JOE DEMPSIE talks , This is England ’90 &

Confetti survival Your A-Z guide GAMECITY the LOW-DOWN THE PETEBOX FUTURE sounds DESTINY DESERVE THE HYPE? SUEDE death by pizza

WIN/2014 contents

It’s been a pretty busy three months since the last edition of the WIRE. 04 New for you 06 Under the spotlight: Jayne Hyman We’ve welcomed a whole load of new students, greeted back some old faces and partied hard at some pretty awesome FRESH events. Were you there? Our Gallery’s on pg 38. 08 Confetti catch-up: THePETEBOX 10 What’s in your bag? This edition is packed full of interviews with successful artists – people like ex-Confetti 11 Find your voice student THePETEBOX, special effects make-up artist Jayne Hyman and an EXCLUSIVE chat with our cover-star, Game of Thrones heart-throb, Joe Dempsie (he’s from , don’t 12 New: The Foley Suite you know). Plus, you’ll find the usual discounts and deals (obvs) and brand new feature – 14 Exclusive! Joe Dempsie ‘What’s in your bag?’ Yup, we’ve asked one of you to empty your bag – don’t worry, not half 16 Student Survival Guide as illegal as it sounds… 18 Game review: Destiny

Finally, this is your mag and we’re really chuffed that so many of you want to get involved. 20 An interview with Jim Parkyn 24 GameCity9 Want to be one of those making it happen? Email us at [email protected] 26 Clocking on at the BBC 28 Joe Buhdha Enjoy, The Confetti Team 29 #EVE_NT 36 What’s on in Notts 38 The Gallery

in partnership with:

2. 3. NEW TECH

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Line 6 Spider IV AT4041 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE The Line 6 Spider IV 150w 2x12 combo boasts over 500 pre-sets, 300 of which have been crafted by 50 of the world’s The AT4041 Cardioid Condenser microphone finest guitarists, and 200 of which were gives a smooth, extended frequency response inspired by classic guitar tones of years with a slight rise occurring in the high-frequency gone by! With 16 amp models varying region. Low-mass diaphragm improves transient from vintage tones to modern classics, 20 response, increases response bandwidth and great on-board Smart FX, a built-in looper reduces handling and mechanicalnoise transfer. function and Celestion speakers, you’ll have Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates a powerful and incredibly versatile amp low-frequency distortion and provides superior with an enviable selection of tones. correlation of high-speed transients.

4. 5. spotlight

under the spotlight: We had a catch-up with I’ve stayed here for so long. seeking funding for a horror special effects make-up I didn’t work full-time in the feature film about deadly artist, Jayne Hyman. Fresh industry straight away; I worms! Other than that I from a week in LA – Jayne’s did factory work and retail have lots of little jobs coming whilst practising make-up for up such as a workshop, and JAYNE HYMAN a Confetti Industry Week unpaid projects, before finally make-up for events. Want to know what goes into making the favourite, back again next becoming fully freelance at the gore and grime in a Hollywood horror? year to share her industry start of 2011. I took some work In the future, I’m... tips and tricks. Read on to Photos: Forecast Designs experience in a theatre which keeping my fingers crossed find out how it all started led to paid work, and things that funding will come up for with Freddie Kruger. have just spiralled from there. several feature films I’ve been involved in. I’ll be working on It started in… Right now I’ve... a Sci-Fi film next month, and 2004 when I took a Media just returned from a week have some potential work on Make-up course at Shepperton in Hollywood where I was a feature film outside the UK Studios - branching out from supporting a short film in the New Year; although all make-up into prop-making called ‘Cannibals & Carpet plans may change! If you want and art department work. I Fitters’, which was playing at to work in the film industry wanted to be a special effects Shriekfest Horror Film Festival. (or generally as a freelancer) artist ever since watching the The producer and director are you have to be ok with the ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ currently looking for funding fact that plans can change films as a child and realising to make the feature film at a moment’s notice. You it was someone’s job to make version of the short film, so I’m definitely have to be unfazed the gore! keeping my fingers crossed by the unpredictability of it happens – it was a lot of not knowing what your work I moved to Nottingham in fun to work on! I’m also part situation will be in a few 2007, Notts has a good of a film-making collective weeks’ time! creative vibe which is why called Team Chameleon, we’re

6. 7. confetti catch-up

“I’m fuelled by confetti catch-up: that moment THePETEBOX when the lights start flashing, Ex-Confetti student THePETEBOX is a solo performer, musician, songwriter my monitors are and multi-instrumentalist, whose pioneering live shows have ignited pounding and I can audiences across the world. feel the bass” Headlining last year’s Confetti Christmas party in spectacular style, we caught up with THePETEBOX to find out what he’s been up to since.

Give us the low-down, what’s the last year You were born and bred in Nottingham and been like for you? studied at Confetti – how would you describe It’s been a hectic year of almost constant the music scene here? touring. I’ve visited Germany, France, It’s buzzing, it always has been. I cut my Lithuania, Austria, Tunisia, Bahrain, Czech teeth playing open mic and indie club nights Republic, Croatia, Russia, Norway, Spain, around Nottingham over ten years ago. There Poland, UK, Ireland – some of them more were, and still are, some incredible musicians, than once, sounds pretty nuts when you venues and promoters working their asses write them all down! off to bring the people something new and exciting. Many of my favourite bands are from I never get tired of playing music to people Notts, there’s always been something pretty around the world, no matter where the stage unique about what’s coming out of here. is, what the crowd is like or what country I’m in. I’m fuelled by that moment when the lights So, what’s next for you? start flashing, my monitors are pounding and I By the time you read this, I’ll have completed can feel the bass I create resonating round the my first US tour. As the Pledge campaign room. Getting stuck into my set, performing worked out, I have my album to make; so my tunes for people I’ve never met before – lots to do ready for the New Year! it’s a special rush. We’re looking forward to hearing it! And You recently launched a Pledge Music crowd- finally, what advice would you give an funding campaign. What’s the update? aspiring musician? Great, I made my target so it’s all ready to go. Most importantly, work dead hard and believe It’s cool to know there are people on board in what you do. Learn every aspect of it, who have faith in me creating something from the music, to the business; don’t rely on they’ll enjoy. anyone to do anything for you. If you sign a major deal and get an agent and a manager These sort of campaigns are great because tomorrow – still do everything for yourself, they enable me (and other artists) to create don’t expect it to be done. and maintain a career in music - DIY style. There’s just me and my manager Tom Reed, And finally, remember – you don’t need all we run things, we make the decisions and those things to build a career; you can do it on we’ve made everything happen. your own and still have a rad time!

www.thepetebox.com

8. 9. Student profile

WHAT’S IN 1 4 YOUR BAG? 2 JAKE SHARPE 3 10

7 5 6 8 11 Wonder what it’s like to sing in front of 9 Jessie J, Danny from the Script and the 14 legend that is Tom Jones?

12 13 After gracing us with a set at this year’s FRESH party, we had a chat with Music Technology Level 2 student Dana Dempster, to find out more. Dana Dempster, BTEC L2 Music Technology

Hi Dana. So, The Voice eh? So, what are you currently working on? How was the experience? I am actually looking to do an acoustic project, 15 16 Incredible. From the first audition to the blind but until that happens, I’m working on more auditions they treat you like you’re part of the originals, some covers and looking for more team. They really took care of me. They gave gigs around the UK to get myself noticed. me vocal coaching, paid for my transport We caught up with Confetti HE Music Technology and hotel, and even food! I would highly What’s next for Dana? student Jake Sharpe. He emptied the contents recommend auditioning for the show. Anything could happen, right? I will try my of his bag to show us what kit he rolls with. absolute hardest to make my dreams come Is it true you’re returning? true. I can’t tell you what comes next, but I I got invited back to the show! I decided not hope one day I’ll be able to prove wrong 1. AKGK701 studio mixing headphones to return as I am travelling to the USA next those people that didn’t believe I would 2. Plectrum holder and plectrums year to try and make it in the City of Angels… make it. 3. Torch 4. Nintendo 3DSXL hard case You’re a Confetti student; how do you On that note, what advice would you give 5. Apple magic mouse manage your time between singing and an aspiring singer? 6. ALP demo album college work? Don’t be scared. I always think to myself that 7. My lucky Buddha I sing everywhere, all the time. Sometimes you can’t please everyone, but there’s always in my sleep! There’s always time to do the someone that will love what you do. 8. Guitar slider things you love, it’s just a matter of 9. 32gb memory stick making the time. The music industry is one of the hardest 10. Nintendo 3DSXL industries to be in, but if you believe in yourself 11. Circle Pad Pro enough and push yourself to achieve your 12. Tools for guitar and cable maintenance dreams, then one day they’ll come true. Take 13. Fold-out pliers “Take rejection with a pinch of rejection with a pinch of salt and never stop 14. IEM RH450 earphones salt and never stop until you until you get what you want. All it takes is that Jake Sharpe, 15. Nintendo DS Games one person in the room you’re performing in. FdSc Music Technology 16. Leftlion mag get what you want.”

10. 11. FOLEY SUITE NEW: Foley tricks

• Corn starch in a leather pouch makes the sound of snow crunching • A heavy staple gun combined with other small THE metal sounds make good gun noises • Audio tape balled up sounds like grass when walked on • Gelatin and hand soap make squishing noises FOLEY • Frozen romaine lettuce makes bone or head injury noises • Coconut shells cut in half and stuffed with padding makes horse hoof noises - this is parodied in Monty Python & the Holy Grail! SUITE • Cellophane creates crackling fire effects • Acorns, small apples and walnuts on wooden parquet flooring can be used for bones breaking

Developed by sound effect technician With several traps that can be used to simulate been recorded on location, as well as other new space; it will be of huge benefit to all Jack Donavon Foley in 1914, ‘Foley’ is the multiple floor surfaces record footsteps in subtle sounds such as move tracks. the courses.” reproduction of all those extra everyday post-production and for film & TV sound sound effects that are added to film, designs – the suite also has audio assets that The new control room provides students help create the sounds for computer games. with the facilities to mix in 5:1 surround on “This room is going to help me so much in the video, and other media during the But, it doesn’t stop there. the new M&K surround structure - installed production of my film because I know even if post-production process. to complement the existing Dynaudio Stereo I can’t get good sound on the shoot, I’ll have A specially-designed diffuser helps treat the monitoring system. From the swish of clothing and footsteps acoustics of the space, making it suitable to the opportunity to get it right in here.” to squeaky doors and breaking glass; record all forms of audio assets, including voice Paul Wallis, TV & Film Production tutor, Naiya Esaya-Chiwembu the best Foley art is so well integrated over & ADR and replacing or complementing knows that having industry-standard FdSc TV & Film Production Technology, into a film that it goes unnoticed by the dialogue on video productions that are shot in equipment is essential to the development 2nd year student audience, helping to create that vital difficult production environments. of his students’ work: Are you an FE student thinking about your next sense of reality within a scene. Confetti’s An HD Video Patch Bay streams high definition “The completion of the new Foley room has step? Visit our undergraduate pages on the Foley room is a brand new facility video from the newly designed control room provided a professional working space for our Confetti website www.confetti.uk.com or have specifically designed for HE students next door, allowing actors to lip-sync their lines undergraduates to develop their skills. Students a chat with your tutor about carrying on your studying an FdSc. in a controlled environment, creating seamless have been having a great time recording studies over at our HE centre. dialogue to accompany atmosphere that‘s footsteps and various other sounds in the

12. 13. “Is Gendry returning? They would have my head Like many Nottingham-born actors, it all started for Joe at The Television Workshop. off if I say anything!” At just 13, Joe’s mum encouraged him to join; “My sister has cerebral palsy and my mum didn’t want me to miss out on Passion? Let’s talk real-time anything,” he says. “It was all sort of by With a whole load of successful work under accident really, I didn’t expect it to turn his belt – what’s next? into a career.” To fund his career path, Joe “That’s such a difficult question!” says Joe, took on a part-time job at Cineworld at the going on to explain his feelings about Cornerhouse. His intention was to watch the industry. loads of films, but jokes that this didn’t quite pan-out; “after a ten hour shift and a ton of “There’s a beauty and frustration with popcorn, the last thing you want to do is having such a lack of control over your stay in a cinema!” career,” he says.

1.5 million viewers “On one hand, it’s great that you don’t know During his gap year, Joe got his break with what’s around the corner. You have a feeling hit show, Skins. After being that there’s no limit on how far your career called to an audition in , Joe met the can go. But, being realistic, the other side is casting director and landed the part of that it’s hard – you can’t plan things, and you Chris Miles. never know where you’ll be in a year.”

“It was a lot of fun, but it didn’t feel like “I know the scripts I’m looking for, and I JoE DEMPSIE something big,” he explains. “The cast hope I’m fortunate enough to get the parts couldn’t believe it when Channel 4 invested I want,” he says. “But, in a nutshell, I just Best known for his roles in Skins, £1 million in the launch campaign – resulting wanna do good stuff, whether that’s TV, This is England ’86 and Game of Thrones – in 1.5 million viewers just for the pilot.” theatre or film. Something worthwhile and Joe Dempsie is an undisputed Nottingham original – and something that I’d watch with “The overnight success of the show was full- my mates.” success story. Catching up with him to on for all the cast, we went from small parts discuss his latest comings and goings – to being spotted everywhere – it was crazy!” Enjoy the journey and all that jazz he was just as charming and chatty as we Best piece of advice. “Just enjoy it. I hear expected, and we’re pleased to confirm Right now actors giving advice all the time and – still sporting a Nottingham accent. Joe’s currently in York finishing an saying – make sure you have the passion! independent film called ‘Burn Burn Burn’ To be honest, I think the word passion is so – working alongside Downtown Abbey star, hyped up.” Laura Carmichael. Joe describes the film as “a really sweet ‘coming of age’ film – it’s real Joe’s motto is ‘As long as you’re enjoying it, and straight forward.” that’s all that matters’. He believes you have to enjoy the journey, he admits he’s guilty As well as that project, Joe’s also filmed of rushing through his career but feels – ‘it’s several episodes for This is England ‘90. important to celebrate every success, no For the fourth and final episode, Joe hints matter how big or small.’ at big things – “It’s going to be epic, all the episodes we’ve done so far have been pretty “Obviously have ambitions,” he finishes “but special, expect a dramatic finish!” make sure you appreciate every step of the way.” The return of Gendry? We’re all massive Game of Thrones fans Monsters: Dark Continent will be in cinemas here, so we couldn’t resist asking about from 27th February 2015. Joe’s character, Gendry. Will he be back for the next series? Joe’s response was quite Catch Joe at Confetti’s Industry week 2015 simply – “they would have my head off if I – week commencing 2nd March. Book your say anything! It was amazing to be part of, space for his talk from January. and it would be really great to do it again, but that’s all I’m saying…”

14. 15. K - KICK STARTER L - LIBRARY M - MONEY The world’s largest funding Not only a place to get your Managing your finances while CONFETTI platform for creative assignments typed up, did you’re studying isn’t easy. projects. Over 7.4 million you know you can hire DVDs? Pop into EST next to Confetti people have backed a Kick Good, eh? Oh, as well as that, reception for a bit of advice Starter campaign, so click library assistant Jade’s on about what extra help you STUDENT ‘Start’ and get your own hand to help with your work. might be entitled to. project crowd-funded now. SURVIVAL N - NOTTS TV O - ON TIME Where else would you get to Get to lessons on time and hone your craft on a real-life get your work in on time. If TV channel? you’re going to be late or GUiDE: won’t make it to a lesson, it’s Study a TV & Film course important we know – ring with us and you’ll be making the Absence Line on A-z real ‘telleh!’ 0115 993 2315. - ' A - Apparel B - Bacon buttie ANNE MARIE S P - PIZZA Q - QUEUES R - RESCUE ROOMS Available from Confetti The ultimate in breakfast Pretty much what Confetti Beat the queues at Rescue Nottingham’s premier live reception and online at sandwiches is served right students want on the menu at Rooms by adding yourself to music venue. The home of www.confetti.uk.com – get here in the Confetti Café. every student party. Turn to their guest-list via Facebook. indie, dance & everything in your hands on your own Anne-Marie’s award-winning* page 29 for a BOGOF offer for Takes two mins and is totally between! Also happens to be little bit of Confetti history. sarnie is yours for the bargain Suede Pizzeria, located almost FREE. Find their page at: the venue for our Christmas Prices start from just £8. price of £1.70. directly opposite Confetti. facebook.com/RescueRooms. party this year! You’re welcome. C - CHRISTMAS PARTY D - DESTINY E - EST S - spool T - TECH STORE U - UCAS Held on 10th December at the Played it? Love it? There to help with everything Based right here at Confetti, Open with a brand new look, Planning to head to Uni? Rescue Rooms, tickets for this Does it live up to the hype? from your Uni application to Spool’s a film and post- from early next year, you’ll be Whether you’re going next exclusive event are extremely Read our review from Games advice about managing your production company with able to buy a whole range of door to do an Undergraduate limited! Keep your eyes on tutor Pete Salt on page 18 and money, pop in to see the team some heavyweight BAFTA- course-related tech, directly qualification at our HE centre, Facebook & Twitter and your let us know what you think in their office opposite Confetti winning films behind them. from the Tech Store. Watch or you plan to go elsewhere, the ears open in lessons to find out on twitter. main reception or email: www.spool.uk.com. this space…. deadline is looming, so hurry up. when and where to get yours. We’re at @Confetti_ICT. [email protected]. F - Free stuff G - GAMECITY H - HIGHER EDUCATION V - VFX W - Wire It’s one of the fastest- Want to be one of our guest Who doesn’t love a freebie? One of the biggest video Yup, you can go to Uni right growing sectors in the writers? Or, maybe you’re a As well as all the discounts game festivals in Europe, it’s here at Confetti. For details of Creative Industries. Our FdSc great photographer? Turn to available with your NUS card, a Games students’ must-visit. all our Undergraduate courses in VFX is NEW for 2015. Visit page 34 to see how you can this copy of the WIRE is full of This year, Confetti was all over visit www.confetti.uk.com. www.confetti.uk.com. Hurry get involved. discounts and BOGOFs from a it. Read more on page 24. You need to get a wriggle on though, UCAS deadline is range of retailers across Notts. though, the dealine is looming. Jan 15th 2015.

I - INDUSTRY WEEK J - Jobs X - XBOX Y - YCA Z - ZEN The biggest week in the It’s why you’re here after all. Xbox V PlayStation The Young Creative Awards Very much part of the English Confetti calendar. From actors Become a fan of Confetti Grads The age-old debate. are now open! This year’s language, but what exactly to musicians; performers to on Facebook for access to all Discuss. theme is ‘Made in Nottingham’. does it mean? The whole point bigwigs in the digital world, the latest job opportunities @Confetti_ICT To find out more head to of Zen practice is to become it’s like nothing you’ve ever across the Creative Industries #Xbox #Playstation www.youngcreativeawards.org. fully aware, here and now. experienced. 2nd-6th March ‘15! and top tips for how to bag one. It’s #theConfettiWay

*These bacon butties have not technically won any awards. Unless the certificate we made in Word counts? 16. 17. Game review

When I first started playing Destiny, one of the things I picked up on was the scale of the universe. Having spoken to other players about their experience of the game, most have expressed their disappointment, but then most of these people are seasoned FPS players and may have higher expectations than me. I’m someone who spends most of my game-playing time focusing on more narrative-driven IPs. I was impressed that the different environments all showed different aesthetics dependant on the planet/location you were in, with some careful consideration of the architecture that would be found in those scenes. As I explored Venus, jumping over old abandoned cars, I found myself making assumptions on how humans had terraformed the planet and had occupied it until these invading forces had waged Is there light at the end war on them. The enemy design also seemed to pay close attention to the colour used in the surroundings. One of the points not explored well, was how one could access the Grimoire cards to tell more about the worlds. I can see the logic in this, ‘let’s make it of the (10 year) tunnel? so they can find out about the deeper story and history of Destiny, but only if they want to/are interested in that’ - let’s face it, most players just want to blow aliens up. But given how interactive games are, it seemed almost backwards to have to then Written by Pete Salt go to a website to check these out. FE Games Development tutor I’ve heard about an app for Android and iphone, which granted, will let players interact with Destiny on-the-go through ‘second screen’ interaction. But I was labouring under the impression that second screen was an idea that was originally conceived as a way of having an audience interact with something that was Where do you start on something as big as Destiny? Even its name has been aptly otherwise linear – i.e, a television show. I wonder if by doing this, it takes away from named to imply visions of fate and feelings of providence, responsibility and ‘walking the immersion of the game experience? the path’. I suppose the best place to start is at the beginning, if you’ll forgive the cliché, and the beginning for me was the announcement of a 10 year project. There are definitely other areas that could do with slightly better explanation, such My instant reaction was ‘wow’, a game project that will last over 10 years, that‘s crazy as sub-classes, how to get light points, locking your class, etc. But then I wondered mad. But, the notion kept niggling at me; I couldn’t help shake the sense that this if this again had something to do with a player that enjoys story-focused games? I’m was a marketing ploy, a way of being sensational in an already sensational industry. used to being told everything I need to do, getting my character to develop skills I thought about Halo and how long that had been running for, how long Assassin’s and then using them, with each completion of a sequence revealing more of the Creed and Call of Duty had been making new appearances. I then caught myself story and what must be done next (with a hefty bag full of emotional themes and wondering did Activision’s involvement have something to do with this. Possibly characterisation to light and motivate the way). with all the madness between them and Infinity Ward, they wanted to get back up there, a way of showing ‘anything you can do, I can do better’? I even considered the However, perhaps the beauty of not telling me everything I need to do and how possibility that someone from the PR team happened to be in Bungie’s kitchen and it works is core to the Destiny experience. One of its platforms, amongst the overheard two Bungie employees discussing how much longevity they felt was in this campaign, exploration and side-missions, is co-operative play or collaboration with new IP. other players, potentially from all over the world. Maybe Bungie wanted me to not only interact with the game and the different I certainly can’t claim to have read even half the articles that are circulating the web players, but resources that I could access outside of the game. If you’ve had a look, on this 10 year framework, but they all seem to indicate that there’s either a fair there are literally hundreds out there. I’ve even stumbled across a site that claims to amount of uncertainty about how this will play out, whether it will actually be 10 years have cracked the algorithm Bungie use to implement public events that offer their or not, or perhaps they’re keeping their (Grimoire) cards close to their chest. own rewards in the game. Playing devil’s advocate, a part of me can’t help ponder what happens if the players get bored of the project before the 10 years are up? Final thoughts A small part of me can’t help but acknowledge that in a time of DLC, it feels like the Bungie have confirmed that players are feeding back and that they’re taking all of it players may get exploited a little in this game too. But until people stop buying it, into consideration. Producers listening to their audiences is exactly how Assassin’s they’ll keep dishing it out. There are definitely some areas that could be improved, Creed II happened (although I’m not sure what went wrong with 3?!) and also how but to say I haven’t enjoyed playing this game, would be a big lie. I’ve been moved 10 iterations of Call of Duty games came about. However, Bungie committing to a 10 by team mates putting themselves in the line of fire to avoid me being killed, felt year project without knowing how players will respond is an interesting strategy that dizzy from the amount of focus I put in trying to complete certain strikes (I got you might prove a step too far in the fast-moving world of games development. None in the end Sekrion!) and spent hours exploring the different planets. of this necessarily impacts on the game or how I view the game but as someone Also, anyone want to join me in writing a petition for some ship space battles?! interested in the creation of games, with a project like this, I like to see what kind of I promise I’ll buy the DLC if they do! ball game the developers/publishers are playing.

18. 19. SPOTLIGHT an interview with Jim Parkyn Senior model-maker for Aardman Animations

How did you end up getting into Are there any exciting future projects lined stop-motion animation? up that you can let us in on? I suppose that it all started with modelling Lots of exciting things happening, but the clay! Once I discovered it, I never really biggest has to be our new Feature ‘Shaun stopped playing. I was on a product design the Movie’ and ‘Shaun in the city’ where we National Diploma and I was introduced to a will have a trail of giant Shauns decorated by film maker who ran animation workshops; artists and celebs in London and Bristol. that made me seriously think about a career in animation. Find out more at: www.shauninthecity.org.uk and www.shaunthesheep.com/movie What has been the highlight of your animation career? You’ve been a guest at Industry Week There have been lots of highlights, but for several times now and we hear you’ll be back me I think running the puppet department for 2015! Are we allowed to know what we on Creature Comforts USA was so exciting; it can expect from you this year? led me to running the puppet build on several I love coming to Confetti it’s become a real series and short films. favourite. To keep an air of excitement, I think I’ll keep it under wraps! What was the first televised animation project you worked on? What’s the best piece of advice you can The very first animation project I worked on offer students at Confetti? (that actually aired on television) was ‘The Getting started after a course can be Miller’s Tale’ which was part of an animated really tricky. Gaining experience through Chaucer series. I had been working in internships/work experience is a great way animation for nearly two years before I got of seeing if it’s the right direction for you. to this point. I think the best piece of advice is to keep Who is your favourite Aardman character? playing. Keeping a sense of fun in what you My favourite Aardman character is always do is really important. When deadlines are a tricky choice! If pushed I would say my tight and there’s real pressure to get the job absolute favourite is Rex The Runt! done, it’s hard to remember that.

I especially like Rex as I got to appear as an animated dog shop assistant (with my own voice) in an episode and I still have the Catch Jim at Industry contract for ‘voice actor’! Week on Friday 6th March 2015. Details of how to sign up will be available in the new year.

20. 21. online Porfolio

Coroflot PostFolio Squarespace FREE FREE £6/month

A quick look at the Coroflot At PostFolio, you can Squarespace provides homepage reveals that this showcase your portfolio beautiful, imagery-rich, isn’t just a site for graphic and without going through designer templates that web designers. the hassle of creating and undeniably command promoting your own website. attention right off the bat. The design portfolios of Coroflot feature everything All you need to do is sign up; Templates are clean, from 3D printing prototypes then upload your Showreel, minimalistic and give off a to rock climbing gear and FXBreakdown and a gallery of sophisticated vibe. Great for candy wrappers. your work, as well as your designers, photographers, CV. Simples. musicians and more.

Vimeo BandCamp DeviantArt FREE FREE FREE SELF Vimeo Plus Pro Premium £7.95/month or £49.95/year £6/month £3/month or £19/year (5GB a week, unlimited HD (ad-free, batch upload, private (additional domain choices, no upload within storage limit streaming, own domain name) DeviantArt branding, unlimited + much more) images) BandCamp’s core resource is a One of the world’s leading solid song player that includes DeviantArt gets over 160,000 video-sharing sites, Vimeo the ability to sell the song; daily uploads of original provides easy ways to share, give it away for free; and basic artworks, ranging from discover, and be inspired. statistics on the plays you get. traditional media to digital art, pixel art, films and anime. With easy-to-understand The other resources on privacy controls, you can BandCamp include the ability As well as having your own matters decide who gets to see your to sell merchandise, including personal page, DeviantArt videos and where they can printing the shipping labels gives you the option of be shown; make use of Vimeo for each sale; discount or free creating a portfolio website. Video School to help sharpen download codes; a growing Here you can fully configure skills or pick up a few fan base; and a reasonable your site and start submitting new ones. rate (even if you don’t choose your creative work for review the pro plan) by potential employers and clients.

Behance Carbonmade Soundcloud One of the most important things you’ll put FREE FREE FREE together – your portfolio is a representation of you as a creative industries professional. Owned and operated by £10/month The world’s leading social Adobe, Behance was founded (500 images, custom domain, sound platform, SoundCloud But which site to use? on the premise that designers 10 HQ videos) allows you to share your voice should devote their time and and music worldwide. We’ve made a list, so you don’t have to... energy to creating work, not Taking the process of creating maintaining and promoting it. an online portfolio and adding Recording and uploading unicorns, moustaches, and sounds to SoundCloud lets Search Behance by creative magic octopuses (or is it you easily share privately with field (there are hundreds octopodes?). Carbonmade friends or publicly to blogs, of them), or filter results by promises a platform that’s websites and social networks. a specific country, school, easy to use, easy on the eyes, creative tool, or favourite chock-full of features, and And with just a click, share colour. requires no coding knowledge. your stuff on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook and Foursquare.

22. 23. GameCity 9

FdSc Games Development student Ashleigh Holland was amongst the thousands of people who headed to GameCity this year - read on for Ashleigh’s insight into one of the biggest gaming events in the world. GAMECITY9 - THROUGH MY EYES

I ended up going to the festival with a small The festival was a lot of fun and introduced group of friends from Uni, wanting to try a me to indie games that I’d never heard of. My few new games and see what they had on favourite game at the event by far, was one offer. From previous GameCity events, I knew called ‘Tap Happy Sabotage’ – this allows up the festival was based around indie games to 52 players to search for a single image like and their developers, but I didn’t expect that an ice cream or a traffic cone, while avoiding there’d be so much to do, and so many new a ‘broken’ version of that image. My friends games to try. and I ended up getting hooked on a couple of games, we even ended up playing the ‘Dash’ They had a variety of different games on offer version of ‘Tap Happy Sabotage’ afterwards as soon as you walked in; the ground floor – a more active version of the game, where hosted ‘Nidhogg’ on the projector screen and you have to run to hit a button when you see several card-based games. The next set of your image. The game brought back that floors hosted new indie games and several intense feeling of rivalry like when playing ‘Oculus Rifts’; a virtual reality headset that Mario Party or Mario Kart! allows you to immerse yourself in the game. There were also some cool retro consoles, In short, GameCity9 was a great event with including a PlayStation and a SNES with some fantastic games on display, I can’t wait racing games. to see what they’ll do next year!

THE WORLD’S LARGEST CENTRE FOR GAMING

Chosen as the location for the National film and music have many permanent spaces Videogame Arcade (NVA), Nottingham has that celebrate them - it’s fantastic news that launched a £2.5m project to open ‘the world’s GameCity are pioneering this vital and much first cultural centre for gaming’ - set to attract needed new space.” international attention from gaming companies all over the world. The NVA will become a research hub for videogame culture, according to GameCity, The centre will span all the gaming industries, and attract investment and gaming operations from web-based games to console, app and from all over the world. The centre will put virtual reality versions. Nottingham on the cutting edge for the development of new digital interactive works. Headed up by GameCity, which works to celebrate the medium worldwide, the venture Featuring quarterly interactive videogame has also been funded by Confetti, Nottingham exhibitions, a permanent exhibition of City Council and Nottingham Trent University. ‘treasures’ from the National Videogame Ian Livingstone CBE, a member of GameCity’s Archive, and an educational centre – where advisory board and the Government’s creative students can build and play games. industries champion, said: “For the millions of people who love them, it’s only natural Iain Simons, GameCity Director, said: “We’re that videogames should have their own, just getting started with hatching plans for the permanent cultural home. NVA, and want to make sure that GameCity stays at the heart of the videogame culture Just as fine art enjoys the National Gallery, for Confetti.” performance has the National Theatre, and

24. 25. Clocking on Will Hollis, aspiring broadcast journalist, currently studying Level 3 Have a chat to a producer in the radio TV and Film at Confetti - takes us with studios – she explains that during the him to BBC East Midlands for the day: live show, she co-ordinates the live at the BBC interviews, traffic and news updates. She does all this and still makes time to offer me some top career advice.

Wake up to a condensation-covered me & producer Jo window & a cup of tea placed at my side (cheers Mum). Can’t wake up without my morning brew!

Sat in the gallery whilst the team organise the live news show. If anyone was stressed, they weren’t showing it. Jump on the 44 bus and head into After getting back from the Derby town - sit back, chill out to the story, I chat with a graphic designer, sounds of Black Sabbath and a bit editor and presenter. Everyone of Nas. on the team is really busy, but the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed.

Rock up to the BBC, grab an ID card and head across to the newsroom Absorbed by the – the epicentre of all excitement of the BBC activity! The room is cheeky selfie :) show, everyone in the split into three sections: gallery is hitting their TV, radio and online. Head out to a school in Derby timings perfectly. I’m introduced to the with journalist Paul Bradshaw producer of today’s to do a story about a school show, Kevin Hill. library. He’s a VJ (video journalist), he writes the script, shoots it and edits it, all by himself. He advises that good The team have a meeting about the time-management is essential Sports news day’s stories – organising who’s going to a career in Journalism. where, and what they’ll be reporting on.

meeting producer kevin Back in the newsroom, the executive producer delivers the debrief – outlining what went well and what could be improved. After the meeting, I buzz around the newsroom, talking to different journalists Overall, my day couldn’t have gone any about what their job is. Got some great better. I headed home (after a quick advice on how to get experience in the stop for chicken!), with loads of new industry – “say yes to all opportunities”. experiences and useful advice.

26. 27. Joe Buhdha

We caught up with music producer, DJ and promoter, Joe Buhdha – we chatted about his career, famous friends, top tips and more. With over 500,000 subscribers worldwide, EVE Online is a multiplayer role-playing game, set in a science-fiction space environment. On Confetti… Working with the college is great. I never got the chance to study here, but I wish I did! I Calling MistaJam a mate… believe the students have a great opportunity We’re pretty tight as we go back some years to learn and progress within their chosen now. If he’s in town, we always try our best Receiving praise for its focus on community, person. We ended up with 177 people signed subject. The facilities for the urban and to link-up. there are a number of highly attended EVE up to come, so in terms of turnout, it was electronic course are astounding! events held across the world every year. The really, really good.” We met when I was doing a club night and latest of which, #EVE_NT, took place right Making it… Jam asked if he could warm up. Wow, this here at Confetti on 13th September. Guest speaker Marc Rosenburg, a.k.a Kane There wasn’t a ‘big break’ moment for me. kid was amazing! He got his opportunity and Rizzel, one of EVE’s most well-known gamers, I’ve had many different breaks – producing was prepared for it, after that he became our Held in Antenna Bar & Kitchen, this was the said: “The community itself is what makes the and remixing so many great artists; Jurassic 5, resident DJ. first event of its kind to be held in the UK game. When there’s a player-run event like John Legend, Supernatural, Ian Brown, Jungle outside London and was sponsored by the this it means a lot – people start to put faces Brothers, Estelle, Klashnekoff, Terri Walker, Following this we started promoting nights Confetti Media Group as well as numerous to names of people they’ve been playing with Ronika, Professor Green, Wretch 32, Juganaut, and releasing music together. We did an event other local businesses. for years, but have never actually met. Events Rodney P, to name a few. I have been lucky called ‘UK Takeover’, the UK’s biggest rap like this help bring these people together from and blessed with those opportunities, but I event at the time, sponsored by BBC Radio Supported by Confetti students from across all around the world – it forms closer bonds. believe you make your own luck. 1Xtra. The Head of Music and Events from BBC Games Development and TV & Film, as well What starts as being friends online then turns 1Xtra came to the event – Jam did his usual as by Games tutor, Kyle Cherry – Events into being friends in real-life.” What’s success? and ‘killed it’, he was offered an audition and organizer, Lau Wensink (Bar and Restaurant For many, success is fame and fortune in this the rest is history. Manager at Antenna) co-ordinated a day of The next #EVE_NT will be held at Antenna on business. But, for me, I love what I do, so I talks from well-known figures within the world 7th February 2015 and will feature a visit from believe in trying to stay humble. I’m proud of One top tip… of EVE, gaming tournaments and the chance CCP Games Developers as well as an Oculus my achievements, but I would be if I was a Work hard, stay humble, practice, practice, to win PLEX (Pilot License Extension - tokens Rift set-up! Also, Chillblast will be bringing plumber and just fitted a new bathroom. practice and, don’t think - feel. That’s four, I used for renewing your game subscription two water-cooled gaming beasts to play the couldn’t choose just one! that can be exchanged for in game currency). tournament on. You do NOT want to miss this. Paying the bills… It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hype, but Wensink, better known by his gamer tag For more information and to get your ticket, when you have two children, a mortgage and Nashh Kadavr said: “EVE is a unique kind of visit www.eve-nt.uk. There are a limited a business to run, it really does keep you in- Joe Buhdha Presents Terri Walker - game – all the content is created by players. number of tickets available, so book early! check. Paying the bills by doing something I Untitled to Entitled This is a part of the reason that people play love, whether it’s club nights, events, DJing, Out Now ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ it for so long, and know all the players in the To get involved, send an email to: producing, teaching, basically anything to do records via iTunes game, with most people playing the game [email protected] or give with music, is a success to me. Don’t get me for three or four hours a day. Events like this him a shout on Twitter @Nashh_Kadavr. wrong, it takes a lot of work and you burn the ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ are a great opportunity to meet each other in candle at both ends. It takes a lot of belief and Every 3rd Friday of the month at The Market Bar support, as there’ll be very testing times. But, Twitter @JoeBuhdha I live for it, and if you feel that way – then any www.cantstopwontstop.co.uk achievement feels like a success.

28. 29. 30. 31. ad-confetiLANDSCAPE:Layout 1 13/08/2014 16:49 Page 1 STUDENTS! SIGN UP FOR 10%OFF EVERY CINEMA TRIP BROADWAY IS NOTTINGHAM’S NO.1 INDEPENDENT CINEMA SHOWING THE FINEST FILMS - FROM INDIE ARTHOUSE GEMS TO THE VERY BEST IN BLOCKBUSTING ENTERTAINMENT GET YOUR FREE STUDENT CINEMA SAVER CARD NOW! WWW.BROADWAY.ORG.UK/MEMBERSHIP BROADWAY BROAD ST, NOTTINGHAM NG1 3AL 0115 952 6611 ONLY GOD FORGIVES ONLY

28 February 2015

32. 33. Want to contribute to the next edition of the Wire? We’re always looking for students to feature. Whether you’re a blogger, game reviewer, music journalist or just have something to say, we want to hear from you. Submit your article (between 100-200 words) and a (high resolution) image to [email protected] to get involved.

CONTR IB U

T

E ?

Level 3 Digital Media & Design students worked hard to produce a piece for the Wire. This winning advert 34. was designed by Zack Baskill, 17. 35. WHAT’S ON

26 slipknot 11 Saint Raymond Jan Capital FM Arena feb Rock City what’s on The multi-platinum, Grammy-award- Nottingham sensation Saint Raymond is winning, masked beast that is Slipknot is coming back to Rock City… and this time set to make a long-awaited return to UK he’s headlining the main stage! arenas with their ‘Prepare For Hell’ tour. in notts In January 2014, Saint Raymond released Slipknot’s frontman Corey Taylor muses; his second EP ‘Young Blood’ which “The UK has always been very special peaked at number 4 on the iTunes chart. nottingham winter for us. In a lot of ways, it’s where this The title track was named as Zane Lowe’s 10ALL wonderland insanity began. We’re coming back for “Hottest Record in The World” and he MONTH dec Old Market Square the people who started this for us: that was invited to perform a live session in Opening times would be YOU. Prepare yourselves... Hell Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1. is coming.” The ‘Old England’ themed event is back with Christmas market: 10am until 6pm Cost: £11 – including booking fee Christmas market trader cabins, two bars, a Ice rink: 11am until 10pm (last session 9pm) Book online - www.capitalfmarena.com, bandstand, rides and much more. Winter bars and food hall: 10am until late. call the ticket hotline on 0843 373 3000 For more information and to book tickets or pop into the Arena box office. visit: www.rock-city.co.uk Plus, back by popular demand, the real ice Open every day (except Christmas Day & New rink is returning and it’s even bigger! Years Day) until Sunday 4th Jan.

Book your session online now at: Keep up-to-date with what’s going on at: industry week em con www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk facebook.com/wonderlandnottingham 2 15 MAr Confetti ICT MAr Capital FM Arena

Back for its 9th year, Industry Week 2015 Bringing the magic of Sci-fi and Fantasy is already shaping up to be a big one! The together in one place, EM Con 2015 back to the 90s The Hobbit: The Battle team are working hard to bring you over promises to be as great as ever! 10 Christmas party 17 of the Five Armies 60 industry professionals for interactive dec Rescue Rooms dec Cinemas nationwide workshops, seminars and life-changing You can get professional photographs talks. and autographs with stars from Game of Thrones, Red Dwarf, Harry Potter, Star Hosted at Nottingham favourite – Rescue An epic conclusion to the adventures of In the past we’ve seen the likes of Jamal Trek, Star Wars and Dr Who. There is Rooms, this year’s party has a ‘Back to the Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Edwards from SBTV, Radio BBC 1Xtra’s something for everyone. 90s’ theme. Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Mistajam and award-winning director, Company of Dwarves. . Tickets available from We’ll be kicking off the night with current www.capitalfmarena.com/online/emcon music and work our way back to the 1990s; Having reclaimed their homeland from Running from 2nd-6th March 2015, we celebrating 20 years of Confetti with a the Dragon Smaug, the company has have already confirmed: Senior Producer Silver ticket: £12.50 – entry from 10am Christmas spin (obvs!). unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into at Radio 1 - Andy Rogers, Games General ticket: £8 – entry from 11am the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery Journalist at Sky - Julia Hardy and Motion Featuring live music, gaming tournaments, wrath down upon the defenceless men, Capture Tracker at Imaginarium Studios - a photobooth, free food and loads women and children of Lake-town. Rebecca Leybourne, just to name a few… more, tickets are available from Confetti reception for £3.

Photos from the night will be available on Student sHOUT: Matt www.facebook.com/ConfettiICT 20 Dec, Rock City - Lacey 21 Feb, Theatre Royal - Milton Jones 3 Jan, The Maze - Notts Pop-Punk festival 4 Mar, Rescue Rooms - Room 94 20 Jan, The Malt Cross - Josh Wheatley 7 Mar, Rescue Rooms - Fozzy 7 Feb, Capital FM Arena - Kaiser Chiefs 14 Mar, Rock City - Royal Blood

36. 37. the gallery

Fresh, Filthy’s, filming and fajitas - the last couple of months have been a right laugh.

Here’s a few highlights...

38. 39. #90sBaby

40.