The Buzz Newsletter 28th October 2009

28 October 2009

by Teodora Beleaga

oventry University podcasts are getting thousands of hits on iTunes U, Apple’s platform for academic content. They are currently ranked among the most downloaded podcasts in the world, having Coventry University on the front page, alongside universities like MIT, Oxford or Open University. CUTV videos on YouTube and podcasts on the university’s website were getting very good hits, but since Coventry has teamed up with Apple in June this year, the numbers have skyrocketed. Peter

Woodbridge, Coventry University’s Creative Multimedia Manager, says: “The podcasts get downloaded all over the world. It’s amazing, it’s all free and it’s all based on the quality of our content. Just because we are not rated as highly (in UK university ranks) doesn’t mean we are not specialists in certain areas.”

regardless of your using a PC or a Mac. Because most of the university’s podcasts are mp3’s you can even listen to them in Windows

Media Player. “It’s about making them as widely usable as possible”, says Peter. You can easily access the podcasts by visiting www.coventry. ac.uk/itunes. image source: vimeo.com

“ iTunes are available for download anywhere in the world, regardless of your using a PC or a Mac “

The content one can easily find on Coventry’s iTunes U page includes master classes, Coventry Conversations, Cathedral talks, research projects, student projects, support videos for students, various events and other talks from specific areas like Art and Design, Photography or Technology. There are over 300 items available and Woodbridge is in favour of as much content as possible (but within the intellectual property and copyright laws) saying internet will never replace the university experience. “When you’re coming to university, you’re not just coming to sit in a lecture hall. Here’s the opportunity and the space to be able to explore, to get into a subject in real depth and to get support. Just by going on iTunes obviously you don’t have that support.” Provided you have an internet connection, iTunes are available for download anywhere in the world,

image source: deimos.apple.com

Cov Uni iTuned its hits big time C

Peter Woodbridge

Improvisation nurtured ‘Nativity’ image source: contactmusic.com

by Artlee Mhlanga „„ Coventry’s very own Debbie Isitt appeared at the Coventry Conversation on the 22nd of October to discuss the making of her latest film ‘Nativity’.

“Reactions from the actors were so much more authentic when real things were happening to them.” Former theatre performer turned into film director, Debbie explained how improvisation led to some better convincing performances. “Reactions from the actors were so much more authentic when real things were happening to them.” The film, which took a total of six weeks to shoot, is set at the Holy Family Primary School in Coventry starring “real kids.” Due to be released this Christmas (in UK cinemas only) ‘Nativity’ is up against heavy competition from Holly-



Nativity’s promotional poster

wood productions like Disney’s Christmas Carol or Elvin and the Chipmunks 2. If successful, the film is to be launched on a global scale by Christmas 2010, alongside the realising of its DVD version. As Debbie is the only film director to live in Coventry, Nativity’s success could put Coventry on the cinematic map. The only £2 million budget film was described by her as “a really, really positive family film.” A hundred and twenty hours of footage became 90 minutes of edited

film, within the privacy of Debbi’s own home. Asked what film making is like, she answered: “It can be a grind but it’s fun!” Previous experience from her own theatre company enabled Debbie to cope with the demands of her profession and to take risks in the creative aspects of her work. Her unconventional way of using improvisation has made her work recognisable and distinctive. Debbie will surely have all the local support at the releasing of her film.

„„ Coventry East Asian film society had its first screening last Wednesday. Students and staff alike had a good laugh and enjoyed some popcorn and tea, while viewing Sophie’s Revenge. Great feedback and a very good turn-out surprised the society’s president, Diana Stefanescu. “The room was full and we had lecturers coming in to watch the film. It was amazing.” She underlines that the success is due to good teamwork and student involvement: “We have a big team and everyone did their bit.” Event organiser and secretary of the society, Andreea Nanu compares Sophie’s Revenge with Hollywood productions: “The montage was extraordinary and I think it was better than most of the Hollywood films that are on screens now.” Creator of the East Asian film society, Spencer Murphy

Picture courtesy of George Butchwell

CUEAFS screens big

The debate that followed Wednesday’s screening said: “I am over the moon with the proportions the society has taken so quickly.” Follow the society’s activity on twitter @ http://twitter. com/CUEAFS or on their Facebook group: CUEAFS.

The student and staff newsletter of the Media and Communications department of Coventry School of Art and Design Edited by Teo Beleaga Submissions invited to [email protected] With many thanks to Peter Woodbridge, Artlee Mhlanga John Mair and our photographer George Butchwell.