Jodie brings over ten years valuable experience into her new role, having worked as a communications manager in both public and voluntary sectors. As part of Jodie’s role in the media agency she will be predominantly responsible for the expanding conferencing facility’s business development as well as overseeing its marketing campaigns.

Jodie comments:

“I am delighted to be joining AVC at such a significant point in its development. The extended, re-named AVC Business Centre is on schedule for completion in October and will house a suite of technologically advanced meeting rooms, capable of holding up to 200 delegates. Significantly larger and offering a fully equipped IT Suite and high-definition video conferencing facility, the Business Centre will also provide AVC with the opportunity to expand into completely different markets, offering venue space for corporate events and entertainment – something we haven’t been able to offer before on this scale.

“AVC has plans to make the new Business Centre accessible to all business professionals, whether they be visiting Aberdeen or simply passing through. Our location is perfect for those coming into and leaving Aberdeen, presenting the ideal opportunity to offer another service. This inspired AVC to offer a business hub equipped with Wi-Fi, catering and the latest in digital presentation aids to provide delegates with a relaxed and modern working space.”

Simone Barnett, head of communications and development for AVC Media Enterprises comments on Jodie’s role:

“Jodie’s experience in communicating with different industry sectors will stand her in good stead to develop the business as we make the market aware of our bigger and better conference, meeting, training and event facilities. We look forward to benefiting from her knowledge and her contributions to the organisation as a whole.”

The extension will see a further 1530 square metres of floor space, over four floors added to the current Altens-based facility. Find more information or take a virtual tour of the new business centre at www.avcmedia.com.

Jodie Dawson (Image 1)

Jodie Dawson (Image 2)

Steven Milne, senior developer who co-founded Creatus in 2002, built up a strong reputation within the Aberdeen area and developed relationships with a wide variety of clients. He is also highly experienced in the creation of online web systems and is skilled in the utilisation of cutting edge marketing functions, developing successful and unique technical solutions. By bringing his talents and experience to AVC in November, AVC IT has strengthened its talented team and enjoyed a steady rise from clients on a worldwide scale ever since.

Steven comments:

“The merger of Creatus with AVC IT means that together we can operate as one of the leading IT solutions providers in the UK.

“Bespoke interactive web solutions are tailored to specific needs, budgets and timescales. Each team member is highly trained in a specialist skills set – including media production and 3D visualisation – so we can bring organisational goals and aspirations to life using the latest technologies and design tools.

“This enables us to manage and integrate the whole suite of activities in-house, the combination of which results in particularly strong and effective results for clients. Our training team also ensures clients get the best out of their solution, extending our services beyond technical execution.”

Steven’s role as senior developer makes him predominantly responsible for the development and implementation of technical communications solutions whilst working on the expansion of marketing strategies to accompany interactive solutions.
Further more, the team has expanded with the appointment of graduate, Adam Barron as IT support analyst who will work on AVC’s internal IT provision. This is an important addition as the company continues to grow.
Lesley Little, director for AVC comments:

“AVC IT has been experiencing a significant increase in operations following their merger with Creatus in November. The team have adapted to the expanding workload extremely well and we are delighted to have Adam join the team as part of an exciting new phase for the department. We have a well-rounded specialist team in IT and by combining their expertise and enhancing client contacts it is easy to see why the team is experiencing such success.”

AVC IT is continuously developing a range of cutting edge desktop software technologies for worldwide provision. IT services on offer range from web hosting, development and live video streaming to rich internet applications, custom content management systems and bespoke online marketing.

AVC IT Team Photo 1

AVC IT Team Photo 2

Left to Right: Steven Milne, Stuart Swan, Adam Barron, William Binnie and Stephen Hamilton.

The DVD, produced by AVC’s video production team and funded by Baker Hughes follows on from the highly successful ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ campaign, and highlights, the shocking, real life suffering thrust upon those who have tragically lost a family member in a road traffic collision.

David Dalziel, Chief Fire Officer of Grampian Fire and Rescue Service comments: “56 people died in road collisions in 2006 in the North East of Scotland. Since 2004, the death toll on North East roads has steadily increased.
Strong, decisive action must be taken to highlight the fatal implications of careless driving. Road to Hell aims to get people to think more about their driving, to raise awareness of road safety and stop people being killed unnecessarily.”

Dalziel continues:
“3,172 people were killed on Britain’s roads in 2006. The trauma experienced by the family and friends whose loved ones have died is incomprehensible. Deaths on the roads don’t just destroy lives, they destroy families, friendships and communities, and it could happen to any of us. Every time we get into our cars, there is a one in 200 chance of dying on the road.”

The DVD features real life accounts given by brave families who have each experienced first hand, the devastating effects of losing a loved one in a road traffic collision.

AVC’s media production team created the DVD with the hope the hard hitting messages it contains will force people to think differently about their driving habits and make a change in their behaviour. Gavin Gilmour, programme editor comments:
“It became clear early on that this project was going to be very different to anything I had done before. Dealing with such powerful and emotional material obviously has an effect on you, whether it be consciously or subconsciously. It was very emotionally draining, but you realise that this pales in comparison to the trauma these people are going through and makes it all the more important that we succeed in delivering a powerful video that serves justice to their experiences.”

The DVD will be shown as part of the Road Traffic Collision presentation that Grampian Fire and Rescue Service take to schools, businesses and community groups as part of their continued campaign to reduce the number of fatal and serious incidents on Grampian’s roads.

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The event, hosted by AVC at its Altens-based Business Centre, saw Mr Brown share his leadership experiences, including difficulties and challenges of running a high profile business with around forty business leaders from across the city.

Mr Brown was able to make considerable comparisons to the running of any business, giving advice and anecdotes on his own leadership style and the issues he faced as Scotland manager.

“Football is a business just like any other,” comments Craig Brown, “and like any business it is the people within it who ultimately make it successful. As managers and leaders it is important that we can motivate and lead our people in the best way to achieve the results we desire. Every manager will handle this differently, but what this event has allowed is an insight into others experiences and the lessons that can be learned to improve individual management style.”

In the first event of its kind hosted at AVC, Mike Salter, President of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce invited these business leaders as an opportunity to widen business networks through their Premier Partner membership. It is hoped that the benefit to business throughout Aberdeen will make this a regular addition to the local networking event calendar.

Simone Barnett, Head of Communication and Development at AVC commented on Mr Brown’s presentation:

“It was great to have someone of such experience and stature as Craig at the event. His speech was informative and inspiring, giving all attendees the opportunity to learn about leadership from a completely different angle.”

Among the guests were representatives of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and its premier partners.

“The feedback from the event has been positive, continues Simone, “we are all so busy working for our businesses we sometimes don’t pay enough heed to what is happening within them. The experiences of others help us focus on this and develop our own individual management styles.”

Notes to Editors

Pictures attached: L-R AVC Chairman Keith Main with former Scotland Manager Craig Brown and Craig Brown during his speech.

AVC’s sports production team will film top football names at the event throughout coaching seminars, presentations and skills zones. Famous attendees include former England managers Steve McLaren and Graham Taylor and recent FA Cup winning manager Harry Redknapp. AVC will primarily be responsible for the creation of an educational and promotional Grass Roots DVD and the filming of other exhibitors at the event.

AVC Media Enterprises will host a stand at the event, giving attendees the opportunity to find out about services offered by the sports production team and their innovative TactFOOT technology. This coaching software allows football coaches to develop drills, set plays, exercises and analyse game situations.

Matthew Liddell, sports production manager at AVC achieved official filming partnership for the event:

“This is a significant opportunity for AVC Media Enterprises as we join big name exhibitors at one of the largest grass roots football events in the UK. Our sports production team will work together with Grass Roots Football LIVE to create an inspirational DVD which will create further exposure and promote next years event.

“AVC’s sports productions team has worked with a variety of sporting organisations and has over 25 years experience in the industry, including behind the scenes and tactical filming at the last four World Cup football tournaments. We understand the needs and demands of filming an exhibition of this nature, having provided productions and programming at major sporting events. AVC’s sports production team is looking forward to working alongside some of football’s top names at the event.”

Bob Rosen, managing director for Grass Roots Football LIVE comments:

“There will be a wealth of activity throughout the weekend’s event, with many iconic figures sharing skills and knowledge with attending football enthusiasts. It is essential that we capture every activity, including professional interview footage and knew we needed a team capable to do just this.

“We selected AVC Media Enterprises as the official filming partner as they have a fresh and innovative approach to professional sports productions and have a vast portfolio of professional filming experience. We look forward to meeting the full team and to their contributions at the event.”

AVC Media Enterprises will film exhibitors such as The FA, Man Utd Soccer Schools, Arsenal Ladies and Nike as demonstrations, interviews, coaching sessions and other entertainment takes place.

For more information on AVC’s sports productions and TactFOOT technology visit www.avcmedia.com or call 01224 248007.

View full details of the Grass Roots Football LIVE event at www.grassrootsfootball.co.uk

Set up in 1995, during its 12 year history AVC’s Media Productions department has enjoyed an average 10% year on year growth. The success is set to continue with the new financial year starting positively with 20 new client wins. The increased turnover and new clients can be attributed to a considerable growth across a number of industry sectors, with the Energy sector still dominant in it’s requirement for Health and Safety DVD production further and underlining the heightened demand for corporate video production as a way of communicating corporate messages.

Spencer Buchan, AVC Director comments, “The new client base achieved over the past year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the talent here at AVC. Our continued success is a result of commitment, team work and outstanding end products. AVC’s Media Production team have built up an excellent reputation in the industry, and the continued growth of the division from year to year highlights that many clients are seeking bespoke, dynamic productions rather than conventional communication methods.

“Here at AVC we employ some of the most talented camera personnel in the UK, offering clients the best services and talent. We strive to ensure our key messages are communicated in a way which has a positive impact on the environment, and are committed to utilising IT carbon efficient software and practices. We recently piloted a scheme which saw over 200 delegates participate in a live video streaming conference, eliminating the need to travel and reducing carbon emissions significantly as a result. The success of the web conference not only highlights the positive steps we are taking to become a recognised carbon balanced organisation, but also demonstrates the cutting edge technology offered in house by AVC’s Media Production division.”

Jamie Baikie, Media Production Manager continues, “At AVC we believe in listening to the clients’ needs, ideas and opinions to surpass their goals and expectations. Communication through short film and corporate production has enhanced many organisations presentation, marketing and promotional material, separating them from the competition. Something every organisation strives for.”

AVC’s Media Productions team endeavour to deliver cutting edge media productions within budget and on time. The division specialises in corporate programmes, TV commercial production, drama documentaries, digital animation, interactive media as well as multimedia design and photography. With a valued skill base and state of the art in-house editing and production facilities, AVC’s Media division look forward to another busy and successful financial year ahead.

James joins AVC with significant experience of the media industry, having had previous roles in New York and Aberdeen. Most recently, James worked for four years as a commercial producer for Aberdeen-based STV. Responsible for the production of over 300 TV advertising campaigns, James worked with a variety of clients including Aberdeen Football Club and John Clark Motor Group. James’ passion for sports and the media industry led him into his new role, commenting:

“I am delighted to join the AVC sports production team at such an exciting time. With huge sporting events taking place this summer I’m looking forward to gaining vital experience from the specialists here at AVC. I am a keen sports enthusiast and after hearing about the role and what it involved I jumped at the chance to work for such a dynamic organisation.”

James’ role as a key member of the sports production team will cover a range of responsibilities including overseeing AVC’s TactFOOT technology. This innovative technology allows football coaches to develop drills, set plays, exercises and analyse game situations. James will also apply his existing filming, editing and business skills to his new post by co-ordinating a range of sports projects.

Lesley Little, Director for AVC Media comments:

“Here at AVC we pride ourselves on employing talented individuals who show a passion for what they do. James is a welcome addition to the highly skilled team that is sports productions and we look forward to his contributions and fresh ideas throughout our sports calendar year. His existing skills are primed for further development, giving James the potential for a varied, progressive and exciting role within AVC.”

AVC’s sports production team is looking forward to an eventful summer, with the team attending various events including the Champions League Final in Moscow and the European Championships in Switzerland and Austria next month. The team will also be attending the Grass Roots Live Event at Birmingham’s NEC from May 30 to June 1, as the football exhibition’s official filming partner.

Prior to the trip, AVC produced a number of educational and promotional video materials used to support the conference as well as editing each video introduction for speakers at the event.

The course examined the role of those tasked with training future football coaches, as well as current issues which are affecting coach educators and the overall coaching profession. The two day course aimed to improve future coaching methods, allowing young coaches to receive the best possible training, raising the standard of coaching to a new level.

While in Portugal, Matthew carried out filming at practical sessions which took place in the famous Lisbon National Stadium. The sessions were filmed so that they could be analysed and then used for future training purposes.

A demonstration of the new version of the sporting software ‘Futsal Tactfoot’, distributed by AVC was given to delegates. Fully supported by UEFA, TactFOOT allows coaches to develop drills, set plays, exercises, and analyse game situations. The software can be used for presentations, training manuals and emailed to coaches. This new version is an adaption of the original 11-a-side package, but can instead be used for a 5-a-side team. Once demonstrated to the conference, Matthew distributed a copy of the new software to each association in attendance.

That week, Matthew was also on hand to carry out additional filming at the Sporting Lisbon v Rangers UEFA cup tie.

In the coming months, AVC will be working at the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester, followed by the Champions League Final in Moscow and finally at the European Championships in Switzerland and Austria.

The only Scottish agency to have been approached by the network at the beginning of the year, AVC Director, Spencer Buchan travelled to Doha to see the organisation’s set up and meet a number of key individuals with the view to sharing skills and providing training to core members of the Al Jazeera media team.

The partnership comes at a crucial time as Al Jazeera prepares to launch its English speaking service into the US and European markets. The first English speaking channel to be based in the Middle East, Al Jazeera offers a unique opportunity to report on Middle Eastern events, while also providing a balanced perspective to news in the West.

Spencer Buchan, AVC Director comments,

“This is a very unique and exciting opportunity for AVC. We were approached by Al Jazeera through our diverse range of skills, services and the quality of our work. Al Jazeera was impressed by our own staff development programmes and the innovative ways we train and build on the knowledge, expertise and experience of our team across all disciplines.

With over 90 staff based at its Aberdeen headquarters, AVC is already in the process of facilitating training courses for Al Jazeera in Doha across a number of different disciplines, from television production and filming to editing, public relations and journalism.

Doctor Amar Elsheikh Mohamed, head of the Al Jazeera Media Training Centre comments,

“We researched the Scottish media market and saw that Televisual had rated AVC the top production facility in Scotland and made contact, we have been very impressed with AVC ’s diversity and flexibility and have now entered into a growing relationship. We are pleased to be working with AVC, such a forward thinking organisation, their experience and enthusiasm will benefit us hugely and really take us and our people forward.”

Working with Al Jazeera at their state of the art media training facility in Doha, Spencer adds:

“The facilities in Doha are second to none, where they are already providing a quality service, our aim is to fine tune the skills of the team and share knowledge to increase the channel’s diversity in the media industry. Our unique training programmes and vision means we are perfectly placed to achieve this.”

“There is no denying that working with Al Jazeera has presented a huge opportunity for AVC too. We are already operating globally with a number of clients across many industry sectors, however experiencing the international market place and working with such a predominant media force in the Middle East is invaluable in terms of our own growth and development. The opportunities are endless and we are considering establishing a long term presence in Doha following this contract win.”

Al Jazeera has grown in popularity through its bold reporting and coverage of significant events in the Middle East and across the World.

Spencer continues:

“Due to their good and pioneering work in the Middle East media industry we are relishing the challenge, opportunity and huge potential for AVC working with Al Jazeera. We have already developed a great working relationship, which we hope to nurture and grow.”

With several members of AVC’s team set to make the trip to Doha over the next six months AVC hopes to continue to develop its relationship with Al Jazeera and is considering a more permanent presence in the Middle East.

May 1, 2008

The two month project saw the AVC production team film both onshore and offshore throughout the UK to illustrate the diverse range of people and disciplines involved in the oil and gas industry. The completed production, which focuses on four key themes; Health and Safety, Environment, Industry and Staying Competitive, also highlighted some important issues affecting today’s oil and gas industry.

Malcolm Webb, Chief Executive of Oil and Gas UK comments on the production,

“We screened the promotional programme at our Next Generation Conference and the response from attendees was highly positive. It enabled the young professionals to take a step back and think innovatively about the future direction of their industry. It has also encouraged them to consider how they can influence the future and ultimately, what part they can play in maintaining a sustainable and successful industry.

“We would like to thank the team at AVC for their huge contribution to the conference and the support and expertise they provided throughout the project, without which, it wouldn’t have been the success it was.”

Jamie Baikie, AVC’s Senior Producer continues,

“AVC is one of the UK’s most experienced producers of corporate communications for the oil and gas industry. We have a substantial production portfolio having filmed all over the world for many blue-chip clients, most recently in Brazil. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and their audience, refining their messages and then design a compelling way to say it - from concept to completion. Each client is unique, therefore we ensure each production reflects the company’s image, identity and values to the best of our ability.”

Michael Engell-Jensen, Managing Director of chief conference sponsor, Maersk Oil also comments on the production,

“Maersk Oil is enthusiastic towards the promotion of the oil and gas industry as a sustainable career choice for young people. The Next Generation conference created a platform for up and coming leaders to air their views to current leading professionals and receive advice on their future. The screened production complemented the conference objectives perfectly, giving our young professionals the chance to take a fresh look at the oil and gas sector, its future and how they can be a part of it.”

The conference, held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, also encompassed a motivational speaker, facilitated break-out sessions and a ‘talk-show’ style question and answer session where thought provoking issues were debated.

For the chance to view the finished production and learn more about the services offered at their purpose built Altens facility visit www.avcmedia.com.

May 2, 2008

ends

For further information:

Lynsey Shepherd
The PR Partnership
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 217345
lynsey@prpartnership.co.uk

Rhea Hussey
The PR Partnership
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 217376
rhea@prpartnership.co.uk

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF AVC MEDIA ENTERPRISES BY
THE PR PARTNERSHIP (SCOTLAND) LTD