workshop

Want to learn one of the most powerful live video-manipulation programmes out there?

This 6 hour workshop will introduce you to the basics of the live video manipulation software, VDMX. Participants will learn the interface, how to mix videos and apply effects, as well as the artistic principles of live video performance. This process is also a great experimental way of making audio-visual pieces without time-consuming software.

Who is this course for

This workshop is aimed at people with no prior knowledge of VDMX. Participants will need to be confident with using computers, and preferably with a knowledge of music and/or video software.

If you think this course may be too advanced for you, please contact us and we talk you through the workshop :)

Equipment needed

All equipment will be provided on the day, though you are welcome to bring your own laptop and MIDI controller. Please note VDMX is a MacOS based software, so your laptop will need to be loaded with MacOS.

We can also provide you with plenty of video material to get you started, though you might want to bring your own. Please be aware that HD videos tend to cause machines to lag, so standard resolution and under is prefered - please contact us prior to the workshop if you are unsure.

What you’ll learn

VDMX interface

Importing content

Video mixing using the Simple Mixing Layout

Scaling content

Applying effects

Adding new layers and media bins

Assigning controls to a MIDI device or keyboard/mouse

Using the Audio Analysis tool

Using live video capture

Using programs within VDMX (i.e stream directly from internet browser)

Overview of video mixing hardware (Panasonic WJAVE5 and Edirol V4)

Recording footage for exporting

FAQ's

Where is the MadFabLab?

MadFabLab is at The Old Bank Residency. On arrival, just ask at the front desk if you need help finding it.

I have accessibility needs, what kind of physical access do you have?

The Old Bank Residency and the MadFabLab have full accessibility. Please get in touch if you have any questions regarding the space.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There are a number of options for getting to us by public transport. See below for all your options.

By tram

The nearest tram stop is Shudehill, on the Bury–Altrincham and Rochdale–East Didsbury lines. For other lines, Piccadilly Gardens is the closest and we are just 5 minutes walk away from here.

By bus

The nearest local bus station is Shudehill/Thomas Street, for visitors coming from North Manchester. For other local buses, Manchester Piccadilly Bus Station is located just 5 minutes walk away. The nearest national bus station is the Shudehill Bus Interchange, although Chorlton Street Bus Station is 20 minutes walk away.

By train

MadFabLab is less than 15 minutes walk away from Manchester Piccadilly station and across the road from Manchester Victoria train station.

By air

From Manchester International Airport, there is a train station at Terminal 2 with regular trains to Manchester Piccadilly Train station which take approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available outside all terminals and will take roughly 30 minutes on a good day, costing around £25.

By car

If you are driving to reach us, there is limited on-street parking in the area. Within a minutes walk of the building there is also Miller Street Car Park and Total Car Parks LTD.

By bike

We are currently looking into installing secure bike parking.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Email us on fab@madlab.org.uk

What's the refund policy?

Please find MadLab's Cancellation Policy here.

Booking your place

For your convenience, we offer a number of ways to book:

Via Eventbrite

Invoice or PayPal - by phoning 07894278487 or emailing fab@madlab.org.uk

Payment by cheque - made out to MadLab CIC, and sent to 3 Corkland Road, Manchester, M21 8UP

This is a two-day course, which runs from Thursday 15th to Friday 16th of November. Starts 10:00am and finishes 4:30pm both days.

To reserve you space, follow our Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/intermediate-wordpress-tickets-44252015971

Take your WordPress site to the next level!

Over the course of two days you’ll dig deep into theme customisation and learn how to make your site work perfectly on mobile devices. You’ll begin to unleash the full potential of the platform: from search engine optimisation (SEO) to security, caching to e-commerce.

Who is this course for?

The course is aimed at those who’ve already got to grips with WordPress. You don’t need any programming experience, but a little CSS knowledge is useful. If you want to work on an existing WordPress site you are more than welcome, but we will provide a pre-installed site for up to a month for all attendees.

Are you a beginner? Try our Build your first website with WordPress course! Or already an old hand? Try our Advanced WordPress course!

Course Syllabus

This course starts at 10:00am and finishes at 4:30pm. Lunch is served at 12:30pm.

Day one

1. Introduction To WordPress: What is WordPress? A little history
2. Recap of the WordPress basics: Posts, pages and all that jazz
3. Settings in depth: More ways to configure your site
4. Advanced posts and pages: Featured images, the kitchen sink, paging and more
5. Exercise: Getting to grips with the WordPress Editor
6. The Image Editor: Make your own thumbnails
7. Themes, Widgets and Menus in depth: Learning the building blocks
8. CSS introduction: An overview and some useful tools
9. Pulling it all together: Improving the look of your site
10. Exercise: Customising your theme with CSS

Day two

1. Security: Hosting, plugins and good habits
2. Caching: Make your site fly!
3. Exercise: Security and caching plugins
4. SEO – an overview: The strange art of Search Engine Optimisation
5. Anti-spam techniques: Akismet and beyond
6. Jetpack in depth: Juicy goodness form WordPress.com
7. Exercise: Getting to know Jetpack
8. E-commerce – an overview: An intro to selling your stuff
9. More useful tools and plugins
10. Question and Answer session with Mike

Please note: This course does not teach WordPress development (PHP coding).

Equipment you’ll need:

• Laptop computer with Windows, Linux or OS X installed
• Web browser: the latest version of Firefox or Google Chrome
• Sample images that you will be able to upload to your website as the course progresses.
• An external mouse if you prefer using one.

If you don’t have access to a computer please let us know in advance of the course so we can arrange one for you.

Cost

The course is £300 (inclusive of VAT). This covers:

• Two days tuition
• Lunch and refreshments on both days
• An electronic copy of the teaching materials
• One month’s free hosting, to test and refine your site (you’re welcome to work on your own site if you prefer)

We have a limited number of bursary places available on this course for a reduced rate of £220. These are open to people who are underemployed, unemployed or full-time students. Please contact us (details below) for more information.

Your Tutor

Mike is the co-founder of WordPress. He’s also the founder and CEO of WordPress consultancy zed1.com, has a portfolio including prominent government sites, is a published author, technical editor and member of the Usability Professionals Association… but let’s face it, we had you at ‘co-founder of WordPress’.