A Professor from Staffordshire University has been named in the Creative England CE50 – the 50 leaders and innovators in the digital creative industries across the country.
Peter Rudge, Associate Professor of Film Production Technology, was recognised at a special event last week for his work with Platform, the Moving Image Cluster for Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire.
Chosen by a panel of experts and industry executives, the CE50 was announced by Creative England CEO, Caroline Norbury at their flagship event CE Live at Facebook HQ in London.
She said: “The people and businesses featured the CE50 are at the very forefront of creativity. Through their work – be it games, film or TV productions, interactive platforms or immersive experiences – they produce the original ideas, the entertaining content and the innovations which make this country truly world-leading in the creative industries.”
Peter, along with Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy, recently hosted the Platform showcasing event at Parliament.
At that event Damian Collins MP, Chair of the influential Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee spoke about Platform saying: “This is a fantastic initiative. It’s an example of best practice and it’s making a real impact. Clusters are vital to the creative economy and that’s why Platform is so valuable. It helps create a critical mass, particularly of young people working together, that is the foundation of a vibrant digital creative sector.”
Peter has also been a key player in helping Stoke-on-Trent get shortlisted to be the home of Channel 4′s new creative hub.
Platform Chair Peter said: “It’s been an extraordinary year. It seems strange to think that it’s only 12 months since Platform was launched in Stoke on Trent. We brought Creative England to Stoke for the Be More Stoke Event, putting us alongside Leeds, Manchester and London as hosts for this event, and showcased our companies at the Houses of Parliament to an audience of political and industry leaders.
“We’ve developed great links with important organisations like Innovate UK and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and brought key individuals to Stoke to meet and workshop with our members.
“Being named in the CE50 has really taken the attention that Platform is getting to a whole new level. I’ve already had conversations about this over the last few days from organisations and individuals nationally and internationally – these are really exciting times!”