Copy writing, not righting

A note from Barry Bell, a copywriter at the yard:

Hi all – Further to the Hoults Yard newsletter on Tuesday, Charlie has
given me the opportunity to hijack his blog for 5 minutes and
introduce myself and what I do. My name’s Barry Bell, I’m a
copywriter, and I’m based in the new Teapot Studios.

Being a largely creative bunch, I’m guessing you all probably know
what a copywriter does (unless you’re that bloke who found my number
in the Yellow Pages last year and called to ask whether I could help
him ‘copyright’ a love song he’d written for his girlfriend – aye,
that was an awkward call!). So, if you need help with any of your
written communications – for yourselves or for your own clients – you
now have an onsite resource for that.

In terms of my background, I’ve worked in-house and on a freelance
basis with leading advertising, design and marketing agencies in
Manchester and London and also had a stint in a pan-European agency
based in Brussels a couple of years ago. I’ve worked alongside clients
from the telecoms, consumer finance, retail, recruitment and public
sector industries to name a few, and across all media from annual
reports to radio scripts to websites. I’m also fast, accurate and
cost-effective.

And it’s the cost part that brings me back to the point of this blog
post – the community spirit of Hoults Yard is pretty special and I
think there’s going to be some exciting times ahead for everyone
working here. With that in mind, I’d like to add to that community
spirit and offer a 20% discount off my standard rates for any writing
work you hire me for – providing you’re also based somewhere on the
Yard. Deal?

So, if you want to discuss any copy projects or you want me to quote
for a job, drop by the office – I’m in number 12, which is the little
Teapot (no short and stout jokes, please). Or, if I’m not in, just
drop me a line at mail@barrybell.com or give me a buzz on 0 77 99 77
49 77 and we’ll sort something out.

Oh, and just for the record, anyone calling me about ‘copyrighting’
gets 20% *ADDED* onto their bill, ok. ;o)

Yard on film – Empire Awards 2010 – vote now

Just in from Picture Canning North and Pyramid Media… a chance for a Geordie winner.

Empire magazine received 100,000 entries for its ‘Done in 60 Seconds’ super-short category in the Jameson Empire Awards 2010. They’ve whittled it down to 20 entries and, listed No. 4 on the finalists page is Fight Club submitted by Chris Foggin.

It features Byker Grove and HYBY face, Daymon Britton, along with Jamie Hutchinson and other familiar faces in the Clocktower Cafe. You’ll also see the fight locations are our old furniture store, next to The Edge. That’s where Peter Beardsley’s dad used to work in the old storage days.

http://www.empireonline.com/awards2010/donein60seconds/

They could use your vote. Click thru

Artist studio spaces at Hoults Yard

Newcastle is a thriving creative city with its beacon arts establishments and the UK’s biggest spend per head on culture – it’s the only statistic where we top every other region including London. At everything else, we take silver or the wooden spoon.

Studio taking shape

The Hoults Yard team like to back winners – and, we like to get involved. We have a range of spaces that are just crying out for art and artists. It’s just that we’ve had a stop-start entry into the scene. But, we’ve just decided to jump in and go for it. We’re learning as we sign up artists and help them out.

Do get in touch if you need a studio. We may just be able to sort you out – with something starting at £25 per week.

Already, we have artists like Dan Holdsworth, Laura Lancaster (see her Youtube interview here), Alaric Hammond, Georgia Murray and Yvette Hawkins here. And, we’ve got a broad range of musicians who practice on site… more on them later. But, here’s another yard snap… a rainbow of paints…

Pots and paints and Byker light

Joe Steele – artist to watch – Blast, Feb 12

I get some great emails and some interesting offers for tenants. Last year, the most interesting request came from a glassblower who was looking for a workshop. He has made a business for 15 years blowing glass vases… for dolls houses.

Today some self publicity for Joe Steele’s latest show:

Hi Charlie

I left you a message on your answer phone, but had a lot to explain on it!

Firstly it’s unfortunate I wasn’t able to do BLAST at Hoults yard, as it turns out I’m not allowed to shoot anyone at World headquarters, but the show is still going ahead.

I’d like to personally invite you to BLAST at World Headquarters on the 12th Feb 9pm till late. It’s an exhibition by myself and fellow artists Tom Whitty and Claudio Pascale.

I’ve been painting using explosives, Tom has been making political paintings and Claudio has been making some prints. There will also be a coffin there too.

Regards

Joe Steele

Latest Hoults Yard news – Feb 2010

Folks –  a message direct from Charlie H…

Welcome to an update of activity at Hoults Yard. I hope it’s an opportunity to share some of the excitements across ‘our village’ – as well as communicate some of the logistical issues we are addressing at HQ.

You can also browse news and info on the blog http://houltsyard.wordpress.com/ and follow us on Twitter @houltsyard

Please do pile in with comment/feedback and mail me your own stories – so we can build the collective voice of this unique corner of Tyneside. There is certainly an energy about the place and a momentum which I hope can benefit us all, as well as send waves much wider abroad, or just to Gateshead.

1. Don’t be a stranger

The joy and the challenge of any village is interacting with neighbours – one day they commission you to collaborate on their big project, the next they are nabbing your parking space (or the last portion of Fish&Chips)!

We held our first ‘Meet the Neighbours’ night late last year – some 40 people attended. Our next is scheduled for 11^th March starting at 430pm, Kiln Studio 25. Please come to network, please invite friends and useful contacts. Every week I meet new faces on the yard who have so much to offer you – but I can’t do the legwork all by myself.

http://hyby.eventbrite.com

2. AV Festival Finale

On March 13^th, Tyneside’s latest arts festival will be holding its closing party. This event is hosting one of New York’s legendary DJs, Francois Kervorkian, on a very rare appearance for Tyneside. Wow! If you’d like a free guest list ticket, mail me and I’ll see if I can put your name down.

http://houltsyard.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/av-festival-finale-with-dj-legend-francois-k/

3. Warm welcome 1

I’m sure this weather has got you thinking how duff last summer weather was – and about foreign holidays. The yard plays host to one of Tyneside’s largest travel agents – Broadway Travel are now operating from The Boiler House. Broadway have expanded from Luton with their team of some 20 new faces on the screens/phones.

Grant Lawson, the Newcastle manager, assures me that he can do great deals for yard neighbours – either pop in or call on the priority number 0844 5441412

http://www.broadwaytravel.com/

4. Warm Welcome 2

Not alot of people know that we have a fashion design business on site. Poetic Gem are going from strength to strength, doubling the size of their office footprint in the back of The Kiln.

We also have The Tony Blair Sports Foundation newly installed in Maling Studios, so don’t be surprised if a former Prime Minister drops by, unannounced, at some stage!

And, shortly, we’ll be able to announce another new ‘signing’ – an Australian firm opening up in Europe in the online gaming business.

Nice to see so many firms in culture, media, digital and sport all choosing Hoults Yard for their base. We do have a few more spaces to fill in The Kiln, so we’d love you to recommend us (and pay handsome commission!)

www.thekiln.co.uk

5. Teapot Studios

We launched a set of six offices in our Parkside building just before Xmas (where Bruce Reid framer was before moving to ground floor). These are two-man suites, architect designed and have amazing views across to the Tyne Bridge. We’ve let three already – to Funky Hand, craft-making software firm; Point Pleasant PR, somewhat specialist in PR for the gambling trade; Barry Bell, copywriter.

The deal is £300 per month inclusive – do recommend to a friend. We’ll split the first month’s rent with anyone who helps us close a deal.

http://houltsyard.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/teapot-studios-launch-photos/

6. NFM – financing comes on stream

It’s all action in Kiln Studio3, with mobile seminars and new funding. There’s even a launch event for the funding on Thurs 4 Feb – mail me if you want a contact to get in pole position to bag some of their millions!

http://houltsyard.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/nfm-has-yet-more-grant-funds-for-ne-content-biz/

7. Entrepreneurs Forum – Will Dracup at Clocktower

The Entrepreneurs Forum is the regional team helping start-ups, as well as seniors. They are holding a series of dinners at the Clocktower Cafe – that hotbed of innovation. The next one features science success Will Dracup of Non-Linear Dynamics telling his story.

http://www.entrepreneursforum.net/events/viewarticle.php?id=629&offset=0

8. Gallery space – ThinkTank

As some of you know, there are some amazing hidden spaces at the yard. We’re working on one below Mere Mortals which would make a fab art gallery. We have a number of requests to use it, not least from on-site artists Alaric Hammond, Laura Lancaster and Dan Holdsowrth.

Watch this space for preview nights or exhibitions.

http://houltsyard.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/gallery-space-at-hoults-yard/

Logistics

a. Snow

I hope you’ll applaud the team’s efforts in coping with the New Year snow. Our strategy of shovels, JCB and salt put many a council to shame – please do applaud Sam for the master plan, as well as our maintenance crew Dougie, Lee and Ray. They are currently working on the gutters to ensure the drains and downpipes are running clear and can cope with future weather.

b. Cheeky NFM students

If you are following us on Twitter, you may have spotted the latest NFM mobile content course http://houltsyard.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/mobile-media-and-branded-entertainment-event-at-hyby/

Looks like you missed a treat – the experimental blog project will make you giggle, too… it’s on Moblog and launches a campaign about how confusing the yard’s signage is. Fair cop… you too have spotted that we have two buildings numbered 37! It’s all on the long long list of lists awaiting budget, time and snowmelt!

http://moblog.net/view/921212/back-entrance (Dig: look at the confusing ‘older/newer’ button to see the rogues gallery)

Phew… alot going on!

Full marks if you’ve read this far. Do mail us your news if you have something to share – and do sign up to ‘Meet the Neighbours 2’

All the best…

Meet the Neighbours 2 – Hoults Yard event

Save the date: Thursday March 11th for another Meet the Neighbours event at Hoults Yard.

It’s open to all – bring a bottle, bring an influential media friend.

More details on Http://hyby.eventbrite.com

AV Festival Finale – with DJ Legend Francois K

After a sell out success in October 2009 Hoults Yard is at it again with another eagerly awaited warehouse party. The venue will be transformed to communicate the AV festival’s theme of ENERGY and will showcase live visual projections coupled with a rare UK performance from legendary New York DJ, producer and record label owner FRANÇOIS K

François Kervorkian has done it all. Having started his career in the 1970’s at renowned clubs such as the Paradise Garage and Studio 54, he is widely considered as one of the forefathers of house music. He has mixed albums for Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode, remixed singles for artists such as The Eurhythmics, U2, Mick Jagger and Diana Ross, toured with Larry Levan and set up New York’s original Body & Soul parties with Joe Claussell and Danny Krivit. These days Kevorkian is known for keeping New York City up on a Monday night via his Deep Space residency. He also owns the Wave Music imprint and continues to DJ at the finest clubs and festivals worldwide.

It is genuinely difficult to think of anyone who has had a greater long term influence on dance music than François K. A true Pioneer, a true visionary.

FRANÇOIS K (4 hour set)
& SCOTT UDBERG
VISUALS BY VJ STEVE G
SAT 13TH MARCH 10PM – 4AM

Tickets £17 + BF. Available from:

http://www.avfestival.co.uk/programme/10/events/habit (50P booking fee)
&
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?142589

Please note: It is anticipated tickets for this event will be in high demand. Please purchase early to avoid any disappointment. Capacity is strictly limited at 500.

HOULTS YARD
WALKER ROAD
NEWCASTLE NE6 2HL

http://www.clubhabit.co.uk
http://avfestival.co.uk
http://www.vjsteveg.com

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=276151969903&mid=1ca2a84G1f686361G4a29630G7

Gallery space at Hoults Yard

Among the interesting spaces at Hoults Yard that we’re opening up for events, there’s the gallery.

We’re pondering calling it Think Tank – because we’ve had quite a few discussions about holding art exhibitions, lectures, screenings and live music events. It’s a space with a big volume, due to the 5m ceiling height. And, we’re very interested at the yard thinking about fusion.

It’s available for temporary hire – although there are a few restrictions, we’re open to proposals.

The space is set out as two interconnecting rooms with exposed brick walls, big windows and natural light aplenty. The south-side space has garage-style, double doors which will be useful for access. The north-side has fab 3m windows to let in natural light. The combined floor area of ThinkTank is 1600 sq ft, so we’d anticipate a capacity of up to 300 people.

Think Tank has rudamentary electrics (ie a few sockets), but no running water, no fixed lighting and no loos. There are loos in the adjacent block – or you can park a Portaloo outside.

But, as a result of the lack of facilities, you get this pure rectangular spaces.

We can offer our own stock of furniture, bar/fridges, space dividers and (see pics) festoon lighting rigs.

But, basically, it’s another blank canvas waiting for creative ideas.

Gallery - South Side - thru double doors

Gallery - north-side - huge east-facing windows

Call Charlie Hoult on 0191 265 4282 for info – or mail us on info@houltsyard.co.uk

NFM has yet more grant funds for NE content biz

Hot off the wires:

News Article

A European Union investment of £1.22m is to boost a three year project to create over 200 jobs and 18 new businesses in the creative media sector.

Northern Film & Media (NFM) has secured the additional finance through the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 to extend the range of its business support activities for commercial creative enterprises over the next three years.

The latest investment is part of an overall £3m initiative currently focusing on five core sector themes: sector capacity building, innovation and business growth, social media, market development and NFM’s North East Production Service.

Using a mixture of funding streams, Northern Film & Media will take a lead role in the building of successful commercial creative industries in the North East, investing in talent, in people and in their ideas.

NFM offers support in a number of ways with direct funding of projects, a commitment to professional and non professional training, and by arranging a wide range of schemes and services, workshops, seminars, screenings and networking events.

The project will offer support for SMEs to engage in new markets by opening up more digital distribution across the web, mobile, games and interactive media industries.  It will also enable them to take advantage of associated national funding streams such as Channel 4’s 4IP fund.

“Our aim is to be the catalyst for a series of innovative, commercially successful ventures in the creative media sector through both new and established SMEs in the region,” explained Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media.

“The region currently lacks major commissioners, purchasers, market proximity and expertise. We must help build companies’ skills, contacts, clients, expertise and networks so that they can engage with and exploit the global digital market.”

Mentoring with relevant national industry experts and attendance at overseas film festivals will help regional companies test out innovative approaches and ideas with new contacts, as well as tapping into commercial media markets and production funding opportunities.

He added:  “Our core activities will facilitate innovation, business growth and collaboration in the commercial creative sector, connect clients to local, national and international markets, and increase inward investment opportunities for the region.”

The established Location and Production Service and Filming Friendly Strategy aim to make filming in the North East easy and accessible, especially for location managers in their dealings with local authorities.  Services offered include access to NFM’s photographic locations database and region wide crew list to identify potential filming locations and local support staff.

The £1.22m part financing from the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 was secured through regional development agency One North East.  The agency has already contributed £1.84m to NFM from its Single Programme.

“Northern Film & Media is boosting creative and technical talent and nurturing the growth of the region’s media sector,” said One North East head of business investment Dr Simon Goon.

“The additional investment from Europe will build and sustain successful creative and digital businesses, allowing them to exploit new technology and compete in national and global markets.  We want our region to become a focal point for the production of creative content, as well as a world class and cost effective place to shoot both film and television.”

NFM’s new office premises at Hoults Yard in Newcastle is developing into a fast growing hub for creative industries in the region.  On-site technical facilities for SMEs are to include 122m2 of space for ISDN-based video conferencing, flexible meeting and networking spaces and dedicated screening facilities.

The ERDF 2007-13 programme is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support.  It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1bn per annum.

Northern Film & Media works to ensure that content is created and production is enabled in the North East to the benefit of regional talent and the regional economy.  It works closely with key agencies in the region including Business & Enterprise North East, Skillset, Codeworks Connect & GameHorizon, DigitalCity, UK Film Council and Generator.

The project delivers Business Collaboration Networks and Business Expertise for Growth and is funded as part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow.

For further information about the project, call Northern Film & Media on 0191 275 5940.

For information on the wide package of support available to regional companies, call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast

-ends-

North-East start-up gets funding: Graphic.ly

It’s good to see Middlesborough’s animation hotspot is producing exciting new start-ups. This one is a platform for allowing comic developers to post their work digitally – on things like iPhones.

It’s hot on the heels of my seeing Wallace & Gromit’s comic downloaded by my pesky 7 yr old twins for my iPhone. The medium works really well for comics with the touchscreen and flick-thru helping the reader, as well as tap and mine for detail.

I see Wallace & Gromit was one of 2009’s top free downloads of all. So, Graphic.ly are onto a good thing.

I’m not alone in thinking this. Bill Gates’ co-founder of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, has been reported as showing off the Graphic.ly product in an early 2010 prezo.

The full press release to follow:

northstar investment secures over $1m series A Funding to expand in the north east and usa
Graphic.ly Looks to Extend Community Around Digital Comics, Publishing and Merchandise

North East based venture capital firm NorthStar Equity Investors is pleased to announce that Graphic.ly, the cutting-edge digital content publishing platform, has announced the close of its Series A investment round of more than $1 million. The funding comes from a £100,000 contribution from NorthStar’s Co-Investment Fund, other USA-based venture capitalist and strategic media firms and individual investors.

Graphic.ly (formerly known as TakeComics) have developed an easy to use solution for creators of comics and other forms of publishing who are looking for new ways to deliver content to their fan base and readership. The technology is also changing the way people read and engage with the material, allowing them to interact with the content and each other. Graphic.ly focuses on the desktop as the best experience for digital comics with the ability to deliver compatible format on all portable devices including the iPhone, and provides publishers with a no-cost/no-effort conversion experience.

Micah Baldwin, CEO and Co-Founder of Graphic.ly, said:

“Graphic.ly strives to provide a place for everyone that enjoys storytelling in comic books and wants to discuss the art and writing with their friends.  Allowing readers to engage and access their libraries and exclusive content wherever and whenever they desire is what drives Graphic.ly.”
The investment round was led by DFJ Mercury, a Houston-based venture capital firm specializing in early stage and seed investments, and included strategic investor Starz Media, LLC, and NorthStar, which is the sole UK investor, as well as other individual investors.

Marc DeBevoise, SVP, Digital Media, Business Development & Strategy for Starz Media, said, “We are excited about the investment in Graphic.ly and its approach to bringing this kind of change to the comics and publishing world.  Micah and his team recognize that the opportunity at-hand is not just about making content available, but making it available in the right context and with the expanded features that allow users to interact with the content and each other.”

Graphic.ly will use the investment to develop its UK subsidiary based in Teesside at the Digital City BoHo complex, which will remain the Company’s primary employer through the creation of skilled jobs in its North East technology team. Funds will also be used to expand marketing efforts and begin work on content partnerships.

Michelle Cooper, Investment Manager at NorthStar, added:

“We were the first investors in Graphic.ly through our Proof of Concept fund in August 2008 and we are delighted to see how far the Company has gone since. NSEI is now the sole UK investor and we are proud to invest more funds in the Company to help it develop its North East subsidiary and create jobs in the region.

“It is great to see a Company with a focus in the USA valuing the input of its technical team based in the North East. This shows the great expertise of people in our region.”