ITV Local
by Alan Colegrave ARPS

The idea of local broadcasting at borough level is not exactly a new idea but in the analogue days, there was simply not enough bandwidth. ITV Local will be streamed over the Internet via www.itvlocal.com . There are 6 different data rates available which means it should be viewable over the vast majority of internet connections. Obviously the higher speed broadband connections will give a better quality image but even if you are on dial-up, it should still work.

Our aim is to build a series of community channels reflecting the richness and diversity of London alongside, News, Weather via London tonight / today. We are interested in acquiring some short films and community based programming (user generated content) to showcase on the exciting new first-of-its-kind channel to provide and promote local talents, interesting events and generally giving people a platform to have their say and showcase their work. Down the line we will also cover (either by ourselves, local film makers or commissioned pieces) local stories, festivals, groups and all things community based – basically anything about London or work made by Londoners.

ITV Local would like to receive all types of video material especially that produced by enthusiasts for no financial gain, i.e. amateur films. Although there may be one later, initially there will no 9 pm watershed which means all material must be suitable for a general family audience. Other than that, there are no "no-go areas" with the proviso that it must be “broadcastable”. More about that later. However, there is another more important sting in the tale. Due to copyright laws the film maker must own all rights to the film and its distribution. Also very importantly the music must be cleared for broadcast. Generally, the IAC licence will not cover this. Furthermore there could be issues if images and maps are used in a production without permission. Music used from disks released by AKM, Trackline and other copyright paid music will usually be alright to use (check the terms of the licence on their websites) as long as the programme's producer bought them from the relevant company and paid the appropriate fee. Even so, a cue sheet will have to be submitted stating the music's title, duration and the composer. [A useful cue sheet can be downloaded from AKM's website.]

There are two forms of viewer submissions, namely uploads and as a short film sent in on DV or DVD. It is intended that uploads will normally be short clips, often from mobile phones, and consist of topical coverage - items that could appear on a local news bulletin. If you are going to upload something, read the "Terms of Use and Privacy Policy". Basically you give ITV permission to use the material wherever and whenever they wish. Often this will be of little consequence but it is something of which "uploaders" should be aware. The situation is very different for short film submissions. To start with, the production remains the intellectual property of the producer and you just give ITV the permission to show it. If you wish the production taken off or only shown at particular times ITV Local will follow your requests.

I mentioned the term “Broadcastable” a few lines back. While many films are made, most of these are only suitable for showing to people close to the producer, be it his family or local video club. When submitting films to ITV Local, think of the larger audience. For instance, using commentary in the first person rarely works, especially to people who do not know the maker. Do not be afraid to cut down your masterpiece. There is a general time limit of 10 minutes. Only if a film merits longer, will this limit be extended. ITV Local is a streamed video service which means internet users cannot download a film maker's work to keep.

ITV Local would be very pleased to receive group coverage of noteworthy local events. In Harrow, where I live, there is a running Marathon held in November. This is the type of story ITV Local would like to have covered. To my mind, this would be a great opportunity for local video groups to produce some well-structured reportage for transmission.

As the network establishes itself, they may well commission various film makers to cover an event in return for a modest payment. This could easily be groups from Video Clubs / Societies. The revenue for the station comes from local advertising so they will not advertise your event / club for free. However a couple of slates on the end of a film saying it was made by Sometown's Video club which meets on Tuesdays at the Church Hall would be quite acceptable.

All in all, I think this could be a superb medium to showcase members' work and well worth perusing in the future.

You never know it may help to pay for that new camera !