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Brains Eden

Date: 22nd January 2009 6-8pm
Venue: Ruskin Lecture Theatre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK

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Games Eden is organizing an exhibition of student work and a series of talks designed to bring the Education and Developer communities closer together.  There’s been more heat than light recently regarding training and education standards so we thought the time was right for both sides to meet up, explain and show what we do, and talk through key issues. 

  • How might the Industry help regional games education?
  • How might Education tap into industry expertise better?
  • What new tactics could be put in place for improving talent?
  • How might Industry and Education address skills shortages? 

AGENDA

17:00 Registration and Coffee

18:00 Keynote: “Getting the Talent Right”, Richard Wilson CEO of TIGA

TIGA is The Independent Game Developers Association in the UK. Richard was previously Director of Communications at the Royal Academy of Engineering and Head of Business Policy at the Institute of Directors. He has a keen interest in education and skills, having served as a non-executive director of Improve and of the Adult Learning Inspectorate

Richard believes that the games development sector is one of the UK’s key economic success stories. He intends to raise the profile of the sector amongst policy makers, enhance the effectiveness of Tiga for the benefit of its members and campaign for a business environment that is favourable to games developers.

18:15 “Education, The Skills Gap and Blitz”, Kim Blake, Education Liason Manager, Blitz Games

Blitz Games in one of the World’s largest independent video game developers, founded in 1990 by industry veterans Philip and Andrew Oliver. Concentrating on family titles such as American Idol, Spongebob Squarepants and Bratz, Blitz are pro-active within training and education, and keen to engage with education to get the skills they need. At the vanguard of this is Kim Blake, Education Liason Manager, who, amongst other things runs the highly successful Blitz Open Days, and sits on TIGA and Skillset Industry panels.

18.30 “The talent we want, where we look, and how we get it”, James Shepherd, Creative Director, Sony Cambridge Studio,

James Shepherd will talk about how Sony find the right talent, and offer tips to educators about what they like to see taught on courses and in students’ portfolios. James will also talk about the valuable partnership with Bournemouth University for recruiting talent.

18:45 “Working with the Games Industry: Case studies and notes” Phil Allen, NCCA, Bournemouth University

How can Universities keep up to date and maintain links with Industry? What are the core skills needed? How do staff make sure the course remains relevant?

19.00 “Skillset, the Skills Gap and accreditation”, Kate O’Connor - Executive Director Skillset - Policy and Development, Deputy CEO

Kate is responsible for the policy and strategic management of Skillset’s ‘product’ and research development. This includes standards and qualifications, training frameworks, employment-related research and Further and Higher Education developments. Kate is a member of Skillset’s Executive Team.

19:15 “The Insiders View- Education from both sides of the fence”, Alan Lewis, Polywood Studios

Alan Lewis is a 3D artist and certified Maya trainer with many years experience designing and teaching a wide range of animation and visual effects degree programmes in both Canada, England and Wales!  In 2007 Alan co-founded Polywood Studios, an online animation training and collaborative production website, specifically tailored to the suit the needs of both industry and academia.

19:35 Panel Discussion, Chaired by Saint John Walker, FDMX
20.00 Networking over drinks in the Ruskin Gallery
21.00 Event Closes

BRAINS EDEN TALKS
A series of talks about how we can improve the symbiosis between the Games Industry and Education/Training institutions. We’re asking Games companies and education/training providers to give short presentations and discuss new ways to supply the right kind of talent at the right time.

Come and see the Brains Eden exhibition. It’ll show great work from games and other relevant courses across the region, with work from leading developers included too. In addition, the Brains Eden seminar will look at best practice and the barriers that stop Games Developers, Tutors and Students getting together more.

BRAINS EDEN EXHIBITION
We asked the main education providers in our region to present three students that they think represent their best practice- two from Games courses, if appropriate, and one from another (arts or science based) course, since the Games industry doesn’t just recruit from Games courses. Come and see the best our region has to offer.
Dates: 17- 26th January 2009, 9am-6pm (then touring) Private View: 16th January 7pm
Venue: Ruskin Gallery, Anglia Ruskin University, (Collier Road entrance)

Contact for more information about this exhibition.

Posted on 22 Jan, 2009 - Event Proceedings