BRISTOL UPDATES

Imagine the scene –you are sitting in a sixth generation fighter jet flying across unfamiliar terrain, it is pitch black and you need to make a decision in the next five seconds. How can you draw on technology that ensures you make the right choice? That is the question that former RAF Fighter Pilot, Jonathan Smith, VP Capability, CTO, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Electronics Division, Leonardo UK, wants to pose to an AI star of the future in a Combat Air Artificial Intelligence Challenge competition being launched by the company, in collaboration with the UK MoD.

Jonathan is well placed to make the call to action, having flown some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets from the UK and US and worked with pilots across the globe. He wants to see artificial intelligence and machine learning integrated into future capability. Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science that focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans can learn and adapt.

Applications are being sought from SMEs, Start-ups and academia and winners could receive six months of funding for pilot projects, which could transform into long-term collaborations with Leonardo. In particular, winners could have the chance to contribute to Leonardo’s input to the UK’s most prestigious international fighter programme GCAP, the Global Combat Air Programme, which is a mission to create a new fighter jet for the UK, Italy and Japan by 2035.

• To find out more about the competition, visit: uk.leonardo.com

Could you make an original four-minute film in just 48 hours? Redmaids’ High School has announced that the Bristol Schools 48-Hour Film Challenge is back this summer and will take place between 12 – 14 May. All Bristol students aged 7-18 are invited to take part in this fast-paced and creative challenge to shoot, edit and submit a short original four-minute film with any device or their mobile phones within 48 hours.

The project is endorsed by IMDb, boomsatsuma, The Bottle Yard Studios, Sync Ltd and is hosted by Redmaids’ High School with proceeds from the competition entrance fees going to local charity, Off The Record. The challenge is also proud to be supporting the UNESCO City of Film.

Joining the panel of judges again this year, among others are Col Needham founder and CEO of IMDb and Mamma Mia! screenplay writer Catherine Johnson. More industry specialists will be joining the panel and will be announced soon.

The event also includes the option of free pre-challenge workshops in filmmaking, improv acting with some of the best tutors in Bristol. This year, boomsatsuma will also be offering a camera and sound workshop for students aged 14-18 years, and more creative workshops will be announced soon.

The 48-Hour Film Challenge project was initiated by Sarah Bramley-Dymond, Head of Digital Learning at Redmaids’ High School. “The Bristol Schools 48-Hour Film Challenge offers young people the opportunity to showcase their imagination and creativity, whilst utilising valuable skills like communication, teamwork and productivity. All whilst they have fun making an original film.”

• For further information or to register, visit: schools48hourfilmchallenge.co.uk

Somerset glamping site, Tractors and Cream, is leading the way by not charging more during school holidays. The family-run site wants to keep prices affordable for families with schoolage children. Unlike many UK holiday resorts, research shows that some destinations like Center Parcs and Haven increase their prices by 124%, which translates to over £1,000 more per week in school holidays. A simple search for dates in June shows an increase of £1,000 –£1,500 for the same place for a week in August.

A fact that Tractors and Cream owners and parents of two, Vicki and Bryan Jones, know only too well. So, when setting up their own award-winning glamping holiday park, Vicki and her husband Bryan, wanted to ensure their prices were consistent whatever the month and that a weekend or week glamping was affordable and comfortable for all regardless of school holidays.

Vicki comments: “It feels really unfair that families have to pay such a high price increase just because it’s the school holidays, and it’s not just a couple of hundred pounds, over £1,000 is more than most families budget for their week away. Even though some counties are staggering their holidays, which has helped in certain half terms, the summer prices still rocket. We wanted to offer a price that doesn’t change so wherever you live you can come to us and know you won’t have to pay over the odds in the holidays.”

• tractorsandcream.co.uk