How important is having computer and media skills?

A recent research from The Prince's Trust shows that having computer skills is crucial for securing employment. 

The results show that 10 % of the young people cannot send their CV online and are embarrassed by their lack of computer skills. 17% admit they do not apply for jobs which require basic computer knowledge and believe they would be in work today if they had improved these skills. 

We can confirm that, judging from our own observations. After Media and Computer Skills courses we ran in Rowhedge, Jaywick and Tiptree, supported by TCHC, Skills Funding Agency and European Social Fund, some of the people started a new job just after the course and most of them felt more confident using internet and new technology:

"As I had no previous  knowledge, I found the photography and filmmaking really useful. Also the session on social media - no prior experience of Facebook or Twitter. 

It has given me the confidence to move out of my comfort zone and try doing something very different." Ian, Colchester, Essex

We live in a society that increasingly becomes more and more digitised. Our lives are centred around technology. Therefore improving on your computer literacy can not only help you in your career, but also in other spheres of life. 

We, Signals Media Arts Centre, are embracing new technology and innovation and this is why we are offering more new and exciting courses and workshops in Colchester aiming at improving your computer and media skills. 

Three-session Web Design Course - £110

We are running this course twice this year. Choose from these dates:

Wed 24th, Thurs 25th and Mon 29th April 2013, 6 - 9pm and 

Mon 11th, Wed 13th and Thurs 14th November, 6 - 9pm. If you are looking for some tuition in designing your own website, our 3-session course is just the ticket. Our professional web designer has tons of experience in creating beautifully crafted websites using the free online software 'Wordpress'.

NEW - Spring Photography - £25

On Friday 3rd May 2013, 10am - 2pm we introduce our new Spring photography workshop.It includes outdoor shooting guided by Nick Wood from Unshaken Photography and then back to Signals to learn how to perform basic adjustments to your photos using Photoshop. You can either bring your own camera or use one of our Canon Digital SLRs. Suitable for adults and families. 

Photoshop 1 - £25

Wed 15th May 2013, 6 - 9pmAn introduction to the basics of Adobe Photoshop. Bring your own photos in on a memory stick and we'll show you how to digitally enhance them. Basic computer literacy is essential. If you have Photoshop loaded on your laptop bring it along for a discounted price. 

Photoshop 2 - £25

Wed 22nd May 2013, 6 - 9pm Following on from the Photoshop 1, this workshop is designed for those who have a basic knowledge of the software. Transform your photos using layer masks and other features to further manipulate your images.

Practical Filmmaking - £75

Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd June 2013, 10am - 2pmExperience all the excitement of film production on this intensive course. Designed for those looking to gain practical filmmaking experience. Learn the principles of storytelling, film language and video production. Get to grips with writing, directing, producing, sound recording and post-production whilst producing a short film. This course will provide you with the basic skills you will need to make your own films. 

All the courses will take place at Signals in Colchester. 

For more information on these courses and all our others please visit our website or keep an eye out for our course brochure with listings of everything coming up over the next few months.  You can now book places through signalsmediaartscentre.eventbrite.com or save the booking fee and call the office on 01206 560255 to confirm your place. 

Love, Signals

Breaking into the Film Industry: Making the Final Cut.

The creative industries are notoriously difficult to get into and to get your work noticed by the right people. Whether it is Film, Photography, Advertising or Illustration, a lot of people aspiring to be a creative are met with the same reaction. "You're best getting a proper job". "Too many people want to be one of those". "It's too hard to get into." And that's just your careers advisor at school! You're family will be concerned as there is not a lot of money to be made starting out..if any at all. But that is no reason to give it all up if it's something you really want to do.

But they are right. If you're not willing to graft then it is better to get a 'proper job'. They're also right when they say too many people are trying to get work. There are hundreds of courses that dump a load of graduates each year into the world of job seeking. Not to mention the countless freelancers. And they definitely weren't wrong when they tried talking you out of it for financial reasons. It is very costly to have the appropriate equipment. Filmmakers need a high spec camera, a tripod, editing software, Lighting equipment, Sound stuff...the list goes on and on.

Signals Media Arts Centre provides award winning expertise in filmmaking, scriptwriting, photography and post production through their range of adult courses and professional workshops. They can also give a helping hand when it comes to equipment hire and studio space. But before you take a look at our website-http://www.signals.org.uk/

Here are a few tips for budding Spielbergs, Tarantino's and Theroux's.

• Immerse Yourself: Practice making as many short films as you can. A great film can be 15 minutes long or 15 seconds long. Watch as many films of all genres, of all styles for inspiration and knowledge of the kind of stuff being made out there.

• Market Yourself: "It's not what you know, it's who you know". Well in truth, the more you know and the better you are then naturally more people will get to know you. Enter into competitions, go to local film festivals and screenings, collaborate with other local creatives. Do what you can to get your name about.

• Better Yourself: Do a course to improve on areas you're not as competent in. If you're a great scriptwriter but feel you can't put your ideas into action, attend a camera workshop. Or you may be brilliant at shooting and editing but don't have the skills to make a script exciting enough to show off your filmmaking talents. Signals Media Art Centre have courses to make you a master of all trades. Click here to see more info.

Good luck!