BAFTA winning cameraman masterclass at the CCI

International wilderness adventure and mountain climbing cinematographer Keith Partridge delivered a spectacular master class to students on HND Creative Industries: Television on Friday 16th November.

The master class was a unanimous success. Keith, who has a BAFTA for ‘Touching the Void’ delivered a session which was inspirational, illustrative and thought provoking with some incredible scenes from the Arctic, Venezuela and the Rockies. Wide eyed students hung on every word and image as Keith took them through a catalogue of personal experiences from shoots around the globe. The presentation included video clips from recent documentaries for BBC, Top Gear and the Discovery Channel as well as some promotional video for yet to be released programmes. Keith used a combination of stills and actuality to illustrate the level of equipment and expertise required to shoot in some of the most treacherous terrain and remote areas in the world. Keith also reinforced the need for fitness and risk assessment as many of the shoots were undertaken in very difficult weather with the crew and cast often enduring perilous living conditions in order to get the job done.

The last part of the session was interactive and involved the three student groups form Adam Smith, Cardonald and Perth College in a planning scenario for an extreme shoot.

CCI working together

With the increase in size of the CCI to include Hair and Beauty I took the opportunity at the CCI away day to talk with Michelle (massage), Marriette (aromatherapy) and Tina Gonzales (Video) about the possibility of video students running short projects. These video projects could document massage and aromatherapy techniques and be a vital resource for students. Video students can gain valuable experience working with real clients. Plans are to have an initial feasability meeting to see what is involved and resources required.

New ESF bids submitted

Amid a frenzy of activity at the Roundhouse, several new ESF bids were submitted which will, if approved, help the CCI push onwards to new heights in the areas of business startup and support, interactive TV and online learning. Full details of the submissions will follow on the group pages. In the meantime, it's cross our fingers time and hope for approvals early in the new year.

DIVA Adobe lead centre status for ASC

In October 2007 Adam Smith College was appointed Lead Centre to work with Adobe as part of the SQA's Digital Media and ICT Vendor Alliance (DIVA). The Adam Smith College, with support from the SQA and Adobe, is now planning a series of activities to assist colleges in taking advantage of the collaboration with Adobe. Some of the plans include offering training in Adobe products and building an online community to share resources and examples of best practice. CCI staff and students will be at the forefront of this exciting initiative.

To join the Google group supporting the initiative, simply go to http://groups.google.co.uk/group/adobediva and select the link to Sign in and Apply for Membership.

You can view the SQA DIVA project website at http://www.sqa.org.uk/mini/26890.html

Good food show

ASC staff attended the BBC's "Good food show" at the SECC Glasgow, over the weekend of the 2-4th Nov 2007. Hospitality lecturer Chef Eadie Manson was demoing cooking techniques on the College "Scottish Asian" themed stand, supported by multimedia provided by staff members Kevin Clark, Alan Moffat, Pol Clementsmith and Jim Burgess, as well as current and ex students of the Creative Industries: TV course. The event was very busy and a resounding success, apart from the increased staff waistlines after eating all the fantastic dishes. The picture shows lecturer Chef Eadie Manson, with Indian chef Prem Singh and hospitality student Chris Ritchie from Fraserburgh.

Welcome and invitation to join our group

I have set up a new Google Group designed to help us build an online community to share resources and information relevant to the Centre for Creative Industries at Adam Smith College, Fife. The group will be private and open only to members of CCI staff (confirm this with a .ac.uk e-mail address) and to other invited guests.

To join, simply enter your email address in the box at the foot of the page.

Meanwhile you can all post relevant stuff or make comments to this blog.