Wednesday 31 October 2007

Gordon Parry Update

I visited the Gordon Parry Centre today to provide a software update to the Apollo Controller installed in the room. It also gave me the opportunity to provide some basic training to the staff at the Centre.

The gradual development of this space has allowed the staff to get use to each element, before adding another to the space.

Tuesday 23 October 2007

New Apollo Creative blog

Creative Director Mark Hildred today launched a new blog to keep everyone up-to-date with work on Apollo Creative's exciting range of projects.

A blog is rather like an online diary, written more informally than a standard webpage. It features photos, videos, music and text. The Apollo blog will mainly track work on projects and consultancy work undertaken by the company.

"This blog provides us with a way of sharing some of the exciting work we are undertaking with a wide range of clients", said Mark Hildred."The structure of the blog means that visitors can keep up to date with work as it progresses, rather than awaiting completion. It also helps to hilight the wide range of services we can offer outside of our core product line."

You can visit the blog at: http://apollocreative.blogspot.com

Monday 22 October 2007

Fountaineers Workshop

Last Monday and Tuesday (15th & 16th October) I spent all day at Luckwell Primary School in Bristol as part of the Futurelab Fountaineers Project.

I was invited by Futurelab to follow up sessions I carried out earlier in the year, where I worked with the children on their design for an interactive fountain. As the projects 'fountain expert' I've been answering questions and help the children shape the ideas for what the fountain might look like, where it will be sighted and what it will do.

The fountain is now under construction by a local firm in Bristol and is due to go into the school during December. Since my last visit in the Summer term, the fountain has changed design and position. There has also been a long break for the Summer holidays and the beginning of the new school year.

This visit formed part of the schools 'Talk' week, with the emphasis being on reminding the children about the fountain and getting them engaged with the project. Other experts from Futurelab came into the school to cover maintenance and programming of the fountain witgh the older years. My work was with years 2,3,4 and 5, running a basic refresher course and getting some actual water jets running again.

I used a beta test version of the new Apollo Controller software, to link a number of pressure pads and sensors to a couple of water jets (via a DMX dimmer pack). By programming various scenarios into the Apollo, I was able to demonstrate the various behaviours the fountain might have. Specifically ACT, REACT and INTERACT.

The workshops went well and we all seemed to have a good time. My thanks go to Rose who helped me with all the sessions.

Thursday 18 October 2007

News: Creative interactive light and sound company launches website

Knaresborough based Apollo Creative has just announced the launch of their new website: www.apollocreative.co.uk.

The company, based on the Knaresborough Technology Park, is a dedicated division of GSPK Design Ltd and has been specifically set up to specialise in the innovative design, development and manufacture of interactive light and sound products.

Although newly incorporated, Apollo Creative is benefiting from the skills and expertise brought by Mark Hildred, Creative Director, who boasts a number of years experience working within the sensory and special needs marketplaces.

The interactive light and sound products are predominantly sold for inclusion in multi-sensory rooms for use by children and adults with special needs; but increasingly Apollo is finding new and exciting outlets as diverse as artistic and interactive education projects, contemporary interior design features and exhibition stands; for example.

Mark also brings with him a wealth of experience in interactive audio; applied across a wide range of projects from touring exhibitions to museum installations.

Benefiting from such experience, and supported by the electronic design capabilities of GSPK Design Ltd, Apollo Creative is developing a leading reputation for providing revolutionary new products into the market place.

Apollo also provide consultancy for project work from initial concept, through to project management, technical support and training; enabling customers to access the company’s unique skill base. Current projects include interactive fountains, light and sound rooms, sensory environments, digital play areas and museum interactives.

Mark Hildred, Creative Director for Apollo Creative said – “The new website has been specifically designed to reflect the creative nature of the company.

For further information, please contact Mark Hildred on 01423 865641 or e-mail sales@apollocreative.co.uk.