Village Gamer

The Green Men, the two super fans known as Force and Sully who root for the Vancouver Canucks, aim to spice up Hockey Night in Canada’s upcoming broadcast with their antics. As I mentioned on Thursday, the Green Men were hosting a Fan Rally yesterday at the Robson Square Skating Rink in Vancouver. Just before the Fan Rally, the Green Men announced that they will be making the trip to Boston to watch their beloved Canucks play the Boston Bruins for Games Three and Four of the Stanley Cup finals — thanks to Travelzoo Inc., a global Internet media company.

“In Vancouver and across Canada this spring the Canucks are the big story,” says Sully.  “We’re going to help make Vancouver’s hockey story a little bigger in Boston next week. Our goal is to get some rings on the Canucks’ fingers and we’re not going to sleep until that happens.”

The Green Men have caught the nation’s attention for their fun antics at Canucks games and have even spawned a whole group of imitators.

“I don’t think we’ll be honoured with a Key to the City, but we’re thrilled to be traveling to Boston for both games and look forward to visiting — as only Green Men can,” says Force.  “Lots of people have offered us money but we can’t justify taking any other fans hard earned money. However, when Travelzoo asked us if we were interested in bringing the Green to Beantown ,we were more than stoked.”

“As well as being deal experts, the team at Travelzoo Canada are huge Canucks fans. So when we heard that The Green Men might need help getting to the final, we just had to help out and find a deal that would get them there to support Canada’s team” said Lara Barlow, Country Manager for Travelzoo Canada. “Hockey and sports fans everywhere love to travel and support their teams abroad. So, it’s a great fit for our brand.”

In honour of the Vancouver Green Men, Travelzoo Canada will be giving out a phenomenal trip for two to anyone who is a member or signs up to be a member at Travelzoo.

Skills/Compétences Canada, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, announced today the results of the 17^th Skills Canada National Competition, which took place June 1-4, 2011 in Québec.  The national Competition brought together over 500 competitors, 3,000 delegates and over 150 industry Sponsors and Partners.

The Skills Canada National Competition is the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country. The two-day competition took place at the Centre de Foires, ExpoCité where 40 different events were showcased in six major trades and technology categories: transportation, construction, manufacturing, information and technology, service and employment.

“Industries that depend on skilled trade workers are key drivers of our economy and contribute over 50% of Canada’s GDP,” said Shaun Thorson, Executive Director, Skills/Compétences Canada. “The Skills Canada National Competition is a unique event that helps showcase and raise awareness for the broad range of opportunities to be found in the trades, while demonstrating the depth of talent within the skills movement in Canada.”

The Competition featured 40 different assigned projects created by industry and education representatives of the Skills/Compétences Canada National Technical Committee. Competitors were evaluated by independent judges from the respective industry sectors, who based their decisions on industry standards and established work practices, including such criteria as quality of work, safety, cleanliness, skill level and creativity.

“An event like the Skills Canada National Competition gives me great encouragement about the future of skilled trades and technology careers in Canada. I am so proud of the caliber of projects showcased at this event, and I look forward to continuing to support unique programs and competitions that promote skilled trades to young people.” said Mike Holmes, Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor and host and creator of Holmes on Homes™, who was but one of the numerous special guests and dignitaries attracted by the event. Read the rest of this entry »

Vancouver’s Full Indie developer community is holding its first ever Game Jam this month at the Centre for Digital Media campus. Taking place over the June 17th weekend, the Jam has had 30 spots available. As of this very moment there are 11 spots available. The entry fee is $25.00 and will cover food, refreshments and space rental – although you are also welcome to bring along your own tasty snacks. WiFi access with loads of sockets will be available; all you really need to bring is your own computing device and imagination.  There will be reserved parking for participants, so long as you get a parking pass when you check in.

The Jam will officially begin at 5pm on Friday evening and run until 8pm Sunday. Jammers are not required to spend every hour at the event, and are in fact encouraged to go home for some sleep if possible. This would obviously be a bit of a challenge for those coming from outside of the city. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing the end products that result from the Jam – those of you who are devs and would like to participate – go register now before those last few spaces are gone.

An invitation has been sent out by the BC chapter of CanWIT for a special opportunity to participate in the Circle of Wisdom – Raise The Bar event. This is an evening of dialogue designed for CanWit members or interested members of the community to come together in an intimate setting to connect with experience.

• Hear from 3 women who are successfully operating in a Senior roll (VP or Senior Director)
• Hear first hand personal stories about how the Mentor’s reached senior levels and what made a difference in their careers
• Network with BC tech women who are looking to advance their careers
• Enjoy a rich exchange of wisdom

Speakers:

• Robin Jones – Vice President, Marketing at Active Network
• Molly Mason Boulé – Director of Content Development for EA Sports
• Tabitha Creighton – VP, Services at KnowledgeTech Consulting, Inc.

Your hostess for the evening will be Felicia Bochicchio – VP of Sales, Active Network.

This event will be held at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club from 6:00 – 8:00pm on June 23rd. Tickets are $50.00 each, and the registration deadline is June 9th.

Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce that, for a second year running, the Canadian participation at the Shanghai International Film Festival will pay tribute to our industry’s vitality and creativity. The events include: Focus Canada, which showcases 10 feature films from June 11 to 19, and on June 13, a day-long celebration of Canadian cinema featuring, among other activities, a screening of Denis Villeneuve’s Incendies and the participation of directors, producers, actors and other representatives of the Canadian industry.

Telefilm Canada and the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), in partnership with the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai, are taking part in the 2011 Shanghai International Film Festival to promote Canada’s film talent and to support companies seeking to break into this market and develop their international business affairs.

“Shanghai is an essential gateway to the Asian market,” said Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director, Carolle Brabant, who will be attending the Festival. “In keeping with our corporate plan, which aims to stimulate demand for Canadian content in Canada and abroad, we will push to promote Canadian companies and talent so this event yields concrete cultural, industrial and commercial results.”

“Having had the pleasure of getting to know Shanghai for many years now, I am delighted that the citizens of Shanghai will have access to Quebec cinema,” said François Macerola, SODEC’s President and CEO. “Quebec and Shanghai have had a close, longstanding relationship, one that I hope will continue for many years to come and allow us to forge a real and truly vibrant cultural dialogue.”

All of the Canadian films being screened through Focus Canada received funding from the Canada Feature Film Fund, administered by Telefilm Canada. Also worth noting is that the Shanghai International Film Festival will help boost the careers of several films that will receive their world, international or Asian premieres at the Festival.

On the topic of Canadian films at the festival, Lijun Tang, Executive Director of the Shanghai International Film Festival, made the following highly positive statement: “I am really pleased that 10 high-quality Canadian films will be screened via Focus Canada at this year’s festival, its 14^th annual edition. It is wonderful to see that Canadian films are becoming more and more popular with Chinese audiences, especially here in Shanghai. I am certain that programs such as Focus Canada stimulate business relations between Canadian filmmakers and the Chinese movie industry by allowing representatives from both industries to better know one another and to pave the way for future collaboration.” Read the rest of this entry »

Last night, over 25 individuals and organizations were awarded with some of their industry’s most prestigious awards. Northern Alberta’s best communicators came together for IABC Edmonton’s annual Capital Awards Gala at the Winspear Centre to scrutinize, win and network.

“I want to thank everyone who submitted entries and came out to the gala last night to support their peers,” says IABC President Max Frank. “Congratulations go out to all the winners for their exemplary work.”

In the Communications & Marketing Programs & Campaigns category, Awards of Excellence were awarded to The DAGNY Partnership, ATCO Gas & ATCO Electric, Alberta Blue Cross, Calder Bateman Communications and College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. Awards of Merit were awarded to The Edmonton Public Library and McRobbie Optamedia, with WCB-Alberta receiving both awards.

In the Communications Skills & Tactics category, Syncrude Canada Ltd. was awarded an Award of Excellence, while ATB Financial, Grant MacEwan University, Finning Canada and McRobbie Optamedia were awarded Awards of Merit. In the Special Events category, an Award of Excellence went to WCB-Alberta and an Award of Merit was awarded to ATB Financial. Calder Bateman Communications also won both Awards of Excellence and Merit.

In the Visual Communications category, McRobbie Optamedia won both an Award of Excellence and an Award of Merit, and Incite was awarded an Award of Merit. Lastly, in the Student Category, five Grant MacEwan students won an Award of Excellence.

In addition to the above mentioned categories, IABC Edmonton recognized three individuals with special awards. The Capital Communicator of the Year award went to Trish Bronsch for her support of the importance of communications in her organization’s success. The Communicator of the Year award went to Sherrell Steele, ABC for her exemplary communication strategies and tactics in 2010 and throughout her career. The Member of the Year award went to Jana Clarke for her outstanding service to IABC Edmonton.

One year ago today, WIND Mobile launched in Vancouver and since then 166 million minutes of unlimited talk time have been used by Vancouverites on WIND’s state-of-the-art HD voice network. As the first new entrant to launch in Vancouver, it loosened the stronghold of the Canadian wireless oligopoly and challenged the status quo, offering Vancouver consumers real choice and value.

“A year ago, the wireless landscape in Vancouver was remarkably different with very limited options,” said Anthony Lacavera, Chairman of WIND Mobile. “With the entry of WIND, for the first time Vancouverites enjoyed real wireless competition and based on WIND’s growth, people were eager for change. This freedom to choose no-contract, affordable wireless is having a positive impact on both people’s pocketbooks and on the wireless market.”

Since launching in Vancouver, WIND Mobile has seen an impressive expansion in the GVA to cover 11 cities including Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Whistler. Actual area coverage has increased from 510 to 920 square kilometers and service has extended to more than 2 million Vancouverites.

“This marks a year of change for Vancouver’s wireless market and the increased choice is clearly resonating with consumers,” said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. “In just one year, we have doubled the number of cities we cover AND doubled the number of sites in our network. As we head into our second year, we will continue to push for growth and progress and look forward to bringing more change and competition to Vancouver consumers.”

WIND Mobile’s growth in Vancouver is not surprising considering that it proved to be the fastest growing mobile carrier in Canada based on its Q1 results. WIND added more new subscribers in that quarter than any other wireless carrier.

To celebrate its one year anniversary in Vancouver, WIND is offering incredible $1 deals for the rest of the month. To kick off the festivities, over 100 lightly loved BlackBerry smartphones are being sold today in select Vancouver stores for just $1. For the rest of the month of June, Vancouverites can buy a Nokia C5 and get a second for $1 OR buy a Huawei U3200 and get a second for $1. With WINDtab that could be two phones for as low as $1. New $1 weekend deals on products and services will be announced each week.

As part of their ongoing commitment to support the Vancouver community, WIND Mobile is donating the money earned from June’s $1 Deals in Vancouver to support Covenant House Vancouver.

marblemedia is the only recipient of more than one award at this year’s Youth Media Alliance (YMA) Awards. The awards for marble’s TasteBudsTV.com were presented last night at the 2011 Awards of Excellence Gala held at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, where long-running Canadian classic teen show Degrassi was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Linda Schuyler & Stephen Stohn .

TasteBudsTV.com was awarded the Special Jury Award for Interactive Web Content and the Award of Excellence for Best Convergent Interactive Content. The Special Jury Award goes to a project that promotes healthy living by outlining the importance of education, staying physically active and incorporating strong core values. The Award of Excellence for Best Convergent Interactive Content is awarded to the project that best exemplifies exceptional work on a website or convergent cross-platform content tied into a children’s television program.

“We’re very excited to have been honoured with these two great awards for TasteBudsTV.com,” says Mark Bishop, Executive Producer/Partner, marblemedia. “The Youth Media Alliance continues to promote the growth of groundbreaking cross-platform content for kids and teens, which is very much what we here at marble strive for as well.”

TasteBudsTV.com is a vibrant and engaging website that brings the feel and flavour of the popular Taste Buds TV series to computers across the globe, promoting healthy eating by encouraging knowledge about food, nutrition, and diverse cultures. This interactive online environment is host to a number of recipes, videos and games, which incorporate educational components such as literacy, numeracy, science, health education, and caring for the environment.

English Awards of Excellence:

The Grand Prize for Best Program – All Categories went to Stella and Sam – Produced by Radical Sheep Productions Inc. and broadcast by Playhouse Disney Canada.

Animation Category – Ages 3-5

dirtgirlworld – Produced by DHX Media Ltd. and mememe productions Inc. (Australia) – Broadcast by CBC

Animation Category – Ages 6-8

Mixed Nutz – Produced by Big Bad Boo Studios Inc. – Broadcast by Shaw TV

Animation Category – Ages 9-14

League of Super Evil – Produced by Nerd Corps Entertainment – Broadcast by YTV & VRAK.TV

All Genres Category – Ages 3-5

The Ocean Room – Produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment – Broadcast by TVO

All Genres Category – Ages 6-8

Artzooka! – Produced by CCI Entertainment Ltd. – Broadcast by CBC 

All Genres Category – Ages 9-12

Vacation with Derek – Produced by Shaftesbury Films Inc. – Broadcast by Family Channel

Interstitial Category – All Ages

Gisèle’s Big Backyard – Produced & Broadcast by TVO

Special Jury Award – Television

What’s Your News? – Produced by Lenz Entertainment Inc. – Broadcast by CBC

Best Original Interactive Content

Ruby Skye P.I.: The Spam Scam – Produced by (Jill Golick Enterprises Ltd) Story 2.DH

Best Convergent Interactive Content

TasteBudsTV.com – Produced by marblemedia

Special Jury Award – Digital and Interactive Content

TasteBudsTV.com – Produced by marblemedia

Special Anniversary Outstanding Achievement Award

Degrassi – Produced by Linda Schuyler & Stephen Stohn

Cineplex Entertainment has announced it will host a special Community Day in Edmonton at Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas and in Grande Prairie at Cineplex Odeon Grande Prairie Cinemas on Saturday, June 11, 2011 beginning at 8:30 a.m. The morning event will feature free movies and discounted popcorn and soft drinks with proceeds of these concession items donated to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the residents of Slave Lake, AB.

“At Cineplex, we are extremely proud of the relationships we have within the communities we operate and we wanted to show the residents of Slave Lake we care and want to help,” said Pat Marshall, Vice President Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. “Community Day is a fun outing that supports a very worthwhile cause.”

On the morning of Saturday, June 11^th, Cineplex invites Edmonton residents to enjoy a selection of FREE movies and specially discounted items at the concession stand. Regular-sized popcorn and regular-sized fountain drinks will be available at a reduced price of $2 each with 100% of the proceeds of these concession items donated to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fire Response efforts.

“The Canadian Red Cross is very grateful to Cineplex Entertainment for this support,” says Steve Armstrong, Director of the Canadian Red Cross in Alberta. “Many families were impacted by the fires in Slave Lake and Red Cross is committed to assisting with their recovery. Donations from events like this enable us to help people rebuild their lives.”

The FREE movie schedule for Community Day on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton and Cineplex Odeon Grande Prairie Cinemas includes:

9:00 a.m. – Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
9:10 a.m. – Yogi Bear
9:20 a.m. – Gnomeo and Juliet (3D)
9:30 a.m. – Hop
9:40 a.m. – Megamind

All movies are free of charge to guests and are based on seat availability on a first- come first- serve basis. Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas is located at 14231 137th Avenue NW in Edmonton and Cineplex Odeon Grande Prairie Cinemas is located at 10330-109th St. in Grande Prairie.

In other cinema-related news, D-BOX Technologies Inc. has signed its second agreement with CineLux Theatres to equip its Scotts Valley, California theatre with 28 D-BOX MFX Seats.

“Given our motion technology’s successful performance and increasing popularity among moviegoers, commitments from existing theatre partners like CineLux continue steadily,” said President and CEO of D-BOX Technologies, Claude Mc Master.

“CineLux is delighted to continue its relationship with D-BOX and announce a second location,” said President of CineLux Theatres, Paul Gunsky. “We’ve experienced great success at our Morgan Hill location and expect similar results at our CineLux Scotts Valley Stadium 10, which has been expanded and now features every modern amenity, including D-BOX technology.”

I’m passing along this information from the Trade Commissioner’s office for those Canadian companies who will be attending E3. If you are interested in either of these breakfast sessions, please register online or contact your local Trade Commissioner for more information.

The Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles is organizing these two activities that you may wish to take part in:

Los Angeles Pipeline Program – Monday, June 6, 2011

Ken Rutkowski will lead 10-20 ICT companies through a rigorous one-day program involving:

(1) Face-to-face dialogue with other successful entrepreneurs
(2) Direct feedback on business strategy
(3) Coaching (prior to arrival and during event)
(4) Pitch opportunity to Finance professionals and potential partners

Each company will receive specialized attention for his/her company that are inline with their market objectives.

Los Angeles E3 Networking Breakfast – Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Ken Rutkowski will lead two panel discussions on entrepreneurship and financing:

(1) Cross-fertilization to meet other Canadians and key business drivers in entertainment
(2) Access to Los Angeles decision makers in the high-tech community
(3) Relaxed and dynamic environment for professional networking.
(4) Expecting 175 – 200 professional attendees.