Chris Smith Associates

More Creative Dundee

Some new podcasts went up at Creative Dundee - it's always a pleasure to meet enthusiastic creative people and there you have three good examples. Their new book promises to be a great read. The previous volume "Roots" lasted in the house for a week before I gave it away. I ended up buying 5 copies and pressing it into the hands of friends and family - it was that good.

Equally, it's good to know Esther Read is out there stirring writers up and pushing into print. Living with a published author, I can appreciate  the value of a calm encouraging voice in the creative process and Esther does wonders. Chalk another one up for Dundee.

Great video...highly recommended

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

A couple of things to say. No edits, just lots of planning and rehearsal and superb teamwork. You might not like the music style but you've got to love the energy and the feel of the piece.

AV piece on Tidal Power

As ever, it's nice to work with pros and this short piece is a good example. It's an interview with a technical marketeer and a journalist illustrated with images and some video. If you listen to the piece; the key points are the journalist asks simple questions and strays far into the audio picture to make their interaction interesting. On the other side, the marketeer, speaking in her second or third language,tells us a story. The accompanying graphics are meant to supplement not overwhelm. I liked working on it.

Award winning at last !

Couple of excellent results ...Blairgowrie High School Podcast Club got shortlisted and were runners up at the Annual Spirit of Youth Awards in Perth on Friday. I think the correct young people's expression, at the moment, is "Whoop, whoop!". Top group of young people and led by Mrs Pieroni who is a class act -  I am delighted to be involved.

Second piece of good news - Dundee Contemporary Arts was 10 years old on Saturday and I did a Q&A with Clive Gillman. Everyone said they enjoyed it and Clive was on good form. He is one of the few people I know who says 'world class ambition' and really means it. My wife tells me it was a good gig and some pretty fundamental issues were put on the table - more photographic exhibitions, more cinema discussions  and the 'V and A' as neighbours. Great fun and I wait to see the video.

Mayhem continues

As ever, the current set of projects grow arms and legs. Speaking to my friend Sheila over a Peckhams' latte I realise the old world was a fear of 'scope creep' and the new world is 'exploring possibilities'. And it's all good.

The new year starts like a flyer...

In the middle of writing a final report for the rather exciting Modified Toy Orchestra and it is a great way to start the new year. The MTO and their mission are real brain stretchers. I am challenged and excited to be thinking this hard this early in the 2009. More soon.

My 'To do' List

Recording and rediting audio/video for a Herald Finland article, preparing and delivering a presentation course to a new audience, designing and delivering a new web site for a client, attending a BBC Radio 4 suppliers London meeting and then writing 'pre offer' submissions for a number of programme series, and a couple more digital media submissions to publicity shy clients. Hmmmmm...and that's just what I can remember.

Things you do...

It has been quiet on the web site, only because I have been sooooo busy. As you can see, I have been recording rain drops in Finland. Why go to Finland in wettest summer we have had in years ? Lesley Riddoch is writing a series of articles for the Herald, including blogs and a podcast or two, about cycling through Finland and Aland. I won't steal her thunder but it was an amazing trip and Lesley was superb in uncovering the most amazing people.
In the midst of all of this, I am working through a number of proposals to record 'podcasts with a purpose'. These range from universities, a couple of major corporate clients and a number of forward thinking public sector groups. Excellent mobile and internet access throughout all Finland and Aland meant I didn't miss a beat.

Habitat for Humanity

'Leave your comfortable office. Travel to Africa. Work on a construction site and build a house.' A simple challenge which 15 Scots met in May. I caught up with Grant Ager from the Fairfield Housing Association and Alan Hobbet of the Dunfermline Building Society and asked them about their visit.
Bearing in mind, these are both experienced business people; I expected a low key response. However, as you will hear, the trip was a real eye opener for both.

Download and listen to Grant and Alan

Simple images...powerful story

I came across a very impressive multimedia piece from Reuters which demonstrates everything that is excellent about "rich media". A slight health warning at this point, it is about the Iraq war and contains content which reflects the reality of war reportage and is best not viewed on a full stomach or before meals. Having said that; tight writing, clear editing and outstanding images make this piece so watchable.