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28 October 2009

Cov Uni iTuned


its hits big time
by Teodora Beleaga

image source: deimos.apple.com


C
oventry University pod-
casts are getting thou-
sands of hits on iTunes U,
Apple’s platform for aca-
demic content. They are
currently ranked among the most
downloaded podcasts in the world,
having Coventry University on the
front page, alongside universities
like MIT, Oxford or Open University.
CUTV videos on YouTube and
podcasts on the university’s web- The content one can easily find on regardless of your using a PC or a
site were getting very good hits, Coventry’s iTunes U page includes Mac. Because most of the univer-
but since Coventry has teamed up master classes, Coventry Conver- sity’s podcasts are mp3’s you can
with Apple in June this year, the sations, Cathedral talks, research even listen to them in Windows
numbers have skyrocketed. Peter projects, student projects, support Media Player. “It’s about making
videos for students, various events them as widely usable as possi-
“ iTunes are and other talks from specific areas ble”, says Peter.
like Art and Design, Photography You can easily access the pod-
available for or Technology. There are over 300 casts by visiting www.coventry.
download items available and Woodbridge ac.uk/itunes.
anywhere in the is in favour of as much content as
possible (but within the intellectual
world, regardless
image source: vimeo.com

property and copyright laws) say-


of your using a PC ing internet will never replace the
or a Mac “ university experience. “When you’re
coming to university, you’re not just
Woodbridge, Coventry University’s coming to sit in a lecture hall. Here’s
Creative Multimedia Manager, says: the opportunity and the space to be
“The podcasts get downloaded all able to explore, to get into a subject
over the world. It’s amazing, it’s all in real depth and to get support.
free and it’s all based on the quality Just by going on iTunes obviously
of our content. Just because we are you don’t have that support.”
not rated as highly (in UK university Provided you have an internet
ranks) doesn’t mean we are not connection, iTunes are available for Peter Woodbridge
specialists in certain areas.” download anywhere in the world,
Improvisation nurtured ‘Nativity’

image source: contactmusic.com


by Artlee Mhlanga

„„ Coventry’s very own Debbie Isitt


appeared at the Coventry Conversa-
tion on the 22nd of October to discuss
the making of her latest film ‘Nativity’.

“Reactions from the


actors were so much
more authentic
when real things
were happening to
them.” Nativity’s promotional poster

Former theatre performer turned wood productions like Disney’s Christ- film, within the privacy of Debbi’s own
into film director, Debbie explained mas Carol or Elvin and the Chipmunks 2. home. Asked what film making is like,
how improvisation led to some better If successful, the film is to be she answered: “It can be a grind but it’s
convincing performances. “Reactions launched on a global scale by Christ- fun!”
from the actors were so much more mas 2010, alongside the realising of its Previous experience from her own
authentic when real things were hap- DVD version. theatre company enabled Debbie to
pening to them.” As Debbie is the only film director cope with the demands of her profes-
The film, which took a total of six to live in Coventry, Nativity’s success sion and to take risks in the creative as-
weeks to shoot, is set at the Holy Fam- could put Coventry on the cinematic pects of her work. Her unconventional
ily Primary School in Coventry starring map. The only £2 million budget film way of using improvisation has made
“real kids.” was described by her as “a really, really her work recognisable and distinctive.
Due to be released this Christmas positive family film.” Debbie will surely have all the local
(in UK cinemas only) ‘Nativity’ is up A hundred and twenty hours of support at the releasing of her film.
against heavy competition from Holly- footage became 90 minutes of edited

CUEAFS screens big

Picture courtesy of George Butchwell


„„ Coventry East Asian film society had its first screening
last Wednesday. Students and staff alike had a good laugh
and enjoyed some popcorn and tea, while viewing Sophie’s
Revenge.
Great feedback and a very good turn-out surprised the
society’s president, Diana Stefanescu. “The room was full
and we had lecturers coming in to watch the film. It was
amazing.” She underlines that the success is due to good
teamwork and student involvement: “We have a big team
and everyone did their bit.”
Event organiser and secretary of the society, Andreea The debate that followed Wednesday’s screening
Nanu compares Sophie’s Revenge with Hollywood produc-
tions: “The montage was extraordinary and I think it was said: “I am over the moon with the proportions the society
better than most of the Hollywood films that are on screens has taken so quickly.”
now.” Follow the society’s activity on twitter @ http://twitter.
Creator of the East Asian film society, Spencer Murphy com/CUEAFS or on their Facebook group: CUEAFS.

The student and staff newsletter of the Media and


Communications department of Coventry School
of Art and Design
Edited by Teo Beleaga
Submissions invited to teo.beleaga@gmail.com
With many thanks to Peter Woodbridge, Artlee Mhlanga
John Mair and our photographer George Butchwell.

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