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...to the
May issue of MediaVaultNEWS |
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Issue four
of the Newsletter for members of "The Media Vault"
The Media Vault is the The European Regional Development Fund
(ERDF) Project, managed by the Technology
Innovation Centre (tic) and designed
to assist West Midlands Screen Based Media Companies.
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In
this Issue:
1. It's All
YOUR Vault!
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Announcing the new,
interactive SUPPORT FORUM from the Media Vault team |
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2. The Media Vault Final Cut Pro Users Group |
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The Media Vault will
host the first ever regional meeting of the UK Final Cut User
Group on 24th June 2004.
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3.
tic-Sponsored Screen Award Presented To Blitz
Games
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The inaugural ‘Application
of Technology Award’ at this year’s Birmingham
Screen Festival was presented to Warwickshire-based video
games developer, Blitz Games. |
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4.
The Digital Short Film Festival 2004
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Thinktank
Theatre, Millennium Point 13th - 14th September 2004
All Entries need to be received in the tic
by Friday 16th July
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5.
Local Content for Public Space Broadcasting
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The BBC and Birmingham
City Council are constructing a giant twenty-five square metre
screen with a full sound system in Chamberlain Square and
seeking non-commercial, local content. |
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6.
The Media Vault - Work in Progress
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:: Peter Rigg
- Interactive Authoring Facilities
:: Def Flava - Supply of Key Technical Resources
:: Yvonne Brissett - Supply of Key Technical Resources
:: dotMedia - Brand Identity Design & Website Design &
Development
:: MCP Media - Brochure Design & Development
:: Progressive Computer Training - Corporate
Identity Elements Design
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7. Get the most from your business – FREE management
courses available over summer |
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Could
you be making more?
Cost of i4 courses is supported by European Social
Fund/Learning Skills Council co-financing which means they
are fully subsidised!
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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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2. The Media Vault Final
Cut Pro Users Group |
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The
Media Vault will host the first ever regional meeting of the
UK Final Cut User Group (UKFCUG) on 24th June 2004.
The UKFCUG was set up to give Final Cut users a forum to swap
tips, tricks and problems and has built up a strong online
community through its website – www.ukfcug.co.uk
Until now, however, it has been confined to meetings in London.
Birmingham will be the first meeting of its kind outside of
the South East. The aim of the user group meetings is to demonstrate
features of the software, network, and promote Final Cut from
a user point of view. The UK Final Cut User Group is a part
of the international Final Cut Pro Network that stretches
across the globe.
Rick Young who runs Digital Production Ltd (www.digitalproduction.net),
and is author of several books on Final Cut and the founding
member of the UKFCUG, will be on-hand during the inaugural
meeting giving a presentation on 'How to get the most from
Final Cut Pro'.
For more information and to
book your place at the meeting please contact Chris Roberts
on
0121 331 5400 or email: chris.roberts@tic.ac.uk
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3. tic-Sponsored
Screen Award Presented To Blitz Games |
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The
inaugural ‘Application of Technology Award’ at
this year’s Birmingham Screen Festival was presented
to Warwickshire-based video games developer, Blitz Games.
Sponsored by the Technology Innovation Centre, the award was
created to highlight innovative use of technology within film,
television and multimedia production.
In a joint statement The Birmingham Screen
Festival and tic said:”We are delighted
to be able to launch this recognition of the talent and exciting
work developing in the new media and technology field in our
region.”
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the Award for their development of the ‘The Fairly
Odd Parents’ video game, based on the Nickelodeon
cartoon series of the same name. It recognised the innovative
rendering technology used to translate all the visual
and motion elements of the game into a fully realised
three dimensional environment. Critically, their innovative
techniques enabled the game to maintain the unique visual
style of the show. |
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This was achieved by combining the distinctive
two-dimensional facial features of the show’s characters
with three-dimensional ‘models’ in the game. Visit:
http://www.blitzgames.com/fairlyoddparents/
Blitz Development Director, Andrew Oliver and Project Manager,
Jon Cartwright, accepted the award at a gala dinner to mark
the end of the eight day festival. In accepting the award,
Jon said: “It's a huge honour for us to be recognised
at the same Awards Night as our colleagues in film and television,
and this Award is a testament to the dedication and hard work
that the entire development team put into the project.”
For more information or reviews on past events
please visit our website at
www.tic-online.com/mediavault/events.htm
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4. The Digital
Short Film Festival 2004 |
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Thinktank
Theatre, Millennium Point 13th - 14th September 2004
All Entries need to be received in the tic
by Friday 16th July
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The second
tic Short Digital Film Festival is to
take place in the thinktank theatre at Birmingham’s
Millennium Point on 13th and 14th September 2004.
The event aims to attract entries from fresh talent throughout
the Midlands. It will be an opportunity for film-makers
from a new generation to be seen by a public audience
and assessed by a panel of professional judges –
including representatives from the BBC, independent television
producers and Screen West Midlands. |
The tic's Short Digital
Film Festival’s collaborators include several organisations
keen to support those involved in film making. The event has
already attracted endorsement from Screen West Midlands, First
Light Movies, and the IDEASFACTORY.
Following Birmingham’s Arts Fest 2004, the preceding
weekend, each of the two evenings will comprise an hour and
a half programme. Up to 20 films per night are expected to
be shown from a variety of genres.
Last year’s
winner, Rage Theatre Company, managed by Owen Radmore,
and runner-up, Dominic Green, have since been collaborating
on potential projects.
Full details of the film submission requirements can be
found on the Short Digital Film Festival website: www.tic.ac.uk/filmfestival
Alternatively, those wishing to participate should
contact
Chris Roberts on 0121 331 5400 or
email: chris.roberts@tic.ac.uk |
2003 Winner - Owen Radmore |
Members of the public
are welcome to attend either or both of the two evenings free
of charge. Hosted in thinktank’s 180 seat theatre, an
interactive voting system will enable the selection of a “viewers’
choice” each evening. Anyone wishing to attend is asked
to book a seat in advance by contacting James Ellis on 0121
331 5400 or email james.ellis@tic.ac.uk
For more information on up and coming events please visit
our website at
www.tic-online.com/mediavault/events.htm
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5. Local Content
for Public Space Broadcasting |
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The
BBC and Birmingham City Council are constructing a giant twenty-five
square metre screen with a full sound system in Chamberlain
Square.
The ‘Birmingham Big Screen’ will broadcast regular
BBC content along with special coverage of major musical and
sporting events. Within this schedule, the aim is to develop
a rolling programme of local content. This will include a
whole range of digital, time-based, film and animation work.
Content could include narrative structure as well as striking
moving images and graphics.
They are seeking non-commercial, local content from partnerships
including media and arts students, local film-makers, galleries
and training organisations. A selection of 2003 tic
Film Festival entries is due to be shown.
The required formats will be DVCam
and MiniDV. Any interested parties should contact Geraldine
McCullagh at the BBC on 07764 335203 or email
geraldine.mccullagh@bbc.co.uk
For more information on up and coming events please visit
our website at
www.tic-online.com/mediavault/events.htm
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6. The Media Vault
- Work in Progress |
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Check out some of the work we've done so
far and what our clients have said about it. For more information
on other clients we've worked with visit our website at www.tic-online.com/mediavault
and click on the case studies link.
Peter Rigg
:: Interactive Authoring Facilities
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Peter
Rigg heads a start-up production company in interactive
media. He approached the tic's Media
Vault requesting use of high-end interactive authoring
facilities to assist him in a highly innovative project
exploring the convergence of new media. Peter wanted to
create interactive video-on-demand content for broadband
platforms, ensuring there would be no compromise on picture
quality.
The Media Vault decided that an ideal solution would be
Interactive MPEG-4: a non-proprietary high quality format
capable of being authored once and delivered to many.
Peter therefore utilised The Media Vault’s 4Mation
authoring software and video streaming server 4Sight.
The Client’s Quote: “The
expertise and facilities have been exceptional. In addition
to using the 4mation authoring software, I’m able
to make use of 4Sight so that my interactive V.O.D. content
can be seen by millions. Many thanks to The Media Vault
staff for their support and assistance during this project.”
Peter Rigg
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Def Flava - www.def-flava.com
:: Supply of Key Technical Resources
Midlands-based
record label Def Flava showcases urban music talent for
global promotion.
Founded by seasoned music and business professionals,
who have pooled their talents, expertise and resources,
Def Flava is a soundly-based music business aiming to
develop ‘raw’ talent.
A combination of dedication, determination and professionalism
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Their comprehensive resources include recording
facilities, club DJ-crew, radio station, street team, photo
studio, web development, printing and promotion network.
Chief Executive Dean Alexander, a successful and internationally
recognised Radio and Club DJ, has had a 20-year career in
the Black Music scene. He sought to use The Media Vault technical
resources to access camera, lights and sound equipment to
create a significant music video.
The socially conscious video accompanies a song highlighting
the terrible effects of gun crime on the mothers and families
of victims and emphasises to perpetrators that there is always
a choice.
The production will be aired on urban music networks like
MTV Base and U Channel. There is also the hope that it may
be taken up by terrestrial TV channels.
The Client Quote:
“The help and assistance that The Media Vault has
provided to this project has been of great importance, as
the video shoot is a nucleus of this project. We approached
several government and private organisations for assistance
but we were bombarded with bureaucracy and red tape. The Media
Vault provided us with speedy no hassle real assistance. The
assistance was invaluable and I have already recommended it
to a few colleagues.”
Dean Alexander, Def Flava
Yvonne Brissett
:: Supply of Key Technical Resources
Birmingham-based BBC Broadcast Journalist, Yvonne Brissett,
is also co-editor of the award-winning anthology, ‘Whispers
in the Walls’, published by Tindal St Press in 2001.
Her short story, ‘The Darkest Hour’ featured in
the collection. It was adapted for radio and broadcast on
BBC Radio 4 in August 2002. She then produced The Darkest
Hour as a screenplay which was short-listed for the Channel
4 - Ideas-Factory film competition in October 2002.
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In November 2003, Yvonne successfully secured a small
budget from Birmingham City Council’s Collide Arts
Team, enabling her to produce and direct The Darkest Hour
- her first independent short film. It was completed in
May 2004 and she is currently writing her first feature
film.
The Darkest Hour is a 20-minute urban drama about a young
graduate who suspects her boyfriend is being unfaithful.
It explores issues around jealousy, obsession, self-esteem
and avoidance of the truth; a powerful story with a strong
universal message. The lead-cast were all first-time actors
and the soundtrack was created and produced by local musicians
and unsigned artists.
Yvonne used tic’s Media Vault facilities
for camera and lighting equipment. Once shot, the film
was offlined on an Avid system. Yvonne then brought the
edit back to tic for onlining on the Media Vault’s
Avid Xpress.
She now plans to enter the film at film festivals and
submit it to TV channels, worldwide. |
The Client’s Quote:
"The Media Vault were fantastic. I was working with
a really low budget, so without the services of the Media
Vault, I can't imagine how I could have produced a film of
this quality and standard. They offered excellent support.
Friendly and approachable staff were always on hand with practical
advice, positive suggestions and kind words (as well as the
relevant equipment ) to help me out of almost every stressful
technical situation and believe me there were many! An invaluable
resource."
Yvonne Brissett
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The Darkest Hour is due to be screened
on May 23rd at the Warwick Arts Centre |
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Yvonne will be talking about the making
of the film and showing a clip of the film at an event
called Talkshow at The Mac on Sunday 4th July 2004. |
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There is an article in the current edition
of Raw Edge Magazine about The Making of The Darkest Hour
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dotMedia - www.dotmediauk.com
:: Brand Identity Design & Website
Design & Development
Specialising in corporate and educational video production
for use in broadcast, DVD, CD-Rom and Internet formats, new
start-up company dotmedia seeks to work with clients to create
and implement innovative visual marketing solutions using
a range of media to deliver targeted and effective communications.
dotMedia’s Martyn Harris approached the tic's
Media Vault to create both a brand identity and a web presence.
Martyn wanted
a company identity that looked professional, worked well
electronically, but could transfer well into printed material.
The logo had to also be a namestyle for dotMedia.
The Media Vault created a
design which fulfilled all the necessary criteria.
dotMedia’s internet presence had principally to
showcase Martyn’s past projects for prospective
clients to download and view. |
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The website majored on the colours
used in the logo design in a simple-to-navigate and user-friendly
format. An on-line enquiry-form provides customers with a
rapid means of requesting information on the services available.
The Client's Quote: "When I approached
Media Vault I had no idea how good they were. I gave them
my brief and they came up with an image and look that has
now established my company. Through the web site I have now
gained work with Ricoh Products UK and BP".
Martyn Harris, dotmedia
MCP Media - www.mcpmedia.co.uk
:: Brochure Design & Development
Conference and multimedia production company, MCP
Media Ltd’s Managing Director, Malcolm Cave has 20 years
of experience producing and managing events. As a result MCP’s
conference and event organisation encompasses AGM’s
and SGM’s, product launches, awards ceremonies etc,
with all the appropriate stage management, and video and multimedia
production.
MCP enjoys a reputation for responding to clients’ needs
professionally and efficiently, and for developing and retaining
client confidence and trust throughout the project.
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Malcolm
approached the tic’s Media Vault
with the need to project and expand the reach of the MCP
brand in the market-place through a distinctive corporate
brochure. MCP’s already established corporate identity,
was to be strengthened through the brochure design promoting
its brand presence and awareness.
The Media Vault designed and developed a highly visual
4-page brochure outlining the comprehensive services that
MCP Media Ltd offers. A case study of one of their prominent
clients was used to illustrate the high level of the company’s
professional approach. |
The Client's Quote: “From
the moment I met the tic's Media Vault team,
I felt confident that I had found the solution to my company’s
brochure requirements. They had a thorough understanding of
what was needed, and their response was creative and imaginative.
The end product is both eye catching and informative and I
am confident it will open up new business opportunities. Sincere
thanks to The Media Vault team for their support and for doing
a superb job.”
Malcolm Cave, Director - MCP Media
Progressive Computer Training
- www.pctrain.co.uk
:: Corporate Identity Elements Design
The company provides IT training to meet a wide range of needs
from the beginner through to the advanced user in need of
a recognised, career-enhancing qualification.
Discussions with Director Kevin Flood led to the
tic’s Media Vault team revolutionising the
company’s corporate identity. Lacking a strong marketing
presence, it was appropriate to start from scratch and create
fresh, new imagery with which the company could actively promote
itself.
A corporate
logo design was created to represent the company’s
computer training activity. From this a contemporary suite
of corporate stationery was developed.
This
new identity now enables Progressive Computer Training
to be marketed professionally with the strong design elements
integrated throughout literature, website, merchandise
and presentations etc. |
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The symbolic use
of an arrow to represent progress was augmented by colour
and typography in order to define it strongly. Whilst the
identity projected a clean. simple, contemporary image it
was also kept flexible for use in the interactive context
of the web.
The Client's Quote: “I would like to thank
everyone involved with the project for the professional, friendly
and helpful way the work was carried out. I came to tic
with little or no knowledge of what to expect and was frankly
amazed with the facilities available.
I know we only scratched the surface of the
what could be achieved, but none the less the work we had
done was completed to a very high standard in a short time
frame. We were kept informed each step of the way with the
progress of our work and frequently called to ask for input
into any ideas we had.
We had a corporate I.D designed along with letterhead compliment
slips and business cards and are very happy with the results.
All in all I would recommend anyone to give tic a call for
any work of this type that they may be looking for, I even
got some advice over the phone regarding my own DTP issues.”
Kevin Flood, Progressive Computer
Training
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7. Get the most from your
business – FREE management courses available over summer |
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Could
you be making more?
At the Technology Innovation Centre (tic)
you can learn how to build your business and make the most
of your company. If you are just starting up, take advantage
of this help to ensure that you can move quickly. The courses
range from interpersonal sales techniques to business operations
- tic can help you grow your business and
gain hands-on skills.
Cost of courses is supported by European Social Fund/Learning
Skills Council co-financing and are fully subsidised!
Introduction
i4, the incubator partner to The Media Vault, is holding a
series of training courses designed to grow young creative
screen-based media businesses. They are free of charge to
those who are working for SMEs or are self-employed.
Course Information
The Business Management course deals with: - how to find new
clients, how to convince them to use your services and how
to manage your business efficiently.
Benefiting the most
i4, as a business incubator, specialises in developing creative
businesses. It offers a real opportunity for start-ups and
other SMEs in offering Business development courses. Your
skills need marketing and i4 will also help you to learn about
working collaboratively with those with complementary skills
to yours.
For a full list of courses and to take advantage of
this outstanding opportunity contact Faye Nicholls
tel: +44 (0)121 331 5400 email:
faye.nicholls@tic.ac.uk
or visit the i4 website at
www.tic-online.com/i4
Recruitment Opportunity
i4 is currently looking for several new hires to support the
i4 Training Courses. We are offering an eighteen month, part
time ‘visiting lecturer’ contract.
If you think you could deliver on these courses please contact
Rob Ellis on 0121 331 7439 or rob.ellis@tic.ac.uk
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