CREATIVE THINKING
The Studio in Bath launches £ 30k fund to support creative tech projects that address social issues
For the fourth year running , The Studio in Bath , Bath Spa University ’ s research and innovation hub , has launched the Studio Innovation Fund to support creative technology projects led by freelancers , micro-businesses , social enterprises and third sector organisations .
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This year ’ s £ 30,000 fund will be split into awards ranging from £ 2,000 to £ 10,000 . Each project must explore creative technology solutions that address pressing social issues , and they must also include a collaboration with one or more of the Studio ’ s Residents . The deadline for proposals is 10am on 15th January 2024 and funding supports new or established projects over a six-month period , beginning in February and ending with an event in July 2024 .
In previous years , the fund ’ s projects have encouraged young people to re-engage
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with learning through the creative use of AI ; helped visually impaired people to connect through sound and movement ; supported neurodivergent artists to make theatre productions more accessible ; and raised awareness of the unethical patenting of botany and the indigenous communities affected via AR and performance . All have sought to improve the world around us using creative tech .
Supported by the University ’ s strategic Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries , the fund utilises a UKRI Policy Support Fund
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grant from Research England , the purpose of which is to support new interdisciplinary programmes that help solve pressing public policy challenges . This links to the ambitions of the West of England Combined Authority ( WECA ) Cultural Plan and its visions for social change and the growth of the creative industries in the region , as well as the core policies of the Bath and North East Somerset Corporate Strategy . |
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To find out more about the criteria for the Studio Innovation Fund and how to apply , go to thestudioinbath . co . uk / funding |
Octopus spreads its tentacles going for growth
The post Covid bounce back has continued strongly throughout 2023 for Octopus Films .
We ’ ve been fortunate to have won new clients , had existing contracts renewed and had an opportunity to experiment with new technology , including the well-targeted use of AI . The latter has helped us with basic admin tasks like transcribing interviews , an essential part of piecing together case studies and documentary films , freeing up our time and allowing us to offer better value for money to our clients .
Although our corporate and educational work has been expanded , unfortunately the television sector had a slow first 6 months of the year . Squeezed budgets and industrial action led to reduced production across all genres . We were lucky to already have strong ties with the BBC and Channel 4 which helped Octopus ride this storm and maintain our position as a regular and reliable supplier within broadcast media . A positive of the nationwide lull in production was that it gave us an opportunity to expand into other areas , fostering new connections within local and national businesses who felt they could benefit from high quality video , produced and delivered professionally .
Our partnership with the NHS has been one of our growth areas and has gone from strength to strength . We ’ ve thoroughly enjoyed producing a series of training videos helping staff navigate the ever more complicated and important areas of patient access and evaluation . Early in the year we were thrilled to win a nationwide tender with the British Council , the UK ’ s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities . Octopus is now one of only a few video suppliers on their video production framework . This allows us to bid on a variety of projects worth over six figures a year and play an integral part in their charity work carried out internationally .
We are hugely proud to be currently producing a short documentary for COP 28 in The UAE . This is the third year running we have secured this commission , funded by the University of Bath and Cambridge Zero , Cambridge University ’ s response to the climate crisis . This year , we filmed young climate leaders in conversation with international climate experts . In line with our sustainability ethos , we filmed the interviews remotely , which had its own set of technical challenges , as we filmed in every continent except Antarctica . A highlight for the team was interviewing former President of Ireland Mary Robinson . Now in its final stages of production , the film demonstrates a strong argument to include young people in formal climate negotiations .
Let ’ s round up on a light-hearted and joyful note . Sooty ’ s Christmas song 2023 was filmed and edited by Octopus . All I can say is get your dancing shoes on !
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our colleagues and clients past , present and future .
Giles , Ellie and team .
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At Octopus Films we create corporate films , testimonial videos , explainer videos , event films and TV ads .
Tell us what you ’ d like to achieve and we can help you realise it .
Call : 01225 891 079 Email : hello @ octopus-films . co . uk Visit : www . octopus-films . co . uk 26 www . tbebathandsomerset . co . uk