PICARDY PRODUCE ‘DON’T STOP NOW’

PICARDY Media Group’s Manchester operation – formerly Alphabet Communications - have produced a innovative MTV-style video designed to encourage school leavers to sign up for a range of courses at Stoke on Trent College.
The video ‘Don’t Stop Now’, which is designed to appeal to 15 – 16-year-olds, will be shown in schools across Staffordshire to illustrate why they should make Stoke on Trent College their next step after school. And to accentuate the college’s vibrant appeal, Picardy have adopted a lively ‘Youth TV’ look, which evokes such popular teen formats as ‘SMTV: Live’ and ‘T4’.
Managing Director of Picardy in Manchester, Simon Poyser, said: “It was important for us that the video was not preachy or patronising. Instead we have produced a modern and highly watchable programme appealing to our target audience’s age group. Drawing on contemporary ‘Youth TV’ techniques, such as quirky camera angles, rapid cuts, a pop music soundtrack and a clear brand identity, we wanted to convey the college’s vibrancy in a way which challenged traditional views of F.E. colleges.”
The 15-minute magazine style programme is anchored by two trendy presenters (who are themselves students of the college) in a ‘live’ modern studio setting at Picardy’s Knutsford studios. It includes a number of outside reports, which collectively illustrate the college’s friendly and supportive approach to learning, its state-of-the-art facilities, its strong links with local industry and the variety of courses it offers. Animated graphics and snappy idents add to the programme’s dynamism, helping it to flow at a fun, fast moving pace.
Careers advisors from the college are due to start showing the video in schools from October. (CD)