Several of Scotland’s new independent video games developers are heading to Lochaber High School, Fort William, on next week, to take part in XpoNorth: Games Playground and Hands-on Camera Workshop.The playground is one of the highlights of Lochaber Ideas Week, a week of business development workshops, entrepreneurial competitions, open discussions, inspirational talks and networking opportunities that celebrate the Lochaber region.
This special one-off event will give Lochaber residents a rare opportunity to play some of the latest video games, network with the talented types from Scotland’s games industry and try some of the most cutting-edge film equipment used in the creative industries; all on their own doorstep.
Developers taking part include:- Darroch McNaught (DeuXality – Inverness), a BAFTA-nominated developer
- Corrie Green (Morah College UHI), an independent games developer and winner of Moray Game Jam 2015
- Mal Abbas (Dundee Games Collective – Dundee)
- Dan Allan (A Fox Wot I Drew – Dundee)
- Paul Leishman & Gill Everitt (Team Rock – Glasgow)
- Tom Knights, a freelance writer and game designer
At the Games Playground, aspiring developers will be able to meet and network with a broad cross-section of designers, writers and producers. These developers will be on hand to give advice on what it takes to work in the gaming industry, as well as receiving career guidance for the creative industries.
As well as offering the chance to surf in a virtual gaming playground and test out video games which are still in development, there will be hands-on sessions to give those attending a taste of the skills needed and equipment used in making professionally-produced video games and quality screen and broadcast output.
In the Hands On Camera Workshop, run by Eileen Byrne of Visual Impact Scotland, budding Spielbergs will be introduced to cutting-edge camera and dolly equipment. They will be able to try out a range from GoPros and BlackMagic to the latest Sony high-end film cameras.
Amanda Millen, director of XpoNorth and ScreenHI, told us:
ScreenHI exists to offer targeted guidance, practical hands-on advice and networking opportunities in the screen, broadcast and digital sector. We are delighted to be working with Lochaber Ideas Week, the Scottish Games Network and Visual Impact in bringing the Games Playground and Hands-on Camera Workshop to Fort William. As a native of Lochaber, I’m particularly keen to pursue and support creative opportunities for young people in the area. We definitely want to give them all the assistance we can in following a career in Scotland’s booming video gaming industry. These new independent studios have proved that anything is possible if it’s backed up with determination, focus and practical support. The same applies to the Camera Workshop. Eileen Byrne, who grew up in Garvan, Locheilside, and her team from Visual Impact Scotland work at the sharp end of the screen and broadcast business. They will be able to offer an overview to anyone with an interest in how it all works when a production team for a television drama series, a film or a commercial is looking for the best equipment on the market.
For the full programme and more information on Lochaber Ideas Week 2015: http://www.lochaberchamber.co.uk/partners/lochaber-ideas-week-2015/
Lochaber Ideas Week Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lochaber-Ideas-Week-1615156148740910/timeline/
