Shaw Rocket Prize Invites Kids to Pick Their Favourite Canadian Program
What do Degrassi: The Next Generation and Life with Derek have in common? These popular Canadian programs were both recipients of the Shaw Rocket Prize, an annual $50,000 prize awarded to the best independently-produced Canadian children’s program.
As part of the Shaw Rocket Fund, the Prize is presented each year to a Canadian children’s, youth, or family program and its associated digital content, voted for by children across the country. This is the seventh year for the Prize, supporting the production of high-quality Canadian children’s programming since 1998.
“At Shaw, we know that imaginative and engaged minds can be promoted in our children through creative and innovative family programming,” said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications Inc. “The Shaw Rocket Prize is one way we are able to ensure children have access to quality content.”
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Over the past few months, Canadian producers have submitted their content for judging by a panel of international industry experts (Adina Pitt, Cartoon Network; Joe Godwin, BBC; Tim Brooke-Hunt, ABC Australia; Nicole Keeb, ZDF; and Michael Carrington, Turner Broadcasting). After deliberation, the panel has selected the following finalists for the 2011 Shaw Rocket Prize:
- dirtgirlworld (DHX Media Ltd.)
- My Babysitter’s a Vampire – MOW (Fresh TV Inc.)
- Survive This Season 2 (9 Story Entertainment)
- Wibbly Pig (9 Story Entertainment)
- Wingin’ It Season 2 (Temple Street Productions)
Starting today until November 15th, the choice is in the hands of children nationwide. Kids can vote by visiting the Rocket Prize web site and choosing their favourite Shaw Rocket Prize finalist. By voting, kids 12 and under are entered to win one of four $2,500 scholarships. Voters can also submit their own video for a chance to win an iPad and a trip to attend the winner announcement in Ottawa on November 29th.
