Village Gamer

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.

Interactive Ontario, in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, is conducting a short survey of the interactive digital media industry in Ontario.

In an effort to monitor the evolution of the industry, IO will be requesting your cooperation on a periodic basis to help us improve our knowledge of key trends. The information collected will be used in aggregate in order to improve programs and policies that serve the industry.

Please note: these questions may best be answered by the person most familiar with key financial, human resources, and other strategic issues with your company. All responses will be kept strictly confidential, and your participation in this survey is of the utmost importance and is greatly appreciated.

If you have questions about this survey, please feel free to contact Astrid Rosemarin at Interactive Ontario either via email or by phone at 416.516.0077 extension 232.

Alliance numérique (AN) and the Canadian Interactive Alliance (CIAIC) have announced the launch of the Canadian Game Development Talent Awards, a gala event which will be held on November 2nd, officially closing out the Montreal International Game Summit.

“We are very happy to launch the first edition of the Canadian Game Development Talent Awards” said Pierre Proulx, General Manager of Alliance numérique. “Our goal is to recognize the creative talent in Canada, which is now the third most important cluster in terms of video game development in the world.’’

The Canadian Game Development Talent Awards will focus on recognizing the achievements of talent from across Canada in all the major disciplines of game creation. Alliance numérique has also launched the recruitment campaign of the Canadian Interactive Academy, whose role will be to evaluate the nominations and select the finalists and winners.

This national committee will be chaired by game business consultant Jason Della Rocca. Experienced game developers wishing to join the Academy and participate in the Awards process may view complete details and submit applications from now until the end of July.

Key Dates and Deadlines:

– July 5^th – August 1^st – Academy applications accepted
– August 1^st – September 15^th – Award nomination process
– October 15^th – Award finalists announced

Blue Ice Film and Hot Docs are delighted to announce that they have entered into a partnership to operate the recently acquired Bloor Cinema, the landmark, century-old film house located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. Currently undergoing renovation, the historic Bloor Cinema will reopen this fall under Hot Docs’ management, revitalized and ready to welcome Toronto’s film-loving public.

“Independent cinemas like the Bloor are vital to the city’s vibrant film culture,” says Chris McDonald, Hot Docs executive director. “Blue Ice Film and Hot Docs want to see them thrive.”

“It’s a dream come true,” says Carm Bordonaro, the now former owner of the Bloor Cinema. “The business model has completely changed and we need visionary investors and organizations like Hot Docs to protect these neighbourhood cinemas. I want to thank the community and our avid supporters who have kept the Bloor alive all these years.”

Bordonaro has been involved with the Bloor Cinema’s operations since 1979, when it was part of the Festival Cinemas chain. He had been managing the venue with his family since 1999, and they purchased it in June of 2010 in an effort to ensure its survival as a cinema. Since then, the family has held off selling the venue, turning away numerous property developers until a like-minded buyer could be secured.

Under a joint venture agreement, Hot Docs as lease holder will assume responsibility for managing and programming the Bloor Cinema year round, in addition to utilizing the venue for its annual Festival and monthly Doc Soup screening series. Documentary films will be predominantly featured, but the Bloor Cinema will continue to host many of Toronto’s popular film festivals and also offer programming of interest to the rep cinema’s loyal following. In addition to Hot Docs, the Bloor regularly hosts the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, the After Dark Film Festival and the Images Festival, among many others.

“It’s a remarkable opportunity, and we are ready for the challenge,” says McDonald. “The Bloor Cinema has been a cherished home to Hot Docs for the past 12 years and we’re excited to be a part of the revitalization of this much-loved venue. It’s fantastic for Hot Docs, film lovers and the entire neighbourhood, which will continue to enjoy its own independent film house. This new chapter wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Carm, Paul and their family, and the vision of Blue Ice.”

The current renovations will see upgrades to the cinema’s technical equipment and sound system, audience seating, façade and lobby areas. During this time, Hot Docs will be conducting industry stakeholder and community consultations around proposed plans for the cinema. A feedback address has been set up so that interested parties can begin sharing their feedback.

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.

WEConnect Canada, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (DFAIT), has taken over 100 Canadian women business owners to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)’s 2011 National Conference & Business Fair, “The Opportunity Connection.” These women owned businesses represent all provinces and include many nationally recognized award winners who have a focus on expanding their customer base and extending market reach to corporations looking to diversify their supplier base.

“Supplier diversity is the proactive business process of sourcing products and services from previously under-used suppliers. Trade missions like this one increase the visibility and profile of our certified women-owned businesses to some of the biggest corporate players on the planet,” says Mary Anderson, executive director, WEConnect Canada. “These women entrepreneurs would not normally have such ready access to a large corporation’s supply chain.” An estimated 97% of large multinationals have supplier diversity programs.

WEConnect Canada is the certification body for women-owned businesses. It certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women and connects them with the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers.

“Certification assures corporations that they are doing business with recognized diverse suppliers and is the first step for these businesses to make important contacts, which will help open doors to international business opportunities,”  explains Anderson. “WEConnect Canada not only delivers internationally-recognized certification, but offers training and education to help women business owners successfully bid on procurement contracts.”

WBENC’s annual conference and business fair, June 21-23, 2011 boasts more than 3,000 partici­pants and nearly 350 exhibitors. The trade mission to WBNEC will provide Canadian women-owned business enterprises with access to leading corporations practicing supplier diversity.  During their time at WBENC, members of the delegation will meet with corporate procurement representatives and women business owners from across North America. There will also be networking and educational opportunities.

“You have to be at WBENC to network,” says Stephanie McLarty, president, REefficient Inc. and a past WBENC delegate. “This is the place to get introductions and resources and it increases the possibility of opportunities.”

The trade mission is also supported by provincial governments through regional women business enterprise centres across Canada.

RTNDA Canada – The Association of Electronic Journalists – has voted to change the name of the organization to adapt to the changes in the profession. In a vote at the Annual General Meeting at the National conference being held this weekend in Halifax, the membership agreed to change the acronym to include the word “Digital”. For the last 49 years, the acronym was short for Radio-Television News Directors Association. That will soon change to RTDNA, or Radio-Television Digital News Association – The Association of Electronic Journalists.

“Flipping those two letters, from “News Directors” to “Digital News” makes us more inclusive,” said President Andy LeBlanc. “Whether we are the news director, a reporter, a student, or an educator, we are all striving to achieve the same outcome: superb electronic journalism. Digital technology means we are no longer limited to radio and television – electronic journalists are also online.”

In addition to the name change, the membership amended articles in the Association Constitution to make all practicing electronic journalists voting members. Previously, only members who were news directors and news managers were eligible to vote on Association matters.

Amendments were also made to the Code of Ethics to reflect the technology shifts that have affected electronic journalism. Many of the changes amend “broadcast” to “electronic” and other modifications in the language acknowledge that news is delivered online and mobile in addition to television and radio, and that the equipment used is now not only for broadcast. “These amendments are an adaptation to the digital age,” said LeBlanc. “The Code remains the industry standard for electronic journalism – and all the principles of ethical journalism remain.”

Members are attending the annual national conference in Halifax this weekend, concluding tonight evening with the National Awards Gala.

Merging Media Productions has added three new 2011 Advisory Committee Members who will be assisting with advice and support for the upcoming October 2011 Conference+ Masterclass:

• Katie Jeffs Director Membership Development and Outreach, CMPA (National)
• Jonathan Carringan, President & Co-Founder, MOBCOM Consulting Inc.
• Lynda Brown, CEO/Founder of ZuluMe

Merging Media also extends its gratitude to its 2010 Advisors Betsy Chaly, Ravi Singh, Fiona McAuley and Ted Nugent for their generous support during their 2010 event.

Merging Media Productions Inc. in partnership with the Canadian Media Production Association BC is proud to be a part of SIGGRAPH 2011 this August 7-11 in Vancouver. Merging Media and CMPA will be facilitating the International B2B Matchmaking Program that is being organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and the Government of British Columbia. If you’d like to meet visiting International Media professionals during the event, here are the full details:

• B2B Matchmaking Program – August 8 – 11

The Business to Business Matchmaking Program will help facilitate meetings between Canadian domestic companies and international/ US companies attending SIGGRAPH. The B2B online platform will allow you to profile your company, view the profiles of other companies and request meetings with international/ US companies of interest. Meeting requests will be coordinated through the Canadian Media Production Association and booked into meeting rooms reserved onsite (unless otherwise specified).

• SIGGRAPH Welcome Reception – Sunday, August 7

Supported by BC Film, DFAIT will be hosting an International Delegate Welcome Reception from 6-8pm on Sunday, August 7th. The welcome reception will offer an opportunity to meet some of the US & International business delegates at SIGGRAPH 2011 as well as local industry and support organizations. This event is invite only with limited capacity, so please indicate your interest to Marc Coderre if you would like to be added to the invite list.

• Transmedia Vancouver Meetup – June 29

The Transmedia Vancouver Meetup Group will be having its first Guest Speaker event featuring Merging Media’s Advisory Board Member Matt Toner of Zeroes to Heroes on Wednesday June 29th, 5pm at CMPA-BC. This is a not to be missed event for those keen on meeting like-minded folk involved in Transmedia.

From the telephone to the BlackBerry, from satellites to walkie-talkies – it’s all telecom, and it’s all Canadian. Today, Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame proudly announced that the 2011 Telecom Laureate Awards will be held Wednesday evening, November 2nd, 2011 at the new Ottawa Convention Centre in Ottawa. Mark your calendar now and plan to join over 400 telecom business and government luminaries to celebrate excellence in Canadian telecommunications and to honour the Class of 2011 Telecom Laureates who have made significant contributions to the industry throughout their careers.

The Telecom Laureate Awards gala is the annual flagship event staged by Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame, the not-for-profit organization with a mission to safeguard, promote and celebrate the past, present and future excellence of Canadian telecommunications. The Telecom Laureate Awards Gala is an important celebratory night for the telecommunications industry featuring extensive networking reception opportunities, speeches and awards presentations by key industry and government leaders, as well as exciting audio-visual staging and lighting. It is one of the few annual events where the industry can unite together to celebrate its success and promote its future.

“We are expecting an excellent turn-out for our 7^th annual gala dinner and induction ceremonies,” says Lorne Abugov, Founder and Director of Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame. “Over the years, our guests have included senior executives from Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, suppliers to the telecommunications industry, Government of Canada and Provincial officials, members of the CRTC, Industry Canada and the Competition Bureau and the family and guests of the Telecom Laureates and award winners. This is a premiere networking event.”

The Class of 2011Telecom Laureates and a Special Recognition Award recipient will be officially inducted into Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame joining a prestigious list of 42 other remarkable Laureate and Special Recognition Award inductees who have received the industry’s highest distinction since 2005. Profiles of previous inductees can be found in the virtual Hall of Fame, along with photo and video galleries that display images of the past six Awards gala events.

“The Telecom Laureate Awards gala is always the culmination of a year’s work for Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame, and we are very pleased this year to have secured one of Canada’s most spectacular event venues in the new Ottawa Convention Centre”, adds Lorne Abugov. “On behalf of all of our volunteers and the members of our Board of Governors, I cordially invite all of those who serve within or support this great Canadian industry to gather on November 2^nd in Ottawa for what has quickly become Telecom’s Golden Evening.”