The Clutha Vaults Appeal single

Re my recent post - click here - there is currently an appeal single for the Clutha Vaults tragedy.

I'm not too sure who is singing or who created this as it just comes under "The Clutha Appeal" - perhaps one of my readers may be able to help shed some light.

The video is on Youtube with links to iTunes and Amazon to download the single.  I'm not sure how much of the money raised is going to the appeal or how the appeal helps.

The Papayiannis Legend continues...

A follow up from Milton Johanides - he now has a website up and running!

http://artiepapayiannis.webs.com/

The first two books in the Papayiannis Trilogy are now available and a link can be found on Milton's site - along with a great insight to his novels.

Feel free to take a look at my interview with Milton - Click Here!

The Clutha Vaults tragedy - a charity single?

On Friday the 29th of December I was on a works night out at The Stand Comedy Club in the west end of Glasgow.  After it finished, myself and some colleagues went into a bar just round the corner when I received a text from my wife to say that a helicopter had crashed on the roof of a Glasgow pub.

Clearly, she was worried that I may have been in that area of Glasgow at the time and was making sure that I was ok.  Thankfully I was fine.  

Unfortunately, many others were involved in this tragedy.  The people of Glasgow and Scotland always pull together in times of need - this was evident on the night as people nearby went to the aid of those caught up in this disaster.  

And that got me thinking.

This time of the year, there are quite often the occasional Charity Single in the charts - so how about the people of Scotland get behind a Charity Single to show our support for the families involved?

We all know that the band Esperanza were playing on that fateful night - and what a fitting tribute if would could manage to get behind them to release a Single to benefit those involved.

An Interview with Greg Friel

For many people, once you leave High School you lose touch with people from your school days.  I attended Balfron High School that serviced many small villages surrounding Balfron and I've found the advantage of Facebook for catching up with people!

I'm now 40, and since I left school 23 years ago it's amazing catching up and finding out how much some people have accomplished with their lives.  I'd say that I'm pretty much the same as I was - still living in the same house and not had a varied career.

The main changes in my life are I'm now married with a 3 (almost 4) year old son.  I've written a couple of scripts but not managed to have them made into movies yet.

Greg Friel was the year above me at school and I came to know of him via music lessons.  Like most teenage kids, I had delusions of becoming a pop star - my instrument of choice was the keyboard!  I have to admit, that I wasn't any good at it!  Despite my purchase of a Yamaha PSR-47 and taking private lessons about a year after leaving school, my keyboard skills are to say the least - rubbish.

Greg, on the other hand, was (and still is) a proper musician and I thought it would be great to interview him for my blog.

Platform Hub (PH) - By the time I became aware of you at school, we were already halfway through high school and you were an accomplished musician then - when did you get into music?

Greg Friel (GF) -  I used to sing in the boys choir when I lived in New York.  I lived there when I was 7 to 11 years old.  I also had flute lessons at school - which I hated.  I never practiced.  It just didn't interest me.

I started playing the keyboard (a tiny wee Casio) when I was 12, but started playing the piano properly when I was 14.  I was always picking out pop songs by ear and annoying people at school to listen to me!  I was also learning the trumpet - then the trombone - at high school.  I really wanted to learn to play the saxophone but they didn't have one!  I had my first attempts at songwriting at 12 as well, but nothing significant until I was about 14 or 15. 

(PH) - How many musical instruments can you play and what is your preference?

(GF) My main instrument is piano, but I love to play guitar.  I play a bit of bass guitar (I play bass in folk/rock band The Picts every now and then).  I play a little drums, although I wouldn't really consider myself a drummer.  I know how to put rhythms together.  It's useful for arranging and producing.  I can play a bit on mandolin and harmonica and if there's any piece of percussion sitting around the studio I'll shake it or hit it! 

It really depends on what I'm working on.  The real joy for me is being able to chop and change between different styles of music and instruments.  What ever the mood, there's something that suits.

(PH) - As well as playing Music, you are also a Composer - which part do your prefer - creating or playing?

(GF) - Again, it depends on my mood.  But, I think if I'm being really honest, the real thrill for me is songwriting or composing.  I love the notion that you're creating something that didn't exist before.  I don't have kids of my own, so I sometimes refer to my songs as my "babies".  Not just because I'm nuts, but I really try to invest a lot of emotion into whatever I'm writing.  

I figure that if I can make something that means something to me, then it might mean something to somebody else.  I write songs for people to like them, not just for myself.  The ultimate goal of the songwriter is to write music that is universal, to in some way tap into something that says something about the human condition.  But, if I can make people get up and dance, laugh or cry then I've succeeded. 

(PH) - When we were at school, Atari brought out their ST range of computers with built-in Midi - did you ever have one and do you think this helped with your Composing?

(GF) - I never had one.  I was always saving money to pay for studio time in those days.  I did have a couple of drum machines which really helped me develop song structures and learn more about arranging.

(PH) - As technology moves on, have you found it easier to Compose or are you "old-school" and sit at a piano with sheet music and a pencil?

(GF) - It wasn't until 1998 that I had my own home studio and was able to put down all my ideas "on tape".  I was using Cakewalk Pro Audio in the studio that I recorded in before then and have kept using the latest versions of that software since then.  I guess you tend to gravitate to what you know.  But, computers, in general, massively helped and continue to help how I write. 
I work in a variety of different genres of music but largely pop/rock.  If I'm writing something for myself then I'll sit at the piano or pick up an acoustic guitar, it tends to feel more personal then.  Although, I do use my i-Pad for putting down a few ideas if I'm not near an instrument.

Technology can be really helpful and useful for getting things started, but unless you know how songs work from the ground up, you can get bogged down in technology.  For me, write a great song first then worry about recording it.  Although sometimes I have to record as I'm writing due to time constraints,so that keeps me on my toes!

(PH) - What influences your songwriting?

(GF) - I have a varied and interesting life!  I meet loads of creative, fascinating people who are a constant source of inspiration.  As I said before, I'm trying to find something universal,so irrespective of what the "brief" might be for what I'm supposed to be writing, I'm always trying to take something real from my life and experience that I can get into the song.  That way, it hopefully becomes three dimensional.  Songwriting can be therapy.  I always feel better when I get it down on paper.

If I know I'm going to be doing a co-writing session with a dance artist or an R'n'B artist, then I tend to listen to a few of those kinds of records to make sure I'm on the right page. 

(PH) - When writing - do the lyrics and music come at the same time or do you find that your write one and then work on the other?

(GF) - I almost never write lyrics on their own.  It tends to be that the melody dictates what the words should be.  I don't give a damn how great your lyrics are, if the melody isn't there - the song stinks.  Melody is everything.

I recently wrote and recorded a new song called "The Invisible Man".  I had the title and the idea for a few months just kicking around in the back of my head.  This was something that totally came together in the studio.  I put together a very simple backing track and whilst I was doing that the melody came to me.  I kept mumbling nonsense until the nonsense became words that made sense with the original intent of the song.  So really they kind of happened at the same time.

(PH) - I believe you are Currently Remixing your back catalogue of songs - can you tell us more?

(GF) - I'm putting out 4 compilation albums under the title "Fifty Shades Of Greg".  Fifty tracks that span the years 1994-2013.  Over the years I have written thousands and recorded hundreds of songs in a wide variety of styles.  I just love to try writing different styles.

I'm first and foremost a Singer/Songwriter.  This is my way of just putting all the main songs from my back catalogue out there.  If anybody is curious about who I am and what I do then this is a good place to start.  I've written and produced all the songs.  I've played most of the parts myself with a few guest appearances from my talented friends.  So if you hate it, it's really all my fault!

(PH) - Where can we listen/buy your music?

(GF) -  You can listen to some of the tracks from "Fifty Shades" on www.gregfriel.com.  My Christmas single from last year "Great Expectations" is available on i-Tunes now and all of "Fifty Shades" will be available on i-Tunes over the next year.  I'm also working on an album of new material called "Twelve Tall Tales" which I hope to get out early in the new year.  That'll be on i-Tunes as well.

I regularly update my tumblr blog with the latest tracks as I'm completing them. frielancemusic.tumblr.com

(PH) - Have you found the advent of iTunes and Youtube advantageous in your career?

(GF) - It's a strange one.  There's positives and negatives.  It's great that you can put out your own records and people can buy them if they want.  It's more likely that they'll listen to them on Youtube though.  But, the downside is that basically most people stream music now and don't buy and there is, quite simply, hardly any money in streaming if you're an artist or a songwriter.

Spotify pays massive sums of money to record companies, but the amount of money songwriters make through that route is neglible.  It just seems like an updated version of the early days of the recording industry where the artist suffers.  The main issue is that the future for professional songwriters is bleak.  Streams of income are constantly at threat from the likes of Google and changes to copyright law.  Why do people think that music should be free?  Musicians need to be paid for their work.  

Unless you're selling Katy Perry numbers and touring the world reaping those associated benefits then how are you making a living from music?  There's other avenues to make money from licencing eg. having your songs used on T.V. or Films.  But, a lot of these routes are under threat as well.  These are broader issues though.  I prefer to think positively and think that I get to put my music out there so that people can hear it if they want to. It'll find some kind of audience and that's what's important.

(PH) - What other projects do you have in the works?

(GF) - I'm working with a new Scottish Boyband called Rewind along with producer Ian Curnow.  We've just produced their new single which will hopefully be out before Christmas.

I've just started working with Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Edward Reid.   We're writing some songs and I'm producing.  We met at a gig recently and I loved his voice and the way he connected with the audience.  We've done two songs so far.  He's talented, funny and also incredibly kind.  A rare combination.

I also have a number of acts in "Artist Development".  I'm writing and producing with these acts and also directing promo videos and helping them with social media.  Hayley J, Amanda Williams, GeO and Maria D.

I'm producing a new solo album for Douglas McQueen Hunter (Lead singer of The Picts).  It's kind of Americana music.  Dougie has written all the songs and I'm producing.  We became good friends doing The Picts' albums so it's always a good laugh.  It also helps that Dougie is a really talented singer-songwriter as well!

I do songwriting workshops at Performing Arts schools and for small groups of aspiring writers.
I work closely with Chris Judge's new gospel choir "Soul Nation".  I recently shot a music video for their version of "Angels" and also sang with them at Murrayfield Stadium in front of 70,000 Scotland fans!

I'm always looking for new artists to work with and new challenges though.

(PH) - You seem to do a lot of collaborative work, who have you worked with recently and now?

(GF) - I co-wrote and produced the multi-award-winning "Hope In Troubled Times" album with Country duo Raintown.

I worked with The Picts on two albums of the music of Robert Burns (that was about 4 months work and a real departure for me) and currently with their lead singer Dougie on a solo album.

I've been doing a lot of work with Hayley J, a young singer/songwriter from Falkirk.  We're doing pure pop.

I also just shot a promo video for GeO for his song "Everytime It Rains".  We wrote the track and I produced it as well.

I also have several songwriter friends that I collaborate with online as well.   That's a different way to work,but it's fun.

(PH) - As you know, I'm interested in creating movies.  Have you ever considered writing a movie score and how would this process differ from normal songwriting?

(GF) - Yeah, I would love to do that.  I tend to think a lot of my stuff is quite "cinematic" anyway.  I've done a few short films, jingles and production music.

The process is different in that it's how the music relates to the picture and all about creating an appropriate mood and emotion within a very specific timeframe.  It's quite a discipline.  I'd love to do more of that kind of thing. 

I currently do what I call "Event Music" where I do bespoke music for events.   For the past three years I've composed original music for the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival Fireworks Display.  That's always good to do.  It's seven and a half minutes of original music synced to fireworks.  Effectively a "Live Soundtrack".

I 'd also love to write, direct, score and star in a movie!  I'm not ambitious!

(PH) - When you're not in the studio and you're driving back home of an evening - who do you listen to?

(GF) - I love Thirty Seconds To Mars.  Their past two albums are great.  I also like The Script, Train, Daft Punk, love Bruce Springsteen and my all-time favourite Prince. There's not much I don't listen to though.

(PH) - What are your thoughts on the likes of The X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent - have you ever thought of entering?

(GF) - I think programs like The X Factor and Got Talent have their place.  It's a good way to shine a light on a new pop act or an unknown singer that needs a bit of promo.  It's never been something that's interested me.  I've always just done my own thing.  The joy for me is writing and producing my own music.  I know a lot of people who want to be famous and the music is secondary.  For me, the music comes first.  I have absolutely no interest in performing other people's songs.

I do think that it creates all sorts of expectations about the industry as well.   Too many kids aren't prepared to put in the work to make it.  It's hard graft, dedication and luck.  There are no shortcuts and it is a really really tough business.  I've been a judge in a few talent competitions and seen kids breakdown whenever they don't get through to the next round.  If you're crying, you are not tough enough to handle this.  Go and do something else because this business will destroy you if you let it.  I hate all the sob stories on these shows.  But that's it in a nutshell -i t's a show.  It has very little to do with music alone.  It's entertainment.  Sometimes, it's the story that makes it. 

(PH) - Can you point us in the direction of your websites?

(GF) - Yeah sure.

www.gregfriel.com

www.frielancemusic.co.uk

frielancemusic.tumblr.com

(PH) - Well thank you for taking the time to chat with me Greg and we look forward to catching up with you another time.

A tribute to Melanie Thornton

For many of us, Christmas is one of the best times of the year.  It can, however, be a bitter sweet time as we think of those less fortunate or no longer with us.

Many people reading this may not know who Melanie Thornton was.  Although you may not know who she is, she recorded a song that is now an integral part of Christmas!

It is one of the most recognisable songs that lets you know that the Christmas "Season" (as they call it in America) has started - once the Red and White Trucks appear on your TV screens.  I'm of course talking about the "Holidays are Coming" Coca-Cola Adverts.

Born in America, Melanie did a "David Hasslehoff" and became famous in Germany as a pop star.  She recorded the song "Wonderful Dream (Holidays Are Coming)" a song that has been part of the Coca-Cola Christmas Advertising campaign seen in numerous countries.

Unfortunately, on the 24th of November 2001, Melanie was killed as an aircraft she was a passenger in crash landed near Basserdorf, Switzerland.  She died not knowing how famous and popular the "Holidays are Coming" advertising campaign - and her song - would become.

If you have never heard the full song by Melanie Thornton, you will find it on youtube, set against some familiar images or the original video here!

And tonight, on the 12th anniversary of her death, I'd ask that you raise a bottle of Ice Cold Coca-Cola to Melanie and think of her the next time you see this advert on TV - I know that I will!

The True Loves of Olympia Papayiannis

Following on from my recent interview with Milton Johanides - The Platform Hub is pleased to let you know that following on from the success of "The Astounding Adventures of Artemis Papayiannis", Milton's new book is now available on lulu.com

A sequel to his first book, "The True Loves of Olympia Papayiannis" follows the fortunes of the Papayiannis family as the Second World War threatens Greece.

Both books can be ordered and now in time for Chirstmas Delivery!

The Astounding Adventures of Artemis Papayiannis - a Q&A with Writer Milton Johanides

Inside all of us, there is a story looking to break free.  Some share this story via song, some through art and many use the written word.

When I heard that a colleagues father, Milton Johanides, had written a novel, I was intrigued and knew that I had to interview him for my blog - 

Platform Hub (PH) - Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Milton Johanides (MJ) - I was born in Ilford in Essex and both my parents were Greek Cypriot. I always enjoyed writing but it has taken me this long to do something about it.

(PH) - Is this your first book?

(MJ) - Yes, first published book, though I have a pile of old manuscripts which could be resurrected at some time.

(PH) - Without spoiling it for us, could you tell us a little bit about the story?

(MJ) - It is a story about a fictional hero who fights for his freedom and rights. I have tried to create a character who is an unlikely hero but who has things happening to him which test him to the limit and bring about changes in him and in society around him. The backdrop is the period from the 1900s to the Great War.

(PH) - Where did you draw your inspiration from?

(MJ) - I suppose real life was my inspiration although none of the things that happen to Artie ever happened to my grandfather as far as I know! I have tried to capture the spirit of being Greek at that time. The events in both Cyprus and Greece back then were typical of nations trying to come to terms with who they were and finding out how best to deal with change, so there´s always lessons for us to be learnt today.

(PH) - Are there further adventures in store of Artemis Papayiannis?

(MJ) - Oh yes! The second part is already out and I´m working on the third. I am not calling it a trilogy though, in case there are more in the future.

(PH) - As you will know – I’ve written a couple of scripts.  Have you considered turning your book into a script?

(MJ) - Readers have said it would make a good film. I´m open to offers!!

(PH) - Part of the reason I set up this blog was to bring together like minded individuals – would you be looking to do any collaborative pieces with any readers?

(MJ) - I would look at this if it came up, but really I tend to be a bit of a lonely soul when it comes to writing.

(PH) - When I wrote my script, I started off on Word.  I was then told about a scriptwriting package called Celtx – do you use any software to aid you or just pen and paper?

(MJ) - Everything is written on Word, on one file, formatted then saved as a pdf. This is the format lulu.com prefers when they publish it.

(PH) - Do you have any another projects on the go?

(MJ) - Not writing wise no, but I am also a keen painter, so when the third book is finished I shall spend a bit of time doing that.

(PH) - I’ve seen some of your amazing Art on Facebook – are you self-taught?

(MJ) - Yes, I´m self taught. I learnt a lot from the street artists in Spain.

(PH) - Are you involved in any Art or Writing Groups in the local community? 

(MJ) - We did a lot of this in Spain, especially with the gallery we had as a base. I think I personally prefer to work alone, though I´m not ruling out something happening in the future along these lines.

(PH) - How do you go about buying a copy of your book?

(MJ) - Just go to lulu.com and write my name Milton Johanides in the search box. Then follow the instructions.

(PH) - Thank you for taking the time out to answer my questions!

As mentioned above, you can buy Milton's book from Lulu.com - for the Hardback click here or for the Paperback click here!  For any other writers out there, Lulu.com is a self-publishing online retailer.  Instead of producing bulk quantities of books with a large initial outlay to the writer, you can order on demand.

If you are looking for a unique Christmas Gift, I would suggest ordering your copy of "The Astounding Adventures of Artemis Papayiannis" now!  The copy I bought (that has now kindly been autographed by Milton) took just over 2 weeks to arrive.  But it was worth it to have a brand new, freshly printed book.

Originally, it was a gift for my wife's Christmas, but now I'm keen to read it from cover-to-cover myself so Heather is getting an early Christmas Present this year!

If you are an author and would like your work highlighted on my blog - feel free to E-mail me or contact me via the Platform Hub Facebook Page!

Rolling the D.I.C.E. - Dublin International Comic Expo

A couple of weeks ago, there was a Comic Con event on at the SECC in Glasgow.  With tickets at £6 on the door and children go free, I thought this would've been perfect to take my son to.

Circumstances prevented us from going and maybe that was a good thing.  A friend of a work colleague spent 3.5 hours queuing to get it!  Don't think my 3 year old would've had the patience for that!

My Friends over at the M.A.S.K. Eire Facebook Page recently asked if I would be attending D.I.C.E.

Dublin International Comic Expo

If I'm honest, I'd love to go as I've never been to an Comic Expo before.  Nor have I been to Dublin before, and this would've been a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!

There is plenty of information at the following -

www.facebook.com/dublincomicexpo

http://thebigbang.ie/

I hope that all attending have a great time and I look forward to updates after the fact!

15 Minutes of Fame... or longer?

Andy Warhol once said "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."  The future is here and with it comes the internet, Social Media, Youtube, etc.  His profecy is coming true and more and more individuals are having their moment to shine in the spotlight.

From Rebecca Black's "Friday" to Psy's "Gangnam Style" to the Woman who put a cat in a bin - all have become famous or infamous after their videos appeared on Youtube and went viral.

The Platform Hub is looking for talented individuals who aspire to become famous.  By bringing together various talents, we will have a pool of resources at our disposal to help each others careers.

However, instead of just 15 Minutes of Fame, we'd hope that there would be longevity in your chosen career path and this is just a Platform to start from.

If you feel that you have talent either in front or behind the camera - feel free to E-mail Me.

Remember the Facebook Page also for more information and chat.

 

A Chance Meeting - Matt Comley

Heading home from a Wedding Reception with my wife and a couple of friends and we popped into a Kebab Shop in Stirling.  1 am in the morning, this morning to be precise.

That's when we had a chance meeting with a young lad, Matt Comley, and his friends.  Clearly on a good night out, one of his friends mentioned that Matt was a Musician and had various songs on Youtube and one in the iTunes chart.

Straight away, I did a search on Youtube for one of his videos and "Old Fashioned" is the first that comes up in the search.

Matt is an aspiring young star and I would recommend that readers of my blog and Facebook Page have a look at his videos on Youtube and download his songs from iTunes.

The Platform Hub would like to wish him well in his future endeavours and would be keen to work alongside him in some projects if he is available.

Follow Matt Comley on his Facebook Page also.

Darren Gregson - The Scribble Machine

Back in April, I posted a Q&A session with Darren Gregson on my M.A.S.K. Comics blogspot.  Darren is a Graphic Designer who recently moved from his home in England to live in the Good Ol' US of A with his wife.

Darren recently posted the following picture on his Facebook Page - The Scribble Machine -

Darren was experimenting and decided to draw an American Tractor Unit/Big Rig.  When this was posted on his page, not only was I taken aback by how good an artist he truly is, but I saw a similarity between his drawing and one of the most iconic vehicles from M.A.S.K. - namely Rhino.

As illustrated below from Issue 3 of the UK M.A.S.K. Comic.

On The Scribble Machine Blog, we then have this evolution -

I contacted Darren and asked if he would mind if I added his drawing as part of MASKart on my blog.  He asked me to hold off on this for a little while so that he could tweak it to fit in on my blog and below is the fantastic image that he has sent over.

It's great to see the progression from an initial sketch to coloured final image.  Darren explains more of the evolution on his blogspot!  I am pleased to say, I now have this as my Desktop Image on my PC at work.  I'm not sure that Darren intended this image to be Rhino when he started drawing it - but perhaps M.A.S.K. runs deep in him and he subconsciously drew this in respect of one of his favourtie childhood comics.

Darren has a great appreciation for the Artists and their work on the UK M.A.S.K. comic and I'm envious of the fact that he has had the opportunity to interact with them over the years.

The Platform Hub is multifaceted and Art & Artists are very much part of what we are looking for.  Whether it be Graphic Designers, with talent like Darren's, to work as part of various projects or Cartoonists for printed comics and graphic novels or animated cartoons.

Please feel free to make your comments below or over on my Facebook Page.  Remember and visit The Scribble Machine Facebook Page and The Scribble Machine Blog

And remember to Like, Share and Repost - I'm trying to build up a large community to start making videocasts, printed material and organise Live Events!

Thank you,

Scott.

Rebecca Black - Friday! Love her or hate her....

Not so long ago a 13 year old girl called Rebecca Black made a video and posted it on Youtube - her song "Friday".  The response that then followed went viral - and somewhat out of control.

A torrent of abuse ensued against young Rebecca that included some death threats.  There are plenty of people out there who have there own opinion on her video, I for one actually quite like it.  Sure, it could do with a little bit of work, but overall is enjoyable.

There is no denying that publicity - good or bad - will have an influence on how viral and how many views a video on Youtube will reach.  As I'm writing this, Rebecca's "Friday" has enjoyed 54+ Million Views.

Not only has her video been an internet sensation, it has propelled her into the mainstream Limelight as well - from TV interviews and appearances to a cameo in Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" video.  In the video, Rebecca plays the role of cool and trendy next door neighbour to Katy's awkward character.

Do I think that any video spawned from The Platform Hub will reach 54 Million Views?  I'm not so sure.  But if we even reach a small percentage of that would make it all worthwhile.

So, what are you waiting for?  A written invitation?  Well you have one - comment below or over on my Facebook Page or feel free to E-mail Me.

Charley Corbiaux M.A.S.K. Theme Tribute on Youtube

Yesterday on my M.A.S.K Comics Facebook Page, Charley Corbiaux shared his Tribute to the M.A.S.K. Theme Song on Youtube.

For those of you who don't know, M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) was a toy line by Kenner Parker produced in the Mid to Late 80's.  This spawned a popular Cartoon Series that lasted for 75 episodes as well as Comics in the UK, US and other countries.  I have recently finished a script for a Live Action Movie based on this Franchise and now have a M.A.S.K. Comics Blog and M.A.S.K Comics Facebook Page.

When I saw this video, I thought it would be perfect material to be highlighted with The Platform Hub as well as on my M.A.S.K. blog.

Why?

This video fits well with the philosophy of my vision for The Platform Hub.

Starting off with six images of the M.A.S.K. logo -

We soon realise that each symbol represents an individual Video Feed that has been cleverly edited together to form a Music Video.

Charley has recorded each part of the song himself as individual components - the Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards etc.  He has then combined these track layers together to form the complete song.

In a similar method he as videoed each component to do the same which gives a great performance.  I know that as a M.A.S.K. fan I'm overly biased but I'm sure that once you have watched this video you will agree it is very well done.

So, if you are musically talented or have a flair for making videos, send me an e-mail and let's work together to make some content for Youtube

Outgoing Otaku

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An excellent example of the type of talent we are looking for and material we are looking to create is Outgoing Otaku!

Some like minded friends have got together and created a great website with a growing fan base, Youtube Videos and now a Facebook Page.

So feel free to have look and if you like what you see like their page!

Remember, the Platform Hub is also on Facebook!

Behind the Scenes

With any project, there are as many talented people behind the scenes as there are in front of the camera.  The Platform Hub are interested in hearing from you if you are able to help with the following -

• Camera or Sound - especially if you have your own equipment
• Video Editing - again, especially if you have your own equipment
• Directing or Producing
• Hair and Make-up
• Props and sets
• Locations
• Electrician
• Runners
• Many more...

At the moment, all work will be done without payment but once we have established ourselves and if there is a market for our work, we can then look at opportunities on future projects. 

So, You Want to Make a Movie?

So, You Want to Make a Movie?  So, do we; in fact we want to make more than one.

A few years ago I co-wrote a script titled The Halls and in 2009 I revisited the script adding more depth, humour and drama.  The story centres around Students on their first day moving into the Halls of Residence of a famous Scottish University.

There are two storylines - the first deals with one girls turmoil at leaving her boyfriend behind as she embarks on her new life at University; the other centres on a guys struggle between the homophobia of his oldest friend and fitting in with his new found friends.

The current script is 137 pages long and would be approximately 2 hours long. 

I'm looking for a camera and sound crew, video editor, make-up & hair, costumer & props, etc. Please see the Equipment section to see what is required.

There are 13 main characters and numerous extras needed.

Location wise, we need access to a University Campus, and some Halls of Residence.  Can anyone help organise this through the University of Stirling?

If you are interested in making this movie, please feel free to contact me.

E-mail me here!

Remember, The Platform Hub is on Facebook - this is an easier way to share information straight away.

Offer of Help

So, I'm looking for help on the two projects I've already posted - and I have a few more projects in mind.  But it isn't all take - I'm offering my services to help others where I can.

If you are looking to do a project in the Stirling/Central Scotland area, let me know to see what assistance I can offer to you to help with your project.

The Platform Hub blogspot and Facebook Page are both at your disposal for you to recruit for your latest Videocast or promote your bands next gig or promote your published works etc.

E-mail me here

Project Two

Ok, my second project will also be a Monthly Magazine of approximately 45 Minutes long per episode.  This project will feature a Local Band in each episode.  They will be filmed doing a music set interspersed with interviews with the band.

There are two aims to this Youtube Videocast.

The first is to highlight and promote the talents of local bands.  Opening up their music to a wider audience and building a relationship with them to work on other projects.

The second is to highlight and promote the talents of the presenters, camera, sound and editing team.  As with my first project, we are aiming to highlight our talents to be noticed by TV Executives to have our programme picked up and made for TV instead of the web.

For this project we need the following -

• Camera and Sound
• Video Editing
• Presenters
• Bands
• A Garage

Again, if you are able to help, contact me at the following - 

Click to e-mail

Or

The Platform Hub on Facebook

Project One

I'm looking for help on a Project.  I'm looking to create a monthly Videocast of approximately One to One and Half Hours long per episode.

This is a Magazine style Videocast with features on all things considered to be "Geek" related with a little bit of music thrown in.  To be filmed at weekends with occasional evenings within Stirling and the Central Belt of Scotland.

I'm looking for help both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.  So, if you are interested in the following and can help on a regular basis, please get in touch.

• Camera and sound
• Editing
• Presenting
• Space to use for a studio

As I said, this will be a monthly programme for Youtube but each episode will act as a "Pilot" to attract the attention of a TV Station in an effort to raise the profile of all involved and take this project from the web to TV.  

If you are interested, please get in touch -

Click Here to E-mail me

The Platform Hub on Facebook

Welcome

Welcome to The Platform Hub.

This is a Social Hub for like-minded individuals to meet and share new ideas and to create Youtube videos to highlight these talents.

This Hub will act as a Platform for talent to build relations, share ideas and work together for the benefit of all involved.

So, whether your talents lie behind the camera, in front of the camera, printed material or in music, feel free to contribute and get involved.

The Platform Hub on Facebook