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Company: Thap Ltd
Project: Media Routes

http://www.mediaroutes.org.uk

Dates: Aug 2007 to Oct 2007

How did the project start?

We were approached by Enigma FX, the film and video production services consultancy, to devise a website to deliver mixed, multi-media content to
end users.

Our direct client, Media Routes, works with the local community. It devises means by which participants can explore and develop skills in animation, film, radio and screenwriting.

It also facilitates taster sessions and workshops to introduce budding media artists to everything from camera operation to radio broadcasting together with the creation of animations and their viral marketing on YouTube.

What options did you consider?

As the website needed to be managed by the Media Routes team, a content management system (CMS) was clearly essential. We evaluated various CMS systems but determined that none were a perfect match. Our eventual choice was Joomla, complemented by the creation of our own custom modules to provide the functionality required.

We presented a variety of different options to Media Routes to ensure the selection of the most appropriate one for the target demographic prior to finalising design.

What help and expertise did you receive?

We worked in close collaboration with Enigma FX to gain as wide an understanding as possible of their experience and expertise in streaming media. This enabled us to provide the most flexible solution possible in line with the project requirements and the specified budget.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

Prior to this project we had never previously created custom modules for Joomla. We rapidly appreciated, however, that this additional functionality was essential if the project was to deliver the features desired by the client. We believe we met this challenge successfully and learned a great deal in the process.

On commencing this project, our experience with delivery of IP based live broadcasting was also limited. We quickly developed an excellent working relationship with Enigma FX, however, and this meant that we were able to openly share knowledge with and learn from them. We believe this factor was a major contributor to the overall success of the project.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

The website we devised has been hugely successful. We can report new members joining continuously and fresh content being added on a daily basis.

Arising from our work we have forged strong relationships with both Enigma FX and the Media Routes team.

Our knowledge base has been expanded considerably and we have gained much valuable insight into IP Broadcasting, streaming media and generated content.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue supporting and developing the project.

To evaluate the possibility of extending the scope and content of the project.

To use the core of the content management system developed to provide similar functionality to other community based projects.