Alchemy 2 weeks left

DEVELOPMENT POT OF GOLD TO WHISK UP NEW CONTENT MAGIC

TIME has run out - the deadline for applications was Thursday 6th September at 5pm, to take part in the region’s first multi platform strategy lab, and qualify for part of a development pot of gold worth between £5,000-£15,000.

TV and digital professionals are being urged to make the most of Alchemy, the first initiative of its kind in the Northwest, which looks set to change the way many media producers develop and deliver new content.

Only 16 producers can take part in the FREE, residential 2 day training programme, during which they’ll be able to develop working relationships, and strategies, with other television and digital media producers.

Not only will Alchemy participants be eligible for funding of up to £15,000 for new ideas, but for the first time, professionals from traditional broadcasting backgrounds and digital media will be able to foster collaborations to create multi platform content. In addition, over a three month period, high level advisor support and mentoring will be available throughout the project development.

Among the advisors taking part are Adam Gee, New Media Commissioner, Factual, Channel 4, Jacqueline Hurt, Partner, Olswang and Mary Matthews, Strategy and Business Development Director, Blitz Games.

“There are so many new opportunities for content these days, whether that be on TV, the internet, mobile phones or any other media outlet,” explains Chris Moll, Head of Funds for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region’s TV, film, radio and digital content industries.

“Although all media producers are skilled in their own areas, many don’t know how to operate in a multi-platform environment. But with Alchemy, we’re aiming to bridge the gap. We’ll put people in touch with other businesses, to help them develop new ways of working.”

To take advantage of this new, networking and development initiative, media producers are being urged to act now, and apply to take part in a unique, two-day Alchemy Lab in late September.

“The Alchemy Lab aims to generate new ideas for cross platform content, but more importantly, it’s also a chance for people to meet content producers who already work in the areas they want to move into,” explains Chris.

Everyone who successfully completes the Alchemy Lab will then be eligible to apply to Northwest Vision and Media’s Development Fund, for between £5,000-£15,000 in funding.

Alchemy will be delivered by screen sector strategy consultants, OlsbergSPI, and participants will also have access to high level industry advisers, who will act as guides throughout the event and may even become key contacts as projects are developed.

“We’re confident the Lab will empower producers to effectively take advantage of the multi-platform environment, and in turn that will help generate new business,” adds Chris. “We’ll be introducing participants to a whole new way of working collaboratively, which is what the future is all about.”

Alchemy