Friday afternoon fun...
... I mentioned in passing at the Lab Launch Days that there was a secret tape containing all the fun of filming the briefs we released along side the written descriptions.
Well here it is!
Innovation Labs News
December 2007
Keeping it simple...
This years Lab process is very similar to last years - it's a tried and tested format that has resulted in many great ideas coming through the system. But we're the first to admit that there are some improvements to be make.
Primarily those improvements come down to simple project management after the lab. In the past there has been some confusion about which projects have been successful, which projects are receiving funding and which projects have not got through the process. So this year we're changing things very slightly to address these points.
On the final day of this years Labs you'll present your pitch as normal to the BBC Commissioners - that's when things change. This year when the Commissioners feedback to you about your project proposal they will let you know exactly what level of funding you are going to receive, and what level of work we'll be expecting.
That funding can range from - 'we'd like to talk to you some more about this project and we'll pay you £2,500 to move the idea on a little' all the way to 'we love it, here's the full funding you have requested'. I should point out that as you move up that scale, the fewer commissions there will be.
In addition to clarifying the funding options we're also introducing two new stages to the process.
1 - Within one week of the lab finishing you'll have agreed milestones and access to the project management system with your commissioner.
2 - Within two weeks of the lab finishing you'll have the Purchase Order so you can submit your invoice.
I spoke about this at the Lab Launch Days, but in case you missed it here's the video
You can also download this video to watch on your PC - it's 50mb
Again, if you have any questions about this years process do drop us a line via the contact us page.
360 Degree Commissioning
You may be interested in the 'Content 360' innovation competition which is very much a partner project to the Labs.
In conjunction with MIPTV, the BBC, National Film Board of Canada, Korean Broadcasting Commission and Ogilvy have called for new media content ideas as part of the Content 360 pitching competition at MIPTV featuring MILIA 2008.
IPTV, mobile, and branded content feature strongly in this third Content 360 competition. Digital creators, interactive agencies and producers will have until the 21st January 2008 to apply for the opportunity to share in over £100,000 in development funding which will be awarded at MIPTV featuring MILIA 2008, 7-11 April in Cannes.
Content 360 competition categories and rules are available at www.miptv.com/content360/
Blogging the process
One of the things I'm really keen on doing this year is making sure that we blog the process right from the get go. It's something I asked everyone about at the launch days - and rather naively - expected somebody to jump up there and then and offer to blog from the companies point of view. But that didn't happen.
So it was with a little surprise, that I've started to spot some blog posts from companies appearing in my google blog search.
Rather than ask people to write here I'm going to keep an eye open for these posts and point to them; but if you've written something and I've missed it please do shout at me.
We'll start with this great entry from Rckt:
We were also introduced to the word “archistructure” - at the time we weren't sure if it was a mis-pronunciation of “architecture” and “structure” or if it was a hugely modern and important BBC buzzword. Whichever – we liked it immensely, and have already started using it in meetings to demonstrate how cutting edge we are!
Read the full entry at their blog. At this time I can confirm that is was a mis-pronunciation - but that wont stop us claiming it's first use if it does become a massively important buzz-word.
Applications now being accepted
We've now opened the application process for Innovation Labs 2008.
If you were unable to attend the Labs Launch Days then you may find the filmed presentations helpful before you apply.
The application process will close on 31st January 2008 and we'll be letting you know if you've been successful during February 2008.
