Village Gamer

On Sunday, August 7th, and in conjunction with SIGGRAPH 2011, Autodesk will be hosting the Autodesk Student Experience Event, a series of workshops and presentations exclusively for students who are pursuing their CG dreams. This full day of events will feature classes, one-on-one feedback sessions with Autodesk technology experts, a seminar from Carlos Baena of Animation Mentor and a keynote presentation by Duncan Brinsmead, principal scientist at Autodesk.

The workshops and presentations will be held at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel beginning at 9am and running throughout the day until 5pm. There will be a two networking reception held following the conclusion of the day’s events.

The sessions will focus on skill set improvement using Autodesk 3D animation tools such as Autodesk^® Maya^®, Autodesk^® 3ds Max^® and Autodesk^® Softimage^® software. Pre-registration is highly recommended, and you can follow Jennifer Goldfinch on Twitter for more information.

Autodesk Application Engineers & AREA Bloggers will be on site during the event, and you are invited to come and chat with them about your latest project, product tips & tricks, industry questions and more. No registration required for this portion of the day. Gary M. Davis (3ds Max), Louis Marcoux (3ds Max), Lee Fraser (Maya) and Mark Schoennagel (Softimage) will be available to answer your questions about 3ds Max, Maya and Softimage.

UBC Certificate in Multimedia Studies
Aug 30-Dec 16, 2011

Become a graphic designer, web developer, content specialist or video editor in only 16-weeks with this full-time certificate program.
Gain real experience with supervised labs, internship and portfolio development at UBC Robson Square.

Topics include:

• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash
• Visual Design and Project Management
• Social Media and Writing for the Web
• Digital Video Production, Soundtrack Pro, Final Cut Pro and more.

Apply today! Save $400 before July19. Starts Aug 30.
Check our web site or call 604.822.1420.

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) and Bell Media have expanded their program to bring more diverse writers into the talent pool of Canadian screenwriting. The invitation is now open for interested writers in western Canada to answer a call for applications to take part in this intense hands-on educational program taking place in Vancouver this December.

This session is for writers who live west of Ontario, as they must apply to the Vancouver session, while writers east of Manitoba must apply to the Toronto session. More information for the Spring 2012 Toronto session will be released later this Fall. Out of town writers who are selected for the immersion program will be awarded bursaries to cover their travel and accommodation expenses. The application deadline for this session is September 6th.

The Bell Media Diverse Screenwriters Program (formerly known as The CTV Diverse Screenwriters Program) reaches out to offer emerging and mid-career writers from diverse backgrounds the chance to hone the skills they need to become successful professional screenwriters.  And one writer will come out of the program with a paid internship on a Bell Media TV series.

Each session of the Program will offer up to eight writers a one-week intensive workshop, featuring lectures, guest speakers, screenings, and more.  This immersion phase will launch the writers’ development of their original script.  After the workshop, each writer will partner with an experienced screenwriter mentor to hone their script and pitch, finishing the program with a polished calling card to the industry.  In addition, one writer will be selected by jury for a paid internship in a writers’ room on a Bell Media conventional television or specialty service show.

Eligibility Requirements in Brief:

• Not currently be enrolled in any full-time school or university program.
• Demonstrate ownership of all underlying rights to the project with which they are applying.
• Be a Canadian citizen or Landed Immigrant.
• Demonstrate in their support material an understanding of the fundamentals of screenwriting such as story arcs and character development.
• Be able to make a commitment to the one-week intensive training and the subsequent 10-12 week mentoring process.
• If chosen, be in a position to accept a paid internship on an existing television series.

Please visit the program’s web pages for a full list of requirements, FAQs and the application package (PDF). The Bell Media Diverse Screenwriters Program presented by the WGC is made possible through the CTV-CHUM tangible benefits. Contact Elizabeth Stewart if you have further questions.

My two cents’ worth: I hope that those of you who are contemplating this program bite the bullet and apply. If I had had access to, or even known about, the myriad of programs available in this country for creative people, especially writers, when I was much younger – granted, there are more programs now than there was back in the stone-age – and had I been encouraged to follow my creative tendencies, I would have a very different career history from the one I have now. When you see an opportunity like the one above, take it – whether you are successful in your application or not – make the attempt.

Intelliware Development Inc. is pleased to announce its sponsorship of CodeRetreat on July 10, 2011. This one-day intensive practice event provides a unique opportunity for developers to improve their skills, interact with other colleagues in the development community and learn a range of new techniques and problem-solving skills. The sold-out event will be facilitated by Jason Cheong-Kee-You and Alistair McKinnell, both of whom have extensive experience with participating in and facilitating code retreats.

CodeRetreat will focus on the fundamentals of software development and design. Because CodeRetreat is held outside the workplace and regular business hours, participants will have a unique opportunity to collaborate in a highly focused environment. This format has proven to be highly effective for improving development skills. The event is fully sponsored and hosted by Intelliware Development.

“Intelliware has been a strong supporter of the developer community for over 20 years,” explains Bruno Schmidt, CTO, Intelliware. “We have been participating in the sponsorship, promotion and leadership of various events and organizations such as AgileTour, AgileAlliance and XP Toronto. We also host www.i-proving.ca, a technical community and destination for developers, Agile practitioners and people who share a passion for technology. CodeRetreat provides a perfect opportunity to further support this community and we are proud to be its sponsor and host.”

A comprehensive study of Canadian industry commercialization practices and the effectiveness of various support programs will be undertaken shortly by Canada’s largest high-tech business organization, supported by partners in the Industry, the Public Sector and the Academia.

The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) is working with the University of Waterloo (UofW) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), with funding support from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the Export Development Canada (EDC), the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) and the Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (SCA) and in partnership with the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises of Public Works Canada (PWGSC- OSME), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC), ACCT Canada, Springboard West (SBW), the Centre of Excellence in Energy Efficiency (C3E), the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), BioTec Canada and the Rx&D (Pharma) associations.

While there is no doubt that Canada is doing well in matters of academic research, concern has arisen that the translation of this research into ‘bankable commerce’ is lagging. The performance of Canadian firms in commercializing innovation is a more important economic factor than quantity of innovation, if a large percent of innovations are left sterile in the labs or do not make their ways into tangible economic benefits, according to study director Dr. Sorin Cohn, who stated that “there is a perception that Canada is not doing so well when it comes to commercializing its products, services and processes into the global marketplace. Canada is a nation of SMEs, with over 99.8% of the more than 1 million companies in Canada having fewer than 500 employees, and the SMEs need better ways and means to enhance their positions in the global marketplace.”

CATA and its partners are urging enterprises and organizations to take an active part in this survey in order to acquire a meaningful understanding of what works and what does not for Canadian companies in matters of commercialization. The results will help Canadian executives — in Industry as well as in Government — to benchmark their organizations’ success in commercialization of innovation and to develop better practices and programs for ensuring competitiveness on the global scale.

“This is unique research into how companies bring products and services to market in the face of global competition,” said Paul Day, VP of the Information Communications Technology sector at Export Development Canada. “We hope to use the findings to understand how we can better serve the needs of innovative Canadian companies as they pursue International Trade.”

The study is starting with a survey of thousands of small, medium and large size enterprises throughout Canada. The survey addresses questions pertaining to product, service and process innovations that have been commercialized in the past 5 years, the strategies and cooperating arrangements pursued to achieve effective commercialization, the factors for success, the problems and obstacles encountered , the Federal, provincial or municipal programs that were used and were most effective in aiding commercialization, the financial aspects of commercialization, the relevant intellectual property issues and the roles played by lead customers and/or “anchor” companies in achieving successful commercialization of innovations.

Are you interested in working as an independent producer or entertainment professional in the film, TV, digital media or entertainment industry? Enroll now for UBC’s Certificate in Entertainment Administration, classes begin this September, and if you apply by July 12th, you’ll save $400.00.

– Full-time program runs from September 6th until December 16th 2011
– 2 week Internship or Project
– part-time courses available
– Great networking opportunities with industry guest speakers
– Topics include entertainment law, financing, marketing and distribution, budgeting, production management, digital media for entertainment and more

Find out more online or call the school at 604.822.1420.

The Bell Aliant Pioneers are marking 100 years of volunteering and community support by the TelecomPioneers and awarding twelve SMART Boards to schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Across North America the TelecomPioneers are celebrating 100 years of community volunteering and fundraising,” said Joan Neil, President of the local Pioneers Chapter. “In Newfoundland and Labrador the Bell Aliant Pioneers have been active since 1972 and to celebrate we are awarding twelve SMART Boards to schools in the province.”

Over the past two months students around the province have been participating in a contest and have submitted presentations that highlight their schools’ volunteer efforts, the history on the Bell Aliant Pioneers and what a SMART Board would mean to the school. In addition to the SMART Boards the Bell Aliant Pioneers will donate $500 to each of the schools who submitted a presentation. The total value of the donation by the Pioneers is $55,000.

“This donation reflects our commitment to funding programs that support literacy and education,” said Neil. “Last year alone we recorded over 33,000 volunteer hours and donated over $73,000 across the province.  In addition, among other projects, we delivered over 1,100 books for literacy and distributed 450 backpacks filled with school supplies donated by Bell Aliant employees and retirees to a variety of local community groups.”

The winning schools were notified in time for their year-end assemblies and the SMART Boards will be delivered in time for the new school year. SMART Boards are being awarded to:

• Queen of Peace Middle School, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Green Bay South Academy, Robert’s Arm
• E.A. Butler All Grade,  Mckay’s
• Xavier Junior High, Deer Lake
• Canon Richards Memorial Academy, Flower’s Cove
• Coley’s Point  Elementary, Coley’s Point
• Catalina Elementary, Catalina
• Random Island Academy, Random Island
• Ackerman Elementary, Green’s Harbour
• Newtown Elementary, Mount Pearl
• Morris Academy, Mount Pearl
• Roncalli Elementary, St. John’s

Interactive Ontario has announced the launch of X-Summit, a new cross-media conference and partnering forum, taking place October 24-26th at The Carlu in Toronto. X-Summit is the evolution of IN: The Interactive Exchange, IO’s highly successful, multi-platform conference which celebrated its fifth anniversary last fall. X-Summit is co-produced by the Computer Animation Studios of Ontario (CASO), with the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) as Lead Industry Partner.

X-Summit marks the first time three screen-based member associations from the interactive, animation, and film and television production industries have collaborated on a cross-media business conference. IO is also pleased to announce the Canada Media Fund has signed on as X-Summit’s Presenting Partner. This partnership will also include the next iteration of the Canadian Interactive Showcase, presented by CMF, where submissions from interactive projects across Canada will be considered for a showcase to be held during X-Summit.

X-Summit will explore rich and emerging opportunities where media platforms converge, offering attendees the insights, tools and partnerships to better tell and sell their stories seamlessly across multiple channels.

“Canada is a powerhouse in the interactive entertainment industry,” said Ian Kelso, President and CEO of Interactive Ontario. “Our ability to collaborate and develop across all platforms gives us an amazing competitive advantage to create leading-edge products and services. X-Summit will be an international destination for developers and producers to gather critical intelligence and forge new relationships.”

“Canadian content creators who traditionally use television and film as a primary output source for their talent and art are developing valuable partnerships with interactive industries to give a greater experience to audiences around the world,” said Wes Lui, President, CASO. “ X-Summit is a place where creators and technologists from all industries can meet, offering more to distributors, buyers and aggregators. CASO feels privileged to be a part of an alliance that brings higher value of all our member associations on a global stage.”

“Now more than ever there is tremendous value in having a forum to discuss partnerships among film, TV and interactive content producers. The Canada Media Fund is helping to drive innovation and opportunities are opening up in the international marketplace for Canadian producers,” says Norm Bolen, President and CEO of the CMPA. “We’re pleased to be the lead industry partner for X-Summit and are confident this conference will provide valuable insights into the rapidly evolving world of cross-media.”

X-Summit explores the future of cross-media content through active learning, hands-on workshops, round-table discussions, one-on-one meetings, dynamic panel discussions, cutting-edge demonstrations and networking opportunities. Registration is now open and more details will be available soon on the conference web site.

Vancouver Social Games and Full Indie have gotten together along with Frank the Accountant to present an evening designed to offer accounting tips, suggestions and how-to hints to game developers and business owners. For the very nominal fee of $10.00, interested parties are invited to this evening event on July 18th. At this writing, there were only 9 tickets remaining, so register quickly. The location for the seminar is yet to be decided, but bring along your portable computing device for this workshop-styled session where you will get both visual and hands-on assistance as you try to navigate the world of business accounting.

Anne Sado, President of George Brown College, has announced that the college will be increasing its commitment to the digital media sector with its gaming development and design programs in a new learning environment at 333 King St. E.

The facility will also feature an industry incubator to bring together video gaming and digital media startups in Toronto with George Brown College students. Scheduled to open in September 2011, the incubator will provide 10 offices, between 100 and 150 square feet, for startups and small companies looking for a platform to grow their business in the heart of the city. By including industry innovators alongside students, the college hopes to create an environment that helps its learners experience real-world engagement to better prepare them for future employment and help emerging companies leverage the student resources to help them grow.

“The research we conducted on the feasibility of a video gaming incubator reveals a real need for more applied research and innovation – something our students and faculty have clearly been able to provide in other industries,” said Sado. “With the growth rate in the gaming sector in Ontario predicted to reach 31 per cent over the next three years, according to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, George Brown College is an a perfect position to provide a leadership role in nurturing the talent in this industry.”

As part of George Brown College’s effort to contribute to the expansion of the digital media industry in the city, the George Brown College School of Design will take on the leadership of Digifest, a Toronto-based international festival celebrating innovation and digital creativity that was previously managed by the Design Exchange. The festival will run from October 26 to 30 and will be held in central locations throughout the city.

Today’s announcements are based on a feasibility study conducted by George Brown and funded by the Ontario Media Development Corporation and the City of Toronto. The research conducted by the college and its partners uncovered a need for a video gaming incubator, which would provide:

• Improved access to video gaming technology for small businesses and start-ups
• ffice space in the downtown core, helping to create a gaming community within the city
• nd applied research and field placement opportunities for George Brown College video game design and development students

“An innovative economy requires planning and support that builds on four strategic pillars – infrastructure, a well trained workforce, knowledge and expertise, and strong partnerships,” said Councillor Shelley Carroll, City of Toronto (Ward 33 Don Valley East), and Vice Chair, Economic Development Committee. “The new video game incubator at George Brown College will support these pillars and accelerate the growth and development of the digital media cluster in the City of Toronto.”

“As a long-time supporter of the digital, interactive media industry in Ontario, OMDC has had a keen interest in the video game programs George Brown College has been delivering and the strong relationships the college has with its industry partners,” added Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of OMDC. “We felt it was important to fund this research that added to our understanding of the needs of the video gaming community. We are excited that George Brown College has taken a leadership role in addressing the study’s recommendations. This will enhance the vibrancy of the video gaming cluster in Ontario.”

The introduction of the gaming incubator coincides with the addition of approximately 310 students in the video game design and development programs at George Brown College over the last three years. Once renovations are complete this summer, the video game design students and the businesses using the incubator will have access to industry leading facilities, including development kits for major video game consoles, hand-held devices and other peripherals and a three-dimensional scanner and printer. This technology will be introduced to the incubator a short while after its launch.