New Media Knowledge in association PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television, www.pact.co.uk) are holding a comprehensive programme of events aimed at new media and TV practitioners which will examine the complex issues of commercial and creative collaboration in the development, funding and production of original projects across multiple digital platforms. There will be six events in all, running once a month. The series is produced by NMK and interactive content consultant Stephen Jeffery-Poulter.

This seminar, the first of the series, will examine the implications of convergence on different media forms, and the need for partnership and knowledge exchange between those working in new and old media production. The benefits of partnership are discussed by professionals who have first-hand experience in collaborating on a project, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome, and the problems that can arise.

Subsequent sessions will look at intellectual property rights; cross-platform production processes and personnel; new funding models, and content management systems in the converging digital media marketplace. If you are interested in participating in any of these events, please email tom.campbell@nmk.co.uk

Speakers

Stephen Jeffery-Poulter

Stephen will chair the evening and begin by defining the terms and jargon related to the new digital platforms before exploring the opportunities and benefits that can be gained in partnerships between new and traditional media companies. Stephen has spent 15 years developing and producing terrestrial TV - initially for BBC Drama and subsequently as an Independent Producer of Drama and Factual Programmes. Two years ago he moved sideways into "new media" and has worked as a consultant for several new media agencies on web and interactive TV projects. He is currently 'evolving' several interactive cross-platform projects as a freelance producer.

Tony Steyger, The Bridge

Tony has just left Victoria Real to set up a broadband production studio: The Bridge. As an Executive Producer at Victoria Real he was responsible for broadcaster relationships, developing new media strategies and overseeing production of internet and iTV projects, including Channel 4's Big Brother and UKTV's Play UK. Previously he set up and managed the New Media Programme Department at BBC Birmingham where his credits included Top Gear Gti, Raw and interactive series Front Room, as well as websites for BBC 1 and BBC Knowledge. Tony was co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of independent production company Maverick Television where he produced and executive produced award-winning projects, including BBC1's Going for a Song and Comic Relief, BBC2's Trade Secrets and Channel 4's Wingnut and the Sprog.

Mick Sawyer, Xymbio

Mick's production career embraces 14 years in broadcast television and video, coupled with seven years experience producing interactive media for broadcast, corporate and consumer markets. Before joining Xymbio to develop their new channels division he spent two years with Granada Media as an executive producer with responsibility for the Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Tonight with Trevor McDonald websites. His television career includes C4's groundbreaking music series The Tube, and producing C4's first world music series Big World Café.

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