager
of the overall Rage educational charity. The activities of
The Rage Ensemble have involved workshops with organisations
such as the RSC, the Birmingham Rep, CBSO and the National
Youth Music Theatre.
Rage has to seek financial support from a range of sources.
Until recently the Rage Ensemble benefited from a DfES support
scheme which funds activities that give self esteem, confidence
and team-building abilities to 14-19 year-olds. This has been
achieved through stimulating the written and verbal skills
of the students who, for various reasons, are unable to go
to college. (For further information visit: www.rage.org.uk
or email ensemble@rage.org.uk)
:: Background to the tic Film Festival
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The tic Film
Festival was inspired by George Kingsnorth, the tic’s
Course Director for its undergraduate degree in TV Technology
and Production. A highly experienced freelance director,
editor and writer, George also founded the Belfast Independent
Film-makers Festival (BIFF).
George has a vision to develop the Festival as an annual
event in Birmingham at the tic, part of the University
of Central England. |
He is encouraging students to produce their
own short films in competition with ‘all comers’
to stimulate both the creative talent and overall quality
of their work and lift the profile of the talents of a new
generation.
Steve Smith, head of the tic’s
Electronic Media activities backs this vision. He says: “Recently
concerns were expressed by Screen West Midlands that the growth
of screen media in the region is being held back by a shortage
of skilled recruits. This has highlighted for us the need
for our tic festival of short films. This event has proved
a showcase for new talent. That is a natural step for the
tic as we work to create new job opportunities in Eastside
- Birmingham’s learning and culture quarter. The tic
is a key part of that.”
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Article
in The Birmingham Post
:: Thursday 26th June 2003
Headline: e-Media breakthrough at City’s Technology
Innovation Centre
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£5 million regional e-media project aims to create
opportunities
for around 250 creative's - one of a kind in the sector.
UCE’s
Technology Innovation Centre (the tic), is leading a
major Midlands creative electronic industry thrust with
the opening of a Content-Creation and Digital Asset
Management resource for screen-based media. Known as
‘The Media Vault’ it is a crucial aspect
of the tic’s incubation work with clusters of
small, Midlands, interactive, screen-based creative
businesses. This £5m regional e-media project
aims to help create opportunities for around 250 talented
Midlands creative's looking for a kick-start for their
screen-based business or project- and is reckoned to
be one of a kind in its sector.
Located in the tic at Birmingham’s Millennium
Point, Media Vault is a unique European-funded project,
designed to provide such businesses with access to the
specialist advanced equipment and resources which can
help them realise their creative vision.
It could even mean up to £2,500-worth of assistance.
According to Steve Smith, centre manager for e-media
activities at the tic, it’s all about unlocking
creativity.
“The Media Vault is a unique facility that gives
local SME’s, working in and with screen-based
media, access to leading-edge digital media creation
and management tools,” he says.
Funded by the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF), the tic, BT, Integrated Solutions
Technology (IST) and Advantage West Midlands, the project
aims to help small and start-up businesses overcome
the initial costs and other barriers to develop in their
markets. There are two aspects to The Media Vault:
• The Content Creation Facility features a full
3-camera virtual studio, online and offline editing
systems and a range of broadcast and professional cameras,
sound and lighting kits, as well as laptop editing systems,
for location production.
• The ‘vault’
in Media Vault comes from its Digital Asset Management
System which is designed to store every kind of digital
video, sound and graphics in a secure online environment.
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Neil Cocklin, of the Media Vault Team, demonstrates
use of the digital asset management system
This enables producers to both
distribute their material, as well as collaborate with
others, anywhere around the world.
The tic ‘s Media Vault staff come from both the
public broadcasting and independent production sectors,
bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and experience
which all users can tap into.
TV Studio Professional, Maureen Davis, who has joined
The Media Vault team from a major broadcasting network,
says: “The virtual studio provides the perfect
way to seamlessly integrate your presenters with any
3D computer-generated environment.
It is the only facility of its kind that’s freely
available to screen professionals within the region.
It can also be used as a conventional three-camera studio
offering users the best of both worlds.”
In terms of post-production facilities, Media Vault
offers three industry-standard
real-time, online suites.
Chris Roberts, Media Vault’s Post-Production Professional,
has extensive experience in both the corporate and broadcasting
worlds.
He says “There is loads of archive material around
that people might want to be looking at repurposing.
The suites integrate directly with our laptop editing
systems so that clients can complete an offline cut
while in the field before putting it into The Media
Vault’s online systems for final finishing.
Everything is interconnected – we can record a
feed directly out of the studio and have it ready for
editing in post straight away. We need never leave the
digital environment.”
This is where the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system
comes in. Basically the DAM is a huge repository for
digital data, video, sound and graphics. |
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Using Media Vault’s high-speed broadband Internet
connections users can make their productions available
for distribution to global markets.
If clients want to sell their latest programme material
to the Far East, they simply direct potential customers
to their online clip for a preview prior to downloading
the full version which will then be of broadcast quality.
You may want to work with a colleague in New York and
collaborate with a composer in Australia. There is no
problem - the DAM system enables you to do just that.
Sven Rudolph, the Media Vault’s
Content Management Administrator says of the system:
“The DAM is a secure online archive for any piece
of digital media.
The main benefit of this system is that it not only
enables producers to keep track of what assets they
have and just where they are stored, but also enables
them to use that content easily in any number of ways.
And by distributing content via broadband, we can virtually
eliminate the need and cost of tape and film duplication
and special courier services.”
So how might a business qualify for £2,500 support?
tic e-media manager Steve Smith explains: “The
Media Vault exists to provide the technological resources
to assist established Creative Industry SMEs to modernise
or diversify into higher value-added markets. It is
also there to encourage new companies to start-up and
grow.
Companies in both categories can claim up to £2,500
to be spent on business support services, or 5 days
of the tic team’s time to help start-ups get up
and running.
We would encourage anyone working in the screen media
field to get in touch to see just what the tic can do
to help.”
ticfact:
UCE's tic integrates
lifelong learning with business support and forms a
major part of Millennium Point, the keystone development
of Birmingham's new Eastside Learning and Culture Quarter.
www.tic-online.com/mediavault
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