Blogzene

Stolen Standards is a three piece jazz ensemble from Teesside. Fronted by Claire Arbon, the group combines piano, double bass and vocals to peform a mix of loungy jazz standards and Latin rhythms.

The group has a formidable repertoire - covering favourites like I’m in the Mood for Love and I’ve Got You Under My Skin, alongside modern classics such as Moondance and Have I Told You Lately.

With forthcoming gigs at Wynyard Hall, Hartlepool Marina and Hutton Rudby’s ‘Jazz on the Green’, this impressive group’s available for all manner of private bookings.

For further information on Stolen Standards, check out the band’s new website. Studio tracks from their setlist are being uploaded to the site over the next couple of weeks and are well worth a listen.

Prolific Middlesbrough-based filmmaker Joseph Tan releases his latest film next week.

Starring Craig Samson and James Woods, Question of Faith is a ten minute short about a priest who’s in cahoots with the local mob. Samson (who you may recall from Tom Marshall’s Daddy’s Girl) plays likeable Priest Jimmy who’s in it up to his neck. He owes them money and it’s James Woods as hit-man Finn who’s sent in to sort him out. Except Finn makes a deal with Jimmy. If he wins the deal he lives. If he loses, he dies. What the deal is exactly, you’ll have to watch the film to find out.

Question of Faith was shot in the Tollesby area of Middlesbrough last week. While in filmmaker Joseph Tan’s own words it’s ‘twisted’, the script’s regarded as Gore Cartoons’ most serious film since the 2006 feature Time To Kill! It’s been funded by St Mary’s Sixth Form College (who helped with the shoot) and is being used as a live project to teach media students how to edit.

Question of Faith can be viewed on the Gore Cartoons website from next Monday 1st December.

Bay Plastics Limited is a plastic stockist, fabricator and formist that supplies customers all over the world with quality plastic materials and products. While it’s recently developed an online ordering function in response to demand from current customers, it needs to implement a series of web optimisation techniques to increase sales.

These techniques include:
• E-Marketing/Viral Marketing
• Web Optimisation Strategies
• Web architecture analysis
• Web content analysis
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)/Price per Click, Micro site development

Read more! »

Saltburn based LCM Games is seeking the services of fresh graduates or undergraduates in digital graphic design and programming.

The following opportunities are currently available:
• Innovative and creative website design: £2000 - £4000 budget

• Design of banners, logos and associated clip art for various web projects.
(Regular work, negotiable rates)

One person may be able to support LCM with both of these roles

The ideal candidate(s) will:
• Have a professional and courteous attitude towards business
• Be able to work to tight deadlines
• Be passionate and enthusiastic
• Have a creative edge and a flair for design and functionality


For further information call Iain Flintoff on: 01287 200007 or Email: Lcm.gamesltd@live.co.uk

Monster Productions is one of the UK’s leading producers of music theatre for children. The Newcastle-based organisation is recruiting for eight new positions. It’s currently developing its latest production The Garden of Dreams by Chris Speyer in conjunction with Live Theatre.

The positions are:
Freelance fundraiser
Freelance PR/marketing person

For the Live Theatre co-production:
4x Performers
1x Musician
1x Stage Manager

Further details can be found here

Stokesley-based Better Brand Agency is looking for a web developer to join its expanding team.

The successful person will have a passion for all things web and an understanding and working knowledge of good web site construction. They will see web projects as not just being about design and functionality, but also understand marketing and communication requirements (including SEO).

Essential Software Skills to Include:
• An expert knowledge of building sites in CSS/XHTML,
• An expert knowledge of PHP/MySQL, Javascript and AJAX
• An understanding of Javascript Frameworks such as Prototype or jquery.
• An excellent knowledge of current web standards such as W3C and WAI
• An advanced understanding of Search Engine Optimisation issues

If you are interested in applying for this post, send your CV and examples of your work to:
talk@betterbrandagency.com
For further info call: 01642 715314

This month’s Write Room has a very special guest. World spoon playing champion and raconteur Bert Draycott joins the team for another evening of performance poetry and entertainment.

There’ll be readings from Write Room favourites such as Pete Nolan and Dominic Windram - as well as a line-up of newcomers from around the north east.

The Write Room takes place in Wolviston Village’s Wellington Inn next Tuesday 25th November from 7.45pm - 10.30pm. Entry is £3.00 0n the door.

For further information contact organiser Pete Nolan: pete.nolan@ntlworld.com

Tyneside Cinema and Northern Lights Film Festival are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced filmmaker to help shape and oversee the delivery of the Northern Stars Academy.

The successful person will receive support on production and co-ordination from YIPP films and Tyneside Cinema and on content from a variety of industry professionals. The contract runs until April 2009, with the majority of the delivery taking place between February and April.

Aimed at 15 - 18 year olds, the Northern Stars Filmmakers’ Academy aims to bridge the gap between academic study available in the statutory and FE sectors and the professional film industry. It will offer its members a unique opportunity to learn all aspects of the filmmaking process - from scriptwriting and casting through to directing and editing. The Academy is focused around skills development through production, starting with a training programme and culminating in a residential Film Camp in the Easter school break. During this time the group will shoot their film(s).

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The University of Leeds’ Institute of Communications Studies Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications department is seeking a lecturer in Documentary.

The successful person will have a background in TV documentary film production and a comprehensive grasp of documentary theory. With proven production skills they will teach current professional practice, enabling students to analyse and create documentary output.

The lecturer will be required to contribute to the research strategy of the Institute, and be committed to developing a record of publication appropriate to a department with an international research reputation. They will be expected to initiate income generation and to participate in knowledge transfer activities, teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and be expected to perform managerial and administrative duties associated with the role. Ideally they will possess a PhD and have experience of teaching in Higher Education.

The post is available from 1 January 2009, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary: University Grade 7 (£32,458 - £35,496 p.a)
Job Ref: 311005
Closing date: 15th December 2008

To download an application form and job details click here and follow the ‘Jobs’ link. Alternatively they may be obtained by email from: vpaempl@leeds.ac.uk
For further information call: 0113 343 7003 or 0113 343 3731

Founded in 1999, the Wisconsin Film Festival is the state’s premier film festival, taking place in the heart of its capital city Madison.

The four-day annual festival takes place each spring in ten downtown Madison theaters, all within walking distance. The Festival presents new American independent and world cinema (narrative, documentary, shorts, experimental), restored classics, and the work of Wisconsin filmmakers.

A programme of over 150 films and an attendance of 30,000 make it a lively event that’s become a major part of the state’s cultural calendar.

The 2009 Festival’s set to take place in April 2009 and is currently calling for submissions from filmmakers from around the world for the ‘Open Reel’ Category.

A Submission Form and Guidelines can be downloaded here

Deadline: 1st December 2008

The Institute of Digital Innovation’s Digital Discovery Route (DDR) aims to raise awareness of the digital creative media sectors and inspire a new digital generation.

This is particularly evident within the DDR team’s activities which aims to raise awareness of the Digital and Creative sector in the region, by engaging with communities, groups, education providers and businesses to promote digital inclusion and raise aspirations. An aspect of the education strand aims to incorporate employer engagement in contributing to upskilling the region’s practitioners with up-to-date and relevant sector insight, with the added potential that the DDR will broker a mutually beneficial relationship between creative businesses and local schools and colleges.

If you are running a North East based business in this sector and are interested in forging relationships with schools and/or colleges, the DDR team would like to hear from you. Whether your skills lie in offering active workshops in specific skills required in your sector, or being a confident speaker regarding entrepreneurial skills required for the digital media sector - or even leading a one off masterclass on new and exciting software. There is a small bursary available which can cover time spent planning and delivery, together with the offer of extensive support in preparing for such an audience.

If you would like to talk further regarding the DDR strategy or regarding the opportunities available for networking within education please email Elizabeth Shaw on: e.shaw@tees.ac.uk

Codeworks’ next Think and a Drink event will focus on ideas generation. It will look at the ways new ideas can be generated for businesses and the tools and models that can be used to help.

The event will start with a talk from an expert in the field, before businesses split off into five groups to put what they have just learnt into practice. The five groups will explore ideas in the following areas:
• Social networking
• New applications for mobiles
• Location technology ideas
• New ideas for video usage on websites
• Ways to deliver healthcare solutions via telecommunications

Each group will have a professional facilitator to help with the idea generation. Codeworks and sponsors the Institute of Digital Innovation (IDI) will be looking for any viable ideas that they can help people take forward.

Read more! »

The criminal justice system spends millions on institutions designed to protect the public from juvenile crime. They claim to either reform or prepare these young people for the outside world - one way or another.

Photographer Phil Dixon has spent many years working in a Young Person’s Secure Facility and his latest exhibition ‘Money Well Spent’ is his visual statement about the residents’ experiences. Phil’s work explores the impact of institutionalisation and its effects on young people’s lives. It addresses how both the vulnerable and perpetrators of anti-social and criminally orientated lifestyles co-exist.

The photographic collection which takes place at Darlington’s Decisive Moment Gallery, raises the debate ‘could the money be better invested in the communities that spawn these problems?’

The exhibition takes place at the gallery from 29th November to 24th January 2009. For further information on the Decisive Moment Gallery click here

The IDI’s Steve Thompson is leading a community film project about Skinningrove Jetty. The film’s a virtual production with many of the particpants coming from different parts of the world.

Steve’s currently looking for camera crew, actors, helpers and editors to work on the film in a voluntary capacity. The film will be premiered at Saltburn Community Theatre on 5th February as part of the International Animex Festival. A promo movie can be viewed by clicking on the Youtube screen above.

For further information please visit the WIKI page where you can join the production e-list. As well as being able to access the production schedule, members will be able to debate and have an input into the script.

Alternatively, please contact Steve Thompson on 01642 384 567 or Email: s.d.thompson@tees.ac.uk

Award-winning digital communications company Twenty First Century Media is seeking two Business Video Executives.

The ideal candidates will be multi-skilled and have basic experience of video production as a writer, camera operator and production manager, as well as good client management and presentation skills.

They’ll be responsible for managing inbound enquiries to the Business Video department to ensure that potential and existing clients are informed and bought into the potential uses of Business Video.

They’ll be responsible for basic video production tasks such as scriptwriting, camera operation and production management associated with fulfilling Business Video package sales. They’ll support sales and marketing with video production tasks such as producing client testimonials and Business Video proposition promotionals. The post will also include basic financial management duties.

As a rapidly expanding company it’s an exciting time to get involved in Twenty First Century Media, with the right candidates having the opportunity to shape the Business Video Executive role(s) accordingly.

Salary: £14,000 per annum
Contract Length: 12 months
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (Sandyford)
Closing Date: 19th Nov 2008


To apply for the role please send your CV to Nick Imrie at nick.imrie@twentyfirstcenturymedia.com by 19th November.

Northern Architecture is inviting the public to debate the visions, dreams and realities in the modern city – with particular reference to the city of Newcastle.

Working in partnership with the Laing Art Gallery and Tyne and Wear Museums, the debate is being held in conjunction with two major exhibitions which are currently being held at the Laing Art Gallery: ‘High Wire’ by Catherine Yass, and ‘Elevation: Visions and Realities of Modern Architecture’.

The debate will feature an array of high profile guest speakers with those confirmed to date including David Clouston (Silverlink), Newcastle City Council Regeneration Director David Slater and artist Paul Noble. If you’re interested in discussing why the city is the way it is and want to have a say in its future, you’re welcome to take part.

Admission to the debate is free but all places must be booked in advance (maximum of two places per person).

For further information about the event contact Northern Architecture on: 0191 2602191 or visit the website

The IDI is calling for submissions from Tees Valley based filmmakers for the next Concept Film Night.

As usual it’s looking to represent filmmaking of all levels and invites work from amateur, student and professionals. The showcase is always diverse with comedy, drama, music video and animation work all having been shown at recent events.

The idea behind Concept is to encourage the region’s thriving film industry to meet and exchange ideas. Each filmmaker introduces their short film - with the networking session that follows providing the opportunity for the audience to discuss their work with them.

The next Concept Film Night is taking place in the University of Teesside’s School of Health Building on Wednesday 28th January 2009 from 7.30pm.

To submit your work please send it on DVD, along with a synopsis and biog to Scott Watson at the following address: Concept Film Night, The Institute of Digital Innovation, Phoenix Building, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA.

Please note that films must be no longer than 15 minutes in length, though showreels or trailers of longer features will be considered.

For further information Email: scott@thedigitalcity.org or call: 01642 384 332.

Submission deadline: Friday 19th December

Profile is a new commercial photography gallery based in Saltburn. It’s been set up by a group of Cleveland College of Art & Design graduates to showcase the work of East Cleveland photographers.

Launching next week, the first exhibition at the gallery is Bob Mitchell’s ‘Whitby Boat Yard’. The collection is made up of a series of stunning 5x4 black and white images taken at Parkol Marine Engineering. As well as being a fine body of photographic work, it has real historical significance, with Parkol being the last remaining boat yard building fishing vessels on the docks of Whitby. Some of this work can be seen on Bob’s website.

The Whitby Boat Yard exhibition opens next Wednesday 12th November. Profile Gallery is situated on Ruby Street, Saltburn.

For further information contact Bob Mitchell: bobmitch@bobmitchell.co.uk

New Talent Micro Movies is an exciting scheme designed for emerging filmmakers in the region.

It’s ran by Northern Film & Media and Shudder Films who will commission five one minute shorts with a budget of £1,000. The scheme’s aimed exclusively at anyone who has not previously been commissioned to make a film and is open to drama, documentary and animation ideas.

Applications can be made without a producer attached to projects as one will work across the scheme. However, those wishing to produce their own work can do so, with support from a producer in a mentoring capacity.

As with all of NFM’s schemes, once the commissioned films are completed, they will be uploaded to the North East Movies website where the public will be invited to vote for their favourite one. The winning film will receive a voucher for kit hire donated by Picture Canning North.

For details of how to apply, please download the Guidelines for Applicants and the Application Form here.

For any further information, contact Carol Machin on: 0191 269 9216 or Email: carole@northernmedia.org

Application Deadline: Friday 28th November

The University of Cumbria’s School of Media & Performing Arts is seeking a lecturer in Animation (Job Ref: 30A08).

The successful person will have a degree in 3D Computer-based Animation and significant teaching or industrial experience. They will have a broad range of knowledge in the field of 3D animation and should be fully versed in at least one of the following major 3D software packages: XSI, Maya or 3DS Max.

The post will involve teaching students at various levels throughout the degree programmes and providing support for student-led projects. The ideal candidate will be willing to learn and adopt new technologies and be proactive in the teaching environment.

Salary: £29,704 - £33,432 (1.0fte)
Closing date: noon on Friday 14th November 2008.

For full details including how to apply, visit the Job Opportunities page on the University website or Email: HR@cumbria.ac.uk

Please note that CRB Clearance and Disclosure are required for this post.

Filmmaker Garry Moore must think that awards are like buses.You wait a while and then two come along at once! October’s been a great month for Garry. After scooping a top international award, the Sunderland-based filmmaker went on to take a prize closer to home. All in a matter of days…

The first one came from the U.S based After Hours Film Society Competition which recognises and promotes the work of student filmmakers from around the world. It’s judged by a formidable panel of film professionals and academics who have an appreciation of creativity and originality.

Garry’s edgy film Cherry Pop scooped Best Drama and a $500 prize in the competition - a real achievement considering that his work pulls no punches and is firmly rooted in the North East. The film - which is about a young girl and her search for love and identity - was screened at the event in Illinois earlier this month. One judge described it as ‘the best film he had seen at the festival in all the years it had been running’.

Days later Garry’s DigitalCity fundedGive it to Me beat nine other films to the audience award at Clip: Stockton Festival of Short Film. The film which is about two disabled people starting a relationship, was filmed in 2007 and stars Craig Samson and former Byker Grove actress Holly Matthews.

Former Cleveland College of Art & Design student Garry has directed over 30 films since 2004 and is currently coming to the end of an MA at the University of Sunderland. He’s also putting the finishing touches to a film called Sad Bear which stars eight year old Sunderland actress Gemma Dodsworth.

This year’s Sound & Vision commission winners have been announced.

The £10,000 scheme which is run in partnership between Northern Film & Media, Generator North East and the Arts Council, brings the two creative worlds of film and music together. Now the scheme has commissioned seven films which will see north east filmmakers work with the music of the region’s top music makers.

This year’s commissions include My Heart Still Beats the Same, which was written by Alex Inskip and uses Chris Prosho’s piece ‘Nano’. Mark Griffiths’ Generation will use Paul Liddell’s ‘Gregorians’ and Plunge, written by Ross Philips, will incorporate Steve Jenkins’ ‘Chad Valley’.

The seven commissioned Sound & Vision films will soon be posted on the North East Movies website where the public will be invited to vote for their favourite. A gala screening will take place early in 2009 to showcase the films made. The winning musician and filmmaker will be awarded a prize of £3,000 to make a short film together.

For further information on Sound & Vision and the full list of commissioned films, click here

The University of Teesside’s Department of Academic Enterprise is delivering a series of workshops that are aimed at existing businesses and budding entrepreneurs alike:

Title: Finance - A Business Overview
Date: Wednesday 5th November
Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue: Centre for Enterprise, University of Teesside

Delivered by business expert David Skipsey, this workshop looks at how crucial business finance is to the success of any venture. It will particularly focus on areas such as understanding profit and loss, the difference between profit and cash, how to manage cash flow and control of costs, which are all crucial to a start up venture. This practical workshop will provide the attendee with everything they will need to know about managing their finances in a way that will allow their ventures to grow and succeed.

Establishing a Business - Writing a Really Good Business Plan
Date: Wednesday 5th November
Time: Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue: Victoria Building Board Room, University of Teesside

Want to know how to put together a simple, yet effective business plan – one that clarifies your ideas and opens the door to potential funders or investors? Delivered by Richard Hanage, this workshop will look at the things that turns on investors and the things that don’t. It will help the attendee put together a business plan that will convince themselves and others that their business will work.

Legal - Employment/Recruitment
Date: Wednesday 12th November
Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue: Victoria Building Board Room, University of Teesside

Delivered by Matthew Rippon of Blackett, Hart & Pratt, this workshop will focus on essential staffing and recruitment issues. It will take place in the format of a presentation followed by a Q & A. Matthew will then be offering one-to-one surgery sessions for those wanting to discuss individual issues. These sessions must be requested when registering.

To register for any (or all) of these FREE workshops email Alison Graham: a.graham@tees.ac.uk or call: 01642 384 651

The IMPACT Drama Project works with adults with learning difficulties to explore issues that are relevant to them.

The project requires a performing artist/drama worker to deliver two half day drama sessions per week to run for 26 weeks. The successful person will work with two groups of adults with learning difficulties and will provide professional advice and guidance for the theatre group and staff.

The project is expected to commence during the week beginning Monday 10th November and the performing artist/drama worker will be paid a fee of £6,240.00 (plus VAT if registered). The artist will be responsible for their own taxes and national insurance and must have enhanced CRB clearance and public liability insurance (evidence to be provided to TVA). A more detailed project outline is available by email on request.

If you’re interested in applying for this post, send a brief CV and a letter of application outlining your approach to working with this group of people and your artistic aspirations for the project to: Joe Dunne, Project Officer, Tees Valley Arts, Melrose House, Melrose Street, Middlesbrough TS1 2HZ.

For further information call Joe Dunne on: 01642 264 970 or Email: joe.dunne@teesvalleyarts.org.uk

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm, Friday 31st October, 2008.

The five films commissioned through Northern Film & Media’s Words & Vision Scheme can now be viewed on-line.

NFM joined forces with New Writing North to deliver a unique scheme that linked regional poets, novelists and theatre writers with filmmakers. Writers were invited to submit an original poem which responded to the theme of Sense of Place. Filmmakers were then asked to submit a 60 second film idea relating to one of the poems.

The five commissioned films can now be viewed here and there’s also an opportunity to vote for your favourite one.

ISIS Arts is offering bursaries of £1000 to filmmakers and media artists through a new Mentoring Scheme.

There are eight places up for grabs with each successful applicant working alongside an experienced Mentor to plan, deliver and evaluate a filmmaking or media project in a school. Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to develop their own project and lead workshop sessions, as well as gaining an insight into the way the sector works. The project will take place from December to March 2009 in Northumberland and Mentors will be expected to commit a minimum of ten days to the programme.

The scheme is open to individuals working with a variety of media - including video, film, animation, sound, web-based work, gaming technologies and radio. Previous experience of working in schools is not necessary, though applicants must have an established film or arts practise and an interest in working with young people in school settings. Students are not eligible.

To apply for a bursary, send examples of your recent work, a C.V. and an outline of why this is an important opportunity for you (no more than 2 sides of A4) to: ISIS Arts, 5 Charlotte Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XF

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 26th November 2008
Interviews: Thursday 4th December 2008


For further information contact Sharon Bailey on: 0191 261 4407 re Email: isis@isisarts.org.uk

Applications are now open for 4mations Digital Shorts, a new scheme set up to fund 13 animated shorts across the UK.

The scheme is backed by the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund, Channel 4 and strategic partners throughout the UK - this region’s partner being Northern Film & Media.

Ambitious, original and thought-provoking narrative driven proposals are being sought from emerging animation talent. While the preferred running time is three minutes, entries of up to seven minutes will be accepted. One film will be commissioned through the 4mations Digital Shorts Scheme at a budget of £15,000.

For further information, click here

Entry deadline: 10th November

Middlesbrough’s Town Hall Crypt hosts Teesside’s first Designers Marketplace next month.

The event will showcase some of the best creative talent in the region, with work from emerging and established artists and designers on show. Through a series of ‘mini-boutique’ like stalls, regional creatives will be able to sell their products directly to the public. The majority of these pieces - consisting of everything from fashion garments and accessories to experimental art, ceramics and jewellery - will be bespoke items designed or made up by the stall holders themselves.

The Designer’s Marketplace will be as much about the ‘experience’ as it will be about buying and selling exclusive art works. The hour prior to opening to the public will act as a trade show where stall vendors, press, local businesses and creative organisations will have the opportunity to network and discuss ideas with like minded people. Members of the public will then have the chance to buy the work of some of the most collectible and talented creative practitioners in the region.

The Designers Marketplace takes place in Middlesbrough’s Town Hall Crypt on the 15th of November from 11.00am. For further information or to reserve a stall, click here

Please note that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

A Durham University-based business development scheme is calling for applications from aspiring creative entrepreneurs.

Creative GLEAM (Graduate Learning of Entrepreneurship Accelerated through Mentoring) is an internationally acclaimed business start-up programme which was established in 1998 at Durham. Following the success of the recently completed programme, the team has announced that the next one will start in January 2009.

Sponsored by One NorthEast and Newcastle City Council, it has places for 18 aspiring North East-based creative graduates. GLEAM teaches the practice of business to owner/managers through workshops that take a pragmatic and practical approach, enhanced by one to one mentoring. It’s dedicated to helping these fledgling businesses build the networks and knowledge they need to survive and thrive. It offers an opportunity to underpin creative talent with guidance in developing entrepreneurial skills and managerial competencies and a chance to interact with and learn the language of business from mentors who have themselves turned their creative skills into successful enterprises.

The recruitment process has already begun and applications are invited from:

• Visual artists –painters, sculptors, print makers…

• Crafts people – stone masons, ceramicists, blacksmiths, glass artists

• Designers- product, graphic, interior, textile, fashion, web

Read more! »

Middlesbrough-based Gore Cartoons is seeking local acting talent for its next film Question of Faith.

The independent production company led by maverick director Joseph Tan has been behind over 70 productions in the last few years and has built up an international following. Features, short films, music videos and documentries have all been given the Gore treatment - a lot of which can be seen on the website and on Youtube.

Question of Faith is a departure from Gore’s usual ‘tongue firmly in cheek’ style and a bit more serious in terms of storyline and character development. While some of the cast and crew are already on board, the film requires two male actors between 25 and 35 - one to play a killer and the other a priest…

For further information or to apply for either of these unpaid roles, contact Joseph Tan: Bign2003@hotmail.com

The Write Room returns to Wolviston’s Wellington Inn on Tuesday 28th October.

This month the popular poetry event will take on a Halloween theme, with some of the region’s top writers performing poems about ghosts and scary things.

The Write Room takes place upstairs in the Wellington Inn from 7.45pm - 10.30pm on Tuesday 28th October.
Tickets are priced just £3.00 and are available on the door.

For further information contact Pete Nolan: pete.nolan@ntlworld.com

Stockton is hosting its first ever festival of short film this month.

Sponsored by Northern Film & Media and the Institute of Digital Innovation, Clip is set to take place at the Georgian Theatre from next Friday 17th - Sunday 19th October.

This three day event of cinema, workshops and professional talks not only celebrates the genre of short film but also aims to encourage anyone who has ever wanted to make a film to have a go.

It kicks off on Friday night with a programme of regional films from the likes of Tom Marshall and Garry Moore. On Saturday the focus is on films made in the UK, with some great international shorts wrapping up the festival on the Sunday.

In between the film showcases there’s a programme of four 90 minute workshops and talks that will inspire anyone wanting to make their own film. On Saturday 18th, award-winning scriptwriter Ian Fenton will be delivering a scriptwriting master class, while a lecturer from Stockton Riverside College will be providing a session on film make-up. Matt Rozdoba is doing a basic camera workshop on Sunday 19th, while producer Samm Haillay (Better Things) will do a seminar on film production.

Both Ian Fenton and Samm Haillay are doing free talks on scriptwriting and production on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th respectively, making for a real mix of entertainment and skills development throughout the weekend.

Festival organiser Gari Sullivan said:"The festival is an opportunity to see some of the greatest short films from around the corner, around the country and around the world. Whether you’re a professional or an ‘am-cam’ enthusiastic amateur, CLIP festival is for you.”

Tickets to the screenings are priced £2.50 per night, while the workshops are £3.00 per session.

For further information on Clip or to purchase tickets, visit the website
Tickets can also be purchased directly from the Georgian Theatre Box Office.

In the next instalment of the University of Teesside’s Public Lecture Series, award-winning writer Anne Fine OBE talks about writing for adults and children.

Anne’s held the Carnegie Medal and the Publishing News Children’s Author of the Year among her many accolades. Her best known work is perhaps her 1987 novel Madame Doubtfire which was adapted for the big screen as Mrs Doubtfire starring Robin Williams. Later her book Goggle-Eyes, was adapted for BBC Children’s television. A celebrated writer of adult and children’s books, Anne’s work has been translated into over forty languages.

In her lecture at the University next month, she will talk about writing for these two very different audiences, and several of the issues raised by producing literature for young readers.

The free to attend event which takes place on Wednesday 12th November from 6.30pm - 7.45pm, is open to the public. For further information or to book your place, click here

A Teesside-based project aimed at helping creative entrepreneurs from all over the North East has been hailed a major success.

Creating a Business Buzz, which was delivered as part of the DigitalCity project at the University of Teesside, has helped over 100 creative SMEs to grow their businesses in the last 12 months.

This was the first time Business Buzz had been delivered by the Institute of Digital Innovation and was made possible thanks to £450,000 worth of funding from the ERDF and University of Teesside.

Thanks to the success of Business Buzz, which concluded at the end of September, talks are now underway about similar future projects.

Creative businesses and entrepreneurs from across the North East took part in individual mentoring sessions and workshops as part of Business Buzz to help them understand more about subjects such as marketing, sales, public relations and business finance.

Some of the people helped by the project include Peterlee-based photographer Paul Berry, Middlesbrough fine artist Hannah Campion, video games company Halch and songwriting and music production team BB Music House from Newcastle.

Read more! »

As part of Design Event 08, Northern Architecture is organising a tour which looks at the recent and historical design decisions that have shaped the city of Newcastle.

The Urban Translation Newcastle tour will be led by Tim Bailey of xsite Architecture and is taking place on Saturday 18th October from 2.00pm - 4.00pm, starting at Newcastle Civic Centre.

The event is free to attend but places are limited and booking is essential.
For more information or to book your place, contact Northern Architecture on: 0191 260 2191 or visit the website

The sixth Northern Lights Film Festival runs from the 30th November – 6th December. Focussing on breakthrough talent, it’s currently calling for feature film treatments by screenwriters to compete for this year’s Script Development Award.

Previously the UK’s only film festival dedicated to screening work from Northern Europe, NLFF has expanded its remit to take in the entire world. Programmers from around the globe have been employed to scout for the hottest new filmmakers, and to bring the most exciting features back to premiere in the North East.

As part of this, NLFF is now searching for the most original feature film ideas from the best new screenwriting talent in the UK. The development package on offer is a chance to work with a professional UK-based script consultant to develop the writer’s original treatment into a feature length screenplay.

The script will be sent to a professional distributor and national exhibitor for comment, before being submitted to North East based production companies for consideration.

While the package does not include a fee for the writer/s time, it does offer limited funds to cover travel and accommodation costs incurred during the consultation period.

Original ideas will be accepted for fiction feature films in any genre. Applicants must be based in the UK and not previously had a feature film produced. They will have professional writing credits in short film, television, theatre, or advertising however - and evidence of these credits is required.

Writers must be able to demonstrate through a writing sample that they have the potential to deliver a feature length screenplay of the highest level and able to commit to a 12 month writing programme.

For further information and submission details, click here

Deadline for delivery of stage one: 12pm, Friday 24th October 2008

Tees Valley Arts is celebrating after being awarded a grant from The Ernest Cook Trust to support its work in environmental arts.

Using a variety of different artforms, TVA works with schools and environmental organisations to increase awareness and understanding of environmental issues and to enhance the use of local green spaces. The £10,000 grant will help fund the arts development agency’s Heritage and Environment programme.

The Heritage and Environment Programme has developed a range of environmental learning sessions that introduce and explore key issues surrounding climate change and the environment through fun, interactive and creative art forms. These sessions are aimed at key stages 1 to 4 and are open to all Tees Valley schools.

Topics include trees and deforestation, habitats and minibeasts, the carbon footprints of food and transport, biodiversity, recycling, and renewable energy. The workshops provide an engaging means for learners to explore issues related to Sustainable Schools and Eco-schools.

For further information about Tees Valley Arts and the Heritage and Environment Programme please contact Environment Officer Joe Dunne on: 01642 264 651 or Email: joe.dunne@teesvalleyarts.org.uk

Leaders from some of the North East’s top creative businesses are speaking at this month’s Think and a Drink event in Middlesbrough.

Taking place at the Thistle Hotel, the Codeworks event will look at full service and specialised creative agencies in the region, tackling the following topics:

• Do you need to become a full-service agency in order to continue growing?
• Do you need to be based in Newcastle to be successful in the North East?
• How do you decide what value to put on your ideas and IP?

Directors from full service and specialised agencies will discuss how their businesses operate and what successes and failures they have experienced. They will also talk about their plans for the future.

Read more! »

Regional development agency One Northeast recently commissioned a study to help creative businesses in the region grow and prosper.

Businesses are now invited to participate in a follow-up survey that seeks to learn more about the skills issues highlighted in the original study.

If you’re running a creative business of your own, your input into the survey will be an invaluable and important source of information. This questionnaire will take ten minutes to complete and could help One Northeast design appropriate skills training programmes for you and your company.

Northern Film & Media is calling for entries to this year’s Stingers Scheme. The scheme which it runs in association with the UK Film Council has launched the careers of many writers, directors and producers from the region.

The Stingers format has changed slightly this year and there are now four separate strands that support people working right across the filmmaking disciplines:

Mini Stingers 7:
Open to new and emerging writers and directors. Each production will have a total budget of £4,000 and the film must be under five minutes long. Drama, docu-drama, documentary and animation-based applications are invited.

Maxi Stingers 7:
Open to writers who have a track record in the industry and have had at least one previous commission. Directors should have a track record of short filmmaking or have a similar experience in another medium such as TV drama or commercials. Each production will have a total budget of £12,000 and will be no longer than ten minutes. Films should be drama only.

Read more! »

People And Place is an exciting web based project that links schools in our region with Children’s groups and schools in rural Nigeria.

The participants engage in keeping a diary that tells the story of their lives and the place they live largely in pictures. The project website is a multi-diary that reflects a diverse set of images and stories. It’s hoped that the project will develop transnational relationships, whilst developing digital skills in the community and encouraging collaboration.

The North East part of the project is being led by IDI Community Engagement Co-ordinator Steve Thompson who is using a range of web 2.00 applications which are appropriate to each group. A number of UK schools have already signed up to People and Place and participation in the project is quite simple. If you would like to be involved you should look at the “how to” guide on the website. If you feel you are able to do this then the project may be for you. Please contact Steve Thompson to receive a visitor pass to try the whole thing out:
s.d.thompson@tees.ac.uk

Engage TV is a new internet channel that broadcasts films which showcase the talent of people affected by disability.

Engage is supported by mentorship from Superkrush Films and The Lawnmowers theatre company. Its buzzword is ‘innovation’ - believing that it has the responsibility to promote the next generation of talented DOPs, writers, directors and actors. It’s proud to highlight that many of these individuals are from the disabled community.

If you’re interested in submitting your film for distribution over Engage TV visit the website

For further information call Charly on: 0191 260 2381 or Email: charly@engagetv.co.uk

Hartlepool Borough Council is in the process of recruiting a Public Relations Officer to help promote the town’s involvement in the 2010 Tall Ships’ Races.

Up to 100 Tall Ships are expected to arrive in Hartlepool on 7th August, having sailed from Norway in the second and final leg of the race. Hartlepool is the only UK port staging the 2010 event.

The Public Relations Officer post is part-time and the successful candidate will work alongside the Council’s Public Relations Team in delivering the PR strategy.

They will be a communications/PR professional who can work alongside the Council’s in-house PR team to review, deliver and evaluate the PR strategy. They will have a professional qualification in PR or journalism and experience in a relevant field, the successful candidate will need to have experience of print, broadcast and online media, good interpersonal and writing skills, be creative and able to work on their own initiative.

Hours: Part-time (18.5 hours per week)
Salary: £26,835 - £28,919 (pro-rata)

Application deadline: Wednesday 1st October, 12 noon

To view the job advert and apply, click here

Northumbria University’s School of Arts & Social Science has three vacancies for a new film programme it’s launching.

The successful applicants will work as part of a team to provide undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the new Division of Media and Communication. They must have a PhD and/or equivalent postgraduate/professional qualification/experience, together with expertise in any aspect of British, American or European cinema history and/or theory.

They will be able to make a significant contribution to the development of a cohesive Film research portfolio and will support the development of the Glenamara Centre for International Research in Arts, Culture and Society based within the School.

The three posts are:
Lecturer £30,013 - £33,780pa
Senior Lecturer: £34,793 - £42,791pa
Reader: £44,074 - £51,095pa

Applicants who are able to demonstrate international achievement in research, a high professional standing in the field and who are able to make a significant contribution to the leadership and development of research and consultancy within the School, may request to be considered for the title of Reader.

Closing date: 7th October 2008.
Interview date: 10th November 2008.

To apply or for further information, click here

£70,000 of funding is available to aspiring filmmakers through the UK Film Council’s Short Film Completion Fund.

The aim of the fund is to provide UK based filmmakers with finance and support for short films that show outstanding potential but lack the funds for completion.

The objective of the Completion Fund is to provide new opportunities and increase participation of groups currently under-represented in the UK film industry. This includes writers, directors, producers and actors who are disabled, female and/or those from black and visible minority ethnic groups.

The fund creates much-needed progression routes into the UK film industry for filmmaking talent and provides an opportunity for established filmmakers to reinvest their expertise in the talent of the future. There are two application deadlines for 2008/09: 10th November 2008 and March 2009

For further info click here

RTS North East and the Border Centre is currently calling for entries to its 2008 awards.

Film, TV and new media practitioners have until 31st October to submit their work to this highly regarded competition which celebrates and acknowledges the achievements of professionals and students working in the region’s media industries.

There are 11 award categories plus a student award:

Production Categories:
All elements of the complete production are considered, including script content and originality.
Cat 1: Best Factual Programme (2 awards)
Cat 2: Best Drama or Entertainment Programme (2 awards)
Cat 3: Best Production for a Niche or Target Audience
Cat 4: Best Promotion or Commercial
Cat 5: Best New Media Production

Read more! »

The Decisive Moment Gallery is exhibiting the work of celebrated Iranian photographer Newsha Tavakolian.

The collection - which is entitled Sisters in Chanel and Chador - is being shown for the very first time in the UK at the Darlington based gallery. It captures the faces of Iran that rarely appear in British newspapers - vibrant images that shatter the media’s portrayal of Iranian women. The photographer documents the changing role of women in a country where they are empowered to go to university, and now out-number men.

Tavakolian has been working as an Iranian press photographer since she was 16. Her pictures have been published in Time Magazine, Newsweek, Stern, The New York Times and Le Figaro. Last year she was a finalist of the Inge Morath award.

The Sisters in Chanel and Chador exhibition takes place from 27th September - 22nd November. Admission is FREE.

The Decisive Moment Gallery is based in Darlington Arts Centre on Vane Terrace. For further information Call: 01325 488139, Email: dmg@mediaworkshop.org.uk or visit the website

To check out Newsha Tavakolian’s stunning work click here

Cleveland College of Art & Design in association with The Production Guild of Great Britain and Northern Film & Media have launched a fantastic new initiative for film and TV practitioners.

Momentum is a FREE to attend ten month industry training and mentoring scheme. It’s open to North East based film and TV producers who have a minimum of one year’s experience working in a professional setting.

This exciting industry led scheme will include a series of five industry led seminars covering areas such as The Role of a Producer/Produce a Location Shoot, Monitoring and Control of the Production Process and Distribution & Exhibition.

In addition to the seminars, there will be an industry mentoring scheme led by successful producers operating nationally and internationally. There will also be visits to Production Companies in the South East and a final Networking Event in the region.

For further information on Momentum click here

If you are running a North East business which has received public funding for a project which has resulted in you embedding new e-Business practices, then you could be eligible to take part in the Reinforcing Synergies II Project. It could help you access extra funding to develop your e-Business project further.

To apply, contact Janice Ross: janice@janiceross.co.uk who will etablish how e-Business has contributed to the overall success of your business. Your commitment will include an initial telephone call, a face to face interview and potentially a video recording.

DigitalCity Innovation are running two legal workshops aimed at the region’s creative industries. The ERDF funded How to Make a Contract and Protecting Your Creativity are being delivered by Blackett, Hart & Pratt’s intellectual property and technology law solicitor Matthew Rippon.

Taking place next Friday 12th September, How to Make a Contract has been designed to look at the many contractual challenges creative businesses face. On Friday 26th September, the second workshop will look at the methods businesses implement to protect their creativity and intellectual property. Both 45 minute to one hour sessions will be followed by free ten minute one to ones with Matthew. As usual, the workshops take place in the University of Teesside’s Phoenix Building.

DigitalCity Innovation’s Industry Engagement Co-ordinator Scott Watson said: “We’re delighted to have someone of Matthew Rippon’s expertise delivering these workshops for us. It’s essential that businesses built on creativity, talent and intellectual property are sufficiently protected. Matthew’s workshops are jargon free, practical sessions which both new and long established businesses will benefit from.”

To book your place on either or both of these workshops, please contact DigitalCity’s Judith Wilkinson on 01642 384330 or Email: jude@thedigitalcity.org

Celebrated film lecturer, casting director and writer, Wendall Thomas brings her 20 years of Hollywood experience to two one day seminars later this month.

The Black Comedy and Satire seminar will discuss the very specifics of black comedy, including setting the tone, developing juxtapositions, the specific requirements of black comic characterisations and the crucial decisions a writer must make about topic and world.

The second seminar - The Forbidden: Voice Over & Flashbacks will look at the two areas that UCLA and most screenwriting books discourage. Drawing on many examples, it will break down various specific approaches to these screenwriting devices as well as looking at when to use them and when not to.

The Black Comedy and Satire seminar takes place on Wednesday 17th September, while The Forbidden: Voice Over & Flashbacks will be held on the following day. Both are being delivered at Northern Film & Media’s Forth Street offices in Newcastle from 9:30am – 4:30pm.

If you would like to attend these FREE seminars, email events@northernmedia.org to request an electronic registration form. Place either ‘Black Comedy’ and/or ‘Voice Over’ in the subject field, depending on which seminar(s) you would like to attend.


Requests for registration forms must be received by Friday 5th September and the completed forms must be emailed back to NFM by Wednesday 10 September.

The deadline for Northern Film & Media, the Community Channel and Channel 4’s Capture Scheme is next week.

The factual and documentary talent development scheme provides filmmakers with funding, access to industry professionals, talent spotters, broadcast and other exhibition platforms.

The organisers want to hear from energetic directors or producer/director teams who have a passion for making content that could make a difference to an issue, a cause or a community.

Applicants should be interested in capturing a sense of the North East, its people and their aspirations and dreams, stories about communities and individuals trying to be the best that they can be.

Projects will be shortlisted by Northern Film & Media, the Community Channel, BBC and 4 Docs.

Read more! »

Internationally renowned local poets Bob Beagrie and Andy Willoughby have been working with young people on a funded Barnardo’s SECOS project.

The result of this is the publication of a special issue of KENAZ Magazine which contains material written by the youngsters. The magazine is being launched at an event at mima next Thursday 11th September as part of the Discover Middlesbrough Festival.

The event - which takes place from 6pm - 8pm - will feature performances of Slam team poetry from local schools and colleges. There’ll be live music from Shoe Box and Kev Howard, while D.J. The Equalizer will be operating the decks. Entry is FREE.

DigitalCity Businesses Dave Sharp is delivering a Project Management workshop next month.

It’s aimed at managers or project supervisors working with small teams on projects of 3-24 months in duration. The morning of the workshop covers some of the basics of project management, why projects fail, what responsibilities project managers should assume and how current project management methodologies help. The afternoon is in the form of a practical session based around creating a small schedule and project plan for a mini project to be run by the group. The workshop finishes with a review and distribution of standard forms and paperwork that can be used to create project schedules.

Read more! »

Teesside based web application company Nurvex Media has a position for a full time graphic designer.

The successful person will:
• Be experienced in Photoshop and Dreamweaver
• Be self-motivated
• Have excellent communication skills
• Have a good track record or a viewable portfolio of web work
• Be able to create great creative designs quickly
• Have a passion for design
• Understand under interface design

With a starting aalary of £15,000 per annum, this post will suit a recent graduate.

For further information contact Managing Director Paul Jenkins on: 01642 891 088 or Email: paul@nurvex.com

About Films - a production, sales, distribution, consultancy and acquisitions company - has announced the launch of its 2008 ‘Take the Initiative’ Producers scheme.

About Films has £100,000 available for independent producers seeking finance for their feature film or documentary. The scheme not only provides funding for producers who are also given the opportunity to work alongside the Sales and Consultancy division’s of About Films to create the marketing and deliverables packages for their film, which will be represented globally.

About Films are looking for films and documentaries that:
• Are fresh, original and dynamic
• Have a twist that make the audience think
• Have a unique selling point
• Have scripts that have been fully developed.

Successful applicants will have produced two short film projects or documentaries in the past five years and have and exciting fully developed script that is just waiting to be financed. All Submissions must be received by 1st February 2009.

For further information click here

Arts Council England North East and the BBC are looking for artists and arts organisations to develop an inspiring idea for the Made in England project.

The scheme celebrates how art makes England and England makes art - and in the Tees Valley, BBC Tees and the Arts Council are looking to commission a piece of work which meets the collective aims of it. Artists and arts organisations interested in participating are invited to attend an informal Information session on Wednesday 27th August from 2pm-3pm at BBC Tees (formerly BBC Radio Cleveland on Newport Road).

The call for proposals will prioritise projects that demonstrate the following characteristics:
• A local focus - taking place in the Tees Valley and providing interest to people living in the area
• The opportunity for people to participate in the arts
• Unique or innovative projects which have an exciting approach and have strong broadcast appeal.

Proposals should focus on the creation of new local projects and residences and nurture new talent and ideas such as: professional artists working in local areas; work inspired by and/or in conjunction with local people; artists working with BBC broadcast and online audiences to create special artworks; projects to support greater creativity and user generated content, facilitated by organisations or artists; digital opportunities.

Applicants should submit the attached application form, while considering the aims of Made in England project. Completed application forms should be returned by 5pm on Thursday 4th September to:
Kathryn Goodfellow, Communications Officer, Arts Council England, North East, Central Square, Forth Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3PJ.

For further information call Kathryn on: 0191 255 8580 or Email: kathryn.goodfellow@artscouncil.org.uk

Mutate Records is a new Middlesbrough-based dance label that has a portfolio of artists and established producers from Si Begg, Cursor Miner, Unique 3 and Mark Archer (Altern8/Nexus 21) through to new producers from around the world.

Mutate offers an artist friendly alternative to recording artists and functions without the need for protracted contracts. Ultimately writers can release their music through Mutate, while retaining their copyright and ownership rights.

The label offers a full music publishing and TV/Film placement service through its publishing arm Funk Labs Music. Funk Labs has been collecting artist royalties, arranging compilation inclusions and plugging radio plays across the world for the last ten years.

For artists wishing to know more about Mutate Records, its worldwide distribution network or publishing opportunities contact: info@mutaterecords.co.uk or visit the website

First Light Movies provides funding to support filmmaking among young people aged between 5-19 years old. Productions of any genre are eligible to receive this support and the young people are expected to play a lead role in all aspects of the production process, while being guided by industry professionals.

There are three levels of First Light funding:
• Pilot Award - a maximum grant of £5,000 for one film of up to five minutes in length
• Studio Award - a maximum grant of £30,000 for between two and four films of up to ten minutes
• What’s the Big Idea? Award - a maximum grant of £3,000 to develop ideas and stories for films

Organisations such as schools and local authorities are eligible to participate in the scheme.
The online application process has re-opened for the next round of the Pilot and What’s the Big Idea Awards, with the deadline for the receipt of applications being 16th September.

Applications to the Studio Awards are also open, with a deadline of 14th October.

For further information click here

Living Streets is offering a consultancy opportunity for an organisation or freelance professional practitioner to collaborate on an exciting new campaign.

It requires a facilitator with Spanish or Catalan language skills, to work in partnership with Living Streets staff to facilitate a short project. The project will culminate in a youth-led breakout session at ‘WALK21’, an international conference that promotes walking.

The facilitator will work directly with a group of young people from the UK (Darlington) and Barcelona, both in the UK and in Spain. The group consists of eight young people from two secondary schools in Darlington, and a similar number (TBC) of young people from one high school in Barcelona.

The facilitator will devise a written workshop/lesson plan suitable for the secondary schools, which will allow UK secondary pupils to interact with the team in Barcelona, and learn more about the benefits of walking to school. In Barcelona, he or she will ensure that content uploaded is useful and relevant to these UK school-based workshops.

The successful applicant will deliver video journalism and blogging training to a small group of secondary pupils based in the UK (Darlington). They will support and facilitate a group of Catalan/British young people to lead a breakout session at an international conference, giving the youth perspective on the benefits of walking to school. Additionally, they will support the young people acting as roving conference reporters during conference breaks and networking time. Through imaginative planning of ice-breakers and activities, the facilitator will ensure that language differences are not a barrier to two groups of young people working together on this project.

Schedule: Eight days in September/October 2008, including four days in Barcelona (6th-9th October)

Fee: £250 per day, plus travel and subsistence costs

For further information on this opportunity contact Sam Potter on (0191) 245 7360 or Email: sam.potter@livingstreets.org.uk

Deadline: This Friday 22nd August, with informal face to face meetings with shortlisted applicants to take place week commencing Tuesday 26th August.

The University of Teesside is offering four full-time Research Doctoral Scholarships across a broad range of subject areas including: computing, psychology, science and engineering.

The scholarships are aligned to key areas of research strength within the Digital Futures Institute, the Social Futures Institute and the Technology Futures Institute. The awards will be for a period of three years and include fees (home/EU or international rate) and an annual stipend of £12,600. Successful applicants should be in a position to take up the scholarships in November 2008 or shortly thereafter.

Research Theme: Digital Innovation
Developing a psychological model of users’ experience of human-computer interaction in web-based systems. Interaction experience of Web 2.0 sites.

Based on existing work and empirical studies, this project builds and tests a psychological model of users’ experience in an exciting application domain. Previous experience in doing psychological experiments is important for doing and completing the project successfully. Therefore, in particular – but not only – applications from graduates of BPS-accredited psychology programmes are welcome.

Applicants should have at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification and ideally a postgraduate qualification. The minimum English language entry level is IELTS 6.5 with no grade below 6.0 or equivalent.

To apply for a scholarship contact the Graduate Research School for an application form on 01642 738 033 or Email: graduateresearchschool@tees.ac.uk

Closing date: 15th September 2008

East Cleveland-based photographer Keith Moss has signed a major deal with one of the world’s leading photography companies.

Ilford Photo were so impressed with Keith’s fine art and wedding photography that they approached him about using his work on the packaging of their products and in their promotional materials.

Ilford, whose headquarters are in Knutsford in Cheshire, has a 125 year reputation in the global photographic market and are now the only manufacturer of film, paper, photochemistry and other products for the black and white photography sector.

Keith, who also has his own gallery in Brotton, met representatives from Ilford at Focus, an industry trade fair at the Birmingham NEC, in February. After viewing a range of Keith’s portrait, fine art and wedding images they offered Keith a major sponsorship deal, worth thousands of pounds.

Keith’s work will now be used all over the world by Ilford and, in return, the company supplies him with his black and white photography products.

Keith said: “This is a major step for me in the commercial sector as Ilford is a name respected worldwide. Black and white photography is very popular again, especially for weddings, so I am thrilled that my images are going to be used on an international scale.

“I’ll also be working with Ilford to host masterclasses on their behalf for budding photographers and I am a proud supporter of their ‘Keep the Dark Room Alive’ campaign. I am currently one of the only photographers with a professional standard dark room in the whole of the North so it is vital that companies, like Ilford, support black and white photographers.”

For further information on Keith Moss, visit his website

Are you a digital media or technology specialist with a business idea, research project or portfolio piece you’re keen to develop? Do you have an innovative product or intellectual property that you want to commercialise and take to market but maybe don’t know how? If so, DigitalCity may be able to help…

The Fellowships scheme offers entrepreneurs and innnovators in the digital media and technology sectors the opportunity to explore their ideas in a supportive environment with world class facilities. Through an intensive three or six month project, the Fellow carries out research, product or commercial development to a stage where it is to industry standard, commercially viable or able to attract further funding.

Typically Fellows are awarded a bursary of £4,000 which allows them to work on their project full time, supported by industry mentors with the expertise and know how to help them produce breathtaking work which can be taken to market.

The IDI offers three types of Fellowships which are aimed at North East based graduates:

Junior Fellowship:
Timescale: 1 month
Typical Award: £500
About: For basic idea and skill development which may be linked to a larger project where appropriate.

Innovation Fellowship:
Timescale: 3 - 6 months
Typical Award: £4,000 per person
About: Individual or team based projects that develop or exploit new technologies.
All projects funded in this category are expected to lead to the creation of a business.

Read more! »

As the Olympic Games reach their climax in Beijing, a former DigitalCity fellow has announced his plans to launch an original computer game to help people learn about the culture, language and communication skills needed to succeed in the Far East.

Jeremiah Alexander is a ‘serious games’ and new media specialist who runs Babel Digital from the University of Teesside’s Victoria Building. During the last 18 months, Jeremiah has worked closely with experts at the IDI to develop Guanxi. Guanxi - which literally means ‘relationships’ - is the first in a range of serious games that Babel Digital is developing to help people overcome the challenges of learning foreign languages and new cultures, especially in a business environment.

Babel Digital developed Guanxi using 3D graphics and advanced animation techniques which accurately represent body language and gestures. These allow users to learn and practice this essential area of communication, a vital business tool, which are often overlooked by traditional methods of learning languages.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows users to practice conversation skills and cultural etiquette and build rapport with different characters within the game as they would in the real world.

Guanxi is currently a PC-based tool but Babel Digital is currently working on launching it online.

Jeremiah said: “Computer games technology has enhanced phenomenally in recent years and we aim to be at the forefront of it in the variety of serious games and educational tools we develop. Thanks to expert help from the IDI we now have an original concept to take to the marketplace which takes learning to the next level. Users are immersed within virtual environments where they can actively learn and practice their foreign language and cultural awareness skills.”

For more details on Guanxi visit the Babel Digital website

Applications are being invited for Cinema Extreme 2008.

The UK Film Council and Film4 funded scheme was established to seek out and develop filmmakers with a distinctive voice and cinematic flair. The programme is designed to provide a level of experience and expertise so that the next step in the Director’s career will be to make their first feature film.

The 23 films that have been commissioned to date have been shown at festivals around the world and won numerous awards, including Best Short at the Edinburgh International Film Festival for Duane Hopkins Love Me or Leave Me Alone and the Oscar for Best Short Film for Andrea Arnold’s Wasp.

Applications to Cinema Extreme must be made by the Director. Scripts and one-page ideas are considered with a maximum budget of £50,000 being awarded to up to four film projects.

The 2008 deadline for receipt of applications is 12th September.

For further information click here

Northern Film & Media is looking for volunteers for an exciting new film project.

Flip Side will explore and debate what makes the North East through the medium of film. It will cover areas such as who we are, what kind of world we want to help create and live in, and what the region would like to be seen as offering the world.

NFM are looking for 20 volunteers to go out with their Flip Cameras to ask friends, family and their community to respond to the following questions:
• What keeps you awake at night?
• If you had to choose one item that you own that represents who you are, what would it be and why?
• What is unique about you?
• What is the thing you most value as an individual (or family?)
• What one thing would make your life better?

The video responses will then be uploaded to the Flip Side website where viewers will be able to respond to the films. Each volunteer will interview 20 different people over the course of a week. All volunteers will be shown how to use the cameras and will also have the opportunity to have a workshop with top documentary film maker Bridget Deane.

Volunteers will be awarded expenses which will be given to them on return of the Flip cameras to NFM.
For more information and to sign up to be a volunteer please email scott@northernmedia.org or call 0191 269 9200.

DigitalCity is calling for short film submissions for Autumn’s Concept Film Night.

Concept is the region’s only regular film networking event and the next one’s set to take place in October. It’s intended as a showcase for Tees Valley-based filmmakers (though some regional stuff is shown too) and represents the filmmaking industry as a whole. As such professional, student and amateur films share the showcase which celebrates the thriving filmmaking industry in Teesside.

All genres are considered with animation, drama, comedy, documentary and music video having been shown at recent events. Where possible, all of the work being shown is introduced by the filmmakers themselves. This allows the audience to discuss the films being shown with the people who made them at the networking session which follows.

The next Concept Film Night takes place on Wednesday 15th October. As usual, it’s being held in the University of Teesside’s HO.01 lecture theatre from 7.30pm - 9.00pm.

Films should be submitted on DVD, along with brief synopsis and biog. They must be under 20 minutes in length, though trailers of longer features will be considered. Entries should be sent to: Scott Watson, Industry Engagement Co-ordinator, The DigitalCity, IDI, University of Teesside TS1 3BA.

For further information contact Scott Watson on: 01642 384332 or Email: scott@thedigitalcity.org

Concept Film Night has its own blog which is currently having one or two technical problems. It will be back up and running soon though and films shown at previous events can be viewed in this section which appears at the left of this screen.

Middlesbrough-based software developer Nisai is seeking a graphic designer.

The successful person will use their graphical skills and knowledge to provide solutions that meet client requirements, whilst contributing to the improvement of Nisai Group’s products and services.

Key responsibilities & Duties will include:
• Ensuring required work components are completed to specification and on time
• Advising Nisai Group on all matters concerning graphic design for print and digital purposes
• Ensuring all produced work is of high quality, and reflecting the standards set by Nisai Group
• Being aware of the latest graphic design trends, to provide best possible solutions to clients
• Advising Nisai Group on latest software (including upgrades), and keeping skill sets up to date
• Being aware of accessibility issues regarding interface and web design
• Liaising with SharePoint Developer/Programmer and Operation Manager when needed on day to day tasks
• Contributing to team meetings when required
• Ensuring that all products and services are delivered to time and financial requirements
• Ensuring that they regularly update their skills by reading relevant magazines and attending required courses.

Salary: £12.5k-£14k per annum, depending on age and experience.

To apply for this post or for further information contact: Simon Frances, Technical Services Manager,
Nisai Group on: 020 8424 8475 (ext 302) or Email: simon.frances@nisai.com

Newcastle City Council’s Culture, Libraries & Lifelong Learning Department is seeking an experienced filmmaker to work on a project for the Newcastle Holocaust Memorial Day Programme.

The filmmaker will need to recruit and collaborate with young people from Newcastle in the development, writing, filming, editing of a short film in January 2009. The young people could possibly be Sixth form students from a local school or appropriate youth group or specialist group with an interest in filmmaking.

As well as having an experience of working with young people, the filmmaker will have an interest in the subject area and issues of the systematic persecution of social, religious and ethnic groups. As such they will support messages and models of good practice which encourage tolerance and the celebration of diversity.

The filmmaker will need to meet all of the legislative and operational requirements of the working group, including: public liability insurance, full CRB, own transport, availability in October (to scope out the project) and January 2009 to complete the commission by 25th January 2009.

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Northern Cultural Skills Partnership is delivering more of its highly successful professional development planning sessions for those working in the region’s creative industries.

Taking place at the Tees Valley Arts offices on Tuesday 16th September, the sessions will provide the creative practitioner with the opportunity to have a one-to-one meeting with a skilled professional development guide.

The aim of the session is to give the creative person the opportunity to think in broad terms about their creative and professional development, rather than them being given critical feedback on their artform or practice.

During the session they will:
• Discuss what they’d like to achieve and when
• Look at existing skills/strengths and identify areas they wish to develop
• Consider development opportunities that could help them achieve their goals
• Begin to create a plan of action to achieve those goals

Before the session they’ll be asked to complete and return a short preparatory questionnaire. This can help kick-start the process and lets the individual focus on professional development areas that they’re currently interested in and would like to investigate further. This questionnaire is entirely confidential and will only be seen by the guide.

How to apply:
There are four sessions available on 16th September: 10.00am, 11.15am, 1.15pm and 2.30pm. These are free of charge, though attendees should be a fully registered member of NCSP. Registration is free and can be done on-line (registration takes about 10 minutes to complete).

If you are interested in attending one of the professional development planning sessions, Email: cath@ncsp.co.uk by Friday 12th September, stating preferred time. Confirmation and a pre-meeting questionnaire will be sent by return. Please note that these sessions are offered on a first-come first-served basis.

The L’Idea di Cleves Festival takes place in the Italian province of L’Aquila from 27th - 30th October. Its ultimate purpose is to help the proliferation of audio-visual arts, particularly in short film and photography.

It’s currently calling for submissions from short filmmakers and photographers:

The short film categories are as follows:
• Professional contest
• Documentary & Reportage
• Amateur contest
• Animated contest
Deadline: 15th August

Photographic Contest - A Photo in Red:
The Festival’s photographic contest is reserved to those images characterised and inspired by the colour red.
For example, red could be a detail or the main subject. It’s fundamental that it’s able to attact the view of the observer. The organisers have chosen red because in their opinion it’s the most exciting, extravagant, dangerous and sexy colour. It’s the most human (like blood)and interpretations from professional and amateur photographers are invited!

Submissions to this competition should be sent electronically to: laros@cleves.it
Deadline 6th October

For further information on the L’Idea di Cleves Festival and/or to submit your work, visit the website or Email: info@cleves.it

DR Andrew Dean is developing an innovative product for the fashion industry.

He’s currently looking for a 3D/CAD artist to design 3D glass pieces for the product which will be patented and sold worldwide.

For further information Email Andrew: andrewdean@spartannano.co.uk

Visual artist Paul Grimmer’s looking for a technical expert to assist him with his latest project.

Paul’s been commissioned to create five large-scale digitally manipulated images of Northumberland National Park. He aims to overlay these images with digitally created frameworks or mesh-type landscapes which highlight the underlying structure of the landscape.

After doing some initial research he’s discovered a process called ‘fractal landscaping’ that can be used to create artificial landscapes. Now he’s looking for a technical expert in this area to assist him with his artworks. This may be a c++ programmer with the skills to build a programme from scratch or with the ability to tweak an existing one.

For further information contact Paul Grimmer on 07919568432 or Email: paul@grimboy.net

Northumbria University’s School of Design is seeking an experienced lecturer in traditional animaton to teach part-time on the new Motion Graphics & Animation programme.

The successful person - who will be skilled in hand-drawn and other traditional animation techniques - will teach on the Introduction to Animation, and Storyboarding and Illustration modules. They’ll have some CG animation skills, while a knowledge of industry standard software applications would be an advantage.

Salary: £43.87 - £49.38 per hour, subject to qualifications and experience.

To apply for this post, please send a CV along with a covering letter highlighting your expertise and suitability to: tracy.heywood@northumbria.ac.uk

Closing date: Monday 1st September 2008

The IDI’s Community Engagement Co-ordinator Steve Thompson is involved in all manner of cultural events in the Tees Valley. He managed the media team at Middlesbrough Mela that provided footage for the big screen - as well as a group of stills photographers who captured the flavour of the Mela across Albert Park.

He’s currently expanding this team and is on the look out for volunteer photographers who fancy developing their portfolio and skills. Those registering their interest will have the chance to become an ‘official’ media photographer at a variety of events. Their images will become part of the official record of the events they’re involved in, while retaining copyright on their work.

Whilst this is a voluntary arrangement and therefore unpaid, it provides great experience and and could lead to paid work in the future.

Click here to register

Northumbria University are seeking experienced illustrators, imagemakers and life drawing tutors to teach modules on the Graphic Design, Motion Graphics & Animation and Interactive Media Design programmes within the School of Design.

The successful illustrator and imagemaking lecturers will be skilled in hand-drawn and digital imagemaking techniques, while the Life drawing tutors will have previous experience in delivering life-drawing classes.

Salary:
Lecturing roles: £43.87 - £49.38 per hour, subject to qualifications and experience

Pure life-drawing tuition will be paid on a demonstrator rate of: £24.75 per hour.

To apply for any of these posts, please send a CV along with a covering letter highlighting your expertise and suitability to: tracy.heywood@northumbria.ac.uk

Closing date: Monday 1st September 2008

WMDJ’s multimedia piece Voices is available to buy for the very first time.

With the exception of a two week exhibition at Middlesbrough’s Kitch-en Gallery in 2007, Voices has only been available to internet audiences until now. This 11 track DVD collection however, brings together all of the team’s work to date, with the odd never seen or heard before piece thrown in for good measure.

WMDJ is made up of three artists whose work and lives are firmly rooted in the North East: Tom Kelly (words/voice), Peter Dixon (photography) and Steve Thompson (soundscapes/music) collaborate virtually, using internet applications to evaluate and shape their ideas. The result is more human than technological though, and it’s quite original.

Kelly’s a prolific Gateshead-based poet and playwright with many writing credits to his name. Plays like Baby Love and I Left My Heart in Roker Park have made him a firm favourite with North East audiences. Peter Dixon’s a photographer from Jarrow with an unnatural desire to take photos of urban dereliction. Project producer Steve Thompson’s written songs for several recording artistes, including Sheena Easton, Elaine Paige and Celine Dion. He’s also produced records for himself and others and provides the soundscapes that build this evocative and moving multimedia piece. My favourite track is End or Beginning that has a (Gas-telephone-electricity) mantra that’s as infectious as any pop song I’ve heard lately.

Voices is available to buy for £10 including postage and packaging. For further information (and samples) click here

Over the next three years Northern Lights Film Festival will increase in size and significance. It’s outgrown its Northern European remit, and will expand to showcase the work of the most exciting new filmmakers from around the world. It will also continue to provide opportunities for the film industry, and it’s set to launch a raft of international awards for the first time.

In order to do this the festival team must grow, and NLFF is looking for an exceptional recent graduate to work as an Assistant on NLFF 2008, and to assist in the planning of NLFF 2009.

The post provides a fantastic opportunity for someone wanting to further their career in the cultural sector, particularly in film and exhibition events.

Responsible to the Festival Manager, duties for this full time position will include:
• Providing general administrative and clerical support to the festival
• Administrating the festival’s short film submission process
• Collating and co-ordinating guests’ visits to the festivals
• Attending meetings, and taking minutes at board meetings and other meetings as required
• Assisting in the coordination, scheduling and delivery of festival receptions and events
• Assisting the Marketing team with the production and distribution of publicity materials as required
• Support the team in fundraising and planning for NLFF 2009
• Organise and coordinate the documentation and evaluation for NLFF 2008

Location: Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
Tenure: Fixed Term Contract from 1 September 2008 – 28 August 2009
Salary: £14,000

For a full job description and application form, click here
Please note that this placement can only be given to a candidate who has graduated (undergraduate or postgraduate degree) within the last two years.

The five short animations commissioned for Northern Film & Media’s Animation Micro Movies scheme can now be viewed on the North East Movies website.

Animators and motion graphics artists were asked to incorporate NFM’s corporate identity into a one minute film. All five teams have responded in very different ways. Viewers are invited to vote for their favourite one.

Northern Film & Media offers funding to a wide range of media literacy projects in the region through its Social Impact Fund. The fund helps individuals and organisations engage with audiences and communities across the North East.

Applicants to Social Impact Funding streams must have a social impact as their primary focus.

For applications over £3,000 there are funding deadlines throughout the year. The 2008 funding deadines are:
• 30th July for the 24th September Panel
• 8th October for the 10th December Panel

For further information on this and other funding opportunities from NFM, click here

4Talent magazine is Channel 4’s bi-annual creative arts title which showcases up and coming artists right across the creative and media industries. It’s currently scouring the country for the UK’s most exciting young creative talent for the 4Talent Awards 2008.

The awards are split over a huge 20 categories which range from short documentary through to music, photography and animation.

The awards provide the unique opportunity for talented people to have their work judged by industry people who could be commissioning their work in the future. Winners will receive a trophy and a full-spread interview and photoshoot in the November issue of 4Talent magazine. There will also be a nationwide press push backed by Channel 4.

For more information click here

Following last year’s overwhelming response, Red Planet is calling for submissions to its second annual scriptwriting competition.

Budding writers are being asked to submit the first ten pages of a 60 minute pilot script with television series potential and include a one-page outline about the series.

This year’s winner will receive a £5000 cash prize, representation by a leading literary agency and a script commission from Red Planet Pictures, while runners up will have the opportunity to be mentored by the Red Planet team.

There are no guidelines or restrictions in terms of genre or subject, with the submission deadline being 30th September.

For further information click here

Based in the University of Teesside’s Phoenix Building, the Institute of Digital Innovation is seeking inspirational industry professionals to join a pool of mentors working with its DigitalCity Fellows.

They want to hear from passionate people from around the UK who can provide exceptional creative, technical and business support. They’re seeking experts in all aspects of the digital media and technology industries who have lots of energy and the desire to share their experiences with the talent of tomorrow.

One of the key components of the Fellowships scheme is that it assists project teams with the commercialisation of their IP. So they’re more than keen to hear from anyone with an industry background who can help these people take their ideas to market.

Professional mentors are offered flexible short term consultancy contracts, while having the opportunity to work with innovators in the creative and digital sectors.

To register your interest or for more information, contact Cheryl Evans, Project Manager on 01642 384 324 or Email: c.evans@idi-uk.org

For Further information on the IDI and the DigitalCity Fellowships scheme click here

March saw the launch of the eighth HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards, an annual search for the UK’s ‘most promising start-up businesses’.

The Awards are open to any fledging firms less than three years old which can prove their determination, dedication, creativity and business acumen. The ‘Start-Up Star 2008′ will be awarded £50,000, courtesy of HSBC.

The business who can best demonstrate that they are putting the environment at the top of their business agenda will be awarded the Green Award and receive a cheque for £5,000.

As official supporter of the Awards, Google will be offering £5,000 of AdWords and a visit to their London office as a prize to both the National Winner and the Green Award Winner. Each of the runners-up will receive £2,500 of AdWords.

Entry forms are available at this link or from HSBC branches. For further information, contact the Start-Up Stars office on 0800 085 3471.

The Guiding Lights Mentoring Scheme is aimed at up-and-coming filmmakers with at least two years experience.

The 12 month programme matches emerging film professionals with some of the biggest names in the UK film business. It’s open to directors, producers, writers, cinematographers who want to break into the film industry.

Successful applicants will benefit from 12 months of one-to-one mentor support from the best in the business, alongside additional industry training and networking events.

Find out more here

The BBC is currently working on the new series of Dragons’ Den and is looking for ideas, inventions or products with serious business potential that are investment ready and require funding.

While it’s a challenging place to pitch, Dragons’ Den offers a genuine business opportunity to secure investment. In the most recent series, 15 entrepreneurs received offers of investment in the Den, and plenty more have gone on to find success even without the backing of the dragons.

Entrepreneurs wanting to apply can do so via email to dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or by visiting the website www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden

For further information contact the Charlotte Topliss on 0161 244 3717 or Email: Charlotte.Topliss@bbc.co.uk

A teaser trailer of a blockbuster action film made by North East filmmakers can be seen on-line.

The Tournament stars Robert Carlyle, Ving Rhames, Kelly Hu and Ian Somerhalder. It was created by Jonathan Frank and Nick Rowntree while at the University of Teesside, and is directed by former Cleveland College of Art & Design student Scott Mann.

The film was shot in Bulgaria and Tyneside last year and while a release date has yet to be confirmed, it is thought that it should be hitting the big screen towards the end of the year.

To view the trailer click on the You Tube link above.

ismymusic.com is a web-based service which enables unsigned bands to sell and promote their music directly to mobile phone audiences.

Founded by Dirk Kok - a sound engineer who worked in the music industry for 15 years - it’s aimed at the bands, innovative musicians and hard-working promoters who often struggle to get recognition or a return on their investment

Based in Sunderland and part funded by Codeworks, ismymusic.com offers local bands and artists the opportunity to improve their range of music selling and promoting themselves.

If you’re interested in distributing your music to new audiences, visit the ismymusic.com website

First Cut are currently on the look out for talented, up and coming directors who are ready to make the step up to directing their first 30 minute documentary for Channel 4.

Ideally they will be at senior AP/Location Director level, have non-network PD credits or have made short films or assisted on major projects. The subject matter is very open, but all the films must be both populist and innovative.

The films need to be kooky and quirky, looking at the underbelly of Britain and say something about how we live today. Successful films from last year’s strand included ‘Being Maxine Carr’ about women who have been mistaken for Maxine’s new identity; ‘In Search of Mr Average’ - finding the most average person in Britain and ‘Karaoke Soul’ which intercuts performances with gritty actuality in a northern town.

After an initial development period, a flat fee of £5000 will be available to each director of a commissioned film. The films need to be delivered by August and would be executive produced for Channel 4 by Blast! Films.

To regsiter your interest contact Susan Crook by email at: scrook@blastfilms.co.uk and include a CV.

For further information visit the First Cut website.

Creative services agency Open Water is looking for freelance designers (online/offline) and web developers to work on current projects for new clients.

While Open Water is based down south they are happy for their staff to work remotely. Designers will be proficient in the usual software and have experience of working on corporate communications with creative agencies to a high standard. Web developers should have general html/CSS knowledge and will be comfortable in php and .net.

For further details click here

Slider Productions have been commissioned by UK reggae star Pato Banton and soul legend Phil Joseph to produce a music promo video. They want to hear from talented animators interested in constructing an animated Pato to accompany the live Phil on the track which is called Cupid.

While this is a paid project, Slider are looking to enlist talented but not necessarily experienced people to work with them.

If you’re an animator and want to build your portfolio, help create some music magic and make a little money at the same time, Email: sliderproductions@hotmail.co.uk with some information about you and your skills.

The track Slider are producing the video for can be found at this link

Additional information on Pato Banton and Phil Joseph can be found at both of these links.

The Euroscript Screen Story Competition provides an opportunity for screenwriters to develop their scripts to a high, marketable standard through an intensive, creative and focussed script development programme.

Now in its 14th year, there’s a current call for submissions.

For more information and application details click here

Deadline: 31st March 2008

The impact of the growing digital industry in the region has led to the development of a new business awards. The North East Digital Awards have been designed to recognise and celebrate digital advancement within the North east in a unique and practical way.

They’ve been funded by One NorthEast and developed by The North East Regional Portal’s head of e-business Pascal Fintoni. The awards are showcasing the best of the region’s talent and not only celebrate the winners but reward everyone who is shortlisted by offering invaluable exposure on the official website

There are three broad categories which are: Digital Users, Digital Suppliers and Digital Innovators. With each of these divided into sub-categories there are over 30 different awards up for grabs.

The Digital Awards website is an interactive forum and social community for both visitors and awards participants. Once shortlisted, organisations will be able to update and maintain their own pages.

If you’re working in the digital technology industries in the North East and would like to be recognised for and tell others about your achievements, click here

The Jigsaw programme has been put together to help those working in the creative industries develop strong business skills.

The tailor made course consists of three hour long sessions over 10 weeks. The workshops are delivered by experts in subject areas such as law, finance, IT, marketing and PR, while legal and technical advice is available on an individual basis. Each expert has been recruited to ensure that they have a full understanding of the unique nature of the creative industries.

The Jigsaw Programme course is fully approved by Newcastle University. High profile creative role models from the University will be on hand to provide their personal perspectives and insights into the challenges and realities of running a creative business in each session.

For further details of the next Jigsaw programme dates, details of fees and how to apply, contact Joanna Berry on 0191 243 0840, or Email: joanna.berry@ncl.ac.uk

The Cultural and Creative Industries employ nearly two million people in the U.K - making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. However, women, the disabled and the BME (black and minority ethnic) community aren’t reflected fairly in the employment, ownership, company formation and wealth distribution of these industries.

It’s a fact that diverse organisations out-perform homogenous ones. For creative businesses to remain competitive, it is essential that they embrace diversity in all its forms, including better representation of minority groups at every level.

The i-Create website aims to address the current situation by providing a unique directory of talented creatives from different cultural industries. The site will help employers diversify their workforce and increase the number of BME, disabled and women professionals working in the industry. This will overcome the obstacles that employers have in finding talent, leading to a more representative workforce.

For further information click here

DigitalCity Innovation want to hear from games industry professionals interested in sharing their experiences with the next generation of games designers.

The successful person(s) will have a track record of developing computer games, have high production values and know exactly what it takes to succeed in the gaming industry.

They will provide one-to-one creative and business mentoring to game makers currently working on innovative projects through DigitalCity’s Fellowship Scheme.

For further information please contact Creative Director Marcus O’Keefe on: 01642 384 322 or Email: marcus@thedigitalcity.org

Writer, poet and literary archivist Trevor Teasdel has released his first album.

Entitled Trev Teasdel - From the Coventry Underground, it’s been released on the Gnome Label and is an anthology of over 30 years of material. It includes remixes of his myspace tunes and remastered versions of cassette demos he made in the the seventies and early eighties.

Originally from Coventry but now an adopted Teessider, Trevor wrote the words for the very first song Pete Waterman ever put music to. As a co-organiser of the Writers Cafe he’s one of the catalysts behind the thriving Teesside poetry scene. If you’d like to ‘try before you buy’ this album, have a listen to his stuff on his blog or the Writers Cafe site.

Tom Marshall’s short comedy bigboy_74 has scooped another film award. This time it took the top prize at the BBC New Film Makers Awards 2007.

Tom’s self-funded short which is about a suicidal guy who gets caught up in the seedy world of dogging, features Jo Hartley (Dead Man’s Shoes) and Harry Mett. It was shot just outside Middlesbrough on a budget of £300 and won the Thinksync Film Competition earlier this year.

bigboy_74 was one of ten films shortlisted from over 100 entries submitted to the annual competition. The announcement was made at an event in Bristol last week. As well as receiving a cash prize of £5,000, the film is to be screened on BBC3 next month.

Tom said: “Far too many shorts are serious. I thought it would be interesting to start a film as if it’s going to be a really depressing short about suicide and then flip it and have it about this ridiculous encounter based around dogging…”

It’s second time lucky for Tom. Last year he and fellow Cleveland College of Art & Design student Matt Rozdoba-Hallows narrowly missed out on the prize with their poignant film Daddy’s Girl. Matt formed part of the three man crew that worked on bigboy_74.

Tom is currently studying at the University of Teesside and is putting the finishing touches to a DigitalCity funded documentary project.

bigboy_74 is being screened on BBC3 on Friday 14th December at 9.40pm.

…But you can watch it on-line here if you can’t wait.

For further information click here

If you’re creating digital material but don’t quite have the cash to realise your vision, then Seagate have a proposition for you. Every month they’ll be selecting five Digital Creative Projects to each receive £1,000 plus a FreeAgent Go Data Mover. It doesn’t matter whether your piece of work is a short film, an animation, a piece of music or a documentary - just as long as it’s creative and digital.

If you have material you’d like to submit go to the Seagate website. Seagate will then send you an application form for you to complete.

North East Movies is the first ever film platform dedicated to filmmakers living and working in the North East.

Northern Film & Media’s new site allows filmmakers to upload and share their films and ideas with the wider world whilst viewing other peoples work. The material can be downloaded to a range of new media platforms including mobile phone, I-Pod and PSP. Comments can be posted and there’ll be regular competitions which will create a truly interactive experience.

To launch the new site, Northern Film & Media has uploaded films produced through the recent Micro Movies scheme. To check out this material or to post your own work, click here.

The Sponsors Club for Arts and Business are delivering a subsidised seminar where artists and members of arts and heritage organisations will learn more about and how to optimise success in the sponsorship process.

The seminar will include:
• An introduction to the Sponsors Club for Arts and Business and its role

• An introduction to arts sponsorship and how it is used by business

• A Five Point Plan for obtaining and developing sponsorship

• Developing packages for sponsorship, researching potential sponsors and writing proposals

• How to maximise your chances of success.

Read more! »

Students of Ormesby Comprehensive are working on a multi media exhibition to be launched in March 2008. The exhibition which will feature voices, music images and animation will run in the University of Teesside’s OCTORAMA.

The students will run a workshop at the BBC’s Open Centre in MIddlesbrough on November 21st to pitch their ideas to invited guests to encourage other schools and communities to contribute to the exhibition. The theme for the exhibition will be “Dreams” (wishes, hopes, aspirations) and the children hope their parents will visit the school to record their own voices to add to the soundscape.

The Octorama is a fourteen metre diameter art installation with eight large screens and eight independent sound sources running audio visual content (images, video, ambient soundscapes, voices, poems) and affords the visitor a totally immersive experience. The first outing of the Octorama was at the People And Place event in Eston, February 2003. Click here to see a video from that event.

(click to enlarge) Students study the model of the Octorama "how are we gonna build a 14 metre version of this guys?"	(click to enlarge) students work on their ideas for the exhibition.

If you would like to attend the presentation on the 21st November or are a digital artist, part of a school or community group, interested in submitting content for the exhibition, please contact Steve Thompson on 01642 01642 384 567 or Email: s.d.thompson@tees.ac.uk

The BBC are creating a database of groups and organisations whose members may benefit from receiving information about jobs, work experience, and training opportunities.

They will use this network to send out information on opportunities available at the BBC when they arise to members that sign up to it.

They advertise regularly and promote schemes and vacancies in a variety of creative areas, including:

• Television/film production (programme making)
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Technical and design services
• New media & technology
• Performing arts/theatre
• Music, radio or dj’ing
• Design (make up/set/costume or graphic design)

The BBC invites applications from anyone with a passion or interest in any of the above areas. They do not need to have completed a media related degree or course to apply.

If you, or any of your creative contacts would like to receive information on the BBC’s current schemes, vacancies and traineeships, complete this form to let them know what information they can provide you with.

Graduates for Business links graduates with the region’s small business community. The One NorthEast funded service is designed to help SMEs across the North East tap into the skills and ambition of recent graduates, while retaining the talent coming out of its Universities.

The initiative works across all sectors and has a track record of matching companies working in the digital media and creative industries with highly talented graduates. There are many incentives for both the company and the graduate:

From the employer’s point of view, GFB provides a free recruitment service via a team of dedicated placement officers who actively search for suitable candidates. Many of the businesses qualify for a subsidy of £70 per week for the first 15 weeks of employment.

For the graduate, it provides the opportunity to contribute to the development of an established company working in their area of expertise while earning a minimum salary of £14,000 per annum. The company benefits from the up-to-date specialist knowledge that the graduate brings to their business with 84% of placements leading to permanent positions.

For further information on the Graduates for Business intitiative contact the University of Teesside’s Graduate Placement Officer on: 01642 384 409 or Email: graduatesforbusiness@tees.ac.uk

DigitalCity Innovation are seeking a creative industries business development expert to work with them on a pioneering business project.

The University of Teesside based initiative is currently working with over 100 North East based creative businesses. Almost all of them have asked for practical sales mentoring which would increase their client base and turn over.

D.C are interested in hearing from anyone who has a track record of bringing in work for small businesses operating in the creative sector. The succesful person will know where the work is, where the tender and contract opportunities are and will be willing to diseminate that information through workshops, masterclasses and one-to-one meetings. These practical sessions could be tailored to specific industries (i.e filmmaking or graphic design) or be much broader in content.

To register your interest or for further information please contact Scott Watson on 01642 384 332 or Email: scott@thedigitalcity.org

Northern Cultural Skills Partnership works with creative and cultural practitioners throughout the North East region.

One of NCSP’s main aims is to link people working in the creative sector with professional development opportunities. They facilitate workshops for groups or organisations, manage resources for professional development and can subsidise mentoring, travel expenses and much, much more.

If you’re working in the North East cultural and creative industries and require help or support of any kind, it’s well worth contacting these people.

For further information call Cath Critchley on: 0191 233 3860 or visit the website

Middlesbrough-based filmmaker Tom Marshall scooped first prize at the recent ThinkSync Film competition.

The brief was to produce a short film which best incorporated one or more downloadable tracks from the Cacophony Music catalogue. A judging panel made up of luminaries from the film and music world, included Anton Corbijn, Lynn Faintchtein and Andrew Weatherall.

With Bigboy_74 - a hilarious comedy about a suicidal man who gets caught up in the world of dogging - Tom fought off stiff competition from international filmmakers. As well as being awarded a £1,000 cash prize, he’s been given free access to music from the Cacophony catalogue for his next production.

Tom is currently working on a DigitalCity Fellowship project with regular collaborator Matt Rozdoba-Hallows. The two former Cleveland College of Art & Design students were nominated for BBC’s New Filmmaker Award in 2006 for their film Daddy’s Girl which was shot in Teesside.

bigboy_74 can be viewed on the Thinksync website, while you can watch Daddy’s Girl here

N-Star is an innovative new fund which has been established to support and develop the region’s design and creative industry sector.

The creative industries are thriving at the moment and are the fastest growing part of the UK economy. The Design and Creative Fund aims to develop and progress early stage ideas into attractive business prospects, with up to £60,000 available per project.

So, if you’re working in music, publishing, games development, the performing arts or visual arts this could be the fund for you.

N-Star funds one-off projects also so it will be of particular interest to filmmakers and fine artists.

For further information on N-Star funding click here

If you’re wanting to work in an industry as competitive as film or television you’ll need to develop skills of the highest level. Cleveland College of Art & Design’s Foundation Degree in TV & Film Production is one of the film & TV courses currently available to aspiring filmmakers.

In its four years it has consistently turned out highly talented industry ready professionals. Former student Michael Hunt is one. He worked with Martin Scorsese on Gangs of New York and is making movies around the world. Jonathan Frank, Nick Rowntree and Scott Mann are another example. They’re currently shooting a £2.5 million budget movie of their own in Bulgaria. Produced by Dog Soldiers Keith Bell, The Tournament features a cast which includes Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction) and Sebastian Foucon (Casino Royale).

The FDA course is sponsored by the likes of as Kodak, Arri GB, Cineworld and broadcast Partner Propeller TV. These industry links offer its students a good route into film awards and festivals. In 2006 first year students Tom Marshall and Matt Rozdoba-Hallows’ short film Daddy’s Girl was short listed for the BBC 3 New Talent Competition, shown at the ‘Brief Encounters’ festival and broadcast on BBC3.

The programme provides an exciting learning experience and is delivered by a team of specialists and industry contributors. Working on both 16mm film and digital video (including HD), the output of the course is varied, highly creative and to broadcast standard.

The course is available on a full or part-time basis. For more information or to apply for this course, please contact Programme Leader Diane Scott on: 01642 288000 or email: Diane.Scott@ccad.ac.uk

A new IPTV broadcast platform is seeking programme content aimed at the 16 - 30 year old target audience. It’s interested in hearing from you if you have a concept, script or a fully completed project which is ready to air but without a current distribution or broadcast deal.

All genres will be considered but particularly comedy, game shows, action sports, high quality drama, history and documentary.

For more details click here

The Tees Valley Community Radio and TV portal can be found at this link. While it's still in it's infancy, there has been a great deal of interest over the past few weeks.

When you access the website you will see a number of 'Channels' on the left hand side of the screen which represent the groups, projects and individuals broadcasting on the TVCM portal. More channels are expected to be added in the coming weeks.

The three main Tees Valley webcast events are represented on the site also. You can go to an individual channel and look/listen or subscribe to it's podcast feed. Or in the centre of the page is an amalgamation of all of the channels. If you subscribe to this feed you will get all of the channels as new content is produced.

A parallel project was started during last month's Adult Learners' Week which explored Media Literacy. The exercise was based on three 'Internet radio' workshops which were delivered in collaboration with Hope Foundation in Middlesbrough, residents of the village of Margrove Park and Destinations UK online centre in Saltburn.

The whole project was a collaboration between NIACE and University of Teesside Department of Academic Enterprise (Community Media).
Further details can be found here where you can hear participants interviewing and being interviewed about the skills they had learned. A full report will be published at the end of this month.

Work continues to be uploaded to the Collaborative Creatives site as mentioned on last week's Blogzene.

But if this is site is going to be the fantastic resource that Tees Valley Community Media hopes it's going to be, it needs lots more material!

It may sound ambitious but the vision is to turn the website into a comprehensive database of creative materials which is unlike anything elsewhere on the internet. With the talent and skills in this region, it is completely possible but everyone needs to be involved.

So, if you're working in the creative industries at any level and have unfinished or unused material (such as poems, images, scripts, photographs, music or film) why not upload it to the site and collaborate with creatives in and outside of our region?

It follows the principles of Creative Commons licensing which means that any work uploaded remains the property of the originator who can also stipulate how it may be used.

To upload and collaborate click here

Four young children all aged 7 from Crook in County Durham will be keeping a video diary which can been seen HERE They are travelling to Tampere in Finland to attend the film festival VIDEOTIVOLI to represent, and be ambassadors for a film, they made in October half term 2006 with community filmmakers from Jack Drum Arts. The film project was initiated through Jack Drum Arts via it's drama and media-makers clubs for children and young people in Wear Valley and funded by County Durham Children's Fund.

Read more! »

Want to keep up to date with all of the latest happenings on the arts scene in the Tees Valley?

Then visit the Map website which promotes creative practice throughout Teesside and beyond. The organisation runs regular networking events which feature guest speakers from around the region.

You can subscribe to the site so you'll be kept informed of any events, exhibitions or activities taking place in the area.

Filmaka.com was set up by Depak Nayar (Buena Vista Social Club and Bend it like Beckham) in order to find and develop talented amateur filmmakers.

Aware that there is a wealth of talent that is never seen by anyone with any authority, he has assembled a jury of 16 industry professionals: Paul Shrader (Taxi Driver etc), Neil Labute (Wicker Man), Zack Penn (X-Men), John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), Werner Herzog (The Grizzly Man), Laura Bickford (Traffic), and nine more.

Through the medium of a bi-monthly competition the Jury will post written comments on each uploaded film. The best 15 films that fortnight each receive $500 and another $1000 to go and make another 1-3 minute short. The possibilities are endless and if the Jury likes a specific concept enough they could provide the filmmaker with a larger sum of money to develop the idea further.

If you're a filmmaking fanatic get involved in this project as soon as possible.

Get Shooting and check out the website. For more info email Chris on ramsay@filmaka.com

Somethin' Else productions is making a half hour show called MyTV:Homegrown for Trouble TV (Sky 201, Telewest and NTL 140). The show is broadcast every Friday at 11pm and is then repeated every Sunday at 9pm and 12am, then again on Monday at midnight.

They're creating a TV series which is 100% generated by individual video artists and creative people from all over the world.

It's loaded with short films from different contributors - some of which are 30 seconds and some that are three minutes long. There are also graphic animations and shorter interstitials.

The show is five weeks into a 25 week run and they're on the look out for creative people with attention grabbing videos. They can cover pretty much any genre such as spoofs, diaries, animations, shorts and music videos.

Want to submit some of your work?

Read more! »

Middlesbrough-based jazz ensemble Stolen Standards are rehearsing new material and have recorded their interpretations of Antonio Carlos Jobim's How Insensitive, John Coltrane's Blue Train and Charlie Parker's Yardbird Suite for a four track CD.

Pick of the bunch is their version of the Bacharach & David classic Alfie. To hear it click here

Having recently recruited vocalist Claire Arbon, Stolen Standards will be gigging early in the new year. If you like what you hear why not book them for one of your events? Email: claire.arbon@tees.ac.uk

Are you a new film maker who can tell stories in a visually exciting and entertaining way? BBC Three is looking for short films from aspiring directors of all ages, backgrounds and artistic styles which will appeal to the channel's audience and complement its cutting edge content.

For more information click here

Keith Moss continues to prove that it's talent and not location that ensures your work is seen around the world.

The East Cleveland based photographer was recently approached by London's Saatchi Gallery to participate in their new on-line exhibition space.

The Gallery, famed for showcasing work by international artists such as Damien Hirst, Franz Ackermann and Dirk Skreber, has invited Keith to participate in their latest venture, having been impressed with his variety of techniques and in particular his black and white fine art photography.

Your Gallery is a new web resource allowing selected artists to display some of their work through the Saatchi Gallery site and raise their profile around the world.

Having relocated to Brotton from West Yorkshire, Keith is already recognised as a talented landscape, seascape and abstract photographer with his work highly collectable and sought after around the world. He currently runs his own gallery in Brotton.

For further information on Keith Moss click here

Fancy yourself as the next Scorsese or Hitchcock?
Satellite channel Turner Classic Movies in collaboration with Times bfi London Film Festival, has started this year's search for the filmmakers of the future through the TCM Classic Shorts competition. There's

More from the talented group who attended the recent Digital Discovery course at Skinningrove Riverside. This time it

Following its world premier on Blogzene recently, Vib Gyor's debut single Fallen has been enjoying airplay on national radio. The song's already been played twice by Zane Lowe this week, while Phil Jupitus has been opening his breakfast show with it on BBC6.

The band are appealing for all Blogzene readers to email these people to make the track, which is out on 17th July, a permanent fixture on their playlists. And if you really like it, why not email Jo Whiley, Colin & Edith and Steve Harris at Virgin?

Contact details below:
Zane Lowe: zane.lowe@bbc.co.uk
Phil Jupitus: http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/phill_jupitus/
Jo Whiley: jo.whiley@bbc.co.uk
Colin & Edith: colinandedith@bbc.co.uk
Steve Harris: Steve.harris@virginradio.co.uk

Click here to listen to a clip of the track

Forget Hollywood. We have more work for you to look at from the filmmaking hotspot that is Skinningrove.

This week it

The June edition of the RTS North East & The Border Centre's monthly newsletter is now available to download from the RTS website.

Trailers is aimed at everyone involved in the region

The World Cup starts this week but the question is will star striker Wayne Rooney make it?

A group of football mad animators from Skinningrove have recreated the moment 'Roonaldo' broke his metatarsel in the appropriately titled Rooney's Foot. They produced the film while on the recent DigitalCity and University of Teesside funded Digital Discovery course using a blow football table, digital camera, open source software and a piece of cotton.

To watch the animation click here.

Architecture Week starts on the 16th of June and there's a whole host of events happening in the region. Visit the website to create your itinerary for the week or contact Northern Architecture for a brochure.

In the final part of the Brain Candy series Northern Architecture's attention has shifted to the places people most enjoy spending their spare time. In the previous polls Durham Cathedral was voted the region's building that 'most makes your stomach wobbly with joy' while Billingham Forum came second in the poll for 'buildings that turn your stomach with distaste'!

Now they want to know where in the region you love to be to watch the world go by...and why!

To join the debate, email your answers to the following questions to kate at: info@northernarchitecture.com

1) Where do you like watching the world go by?
2) Is it a park bench, monument, building...

To review results for Brain candy Parts 1 & 2 click here

RTS Award-winning Producer Siobhan Fenton, has joined up with Middlesbrough's Seed Animation. Along with Clive Tonge, Siobhan led the production team that created the fantastic Emily & The Babayaga.

Seed are currently putting the finishing touches to My Daddy, a five minute short based on the children's book written by Bob the Builder creator Curtis Jobling. They're working to the storyboards of Picasso Pictures' Ian Culbard and using Mike Thomas to recreate the painterly feel that was produced by Curtis' pre-production artwork. The film is being funded by Northern Film & Media and is set to be completed in the summer before (hopefully) storming the animation festivals.

For further information on Seed Animation click here

After supporting Goldfrapp at Manchester's Ritz recently, Leeds based five piece Vibgyor are set to release their debut single Fallen.

The 17th July release coincides with a national tour which will take them to Stockton's Georgian Theatre on 8th July and Newcastle's Cooperage on the 17th.

They've been described as 'having the intensity of Radiohead and a sound like a heavenly hybrid of Coldplay and Sigor Ros'. They remind me of a band called Marion who supported Morrissey in the mid nineties and are well worth a listen.

To hear a clip of 'Fallen' click here

For further information on Vibgyor click here

Elizabeth Tweddell and her husband George Markham Tweddell enjoyed a modest fame in the north east during the second half of the 19th Century.

Elizabeth is particularly admired for the sensitive way her poems caught the speech of local people and expressed their daily concerns in her dialect poetry (Cum stay 't hame teneet). George left two legacies, in the first for the way he encouraged 18th and 19th century North Country writers by publishing their work and thus preserving it for posterity, and in the second as an assiduous local historian...

Paul Tweddell, a descendent of the renowned Teesside literary figures, has put together a fascinating read on his ancestors at Tees Valley Communities Online. To read these articles click here.

Glass Orange Poems is a new poetry magazine edited by Ann Wainwright and Trevor Teasdel.

The team are currently seeking submissions from poets, writers, photographers and fine artists/designers.

For further information or to submit your work please email: glassorangepoems@aol.com

Darlington based NE Representation are looking for models and TV and film extras.

Due to the variety of their work they're looking for people of all shapes, sizes and ages for a range of exciting fashion, advertising, film and TV projects.

Registration to NE Representation is FREE. Simply fill in the on-line application form and attach a picture.

For further information please contact Theresa Stinson, Commercial Manager on 01325 488404.

Check out the BBC Jobs Portal for the latest media vacancies at the Beeb. There are opportunities throughout the UK.

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