Latest news with #WillieWilliams
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘I want them to feel like I felt when punk rock happened': encouraging young creatives to think big
'When I was at school, nobody asked if I'd consider a career in the performing arts,' recalls multimedia show director Willie Williams. 'The focus was very much on practical subjects like engineering, which just wasn't where my interests lay.' In the end, he followed his instincts and, today, designs and directs live shows, collaborating with household names such as U2, Adele, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. 'Punk happened – and the message in the air for that brief period was that anybody can do anything,' says the Sheffield native. 'It was a perfectly timed message, giving me the confidence to think: 'This is what I want to do, let's go and do it.'' So Williams did exactly that, moving from Sheffield to London where he began working with musicians to help create on-stage visuals to accompany each performance, and went on to co-found the creative design agency Treatment Studio. 'My goal with live shows has always been to show people something they haven't seen before, or to help them imagine something completely new,' he says. He's now sharing that expertise with students in his home town by collaborating with Sheffield Hallam University's new Sheffield Creative Industries Institute. He plans to work with students to help inspire and hone their creativity in what is very much a two-way partnership – the university is helping him solve real, practical problems in his field of work. 'We're finding all kinds of areas where we can work on together,' he says. 'For example, putting on such enormous live shows [Treatment Studio designed and produced all of the visual content for Adele's 2024 residency in Germany, which featured an LED video wall 220 metres wide] means we're starting to hit real issues with data management. The amount of storage we need, for example, is staggering. So together, we hope to explore ways to make that possible.' Originally founded in 1843 as the Sheffield School of Design, Sheffield Hallam University has always had a creative heart. Its new Creative Industries Institute teaches everything from acting, film and TV, to architecture, digital media and art and design. All of which means that after graduation, students find themselves working as fashion designers, radio broadcasters, content creators, animators, or, like Williams, becoming the multimedia show directors of tomorrow. Housing such a wide variety of disciplines under one roof is a major advantage, says Roger Bateman, the institute's director. 'The institute is structured in such a way that we have fashion students aligned with architecture students, for example, so we're not tied by traditional structures. As director, I want to see performers and fine artists working with students studying graphic design or fashion. That means we can all work together in exciting, innovative and creative ways.' There's also a strong focus on employability and entrepreneurial working after graduation. 'Students are taught about employability in the curriculum at every level because we know employers want skills like problem solving, creativity and collaboration,' says Bateman. Students are graduating into a sector where growth has vastly outstripped the UK economy as a whole, positioning the creative industries as a driver of economic growth in government eyes. The sector employs more than 2.3 million people and, in 2021, generated £108bn, according to a 2023 report from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport [pdf]. But before Sheffield Hallam's students emerge to take their places in this thriving world, they will have had their creativity honed by the university. 'There's a narrative around some people being naturally more creative than others, and that's probably indisputable, but you can absolutely enhance creativity. How do you change your behaviour to be more curious about the world? To be more playful when thinking of new solutions, or to look at different ways of approaching problems? These are all perspectives we support our students to explore.' More traditionally 'hard' skills are equally important, even for creatives. 'Skills like project management, budgeting, collaboration or intellectual property for example, might not sound exciting but they're vital. Looking at whether creative ideas work from a sustainability perspective rather than just a profit perspective, or honing technology and digital literacy skills, which enable you to understand the software you may need to use in your industry. And, of course, now there's generative AI – exploring whether that's something that can be creatively harnessed in your chosen field. 'With the work I do with concert touring, we're constantly trying to show an audience something they've never seen before, which inevitably involves inventing something new,' says Williams. 'And because that's a huge part of what universities are set up to do, it makes this relationship really exciting. 'When I talk to students about their ideas or future plans, I want to make them feel like I felt when punk rock happened – a feeling of confidence and genuine excitement about creating something special. Because ideas don't come purely from technology or textbooks, they come from being inspired.' Discover more about the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Houston Christian at Northwestern State odds, tips and betting trends
The Houston Christian Huskies (12-17, 9-9 Southland) will visit the Northwestern State Demons (14-15, 10-8 Southland) after losing four road games in a row. The matchup begins at 4:30 PM ET on Saturday, March 1, 2025. In the article below, we dig into the Northwestern State vs. Houston Christian odds and lines for this matchup. No line has been set yet for the Demons vs. Huskies matchup. Northwestern State has a 14-12-1 record against the spread this season compared to Houston Christian, who is 20-7-0 ATS. The Demons are 11-16-0 and the Huskies are 12-15-0 in terms of hitting the over. Over the last 10 contests, Northwestern State is 5-4-1 against the spread and 5-5 overall while Houston Christian has gone 5-5 against the spread and 4-6 overall. Ahead of watching this matchup, here's everything you need to know about Saturday's college hoops action. Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Northwestern State vs. Houston Christian prediction Northwestern State 70, Houston Christian 66 Against the spread Northwestern State has won 14 games against the spread this season, while failing to cover or pushing 13 times. Houston Christian has covered 20 times in 27 games with a spread this season. The Demons score 69.1 points per game, only one fewer point than the 70.1 the Huskies allow. Northwestern State has a 7-2-1 record against the spread and an 11-1 record overall when scoring more than 70.1 points. When Houston Christian gives up fewer than 69.1 points, it is 9-3 against the spread and 7-7 overall. The Huskies average just 1.6 fewer points per game (67.2) than the Demons give up (68.8). When it scores more than 68.8 points, Houston Christian is 12-0 against the spread and 11-3 overall. Northwestern State is 8-3-1 against the spread and 11-3 overall when it gives up fewer than 67.2 points. Players to watch Northwestern State Addison Patterson puts up 13.1 points and 3.2 assists per game — both team highs. He is also averaging 5.6 rebounds while shooting 43.6% from the field. Willie Williams is tops on the Demons at 7.4 rebounds per contest, while also posting 1.6 assists and 6.5 points. Micah Thomas is averaging 11.8 points, 1.4 assists and 2 rebounds per contest. Houston Christian Bryson Dawkins gives the Huskies 15 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He also averages 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocked shots. Julian Mackey paces the Huskies in scoring (15.5 points per game), and averages 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He also delivers 1 steal and 0.3 blocked shots. Peyton Rogers is the Huskies' top rebounder (5.8 per game), and he contributes 4.3 points and 1.3 assists. Watch Northwestern State vs. Houston Christian on ESPN+! Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Sportsbook Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
USA Today
22-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to watch New Orleans Privateers vs. Northwestern State Demons: Live stream info, TV channel, game time
How to watch New Orleans Privateers vs. Northwestern State Demons: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | February 22 The New Orleans Privateers (4-23, 2-14 Southland) will host the Northwestern State Demons (12-15, 8-8 Southland) after dropping eight straight home games. It starts at 6:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Northwestern State fell at home to Lamar, 75-65, in its last game. Its top performers were Micah Thomas (16 PTS, 66.67 FG%, 3-6 from 3PT) and Willie Williams (15 PTS, 87.5 FG%). New Orleans fell to Nicholls State 78-62 at home last time out, and were led by Leland Coleman (12 PTS, 2 STL, 71.43 FG%) and Michael Thomas (12 PTS, 17 REB, 30 FG%). Before this matchup, here is what you need to get ready for Saturday's college hoops action. Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll New Orleans vs. Northwestern State: How to watch on TV or live stream Game day: Saturday, February 22, 2025 Saturday, February 22, 2025 Game time: 6:00 PM ET 6:00 PM ET Location: New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana Arena: Lakefront Arena Lakefront Arena TV Channel: ESPN+ ESPN+ Live Stream: ESPN+ - Watch NOW Watch college basketball on ESPN+! Demons vs. Privateers odds and spread Spread Favorite: Demons (-6.5) Demons (-6.5) Moneyline: Northwestern State (-292), New Orleans (+233) Northwestern State (-292), New Orleans (+233) Total: 141.5 points College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 3:35 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Watch college basketball on ESPN+!
USA Today
13-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Northwestern State vs. Lamar men's basketball tickets still available for Monday, February 17
The Lamar Cardinals (15-10, 10-4 Southland) meet a fellow Southland team, the Northwestern State Demons (12-13, 8-6 Southland), on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Prather Coliseum. The game will begin at 7:30 PM ET and you can watch via ESPN+. Buy tickets for Northwestern State vs. Lamar Shop college basketball tickets at SeatGeek Shop college basketball tickets at StubHub Northwestern State vs. Lamar game information Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 Monday, February 17, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM ET 7:30 PM ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ ESPN+ Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana Venue: Prather Coliseum Prather Coliseum Tickets: Buy tickets here Watch college basketball on ESPN+! Northwestern State leaders So far this season, Addison Patterson posts 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 42.3% from the field. Offensively, Willie Williams puts up 6.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. At the other end, he delivers 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocked shots. Jerald Colonel puts up 4.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. Defensively, he averages 0.7 steals and 2.3 blocked shots. On a per-game basis, Micah Thomas posts 10.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists, shooting 39.1% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc with 1.6 made 3-pointers per contest. Jon Sanders posts 9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest. On defense, he delivers 0.6 steals and 0.0 blocked shots. Lamar leaders On the hardwood, Andrew Holifield puts up 10.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest, shooting 46.4% from the field and 36.7% from downtown with 1.3 made 3-pointers per game. Alexis Marmolejos is racking up 15.0 points, 2.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds per contest. Adam Hamilton posts 9.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game this season. Defensively, he puts up 0.8 steals and 1.6 blocked shots. From an offensive standpoint, Ja'Sean Jackson averages 11.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc with 1.4 made 3-pointers per game. So far this season, Cody Pennebaker averages 7.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 42.9% from the floor. Northwestern State vs. Lamar stats breakdown This year the Demons are shooting 43.4% from the field, 2.6% higher than the Cardinals concede. In games when Northwestern State shoots better than 40.8% from the field, it is 9-7 against the spread and 10-8 overall. The Cardinals make 43.5% of their shots from the field, just 2% more than the Demons' defensive field-goal percentage. Lamar is 9-3-1 against the spread and 12-4 straight up when shooting higher than 41.5% from the field. The Demons and Cardinals rebound at about the same rate, with the Demons averaging 0.7 fewer rebounds per game. The Demons are the 120th-ranked rebounding team in the country, and the Cardinals are 82nd. The Demons put up just 1.8 more points than the Cardinals concede (67.2). The Cardinals post only 3.2 more points per game (71.8) than the Demons allow (68.6). Shop college basketball tickets at SeatGeek Shop college basketball tickets at StubHub We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. FTW operates independently, though, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
USA Today
11-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
SFA at Northwestern State odds, tips and betting trends
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (12-13, 5-9 Southland) will try to build on a three-game win streak when they hit the road to take on the Northwestern State Demons (12-13, 8-6 Southland) on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Prather Coliseum. The matchup airs at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN+. In this preview, we dig into the Northwestern State vs. SFA odds and lines for this matchup. The matchup between the Demons and the 'Jacks currently does not have a line set. Northwestern State has compiled a 13-10-0 record against the spread this season, while SFA is 8-14-0. In terms of hitting the over, games involving the Demons are 8-15-0 and the 'Jacks are 9-13-0. Northwestern State has a 5-5 record against the spread while going 5-5 overall in the last 10 games. SFA has gone 3-7 against the spread and 5-5 overall in its last 10 contests. Here's what you need to prepare for Saturday's college hoops action. Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Northwestern State vs. SFA prediction Northwestern State 68, SFA 65 Against the spread Northwestern State has won 13 games against the spread this season, while failing to cover 10 times. SFA is 8-14-0 ATS this year. The Demons put up only 2.9 more points per game (69.0) than the 'Jacks give up (66.1). Northwestern State has a 7-3 record against the spread and a 10-2 record overall when putting up more than 66.1 points. SFA has a 6-9 record against the spread and a 9-9 record overall when giving up fewer than 69.0 points. The 'Jacks average only 1.9 fewer points per game (66.7) than the Demons allow (68.6). SFA is 3-4 against the spread and 9-1 overall when it scores more than 68.6 points. Northwestern State's record is 8-2 against the spread and 9-3 overall when it gives up fewer than 66.7 points. Players to watch Northwestern State Addison Patterson puts up 12.9 points and 3.2 assists per contest — both team highs. He is also putting up 5.5 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from the field. Willie Williams is tops on the Demons at 7.5 rebounds per game, while also averaging 1.6 assists and 6.6 points. Jerald Colonel is putting up 4.5 points, 1.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. SFA Kyle Hayman is the 'Jacks' top scorer (12.9 points per game) and assist man (2.5), and produces 4.4 rebounds. Nana Antwi-Boasiako is posting a team-high 6.0 rebounds per contest. And he is delivering 10.2 points and 0.9 assists, making 44.9% of his shots from the field and 28.3% from 3-point range, with 1.0 treys per game. Chrishawn Christmas gives the 'Jacks 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest. He also delivers 1.8 steals and 0.6 blocked shots.
