Village Gamer

Ottawa – Singapore’s One Animation and Canada’s Amberwood Entertainment have signed a co-production deal for the animated preschool series Rob the Robot.

The 52 x 11 minute 3D series based on a set of Australian books follows the adventures of Rob and his friends as they explore the fantastical planets of the Robot Galaxy which are ripe with humour and fun. “We are delighted to be co-producing with One Animation.” says Chantal Ling, Executive Vice-President at Amberwood.

“They are extremely talented and will no doubt ensure that Rob the Robot is brought to life in an exciting way.”  Phillip Stamp, Executive Producer at One Animation stated, “Amberwood is a great studio with a history of producing many successful shows. We’re very pleased to share in the creative vision for Rob the Robot, and look forward to combining the extensive experience of both studios in bringing the series to an international audience.” Rob the Robot has been developed for and commissioned by Canada’s TV Ontario.  Both SRC and the Knowledge Network are also on board for the property which moves into production this spring.

Toronto – Growing a digital business during a recession and debating the future of New Media in Canada are among the themes that will be examined by industry leaders at this month’s digital media conference, IN: The Interactive Exchange (IN09), taking place March 17-19 in Toronto.

The multi-stream conference will open with a keynote presentation by Futurist Christian Crews, Principal, andSpace Labs. Crews helps clients create sustainable competitive advantage in highly uncertain environments. Prior to andSpace Labs, Crews was Director of Futures Strategy, Director of Growth Strategies, and Director of Corporate Strategy at Pitney Bowes Inc (NYC).

IN09 will feature two interactive debates on the future of interactive media in Canada with panels that include Richard Stursburg, executive vice-president English services for CBC, journalist and blogger, Ivor Tossell, and entrepreneur Jeremy Wright, CEO, B5 Media. As traditional broadcasters reel from the downturn in advertising revenue, the CRTC is re-visiting regulation of New Media – a sector that continues to grow despite the global recession. Discussion will touch upon new media broadcasting, net neutrality and strategies key to creating globally competitive companies in the digital media space.

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Banff – Emmy Award-winner René Balcer, co-creator and executive producer of  “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and showrunner for the original “Law & Order” series, will join the Master Class series lineup for the 30th edition of the Banff World Television Festival (BANFF). BANFF takes place at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Canada, June 7-10, 2009.

“We are thrilled to have René Balcer take the stage for the Master Class series,” commented Peter

Rene Balcer

Vamos, BANFF executive director. “René’s longevity in the television industry and success at leveraging a profitable series into a successful spin-off makes his attendance a valuable addition to this year’s program.”

Writer and producer René Balcer is a native of Montreal, Canada, and was a journalist and documentary filmmaker at Canada’s National Film Board prior to joining “Law & Order“ in its first season in 1990. He later became executive producer and head writer in 1996 and while under his leadership as showrunner, “Law & Order” won the Emmy for Best Drama Series in 1997.

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Vancouver – One of the original judges at the first Alcuin book design competition, Frank Newfeld, book designer, illustrator, art director, and former Vice President, Publishing at McClelland & Stewart, will share some of his thoughts on illustrated books, particularly those for the younger reader. This should be of special interest to fans of Newfeld’s illustrations for Alligator Pie (poems by Dennis Lee).

Copies of Mr. Newfeld’s recent memoir, Drawing on Type (The Porcupine’s Quill, 2008), will be available for purchase and signing.

Place: Fletcher Challenge Room, Simon Fraser University – Harbour Centre
2300 – 515 West Hastings St. Vancouver BC

Date: Thursday, April 2nd, 7:00 pm
Free event for members and non-members – Open to the Public. Space is limited.

RSVP at gdc.net