CC states that everything that we put forward for approval in the budget is scrutinised. It would be really helpful for us to discuss further how you spend your societies' budget.
SE reports that Wessex Scene could have spent a lot more but they didn’t publicise themselves well this year. The two biggest costs are printing and publicity. Next year he would like more money for investigating stories (travel expenses) and Dictaphones. Wessex Scene has £7200; the majority of which goes into printing costs. He feels that they currently do not need any more money.
DM suggests that funding may potentially be cut. SE understands this.
SE does mention that Wessex Scene will be focusing on more investigative journalism and may require some money for that.
CD explains that cost for SUSUtv regularly goes to props and travel. She states that currently their factual executive wants to do a documentary with polish war veterans and wants help with travel costs as well as accommodation. This project may also carry potential venue costs to host all the veterans. She states that the Bunfight always takes money, but this year they didn’t make too much merchandise. The Bunfight budget was fine. SUSUtv had a bit of trouble claiming things back as there was confusion over who was meant to manage the claiming back of expenses. Now it has been sorted the back dated expenses are now coming in. This means it might currently look like SUSUtv have spent less than they actually have. Hiring crews from tech for events also cuts into SUSUtv's budget. Debate and elections also cost money but that comes out of another budget.
NT states that at the start of the year Union Film's target was to make £12,000, right now they are at £16,000 this was mainly due to The Hunger Games 2. He cannot guarantee getting a film release that early again as Union Films were very lucky in getting that deal (film release at Union Films was at same time as official release). Union Films had an amount of money allocated to Freshers’ Week which they used to buy publicity which seemed to work well. Without The Hunger Games they would have been at £12,000 or slightly under this.
JB explains that the heaviest part of the project for Surge was FM which is starting on February 23rd. Last year Surge didn’t do FM so they could pay to refurbish their studio. Surge are collaborating with archery to do cover a competition. They're also wanting to do two streams (one for comedy and a more serious one) adding an additional stream is well within the budget at the moment. Surge want to do more outdoor broadcasts this will enable them to do more live events. He has already brought some equipment for outdoor broadcasting but will require a few more things. This will also increase sport broadcasting which Surge want to do at Wide Lane. Marketing has been underspent. They did the Christmas event but they outsourced so the costs didn’t come out of their budget. Currently making merchandise and making mugs to try and raise money for Student Radio Association as it is in Newcastle this year.
DM states that money has gone into committee budget for funding the Creative Industries exhibition. Looking at £500 to go into the budget for committee spending.
CM thinks groups are a little under-funded. There are some who are taking a rather large cut and others that are going without funding. This is down to a multitude of reasons; the committees’ capability in funding applications, the groups’ willingness to fundraise, package choices, etc. He wants to put across the importance of support packages and would like to see the groups have more consistency throughout the year.
CM would need to see how much funding Performing Arts gets relative to Student Groups.
JB asks if it would be possible to have a CI budget discussion for the next Creative Industries zone committee meeting.
