Thought Den were invited down again to Bournemouth University last week to run a professional studies day to second year Interactive Multimedia, Script Writing and Film Production students. So we packed our buckets, spades and a condensed version of our Thought Den Industry Day workshop and headed to the seaside. With Ben being away in San Fran, Helen (that’s me) developed the session with Dan, adding my unique insight into multi platform production into the Industry Day package.

The Industry Day was part of the students Professional Studies module, the aim of which was an introduction to the processes involved with producing content for the current market. With this vast subject in mind, we chose to include reflections on current market trends, ethics, legal issues, pitching, production roles, career routes and brainstorming methods. Opening with a ‘Pop Quiz’ to assertain the student’s understanding of terms used in current media production (and to make sure everyone was awake), we were able to focus on areas in which they were less knowledgable later on in the day. The day ended with the students developing ideas to pitch for the Bournemouth University student television channel, ‘BUStation‘ using the techniques that we had shared with them.

In addition to our professional commitments, there was also the important task of getting fish and chips to eat down by the sea, however, with autum starting to show signs of arriving, a walk along the beach…on the way to a nice pub (http://www.sixtymillionpostcards.com/) which served fish and chips (with mushy peas, thank you) was chosen instead.

Contact us if you are looking for help with external lecturers for a Professional studies modules or similar. Places with a good reputation for fish, chips and mushy peas will be given priority…

]]> http://www.thoughtden.co.uk/blog/2010/10/thought-den-industry-day/feed/ 0 http://www.thoughtden.co.uk/blog/2009/03/thought-den-at-the-media-innovation-awards/ http://www.thoughtden.co.uk/blog/2009/03/thought-den-at-the-media-innovation-awards/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:58:57 +0000 Dan Course http://www.thoughtden.co.uk/blog/?p=258 Know anyone invited to go to the MIA awards and win something? We do, us! The Pervasive Media Studio, where we’re currently residents, scooped the ‘outstanding contribution to innovation’ award.

The sexy awards night showcases the best in the South West’s talent through a wide spectrum of Media categories.

I found some of the best pieces were, Scayrecrow a dark and twisted animation that scared the cr*p out of me in the screening.

Moose Hunt, which let loose ripples of giggling from all tables as Simon from Simon Games meandered through the New forest with nothing but a moose costume on….

Finally, we were honored to be the guests for the University of the West of England‘s table, red-wine included. It’s was very warming to see all their School of Art, Media and Design staff talking so passionately about their job roles. Lots of chatting about how they’re making their MA the best, discussions about maximizing students employability and the direction of their courses. Even better however is how much fun they all are, comments about ‘interesting’ Satin dresses, the 2 course Dean and school photos… What goes on tour, stays on tour.

Let’s see what Thought Den can win on their own next year!

Interactive Youtube – Ben is clearly a better magician

It’s seems Youtube is taking the next step in video being more than ‘just watchable’. Videos are now supporting a new feature, ‘annotations’ which allow a publisher to add interactive commentary to their work, eg, little hotspots which can link to anything, “click here & goto our site”.

So far it just looks like little gray boxes that slightly get in the way of what you’re watching. But, I’m excited to see what people will start doing with it for fun, also to see if any other vendors will start mucking around with new interactions in their players maybe layered animations? But, to be honest, it’s something we’ve all seen before in the South West and Coull make their money out of it!

The success of the new player will be interesting, I wonder if it’s going to follow the same route as Interactive Story DVDs, anyone remember Final Destination 4? It didn’t really hit the papers with it’s “choose their fate” selectors and gory promises. But I suppose the Youtube audience is a lot younger and open to trying out new things so who knows, it could become a fun way for telling a story.

So here’s a few Viral Campaigns we’d like to run at Thought Den now…

• Anne Summers (not with the Wii this time)
• Lynx
• Dungeons and Dragons, “will you attack the beast (goto video 4) or will you use your sword of many omens (goto video 9)”
• Final Destination 5…

Become a 3GP avatar

Tech-crunch blogged about Beema, who’ve released a new platform (in beta) that allows users to generate 3D speaking avatars with only a phone call.

[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fb1rRm4vTF8[/youtube]

You phone the number, register, pick an avatar then leave a message. That’s then converted into a 3GP with a lip synched avatar and sent in an SMS to your phone. You can pass the message around or text it onto your friend if you fancy scaring them a bit. Sounds like it could be fun or real good use for leaving ransom notes.

Leaky phones

Look, pictures of the new iPhone! Nuff’ said.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgYwTELj-fs[/youtube]

For us it’s all about having the open spaces, greenery, no tube stations, no shoulder-to-shoulder grinding with suited monkeys and always having really amazing experiences for your weekends! For us in Bristol, we barely have to leave as there’s so much here like Cycle trails, Mr Wolfs, singing, the downs and the Suspension Bridge (good with champagne, strawberries and a girl!). Also, if a calling does come, we can drive/train it and within a few hours we’re in Devon & then Cornwall. Lurrrvly’.

Anyway back to the film, it really parallels what it’s like to be here in the SW, there’s the environment for us to be free/open and let our creative juices splurt onto all our projects. Work-wise as Rubber said, “many others hold the same belief and have also come to work here, a significant amount of the best creative work in the UK now comes out of the South West“; it’s the best place for Thought Den to be.

The community here is just so damned great too, every week we’re meeting with the other companies for a chat and free drinks, people know people who do things, every resource is covered. What more do you need life, work & fun!

Check out the vid. that sparked my gooey post The Harvest on Youtube