6th
June
2013
iPad users can now discover the genius of animation pioneer Norman McLaren and find out how their artistic skills compare to his, using his creative tools and techniques to make and share new works of their own. All of this and more can be found in McLaren’s Workshop, the new free iPad app developed by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and now available in Apple’s App Store. Selected as the Editors’ Choice at Apple’s App Store, McLaren’s Workshop lets users discover the techniques pioneered by the founder of animation at the NFB, enabling them to bring images to life, just as he did. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Animation, Digital Products, Government, National News, New Releases By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) announced today a contribution of more than $7.8M to 19 eligible projects that applied either to the Francophone Minority Program or the Anglophone Minority Incentive. As the CMF enters its fourth year, it continues to support diversity of voices from a regional, language and point of view perspective by offering financial support to official-language minorities across the country. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Business News, Government, National News By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
The gates of Animal Crossing: New Leaf will open when the game launches for the Nintendo 3DS system on June 9, inviting residents to move in and, in a series first, become mayors of their own personalized towns. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is based on the real-world calendar – no two days in the game are the same – and includes features new to the series like customizing specific pieces of furniture, visiting a tropical island, swimming in the ocean and even sharing personalized homes with friends. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Everyone, National News, New Releases, Simulations By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
DHX Media Ltd. has signed a number of licensing deals for its popular kids’ and entertainment properties Johnny Test and Caillou. Johnny Test has been licensed in a multiyear worldwide deal with Percy3D for their line of digital party products, and toy licensee Imports Dragon has renewed their license with DHX Media for Johnny Test. Caillou has been licensed by PlayWorld Mobile which will be producing a global mobile app. An agreement has also been signed by Les Chocolats Vadeboncoeur, who will be making chocolates inspired by the show in a multiyear deal. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Animation, Business News, National News By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
Shirley Douglas, Officer of the Order of Canada, and a long-time protector of child actors in the entertainment industry, will be on hand at the Ontario Legislature today with child actors, parents and other supporters of Bill 71 – Protecting Child Performers Act. ACTRA Toronto and Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, representing screen and stage actors, jointly support the bill. The private members bill will be presented at second reading today in the Ontario Legislature by Paul Miller, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Business News, Government, National News By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
The Canada Media Fund has released a new study (PDF) on the Aboriginal screen-based production sector paints a portrait of a dynamic and vibrant industry sector. Producers in the sector typically employ Aboriginal Peoples, combine the roles of producer, writer and director and create original productions in Aboriginal languages. The report prepared by Maria De Rosa, President of Communications MDR, and her Associate, Marilyn Burgess, examined the state of Aboriginal television, interactive and feature film production in Canada and measured production activity over the five-year period 2007-2008 to 2011-2012. In that period, the sector created over 3,300 full-time jobs, generating almost $173 million in production activity. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Business News, National News, Research Studies By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment is launching a huge cross-Canada casting call for big personalities and larger-than-life characters for a new series in development with a major Canadian broadcaster. Force Four is looking for people who could be TV’s next biggest star – fill out an application form to apply. All applicants should also submit a photo of themselves or of their group, and a short 1-minute video to introduce their quirky life and demonstrate why they deserve their own TV show. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Business News, National News By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
Public Mobile has announced its acquisition by Thomvest Seed Capital Inc., the Toronto-based investment vehicle of Peter J. Thomson, and Cartesian Capital, a New York-based private equity firm. With the acquisition, Thomvest and Cartesian invested the first tranche of a commitment to fully fund Public Mobile to a cash flow positive position, and Thomvest became the company’s controlling shareholder. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Business News, National News By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
They Innovate Inc. is celebrating the launch of their wearable tech accessory Clipless, on Kickstarter. Clipless is a patent-pending solution to secure phones or tablets to clothing or surfaces. Simultaneously, they are unveiling a partnership with Y Combinator funded Tagstand, the creators of NFC Task Launcher. Clipless is the first wearable phone accessory that works with normal clothing, with or without pockets or a belt. Inspiration for the product came from female professionals who disliked the bulky traditional phone holsters but had no fashionable alternatives. The clothing connector is great and the mounts included make it far more powerful. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in Business News, fundraisers, National News, Peripherals By: Tami | Print This Post
6th
June
2013
Red Squirrel is in a stalemate battle with DeathKong. After being pummeled into the ground, Reds little buddy Nirod tries to encourage the big guy to keep fighting. Disappointed with his first bout with DeathKong, Red Squirrel decides to think of another way to fight him. He takes a unique journey to a place of origin and becomes trapped. Red Squirrel’s 1st issue features the first appearance of Terrimacel Zalzari, an alien from a distant universe who was preserving the life essence of DeathKong until disaster struck. Anyone who loves superhero comics will love Red Squirrel. Drawn, inked, and colored by hand from creator Gordon Shipperbottom. Each page is bursting full of color and powerful images with striking detail that everyone will appreciate. Read the rest of this entry »
posted in National News, New Releases By: Tami | Print This Post