Adnan Hadzi has been a regular at Deckspace Media Lab, for the last decade, a period over which he has developed his research at Goldsmiths, University of London, based on his work with Deptford.TV. It is a collaborative video editing service hosted in Deckspace's racks, based on free and open source software, compiled into a unique suite of blog, cvs, film database and compositing tools. Through Deptford TV and Deckspace TV he maintains a strong profile as practice-led researcher. Directing the Deptford TV project requires an advanced knowledge of current developments in new media art practices and the moving image across different platforms. Adnan runs regular workshops at Deckspace. Deptford.TV / Deckspace.TV is less TV more film production but has tracked the evolution of media toolkits and editing systems such as those included on the excellent PureDyne linux project. His research interest demonstrates his commitment to equal opportunities not only in principles but also in practice. Thus practice as research becomes important in order to discuss 'Access to Technology', a key point for digital/social media. It is through Free and Open Source Software and technologies this research has a social impact. Currently Adnan is a participant researcher in the CreekNet project. This pilot engages a diverse population within a limited geographical area, Deptford, in South East London, UK. Deptford is an inner-city area with a mixed socio-economic profile, including low income neighbourhoods, artist communities, student populations attending a range of institutions including Goldsmith’s College, Ravensbourne College and the University of Greenwich; and urban professionals. Formerly a wealthy area, economic activity declined with the closure of the nearby dockyards, though a process of redevelopment and gentrification is underway, which has led to local debates about the identity and future of the area. SPC has worked in Deptford since 2001 and has contacts with local people, community groups, social enterprises, higher education and business interests in the area. SPC has been running a community wireless network OWN (Open Wireless Network) to provide free street level internet access utilising the latest low cost and low power equipment since 2008, developing from their 2001 original network. Adnan is co-editing and producing the after.video video book, exploring video as theory, reflecting upon networked video, as it profoundly re-shapes medial patterns (Youtube, citizen journalism, video surveillance etc.). This volume more particularly revolves around a society whose re-assembled image sphere evokes new patterns and politics of visibility, in which networked and digital video produces novel forms of perception, publicity – and even (co-)presence. A thorough multi-faceted critique of media images that takes up perspectives from practitioners, theoreticians, sociologists, programmers, artists and political activists seems essential, presenting a unique publication which reflects upon video theoretically, but attempts to fuse form and content. Adnan’s documentary film work tracks artist pranksters The Yes Men and net provocatours Bitnik Collective. In 2013 he released Bitter Lemons documentary mapping lemon grovers on both sides of the no mans land of Cyprus. Bitter Lemons is the moving story of a friendship between enemies that survived against the odds over 30 years of separation. It provides a unique local perspective on the largely forgotten conflict in Cyprus, which became part of the European Union in 2004, from people who have lived with the consequences of this conflict, the memories, the minefields and the barricades, since 1974. Adnan’s current documentary project focuses on his involvement in the media arts collective ! Mediengruppe Bitnik. A collective of contemporary artists working on and with the Internet. Bitnik’s practice expands from the digital to affect physical spaces, often intentionally applying loss of control to challenge established structures and mechanisms. Bitnik's works formulate fundamental questions concerning contemporary issues. In early 2013 !Mediengruppe Bitnik sent a parcel to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy. The parcel contained a camera which broadcast its journey through the postal system live on the internet: «Delivery for Mr. Assange» a SYSTEM_TEST and a Live Mail Art Piece.
Dr. Julie Watkins is a senior lecturer in Film and Television at the University of Greenwich. She worked as lead creative in prestigious Post-Production facilities in Soho and Manhattan. She designed concepts, led Technical Direction, Animation, Motion Graphic and Visual Effects Teams, for Commercials, Broadcast Graphics and Films. She taught at New York University. She joined the University of Greenwich in 2006, initiated a Film and Television degree and partnership with the BBC. She has MA (distinction) in Graphic Design from University of the Arts London. She has had a solo exhibition in London in 2019, presented papers and shown work at DRHA 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, SOUND/IMAGE 2015, 2016, 2017, and EVA 2018, 2019.
