In front of St Brycedale Church
NCICA students outside the campus
Taken at the Kirkcaldy Campus
Monday, 16 November 2009
END OF YEAR PROJECT
In front of St Brycedale Church
NCICA students outside the campus
Taken at the Kirkcaldy Campus
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Public Sector Skills Scotland 2008
CCI staff Don Mitchell, Kevin Clark and support supremo John Gilmour, along with colleagues from the Institute of business, management and computing including manager Shaun Marley and Perri Hopkinson delivered a presentation to an audience of peers on the subject of "E-Learning On Demand". This was extremely well received and led to many new contacts being established for the college. The picture shows Don and Shaun working in perfect harmony on the college stand at the event. This picture was not staged and rumours that Dons hands are tied to his chair in the picture are simply not true.
Friday, 30 May 2008
Organ ised
HN Sound Production at St.Serfs Burntisland. Sound Production students were given an opportunity to exercise their knowledge and skills at this peaceful location yesterday. Outside, in the not-so-fresh air of the popular seaside town, the temperature and humidity soared whilst inside the church, based on the grand design of Truro Cathedral, the atmosphere was cool and calm.
Josephine Quinney, organist for St. Serf's, played the lovingly restored and modernised instrument originally installed in Lochgelly in 1901/2, so that the students could decide which microphone technique would be the most suitable for capturing all of its sonorous resonances and subtle timbres. Despite the roaring traffic and the excited children leaving the nearby school, the students worked efficiently, calmly and above all politely.
Reflecting on the event, Neil McDonald said he'd "forgotten just how calming it was to be inside church and that to be able to have the opportunity [to record] was brilliant experience for the students."
The Audio has to be edited and a sample will be available to hear on the blog soon.
For the future, Sound Production students have been invited back to record the Advent service where the organ will be augmented by a strong voiced choir.
James
Friday, 23 May 2008
Busy times for Sound production students
HND Sound Production students have worked with HND Holistic Therapy students to create a relaxation CD as part of the Holistic Therapy coursework. Each track has a spoken voice instructing the listener how to relax, talking them into a relaxed state. This is supported by soundscape. Sound fx and music.
HNC and D Sound Production students have been involved in the recording and editing of audio for an animated film, funded by the National Lottery, and run through Burntisland Primary School. Launch of the film will be June 08.
NC Media Production students have been working with external client – TIG Productions, assisting in filming for Kodaly Music Instruction DVD for Fife Education Music Services Department.
And finally, HND Sound Production students are involved in the production of a "Rock the Rovers" CD for Raith Rovers and Maggies Centre charity.
Release date for summer 08 - Watch this space .........
HNC and D Sound Production students have been involved in the recording and editing of audio for an animated film, funded by the National Lottery, and run through Burntisland Primary School. Launch of the film will be June 08.
NC Media Production students have been working with external client – TIG Productions, assisting in filming for Kodaly Music Instruction DVD for Fife Education Music Services Department.
And finally, HND Sound Production students are involved in the production of a "Rock the Rovers" CD for Raith Rovers and Maggies Centre charity.
Release date for summer 08 - Watch this space .........
Commissioning for Television in Scotland
10 second year HD Television students were given the opportunity to participate in a one day seminar with television commissioning agents and independent producers in Glasgow. The theme of the day centred around the ‘what, when, and how’ of getting your films seen in Scotland.
Ewan Angus from the BBC provided some previously commissioned material and proceeded to discuss the detail and success or failure of the programmes.
Students were given the opportunity to pitch their own ideas in the afternoon portion of the session.
As well as being encouraged to write and to be passionate about their work the group was also given some fairly harsh advice about the potential for failure, especially for the uninitiated.
The students gained valuable insight into what commissioning was all about with some genuine tips on what to do with your script and more importantly what not to do. The students were also encouraged to discuss their ideas with the panel as well as with other students from around Scotland.
Ewan Angus from the BBC provided some previously commissioned material and proceeded to discuss the detail and success or failure of the programmes.
Students were given the opportunity to pitch their own ideas in the afternoon portion of the session.
As well as being encouraged to write and to be passionate about their work the group was also given some fairly harsh advice about the potential for failure, especially for the uninitiated.
The students gained valuable insight into what commissioning was all about with some genuine tips on what to do with your script and more importantly what not to do. The students were also encouraged to discuss their ideas with the panel as well as with other students from around Scotland.
Listen up !!
Television students from first and second year HDCIT were once again instrumental to the success of ‘Listen Up’, a lively musical event performed by a 54 piece orchestra at the Rothes Halls.
This was the third year of the collaboration in which television students rigged for the multi-camera broadcast and recording of 7 individual concerts over the week.
In total there were 15 students who gained valuable experience recording a ‘live’ programme where all 4 camera operators had to react to precise cues and move quickly in between shots.
For many of the students who have just completed units in Multi-camera production this was a week which really brought their new skills into force and everyone involved felt the benefit of being involved in this project.
This was the third year of the collaboration in which television students rigged for the multi-camera broadcast and recording of 7 individual concerts over the week.
In total there were 15 students who gained valuable experience recording a ‘live’ programme where all 4 camera operators had to react to precise cues and move quickly in between shots.
For many of the students who have just completed units in Multi-camera production this was a week which really brought their new skills into force and everyone involved felt the benefit of being involved in this project.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
CCI @ Celtic Media Festival 2008 Pt 2
Seven students from ASC were among the twenty-two staff and students who travelled to Galway for the 29th Celtic Media Festival. The feedback from all delegates was that the festival was a resounding success and inspirational to those looking to work in the film and televsion industry.
Ashley Whitelaw from HDCreative Industries: Television said
"I felt that the interaction with the professionls and the time that they took to asnwer questions that we had to ask them was extremely beneficial"
Students attended a range of programmed events and were rewarded with some extremely entertaining and engaging speakers from around the globe.
AW continued "One of the better points of the festival for myself was the way that some of the speakers actually got the audience involved and captivatied in their talks. I particualry enjoyed that talk given to us on Script writing and the development of characters as this was relevant to me at this particular time."
In retrospect, it was amazing to think that you were involved in an animated discussion with Paul Watson, one of the UK's prestigious documentary film makers and two days later turning on the telly to see him winning a special BAFTA award.
The Gala Evening also presented students and staff with the unique opportunity to mingle with everyone present and talk a little shop.
Finally, if the buzz on the return journey was any indication of how successful this event was I predict that CCI students will be queuing up early to get the opportunity to attend the 30th CMF in Wales in 2009.
Ashley Whitelaw from HDCreative Industries: Television said
"I felt that the interaction with the professionls and the time that they took to asnwer questions that we had to ask them was extremely beneficial"
Students attended a range of programmed events and were rewarded with some extremely entertaining and engaging speakers from around the globe.
AW continued "One of the better points of the festival for myself was the way that some of the speakers actually got the audience involved and captivatied in their talks. I particualry enjoyed that talk given to us on Script writing and the development of characters as this was relevant to me at this particular time."
In retrospect, it was amazing to think that you were involved in an animated discussion with Paul Watson, one of the UK's prestigious documentary film makers and two days later turning on the telly to see him winning a special BAFTA award.
The Gala Evening also presented students and staff with the unique opportunity to mingle with everyone present and talk a little shop.
Finally, if the buzz on the return journey was any indication of how successful this event was I predict that CCI students will be queuing up early to get the opportunity to attend the 30th CMF in Wales in 2009.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
CCI @ Celtic Media Festival 2008
The Celtic Media Festival is an annual three day celebration of broadcasting, film, talent and media excellence from across Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. The aim of the festival is to promote the languages and cultures of the Celtic countries on screen and in broadcasting. This year's event running on 16th-18th April in Galway includes ‘Exposure', a new dimension of the CMF sponsored by Creative Loop, aims to provide students with exposure to those who have made a career in the media. Doogi Mcmillan, Ray Graham, Aileen Lamden and up to 80 students including those from CCI and other Skillset Media and Screen Academies will be attending the event, which will present a diverse and interesting programme under the strand title "Exposure" alongside the Celtic Media Festival programme over the 3 days. The ‘Exposure' event will also offer students a significant platform to showcase their talent. Among the presenters at the event are, Stuart Cosgrove, Arthur Lappin & Fraser MacLean to name a few.
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Digidesign ProTools Instructors Summit
Pinewood studios last week played host to the 2008 Avid / Digidesign ProTools Instructors Summit.
36 Pro Tools instructors from across Europe gathered to learn about new products, exchange stories and ideas, discuss production techniques, develop their skills as Digidesign Certified Instructors (DCI’s) and, er, go to the pub. In addition to the drinking games, the summit also included train-the-trainer courses led by 3 Expert Instructors, and masterclass demonstrations by industry gurus. Don Mitchell and Graham Deas from the CCI represented Adam Smith College’s own ProTools Pro School.
Recently, 3 HND Sound Production students Elaine Paton, Travis Whalley and Chloe Milne passed their ProTools 201 exam, the highest level yet achieved by students while still attending the college.
36 Pro Tools instructors from across Europe gathered to learn about new products, exchange stories and ideas, discuss production techniques, develop their skills as Digidesign Certified Instructors (DCI’s) and, er, go to the pub. In addition to the drinking games, the summit also included train-the-trainer courses led by 3 Expert Instructors, and masterclass demonstrations by industry gurus. Don Mitchell and Graham Deas from the CCI represented Adam Smith College’s own ProTools Pro School.
Recently, 3 HND Sound Production students Elaine Paton, Travis Whalley and Chloe Milne passed their ProTools 201 exam, the highest level yet achieved by students while still attending the college.
Friday, 15 February 2008
BBC and HDTV
BBC Pacific Quay Seminar on High Definition Television Tuesday Jan 29’08
The day was all about High Definition Television: technical specifications, new equipment, and the production process, elements of post-production and final delivery of HD. The buzz was definitely the new facilities at Pacific Quay and the dedication and commitment of BBC Scotland to go HiDef.
The head of High Definition Television, Seetha Kumar was on hand to explain the process of mounting a production in HD. This was followed by three very different and varied film director’s experiences of using HD equipment. The BBC broadcast “Vienna” an HD documentary on BBC 4 prior to the seminar and suggested that delegates should view this before attending. The director of ‘Vienna’ extolled the virtues of the new format and offered the audience another chance to view some of the superb images from the documentary.
During the afternoon delegates were split into 3 groups and given the opportunity to browse the studio where a range of HD cameras were set up under a variety of lighting situations. BBC staff and retailers were on hand to assist with any questions.
Secondly there was an opportunity to witness post-production first hand as industry specialists demonstrated some of the drawbacks and changes to production techniques discovered in post while editing HD. Basically, it’s almost too good. HD is now impacting on set designers and make-up artists as every crack, misplaced nail or poorly applied facial will be magnified with HD.
The final discussion and demonstration was on 5.1 surround sound in one of the smaller sound stages. Delegates were able to witness first hand the differences in mono, stereo and 5.1 sound transmission.
There was also a sense that the BBC were sending a bit of a message, we either get into HD even with the added costs incurred, or we will be dependant on a TV schedule of mainly US programmes. I felt it was clear from the number of industry insiders that this was an important and worthwhile event and also a good opportunity to meet some of those responsible for production throughout the UK.
Ray Graham
04/02/08
The day was all about High Definition Television: technical specifications, new equipment, and the production process, elements of post-production and final delivery of HD. The buzz was definitely the new facilities at Pacific Quay and the dedication and commitment of BBC Scotland to go HiDef.
The head of High Definition Television, Seetha Kumar was on hand to explain the process of mounting a production in HD. This was followed by three very different and varied film director’s experiences of using HD equipment. The BBC broadcast “Vienna” an HD documentary on BBC 4 prior to the seminar and suggested that delegates should view this before attending. The director of ‘Vienna’ extolled the virtues of the new format and offered the audience another chance to view some of the superb images from the documentary.
During the afternoon delegates were split into 3 groups and given the opportunity to browse the studio where a range of HD cameras were set up under a variety of lighting situations. BBC staff and retailers were on hand to assist with any questions.
Secondly there was an opportunity to witness post-production first hand as industry specialists demonstrated some of the drawbacks and changes to production techniques discovered in post while editing HD. Basically, it’s almost too good. HD is now impacting on set designers and make-up artists as every crack, misplaced nail or poorly applied facial will be magnified with HD.
The final discussion and demonstration was on 5.1 surround sound in one of the smaller sound stages. Delegates were able to witness first hand the differences in mono, stereo and 5.1 sound transmission.
There was also a sense that the BBC were sending a bit of a message, we either get into HD even with the added costs incurred, or we will be dependant on a TV schedule of mainly US programmes. I felt it was clear from the number of industry insiders that this was an important and worthwhile event and also a good opportunity to meet some of those responsible for production throughout the UK.
Ray Graham
04/02/08
Thursday, 14 February 2008
CCI exchange programme planned
Following a visit to Delhi by CCI Dept manager Kevin Clark, a partnership has been proposed in Visual communication and animation with the Pearl Institute. This would allow exchange visits of staff and students between the institutions and the joint development of an international PDA and cultural based project briefs.
Watch this space....
Watch this space....
Monday, 21 January 2008
Fratellis new Fratello
CCI Sound production lecturer Alan Moffat has just returned from 4 weeks engineering duties on the new Fratellis CD – Alan will be describing the whole process in a series of masterclasses so students can hear, first hand, what it takes to make an album with one of the UK’s top acts. Rumours that Alan had allegedly witnessed some of the wilder side of a rock and roll act in a recording studio are reckoned to be wildly exaggerated, although the News of the World has been on the phone to his workroom at Stenton several times in the last week.
Friday, 21 December 2007
Skillset Media academy status
CCI INTEGRAL PART OF WORLD'S FIRST MEDIA ACADEMY NETWORK
The world's first Media Academy Network was launched in the UK on Thursday 13th Dec - a national footprint of colleges and universities to work with industry in developing a new wave of talent to create the 'Facebook', 'You Tube' and ‘Bebo’ style concepts and media content of the future.
The Skillset Media Academy Network was launched in London by Culture Minister James Purnell and Skills Minister David Lammy, and leading figures from academia and the media.
The network has been devised by Skillset - the UK Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The Network is made up of 17 Academies, drawing together creative education partnerships from 43 colleges and universities across the UK.
The institutions in the network are already centres of excellence in interactive media and include the CREATIVE LOOP (www.creativeloop.org) as the only Scottlish academy.
This is the first attempt anywhere in the world to 'hardwire' collaborative partnerships between the media industries and academia into the fabric of national education infrastructure.
The network will see world-leading academics, content creators, computer games developers, software programmers and creative artists working with industry to develop talent, creativity and business ideas to exploit new technologies and opportunities in broadcast television and interactive media.
The industry engagement will be high-level.
Greg Dyke, former Director General of the BBC, Skillset patron and chair of the Media Academy approvals panel, said:
"We live in a very competitive world where one good idea can see a person move from mum's garage to global media magnate virtually overnight. The problem for the UK, though, is that a lot of people all over the world are having good ideas in television and interactive media! Good ideas are simply not enough – they have to be world-beating! This is where education and industry collaboration can play a crucial role.
"Media organisations are all about ideas and doing the unthinkable - going left when the herd veers right. You’re looking for people who do things very differently. You go into a college or university in the Skillset Media Academy Network and you find people who are working with industry and doing remarkable things that aren’t predictable, and that’s what you’re looking for all the time.
"We are talking about the next wave of talent, the people who are going to come up with the next 'Facebook' or 'You Tube' and brilliant interactive entertainment concepts. It makes absolute sense for media companies to have partnerships and collaborations with the best academics and the best talent in a network that has benchmarked standards of excellence."
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:
“The collaboration between Skillset, Industry and Higher and Further Education must be applauded for its strategic thinking, insight and commitment in establishing the Skillset Media Academy Network. The partnership will guarantee a continuous flow of talent, creativity and business ideas to fully exploit the opportunities of the digital age.”
David Lammy MP, Minister for Skills, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said:
"The Skillset Media Academy Network is the realisation of a new tradition of partnership between Industry and Higher Education. I applaud the initiative taken by Skillset in building the key relationships that are needed to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global competitiveness.”
Monday, 3 December 2007
updating VLE content
Anyone interested in getting Janet Fyfe to give us a demo on how we can put work up on the vle? This gives opportunities to select specific audiences as well as monitor who and when it's accessed
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
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.
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.
Monday, 19 November 2007
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.
Saturday, 17 November 2007
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
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
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