Top media experts to speak at industry event in Leeds

Some of the UK’s most influential names in film, TV and interactive media will offer advice on business development opportunities in the creative media sector at a free event hosted by Teesside University.

The free business networking event is at the Round Foundry in Leeds city centre, on Wednesday October 19 from 6.00pm-9.00pm, with the theme 'The rise of social TV and the second screen'.

Panellists already confirmed for the Leeds event include Spooks and Ashes to Ashes producer Howard Burch and former MD of digital media for Endemol, Peter Cowley, who now runs his own international multi-platform production company, Spirit Digital Media.

The event, part of a series across the North, will look at how the rapidly expanding area of so-called ‘second screen’ content, which includes innovations such as online programmes and apps for iPads and smartphones, can help boost production options for independent companies.

Leading professionals from TV and digital sectors will discuss issues such as changing audience behaviour, social media in TV, second screen successes and the current commissioning landscape.

The event will also showcase an extensive range of support services available from Teesside University’s School of Arts & Media for creative media businesses in West Yorkshire to help them grow, diversify, network and ultimately become more profitable.

Small, medium and large businesses working in the commercial digital media sector, such as independent TV and film production companies, and those keen to learn more about exploiting a number of media platforms to generate more income from their work are encouraged to come along to the event for free.

The event will be informal, providing guests with an opportunity to speak to the panel of high profile media experts, network with other media and creative professionals and find out more about how Teesside University’s School of Arts & Media could help with their business development.

Teesside University is one of 23 Skillset Media Academies, a group of UK institutions identified by Skillset on behalf of the UK television and interactive industries as centres of excellence in creative media education and training.

The School of Arts & Media provides a range of easy, flexible ways to develop and offers short, professional courses aimed at those wanting to improve skills in the workplace and keep ahead of changes and advances in the sector.

Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of the School of Arts & Media said: 'We work in partnership with some of the biggest names in the media industry and, as a result, we are able to provide a range of business support services that are relevant and up to date to companies all over the country- not just in our traditional catchment area.

'The events demonstrate our commitment to supporting creative media businesses in the north of England as we will address important issues and look at innovations in the sector and how they will affect those working in it.'

Scott Watson, business development manager at the School of Arts & Media said: 'We’ll be showcasing our wide range of courses that we’re now offering to professionals around the UK. The School of Arts & Media provides businesses and individuals with some of the most advanced courses to help prosper and grow whether you’re a new start-up or already well established. We make sure people are kept abreast of developments and opportunities to allow them to flourish in a very competitive sector.'

For more information or to book a place please at the Leeds event contact Scott Watson, business development manager, School of Arts & Media on 01642 738527 or email sparkmedia@tees.ac.uk.

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