Award winning charity enjoys the benefits of web-based video tools

6th Apr, 2009

A review of TrueTube: from charity start-up to award winners in a year

Forbidden Technologies has released this 12-month progress summary of its multiple award winning client TrueTube. Through Forbidden's consumer service Clesh, TrueTube provides web-based video editing to its users.

Clesh provides a simple yet powerful built in set of editing tools. TrueTube visitors use it to create video responses to topics on the site. With its simple storyboard interface and tools for more advanced editing Clesh provides a learning tool to both those new to and those experienced with video editing.

TrueTube, run by not-for-profit production company CTVC, is a revolutionary discussion website aimed at 15-22 year olds. Since its foundation in 2007, Tower Bridge-based TrueTube has received outstanding praise for its educational angle on social networking. With tools provided for RE, Citizenship, English and Science lessons, TrueTube has given teachers and studetns real life case studies and expert opinions to improve the quality of lessons.

In the past 12 months they have grown from a charity start-up to winners of the Secondary Digital Content award at BETT 2009, beating contenders including Channel 4, The National Archives and Collins English Dictionary. Other wins include the Educational Resources Award (ERA) for Innovation 2008 and the Europrix Quality Seal 2008.

TrueTube currently has over 600 video items, and is receiving around one million hits a month at www.truetube.co.uk

Erik van der Schaft, Editor in Chief, TrueTube, commented:

"Our growth and successes are proving that TrueTube has identified a key need in society. As an innovative organisation we are pleased with our adoption of Clesh. It has provided us with a uniquely powerful tool that has enabled both our young audience and our staff to produce compelling, high quality content."

Forbidden's Clesh web-based editing service seamlessly integrates into TrueTube's workflow. With a single login point teachers and pupils can upload video material over the internet. Video is then available for editing from any broadband-enabled computer.

Stephen Streater, CEO of Forbidden Technologies, said:

"We are delighted to be a part of the TrueTube success story, helping to give young people a platform to express their thoughts and views in a safe environment. Web-based applications are coming of age. It's no surprise that young people are finding Clesh a natural solution."