Memorandum submitted by Maverick Television
In response to the point: The impact upon creative
industries of recent and future developments in digital convergence
and media technology; I offer the following observations.
The convergence that we are witnessing across
digital platforms including TV, mobile, PC, digital TV, film,
online and broadband offers great opportunities for the creative
industries in general.
But in particular there are greater opportunities
for Regional Creative Industries as the world is becoming a smaller
place and content can be produced anytime anywhere for immediate
distribution and exploitation. Creative talent need not congregate
around a few capital hubs any longer and are liberated to produce
from their chosen locations.
Regions like the West Midlands that have not
traditionally been recognised for creative industrial activity
are rapidly embracing new media opportunities and delivering quality
and competitively. This is a clear benefit to the range and diversity
of voices and suppliers of UK wide creative content and only becoming
possible and viable with increased new media penetration and consumer
take up. This market is growing exponentially and reaches across
boundaries whether regional, national and international.
THE WEST
MIDLANDS DIGITAL
MEDIA HUB
We have a vibrant digital culture and a highly
networked creative community of specialists in everything from
animation to the design and development of leisure and serious
games. This strong business base generates more than £1.4
billion for the region's economy each year and is already ahead
of many other regions in exploiting the new opportunities being
created by digital TV, internet and mobile services.
This West Midlands culture is exceptional at
nurturing young creative talent. The West Midlands has the youngest
and most diverse population in the UK putting us in pole position
to tap into the ideas of the generation that is driving the digital
entertainment revolution.
Centres of excellence in screen based disciplines
are thriving at the Universities of Coventry, Central England,
Birmingham, Staffordshire, Warwick, Worcester and Wolverhampton.
The region is fast becoming a central hub of the UK's digital
creative industries, establishing the West Midlands as a leading
player in the digital media landscape.
9 January 2006
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