BECTU And Soho Editors Organise Belfast Learning Event

The future of BBC productions in Northern Ireland is on the agenda at a specialist event.
The Belfast Learning Event, on May 19, at the Grand Opera House facility, offers industry staff and freelances an expert three-hour workshop centred on the latest editing techniques - will also provide for debate on Northern Ireland's future skills needs in anticipation of the expected increase in network production.
The BBC has committed to spending 17% of TV network spend in the nations and Rrgions by 2016.
BBC Northern Ireland's senior executives will take part in the day's events. Controller Peter Johnston and Chief Operating Officer Mark Taylor will attend the morning and afternoon workshops, respectively, to join the discussion about content acquisition and archive and to debate the bigger skills which the NI community faces.
Event organiser, BECTU official, Patrick Styles, said: "We are delighted that the BBC's Peter Johnston and Mark Taylor are able to join us on the day. They will join visitors and other guest speakers who want to see more creative opportunities for the media sector in Northern Ireland."
The A4 Workshop, which will run twice on May 19, focuses on Acquisition, Assets, Archive and Air and is designed by Soho Editors, training provider and freelance agency.
The programme is as follows:
09:30 - 12:30 - A4 Workshop
12:30 - 1:30 - lunch
1:30 - 4:30 - A4 Workshop
4:30 - 6:30 - Networking Reception
150 people can take part in each workshop session and places are still available, morning and afternoon. All visitors are invited to attend the early evening networking reception.
Attendance at the event is free and all industry staff and freelancers are welcome. Visitors should book their place at: www.bectu.org.uk/events/2009/05/19/242. More information is available at: www.bectu.org.uk/news/220.
Industry staff will also be able to get 'CV' advice from a special advisor and representatives from Soho Editors, BECTU, the Northern Ireland Union Learning Fund and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions will be on-hand for guidance and information.
BECTU and Soho Editors are organising this event with support from the NI ULF and the Grand Opera House.
Further information is available at: www.sohoeditors.com.
(KMcA/BMcC)