SERVICES USED
Strategy
Web design
Technology
Content Management
Search marketing
Advertising
Visit the live site
The Gate Lab is due to launch
at the end of August
Case study: The Gate
The ins and outs
A social platform
The Gate Lab is built upon a flexible PHP and AJAX foundation. Using open-source software tools we developed a customised, user-centric system, robust enough to handle thousands of visitors at any one time.
Background
The Gate Films is a UK-based film and TV production company that since 1996 has become a jewel in the crown of British commercial production.
In order to leverage their ability to aid and advise others wanting to broach the highly competitive world of film and TV production, they conceived the idea of an online social networking site for creatives - a place where undiscovered talents could share and discuss their ideas for animation, scripts and short films.
Our approach
Our creative team picked up this idea and ran with it - growing the initial concept into a virtual 'ideas hothouse' where users could - quite literally - plant the seeds of their conceptions and nurture them over time.
"The original Gate Lab concept has been enhanced with the visual treatment and functionality that Flame Digital have added to the project. They have breathed life into the project by approaching it from a completely different point of view which has delivered a visually and functionally stunning piece of work - roll on awards season!!!"
Steve Byrne, Marketing Manager, The Gate Films
Using the simple metaphor of plants in a garden shed we visually allowed users to see their grow creatively - the growth being driven by the interaction of other users and how quickly new versions of an idea are uploaded to the site.
This fresh, engaging approach to an already compelling idea works as a hub of creativity - and via a dynamic social networking experience allows users to forge bonds with like minded talents - and with hope, eventually open doors to the world of film and TV production.
The results
Ultimately the realised concept of The Gate Labs works as a safe and secure place for talent to make connections and gain feedback under the experienced guidance of The Gate Films. Through unique and stunning design we created a website that compliments its brief in being a pioneering, user led experience unlike anything seen before.