MEDIA news in brief from across the region.

Phaebus celebrates DVD chart success

THE Osmonds latest DVD has made it all the way to the top of the sales charts with the help of a Manchester company.

After completing the high definition post production and DVD production of The Osmonds Live In London 2006, Phaebus Media Group , saw it shoot straight into the Music DVD Chart at number two. outshining Pink Floyd and Led Zepplin.

The release was only being eclipsed by Take Thatés DVD which took the number one position.
The concert was recorded earlier this year at The Hammersmith Apollo at the end of the bandés UK tour.

All video post production was completed at Phaebus Media Group in Manchester using the recently installed HD facilities.
Phaebus founder Steve Bettridge started the company in 1999 after 20 years service with the BBC.

He said: éWhen we started there were only three DVD houses in Britain in the UK and all of them were in London. Over the years many have come and gone and the industry now finds itself in the same position as 1999 with only a handful of experienced professional houses in Britainand Phaebus Media Group is the only one outside of London.é

Ad agency joins smoking fight

Ad agency Madhouse is producing an integrated campaign for Knowsley NHS Primary Care Trust aimed at encouraging people to stop smoking.
The trust is working with the Roy Castle Fag Ends organisation to target smokers in the 45-plus age group.

Madhouseés brief was to encourage more people to find out about the services offered by the charity, which operates drop-in centres where people can go to get one-to-one advice to help them quit smoking.

Madhouse, Manchester, won the contract after developing a positive and inspiring concept using real Knowsley characters under the proposition: éWeére with you all the wayé.

Award winner joins Monitor

MONITOR Creative has appointed award-winning Richard Gibbs as consultant creative director. Mr Gibbs, whose creative work received accolades and awards from the Shot Up North Awards 2006, will head Monitorés growing design team, which includes new recruits Anton Williams and Cheryl Lindup. Monitorés managing director Moray Newberry said: éIém delighted Richard is back at Monitor é heés a very talented designer.é

A frutiy job for Souter

FOOD and drink PR specialists Souter RMC has been appointed by Soya Health Foods to launch its new brand of soya and fruit juice drinks.

The Cheshire-based consultancy will handle a national media relations programme for Healthy Start, targeting both the trade and consumer.

Aimed at the health-conscious breakfast market, Healthy Start is a new concept for the company based in Hale, Cheshire, who are part of The Soya Group, Europeés largest independent supplier of non-GM soya derived ingredients.

Two to Clock in for new roles

Clock Creative Communications, Bury, has recruited two new staff who have swapped the bright lights of the city for a more peaceful backdrop in the Lancashire market town of Ramsbottom. Martin Dickson joins Clock with ten years experience in the creative industry gained at several leading Manchester and London agencies. His impressive C.V includes time spent at Cheetham Bell JWT, along with work on accounts including Manchester Evening News, John Smedley Fashion and Budweiser.

Most recently he has worked on top consumer publications, Manchester United Magazine and Menés Fitness Magazine. Martin is joined at Clock by Sarah Joyce, who also brings extensive experience as a designer. She has worked at several city-centre creative agencies, most recently at Connectpoint, and designed for household names including Antler Luggage, Airtours and Matalan.

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