Digital Horizons is an industry programme lead by South East Media Network (SEMN) in collaboration with its partners.
There have been two phases to the programme, the first in 2007/08 – the original Digital Horizons programme (DH) – and the second in 2008/09 – Digital Horizons 2012 (DH 2012). We are currently looking for ways in which we can fund a Phase 3 which would provide similarly innovative training and business development opportunities for South East digital content companies in, and beyond, 2010.
The original DH programme sought to: develop professional and technical skills; encourage and support the exploitation of creative IP and new product development; provide the latest information on opportunities and distribution; support and nurture beneficial collaborations and partnerships; and, encourage commercial sustainability. It provided producers, developers and managers across the digital content sector - including the music, interactive media, games, television and film industries - with an insight into the business models, dynamics and collaborative opportunities of cross-sector partnerships.
DH 2012 focused on imparting online skills, connections, contacts and intelligence. This was designed to enable culture, media and sport companies to maximise the online opportunities for business and commercial engagement offered by the London 2012 Games. It aimed to impart the key elements of online networking and a viral presence to enable a business to be fully integrated online.
It had three key elements:
i. The How: Acquiring Next Generation Digital Media Skills
Intensive workshops imparting specific technical skills including online social networking, blogging, podcasting and viral marketing
ii. The Why: Applying Those Skills to Sports and Culture Commissions
Seminars featuring culture and sports case studies demonstrating the application of those online skills and the media commissioning process involved
iii The Who: Generating Media, Culture and Sport Partnerships
A launch and concluding event networking media companies with potential commissioning organisations in the worlds of sports and culture.