Welcome to the first issue of MediaNet News, the e-newsletter of the media education community in the West Midlands

In this issue: details from the launch of 'Switching On To Media Literacy', a new media literacy strategy for the region.

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Events

New, Improved newsletter and registration system!

Mediabox awaiting news on its future

Stars lend support to project tackling homophobic bullying

Screen WM offer up to £15,000 for film related projects

MediaNet News

New, Improved newsletter and registration system!

We've updated and improved the MediaNet newsletter and membership system. This is the first bulletin using the new system so we'd welcome feedback on how you feel it works. The new registration form is much simplified and allows you to easily unsubscribe or refer friends or colleagues using the links above. These newsletters will now be sent out on a monthly basis. If you want updates on news and events more frequently then visit the news pages of the MediaNet website which are updated more frequently.

Sir Digby Jones launches regional Media Literacy Strategy

Work is well underway to develop a Media Literacy Action Plan following the launch of Switching On To Media Literacy, the new media literacy strategy for the West Midlands, in June. At the launch Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham said "(we need to) get media literacy deep into the DNA of the education process," adding "it must become part of every educational, social and economic strategy in our country."

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National and Regional News

Mediabox awaiting news on its future

The future of the Mediabox funding scheme is still uncertain although government minister Beverley Hughes is keen to see if it can be continued. Its hoped money from the government's Comprehensive Spending Review allocation for the Department of Children Schools and Families could be used to extend the scheme.

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Stars lend support to project tackling homophobic bullying

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies is lending his support to "Sticks and Stones", a new project set up by The Rural Media Company. Young gay, lesbian and bi-sexual people (aged 16-25) are being asked to talk about their own experiences of life in rural areas and get involved in making a series of short films on tackling homophobic bullying.

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Funding News

Final Mid Mediabox deadline coming up

Mediabox, the £6 million government scheme to fund young people's media projects has its final application deadline for Mid Mediabox funding next month. The scheme accepts applications for media projects for disadvantaged young people aged 13-19 of up to £20,000.

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Screen WM offer up to £15,000 for film related projects

The Screen WM Access fund offers up to £15,000 for film related education, audience development, exhibition and new talent projects. The next deadline is on 7th January 2008 and they are keen to hear from you if you have a film related education project.

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more funding news

Dates for your Diary

October

29th, 30th or 31st October Prejudice and Tolerance - an adventure in wondering Workshop for year 5 and 6 pupils, Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, £60. For information or to book contact Kathryn Kliszat on kathryn@light-house.co.uk or visit www.light-house.co.uk

30th October This Is Media Studies, Birmingham City University, Perry Barr Campus, £175 +VAT. For information or to book visit www.mediaskills.org.uk or call 0121 204 9883

30th - 31st October Why Don't You...? Supporting innovative approaches in education conference, Inmarsat, London, £390-£145. For more information or to book a place call 0117 915 8206, email events@futurelab.org.uk or visit www.futurelab.org.uk/events

31st October Forum for festival and events organisers, The Courtyard Arts Centre, Hereford, £10. Contact Deborah Allison, Arts Liaison Officer for information or to book on 01432 260614 or dallison@herefordshire.gov.uk

November

1st - 3rd November Flip Animation Festival, Light House, Wolverhampton. Visit www.flipfestival.co.uk for full programme.

1st & 5th -9th November Training for Trainers in Digital Storytelling, Caerphilly Music and Arts Service, Pontllanfraith, Wales. Email strudk@caerphilly.gov.uk for information

8th November Engaging with Creativity Conference, mac, Birmingham, £55. To book contact Belmont Arts Centre on 01743 234970 or email admin@belmontartscentre.org.uk or visit www.aliss.org.uk

8th November West Midlands Participation Network Conference, Birmingham Repetory Theatre, 10.30am - 3.30pm. For more information contact Kerry at the Government Office West Midlands 5 St Phillips Place Birmingham B3 2PW Tel: 0121 352 5153 Email: kerry.barnes@gowm.gsi.gov.uk

10th, 11th, 17th and 24th November, Script Presents: Introduction to Screenwriting Course, Artrix, Bromsgrove, £90/£60. For more information visit www.scriptonline.net or to book call 01527 577330.

13th November Ready, Steady, Change Participation Works training, Save The Children, Birmingham. For more information please contact the Enquiry Service:  0845 603 6725 or email: enquiries@participationworks.org.uk or to see event details click here

16th -17th November Short Film is Dead... Long Live Short Film! Light House Media Centre Wolverhampton. For more information visit www.screenwm.co.uk

16th November - 2nd December Cinemagic Young People's Film Festival, Belfast. For information and tickets visit www.cinemagic.org.uk or telephone the 028 90 24 66 09.

20th November Mediabox funding deadline (Mid Mediabox only). For more information visit www.media-box.co.uk

For further events visit the events diary on the MediaNet website

Link of the month

Film Street is the film education website for 6-9 year olds run by First Light Movies. The site includes resources for children to learn about film either by themselves or supported by teachers though a range of interactive activities and film clips. The site includes a detailed section for teachers and parents including resources and advice on linking its resources with the Primary Framework for Literacy. www.filmstreet.co.uk

Submit your news stories or events to MediaNet

We are always keen to hear about news stories or events that would be of interest to the MediaNet community. If you have a news story to share or an event to publicise contact Lou Llewellyn the MediaNet Coordinator by emailing info@medianetonline.org.

We aim to include as many relevant articles as we can in our news and events sections and in our monthly email bulletin which goes direct to the inboxes of over 200 media educators in the region.

The next issue of MediaNet News will be sent out on November 30th.

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