Bristol Media has been collaborating with Plymouth Media-Partnership and we’re delighted to announce a new online resource is now available to creative companies in the South West.

www.mediainnovationnetwork.com is for companies and individuals working in digital media and the creative industries looking to share knowledge and collaborate, access market intelligence and sector information, and develop skills by connecting with research centres and knowledge hubs.   

www.mediainnovationnetwork.com will offer the following services:

• Information on the latest news, trends, audience data, and technology 
• Opportunities to network online and learn from experts and industry leaders, as well as other companies and individuals working in digital media
• A programme of fascinating, inspirational and catalytic events
• Access to CPD/Training opportunities Regular newsletters and e-bulletins highlighting opportunities and signposting the most interesting international, national and local events 

As a Bristol Media member you will be able to choose free registration or opt to become a Premium User which will give you access to some amazing discounts and very special services including:

• 50% discount on each Media Innovation Award entry fee (making the cost of entry an amazing £20)
• Access to market intelligence including information about tenders and other opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on Media Innovation Network event registration fees 
• Information about the latest research and development
• Dedicated legal advice hotline run by a specialist team at Foot Anstey
• Dedicated financial advice hotline run by digital media experts at Bishop Fleming
• Access to accredited preferred suppliers offering discounted products and services to creative companies
• Profile raising opportunities for the hottest and most innovative companies  

If you are already a member of Bristol Media and you register by 31st January 2012 then the cost of the premium service is just £49, so you can see that it very quickly pays for itself if you take advantage of just a few of the benefits.

Bristol Media is also encouraging members to enter the 2012 Media Innovation Awards which is the South West’s most prestigious awards event for people working in the creative industries. 

The Media Innovation Awards will celebrate and honour the very best creative and innovative work produced by media and design companies during 2011 and this year we’re delighted that the glitzy gala dinner will be taking place in Bristol in the Autumn.

Businesses from across the South West are being urged to enter the competition, which opens for entries on the 4th January and will close on the 28th February. The competition is open to all members of Bristol Media, the West of England Design Forum, South West Music Forum, and Creative Bath. You can enter online or download an entry pack from www.mediainnovationawards.com. Media and design companies and their clients can enter up to five categories and nominate for the new talent and outstanding contribution awards. 

Slingshot, a company based in Bristol, won the Mobile Communications award in 2011 for their project “The Tweeture” which was commissioned by Arts Council England and iShed.

Simon Evans from Slingshot said “'Once again it was a pleasure to win a South West Media Innovation Award. As a new business looking to develop and exploit innovative technologies, such endorsement is essential to convincing clients of our credibility and establishing our place in the market”.

The 16 categories in the 2012 awards will be judged by a panel of highly respected industry leaders to be announced later this month.  The categories are:
Television, Video or Film
Website Design and Use
Mobile Application
Graphics
Animation
Installation/Exhibition/Live Events
Radio/Audio/Music
Games Design
Branding
Marketing and Advertising B2B
Marketing and Advertising B2C
Collaboration between Business and Young People
International Trade
Entrepreneurship
New Talent
Outstanding Contribution to Innovation

Karen Stockdale from the Media Innovation Awards said: “This is an important opportunity to celebrate innovation and talent within the sector in the South West and the event enables us to put the spotlight on the world-class creative companies based in the region.  We’re delighted that this year we’ve introduced 3 new categories for Animation, Marketing & Advertising B2B and Marketing & Advertising B2C”.

For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please visit the website at: www.mediainnovationawards.com, call Karen Stockdale on 01752 346530 or email on info@mediainnovationnetwork.com