Media
Published: May 11, 2010 @ 20:51
A Night of Celebrating Birmingham’s Creative Talent
Last night (May 10, 2010) creative talents across Birmingham came together and celebrated one another’s work with the help of Media Talent Bank. The event was put on to give the members of the Talent Bank an offline platform, and a much needed opportunity to display their work to the right kind of people.
The event was a huge success, held at the Studio Venue’s in the city centre with a range of talent on show from jewellery, photography, animation, short films and graphic illustration work. The crowds were buzzing in and around the exhibitions, networking with the range of students, graduates and freelancers who were showcasing their work.
The event attracted the likes of CBSO, Johnny Casio Design, Katie Bard Recruitment and many others, who interacted with many of the exhibitors and their work, including the premier of Mucky Duck Media’s short film. The producer, Alex Carruthers, commented on the benefit of a night like this to them:
“It was a really great night with a lovely collection of creatives creating a brilliant atmosphere. It was also great to see it on the big screen in a proper professional context to really see it at its best. We made some great contacts that will hopefully lead to some collaborations in the future, we look forward to attending more Media Talent Bank events like this one!”
The event also proved to be a huge success for the photographers, including Richard Battye who also commented on the evenings success:
“Great venue, well planned. Met some good people both exhibitors and visitors. Made some good contacts and have a couple of jobs to quote on from meeting people there and have made a sale.”
Third year media students, Jennifer Isles, Sarah Stevenson, Jaime Futers and Alex Jones from Birmingham City University have been in charge of the project, successfully raising the profile of Media Talent Bank over the last few months running workshops and urging Birmingham’s creatives and members to re-activate the site.
Jennifer Isles said:
“The biggest challenge with the site has been finding a solid purpose for it in Birmingham and we have found bringing it offline with event’s like last night is the best way for everyone to work together in nurturing Birmingham’s creative talent and most importantly, keeping it here!”
Media Talent Bank is a website directory, where members upload their work and profiles and can use it as a virtual CV for employers and clients, it is also a social network for the members to scout for each other’s talent and form collaborations.
For more information on the night’s events and to find out more information about Media Talent Bank and how you can be involved, visit the website: Media Talent Bank or follow on Twitter: @mediatalentbank
Published: May 3, 2010 @19:32
Media Exhibition and Networking Event
Looking to network with some of Birmingham’s best creative minds? Local creative industries organisation, Media Talent Bank, is set to launch the first of many networking events this month.
Taking over Orange Studios on May 10th, the event gives students the chance to mingle with the media experts of the city and increase their contact database.
With exhibitors ranging from animators to illustrators, to jewellery designers and photographers, the evening aims to attract a variety of creative minds.
Open from 6.30pm on Monday May 10, the event is free to attend to all in the Birmingham area.
Date: 10th May 2010
Time: From 6.30pm
Location: Orange Studios (See map for directions).
View Larger Map
For more information on exhibitors and future Media Talent Bank events click here.
Published: Apr 30, 2010 @ 19:53
Student gives Media Talent Bank thumbs up
Local business, Media Talent Bank, held the first of many workshops last month, aimed at educating students with the skills and attitudes needed to survive in the media industry.
After attending the social media focussed workshop, Birmingham City University student, Jade Dale, told The Grade she felt the course had not only equipped her with many newly acquired online skills, but had opened up possible jobs opportunities after graduation.
“After speaking to Nicky Getgood, from ‘Talk about local’, I explained my interest in local radio and we just got chatting.
“I’m meeting her next week for a coffee because she’s wants to do some ‘pub’ casts in Digbeth for the Digbeth is Good site. We’re sort of swapping skills because I’ve got the skills in radio to train her, so there’s some sort of future career prospects.”
The Media Talent Bank workshops, held at Birmingham City University, were received well, with local online guru, Pete Ashton, talking through critical aspects of social media.
“The workshops were good because the speakers weren’t just talking at you; it was more of a discussion. We were put into two groups and assigned three or four specialists so we could have one on one question time with them,” Jade explained.
Although specialising in social media last month, the workshops hope to rotate through different aspects of the media industry. Jade’s quest to understand the world of online promotion and social networking proved successful, yet she added:
“I do still think there’s more to learn, social media skills are always changing so I will keep trying”.
For more information on upcoming workshops visit the Media Talent Bank website or view our previous posts.
Published: Apr 23, 2010 @ 14:01
Media Talent Bank Makeover
Birmingham based creative industries organisation, Media Talent Bank, has taken a fresh look on its business strategy this month, launching the first of many workshops designed to help up and coming artistic talents.
Previously the organisation offered an online platform for creative talents to network and showcase their work, however, with the help of Trinket Creative, the Talent Bank is able to advertise its services amongst students through a series of specialist workshops.
The first workshop focused on social media, teaching students the value of online media and how they can be used in the creative industry. With several guest speakers commenting on online advantages and techniques, the workshops offered students an insight into the world of social media.
Local social media guru, Pete Ashton, spoke of his experience with online applications and networking sites, explaining how to use them to promote yourself and the success he has had to date.
The workshops were not the only form of regeneration for Media Talent Bank. Having been adopted by local PR consultancy firm, Trinket Creative, the Talent Bank website has undergone some drastic changes with more scheduled next month (May).
Now hosting a regularly updated blog, the site has proved more active and beneficial to users. Notifying local students, graduates and employers from the creative industry of upcoming events, work experience placements and job vacancies, the site is hoping to offer further services by the end of 2010.
With an official re-launch of the site taking place on May 10, 2010 at the Orange Studios, Birmingham, students and employers alike are being asked to attend the creative talent networking evening.
To keep up to speed with all of Media Talent Banks upcoming events follow them on Twitter: @mediatalentbank and Trinket Creative @trinketcreative.
Published: Apr 12, 2010 @ 18:23
Creative industry networking event on the horizon
The Grade is pleased to announce its attendance at the upcoming Horizon Networking Event.
The Horizon Networking Event will take centre stage next week (Tuesday April 20) at Birmingham City University, providing students with the opportunity to network with some of the best creative businesses in the city.
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” according to creative consultancy firm, 2B1 Communications.
Held throughout the entire day, the event will host a variety of performances and workshops from some of the most talent individuals in Birmingham. Emma Mendez, founder of the Anyone Can Sing Vocal Academy, will take to the stage before opening free vocal workshops at 11am and 1pm.
Hosted by 2B1 Communications, the event hopes to encourage students to take advantage of the contacts and people known to them in the creative sector.
World-renowned motivational speaker, Donald Brown, is set to talk about his community empowerment project, “The Struggle for Change,” in an attempt to generate enthusiasm and inspiration amongst students.
Birmingham City University’s own student support groups, Screen Media Lab and BSeen, will also be present.
Date: Tuesday 20th April 2010
Location: City North Campus, Baker Building, Baker Hall
Time: 10.30am-4.30pm
Published: Mar 28, 2010 @ 19:06
Rewired PR – uncovered
Birmingham is fast becoming one of the most recognised creative cities in the United Kingdom.
As more talent spotting campaigns are launched, the city’s reputation is on the rise so why look for work elsewhere?
Rewired PR forms one of the many marketing consultancy firms within Birmingham, yet its active involvement in graduate schemes and internships places it miles above the rest.
Samantha Dowling graduated with an English Literature Degree from Loughborough University, but now works within the Rewired family as the PR and Events Executive.
Sam’s first hand experience in the world of press relations has given her a unique insight into a side of Birmingham unknown to many, from direct involvement in the Royal Television Society Awards to graduate schemes including the B-Hive competition and Graduate Apprentice.
“I’ve always been involved in the media industry in one way or another. After graduating from university I set up my own company where I was responsible for the entire PR, Marketing, Advertising and Media campaigns which I really enjoyed and quickly realised this was where my passion lay,” she said.
Sam has since joined the Rewired team where she has had an active role in some great campaigns.
“One of the great things about working in Pr is its diversity. Since joining Rewired I’ve been able to work on a great mix of fantastic projects.”
Rewired’s active role in both student and graduate schemes has made it renowned through the city’s younger generations. Winner of the Outstanding Small Consultancy Gold Award from the CIPR Pride Midlands Awards in 2009, Rewired proves to be an employer of choice for its popularity and continuing success.
“Rewired doesn’t offer any specified training schemes, but as a small company graduates who do join us benefit from working really closely alongside the existing team and getting hands on with client work from day one.
“A degree is valued, particularly if it demonstrates that the graduate has good communication, research and written skills. We receive so many CVs for positions that having a degree and strong A-Level results is generally one of the first filters for selecting candidates,” Sam explains.
However, a degree simply isn’t enough in this day and age.
“Candidates need to show that they have a genuine interest in the media, our specialist sectors. Work experience not only shows that you have gained some real-world experience, but that you are also prepared to invest in your own development to secure a good job,” Sam adds.
Published: Mar 18, 2010 @ 20:56
The BBC wants your creations
If you’re one of those creative types then you could be just what the BBC are looking for in their 2010 Production Trainee Scheme
Every year the BBC recruits 12 of the UK’s most creative people to join their production team and reach their full potential.
BBC Recruitment Manager, Phillip Thomas, has been on hand to fill us in on exactly what he will be looking for in this year’s candidates…
“You need to have passion, for both the media industry and the jobs you’ll be doing. We want people who have given up their time to write for a university magazine or to work in a hospital radio, all the things you do when you’re passionate about the media.”
This year the BBC expects to receive up to 2000 applications, from which Phillip will have to select 70 to attend an assessment day, so the quality of your application is vital.
Phillip recommends spending a couple of days perfecting the application and with the 29th March deadline vastly approaching, you had better get your skates on.
If you are lucky enough to reach the assessment centre, then be ready to express your creative side and show them what you’ve got.
Phillip stresses the importance of original ideas, audience awareness and working well with others if you want to reach the final interview stage.
If you never want to leave your home town, work long hours or travel with your work then this may not be the position for you. You must be flexible and willing to work anywhere in the country, including Birmingham!
The rewards and on-the-job training you will receive will far outweigh any upheaval.
Those that land one of the 12 positions will be given an 18 month contract, where they will spend their time equally amongst four departments.
Each trainee will train in radio, television and online media. After experiencing all three departments, everyone will be allowed the opportunity to go back their strongest role and gain more job training in that department.
In the past trainees have worked on the television sets for Eastenders and Casualty. They have also been involved in the production of Radio One and Radio Two shows.
The Production Trainee Scheme has seen many people reach success. Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General started on the scheme himself, which just goes to show the opportunities that come with this scheme.
After 18 months on the job, it is hoped that you will have found your strengths in production and will be ready to progress to the next stage of actually doing the job full time.
The scheme is open to anyone, including graduates. Phillip explains how the BBC is a diverse team that encourages anyone who is creative to apply.
There is no guarantee of a job at the end of your contract, however previously the BBC has gone on to employ 90% of the trainees.
The BBC launches other schemes throughout the year, so if the production route is not for you then keep your eye on the BBC website for more opportunities.
Published: Mar 13, 2010 @ 16:11
Break into radio
Getting in to radio sounds tougher than ever as the recession digs its heels in once more. As more graduates join the never ending queue at the local job centre, how do you make yourself stand out?
“All I can say is you just need to get in there and get your foot in the door,” says radio presenter Emma Scott.
Heart FM presenter, Emma Scott, sat down with The Grade to explain how she made her entrance into the world of radio.Not knowing which direction to take at the innocent age of 15, Emma found herself enrolled on a radio training course at Bedford College.
“I was 16, hated school, didn’t like doing any work and was rubbish at exams. I knew I didn’t want to do a normal job so basically went into the radio as something to do.
“I liked it, loved it in fact, but didn’t every think there would ever be a job.”
Moving on to a two year training scheme at her local radio station, Emma soon showed her potential pestering her bosses with new demo tapes every week.
“I’d do my normal shift of 9 to 5.30 as a Station Assistant. After I finished my normal job I went in and pretended to be a DJ.
“I was probably diabolical because I didn’t know what I was doing, I was only a little girl, but I recorded them, edited all the music out and give them to my bosses to listen, pleading with them every week to listen”.
In any media industry, work experience is essential. By illustrating the desire and dedication to work in the industry employers are able to see what skills and attributes you, as an individual, can bring to the role.Emma was given her first air time on the Travel News and has since moved to 19 different stations, including Kerrang and now, 22 years later, finds herself on the breakfast show of Heart FM.It’s not enough just to have a Media and Communications degree.
“A friend of mine did a degree in Engineering and now works on the radio, she loved the radio side she still does it now 20 years later,” Emma said.
Of course no job is without its negatives. Emma warns of constantly changing hands of radio stations. New bosses take over the station, wishing to make their mark, often changing presenters, time slots, shows and axing acts.However, it’s not all bad.
“My favourite experience happened at the Kerrang Awards in 2005, when I ran after Dave Grohl.
“I chased him around the whole building up and down stairs, I cringed now but it was fun at the time. I eventually shouted out “Dave” and he turned round.
“I had interviewed him, I wasn’t a complete psycho, but it was via ISDN so I didn’t see him and he didn’t see me.
“As he turned around and I shouted “I’m the wench,” as that’s my nickname, and he replied “oh you’re the wench,” came over, shook my hand and we had a photo.
“I went back to the press room and danced around the whole room like an aeroplane shouting “I’ve just met Dave Grohl” I must have looked like an idiot, I’m 35 years old, he’s 40 years old, he’s just doing his job, I’m just doing mine, but I got so excited but it just made me think it’s not all bad.”
Emma is set to host her own radio school with details to follow, but visit her blog for more information.
Published: Feb 19, 2010 @ 15.13
High demand for young journalists
- Sue Heseltine, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Birmingham City University
“Media organisations are calling out for highly skilled, creative and eager graduates who come with innovative ideas”,
says Sue Heseltine, who is currently the head of Media and Communication at Birmingham City University.
Sue’s career as a journalist started at her local newspaper, the Craven Herald and Pioneer in 1981. During her 30 years in the industry a lot has changed and journalists have had to adapt their roles to meet the standards required by the ever developing world of the media.
With the world’s news at your finger tips, we as consumers are able to get all the stories we want.
Great for news lovers but not so good as news producers. If you are studying for a media degree, you are probably wondering where your skills fit and how media companies are making money to pay your wages.
Sue Heseltine explained how the changes started in the newsroom, from reporters ripping their stories off the latest edition in typewriter technology to the daily drinking ritual at the local pub.
“Things have changed dramatically, there is a lot more pressure on young people to meet more deadlines and produce more editions of one article. Newspapers want lots of stories but work with fewer staff; they barely leave the office anymore.”
With the social side of journalism rapidly decreasing it is clear to see that an understanding of modern technology is vital in for any media employee. Sue explained how popular media courses aim to adapt with the industry so that students leave with the vital skills they need to get a job.
“We are very lucky at Birmingham City University, our lecturers are very skilled in what they do which should put our students at an advantage when they leave. There is a lot more demand on graduates to have the necessary knowledge.”
There seems to be a lot of pressure on graduates to have all the latest skills when finding a job, but how can we make sure we get the position against other professionals. “What is the best advice you could give someone applying for a job in any part of the media?” I asked Sue.
“It sounds very basic but employers want people who have good ideas, a willingness to learn and can make them money.”
In this business, competition is high and sometimes “you have to be willing to sell yourself and your skills to get where you want to be”, explains Sue.
As well as being able to sell yourself, Sue stressed that you must be willing to put in your own time to get to where you want to be.
“Don’t give up on the first try; I phoned my first newspaper lots of times with ideas for stories and leads before I was offered any work. A lot of the time simple tactics like that still work. Show them you are eager.”
Sue stressed the importance of preparation, a portfolio will speak for itself so be ready to show them something more. Consider the questions you might be asked. Practise your answers and approach all potential employers in professional way. Be confident but not arrogant and apply for the roles that are best suited to the skills you have to offer.
