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Company: Northern Film & Media
Project: North East Movies
Dates: Apr 2007 to Oct 2007
How did the project start?
Northern Film & Media identified the need to develop a free media distribution platform to deliver the work of North East talent direct to a global market and audience using on-line technology.
What options did you consider?
We considered using the traditional websites such as YouTube and MySpace to deliver content, but decided a professional and bespoke on-line service was the best way to distribute professional films and distinguish them from user generated content. We also considered branding and marketing strategies to maximise the recognition of and traffic to the site.
What help and expertise did you receive?
Funkigroup produced the site for Northern Film & Media and we consulted with them on a regular basis. We also sought advise from other industry professionals.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
One of the key challenges was to make sure that the high quality of content featured on the site could then be replicated on mobile phones, PSP's etc. This was a unique aspect of our work and a challenge we are confident we succeeded in facing. The quality of streaming was also an issue we overcame successfully, whilst the simplicity of the site demonstrates how we overcame the potential difficulties in allowing the user to upload movies themselves.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
In the first month over 30,000 films were viewed on North East Movies website - a first for North East talent. In the first 4 months over 100 films were added to the site by North East film makers. We've now had over 100,000 unique visitors to the site in the first 6 months. The site has gained praise from UK Film Council, who are looking at how they can use this technology as part of their Olympic campaign/strategy. The site has also won an RTS award for best new media production. It is Northern Film & Media's responsibility to develop the moving image sector of the North East, our 'business' is to help people make films and get them seen by wider audiences. North East Movies has achieved this and more, leading to commissions from the BBC for one person's work and interest from producers for many, many others.
What are your plans for the future?
We are looking at how we can roll the technology out and embrace new markets whilst retaining the North East focus of the site and the high standard of films featured. We are also keen to launch more creative and cross creative schemes that, once films have been produced, can then be featured on the site. Further promotion.
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