B.V.E North 2012: A Q&A with Anita Pal, Event Director, i2i Events Group

What's new at BVE North this year?
The Skills Zone is a place where we will offer informal discussion sessions to give BVE visitors the chance to get valuable advice from expert practitioners in the industry. The topics for discussion will be essential, everyday business concerns, career and training issues, such as running your own business, how to fight for your right to freelance, and commissioners pitching sessions.

The Media Innovation Forum is a strategic discussion forum for media business strategic directors, that will assess trends in the consumption of digital media, identify the new commissioners and funders of content, discuss how to monetise content in the multi-platform environment and examine the outlook for UK TV and film production nationally and internationally. It is an invitation-only event, but people can apply for tickets at www.bvenorth.co.uk/MIF

The IOV successfully joined forces with BVE at the London show in February, bringing its unique range of professional videography-based presentations to the BVE audience in a dedicated exhibition floor theatre. The partnership continues at BVE North 2012 with the IOV Theatre offering free seminars and workshops that combine valuable practical advice with expert insights into current industry issues.

In addition the event will offer extended networking opportunities via fringe events with Creative England, The Comedy Film Festival, Northern Soho and a host of other broadcast networking groups in the North West.

And we are delighted to welcome 33 new exhibitors and sponsors to the show this year.

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Tell me about the sessions we can look forward to at the show?
Where to start!
We have three main theatres:The Broadcast Theatre covers IT, Audio and Post Production issues, examining the latest infrastructure and tools for delivering broadcast quality images and audio in the new digital landscape. Speakers include Charlie Cope, Technical Executive, BBC Sport, giving an insight into the experience gained from the summer of sport and the key elements in BBC North infrastructure that enabled efficient delivery across multiple platforms; John O'Shaughnessy, Head of Technology Operations, MediaCity Studios leading a panel discussion to examine how production services and workflows are evolving to reduce capex, enable remote working and collaboration; and Jennifer Wilson, Data & Taxonomy Manager, BBC Scotland, identifying the main challenges for Broadcasters in managing large archives and devising effective and sustainable metadata procedures.

The Production Theatre offers content creators a wide variety of strategic and practical sessions, from scripting to selling the finished project. Speakers include Louise Brown, Multiplatform Commissioning Lead, Channel 4, and Helen Cooke, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, UKTV examining the implications for broadcasters of multi-screen viewing, Connected and Smart TVs; Nicola Shindler, Chief Executive, Red Production Company, presenting a fascinating insight into what production companies look for in a script; and Lynne McCadden, Head of Development, CREATIVE ENGLAND, Hugo Heppell, Head of Production, Screen Yorkshire, and Nicola Lees, TV Mole and Mentoring Scheme Producer, WFTV share their considerable expertise on how to get the green light for projects, identifying new sources of funding and examining successful and innovative financing models.

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The IOV Theatre bringing a unique range of professional videography-based presentations to the BVE audience in a dedicated exhibition floor theatre. Speakers include Richard Laurence, MD, Innsight Television, examining the opportunities available to videographers from the 21 newly granted local television licences; Jeff Wood and Rich Daly sharing their experiences and tips for good wedding cinematography; and Matt Hubbard, Director, Reels In Motion discussing the growth of video marketing and how to maximise the potential market of corporate videos.

In addition Sony has its own theatre where it will demonstrate how it is accelerating change in the media and broadcast industry, from independent production companies and freelancers, to international broadcasters and cinema chains. Highlights include sessions on 4K and the F65 camera, live production innovations and Sony’s big sensor camcorders.

Can you highlight a few exciting product launches scheduled?
We currently have over 60 national and/or global launches, and we expect a few more nearer the event. New products on display include audio consoles, camera systems, test and measurement tools, infrastructure products and accessories.

Here is just a small selection of new products that will be on display: 
Holdan  (Stand C29) will present several new products, including the Panasonic AG AC-90 professional HD camcorder that combines high image quality, advanced functions and easy operation at an affordable price; and, as the official Blackmagic distributor, Holdan is introducing the new Micro Four Thirds version of the acclaimed Blackmagic Cinema Camera. Recording 2.5K RAW images to ultra-fast SSD storage drives, the camera delivers stunning results. The new mount version gives users access to scores of 4/3rds lenses and PL mount lenses via an adapter.

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3D Storm (Stand A34) presents the first UK look at the NewTek TriCaster 8000 Multi-Camera Live Production and streaming system, a full eight M/E integrated solution for live production and streaming, with up to eight cameras, IsoCorder Technology, 14 configurable outputs, switcher operation macros setup, a full virtual set library and four DSKs. It also includes a social media instant publishing feature for producers to distribute any content of the live show to multiple social media platforms. 3D Storm will also present the NewTek Tricaster 40, the entry level product in the TriCaster live production range with four video inputs and two video outputs.

Studer by Harman (Stand C33) demonstrates the Studer Vista 1 Compact digital audio console for broadcast and theatrical production. It is a single compact chassis with control surface, I/O and DSP, which is portable and easy to install. It includes powerful and innovative features such as FaderGlow and integral USB jingle/spot player.

Garland Partners (Stand C59) will demonstrate a range of new products, including the Teracue DEC-300 HDSDI Portable HD/SD hardware decoder; the ViewCast Niagara N2200 portable encoder and  ViewCast Osprey Card O845e video capture card; the ABonAir AB305 wireless video link; and the LiveU LU70 3G mobile uplink solution.

Slowmo (Stand B20) will show the new Photron SA-X camera system, which can record at a staggering 20,000 fps at 1024 x 576 resolution (1024 x 1024 at 12,500fps). It boasts superb image quality with market leading light sensitivity and was recently used on a commercial for the new VW Golf.

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How many exhibitors are you expecting this year? Will you be adding to the exhibitor line-up?
Last year’s show was such a great success that many of our existing exhibitors requested additional space this year, and we have also welcomed 33 new exhibitors and sponsors. We have added 62% more exhibition space, and will have over 100 brands on the show floor. Returning exhibitors include ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canford, Cirro Lite, CVP, Harris Systems, JVC, Olympus, Panasonic and Sennheiser, while new exhibitors include Audio Ltd, CandIT Media, FOR-A, Presteigne Charter, Harman, PNY Technologies, Sonifex and Tyrell CCT.

How has the show evolved since its 2011 launch?
BVE North is the only event of its kind for the region, and offers a unique opportunity to meet - and sell to - the growing number of content creation, management and delivery professionals based in northern England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The show has grown due to popular demand; we have expanded the show floor space and are expecting around 3000 visitors across the two days. However, the show remains focussed on the elements that made last year’s show such a success: its regional roots and its excellent free seminar content. We have worked very hard to pull together a great seminar programme full of local talent, and we are confident it will inspire and educate in equal measure.

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