Introducing TALENT ARCADE

Before the final programme is revealed early next week, we'd like to let you all know about the TALENT ARCADE component of this year's EIF. 

This is a brand new part of the Screenings, which builds on previous sessions such as 'Get Into Games' and has been produced by Channel 4's 4Talent project and it's commissioning editor, Rebecca Thomson.

TALENT ARCADE is aimed at people interested in finding out more about working in the games sector, indie developers, students and the next generation of developers, designers, coders, artists, animators, producers and (god help us all) PR people...

This take place across the whole of MONDAY 11th AUGUST in one Screen within the EICC.

The day is split into four basic areas.  We need to check the text with the chairpeople and speakers and get the last few names in here, but we want YOU to know about this, tell people about this and SIGN UP, DAMMIT.  You know you want to...

The Knowledge
Gen up at our series of panels staffed by industry experts, which will tell you all you need to know about finding finance for games projects, self-publishing, and setting up or working in a games company.  The panels in this section are:

Get Into Games (chair: Andy Campbell, Specialmove)
What skills do you need to get into the games industry?  What courses are available?  What do developers and publishers look for when they are recruiting?  Now you can hear directly from some of the biggest names in the business.

Show Me The Money (chair: Tim Gatland, Noble Group)
Funding - how do you find it?  What will it pay for when you do?  Can you fund games - or just companies?  Just how can you go about finding people, organisations or funds which can help you create the games or your dreams.

Publish Or Be Damned (chair: Dave Thomson, Slam Games)
There's a new generation of gadgets, platforms and channels which allow developers to get their games out to consumers, without having to use the major publishers.  However, do these new channels really offer an alternative and viable new business for developers, or are they simply a fad with no long-term future?

The Kit
ITI Techmedia
One of a number of projects around Scotland, which are exploring new areas of technology.  Come and find out what they've been up to and how it could help your next online/connected game.

Pandora
A linux-based clamshell hand-held games console with Bluetooth, dual-analogue sticks and a full qwerty keyboard?  It's true and it's here for the very first time.

Demoscene (Presented by Paul Grenfell, Denki)
You know clever coders and artists can make games, right?  However, did you know that these same coders and artists can combine to create something entirely new and different, which pushes technology and uses game-related skills in an entirely new way?  Enter the world of demos.  Not animations, not games, nothing like you ever seen before. 

The Brief
Looking for work? Here's a chance to prove yourself. Scottish games employers TPLD, 3MRT, Tag Games and Cohort Studios will each set a brief for emerging gaming talent to develop and pitch an idea for a real project.

Creative talent from any discipline, from designers to artists to programmers, will be given three weeks to develop and submit imaginative and original responses to the briefs.

The four chosen winners will then receive coveted work placements with the participating companies, plus free places on Dundee industry training course The Gameplay.

Ask The Experts
If you're ever considered creating your own game, get a job in the industry, wanted to know WHY games are made the way they are - or even what you can do with your one big idea - here's your chance to ask.  A panel of experts covering the development and publishing scene, from mobile, handheld, console and PC sectors, through to online, casual and beyond - will answer the questions YOU have about the world of games...

You can sign up for tickets for TALENT ARCADE FREE.  Yes, that's FREE to anyone who's interested, fascinated or willing to listen.

Visit the 4Talent website and register.  Or e-mail them here and ask nicely.  Remember, that's FREE - because we love you.