the SNMDA Newsletter - Oct. 26, 2005

INTERACTIVE the SNMDA Newsletter
The Saskatchewan New Media Developers Association’s mission statement is: To foster the growth of the new media industry in Saskatchewan. We encourage you to support our efforts, assist us by becoming a member and presenting a united voice in Saskatchewan.
We could use your help.  Please pass this email on to everyone you know in the industry. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, visit http://www.snmda.sk.ca.
  
Upcoming Events            
If you are aware of any upcoming events email newsletter@snmda.sk.ca and we will post them in our next newsletter.
 
Showcase Film & Television Gala Awards & Conference November 16 – 18. Call for volunteers, contact Felipe Diaz (306) 757-8818 or visit the SMPIA website: www.smpia.sk.ca
Pitch & Catch Competition entry deadline extended to October 28, 2005 
For more info call:  1-306-525-4583 OR 1-877-247-6742
CTV Saskatchewan Program Development Fund Deadline November 30, 2005. For more information contact: Carmen Milenkovicm carmen@digitalinnovation.ca   306.373.9829
Broadway Theatre hosts Screening of Youth Digital Films - Oct. 23, 2:30 pm
WIFT-T CBC Canadian Reflections Award and Call for Applications - The CBC Canadian Reflections Award competition is a national initiative and open to emerging Canadian female filmmakers. The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon, November 14, 2005. Eligibility criteria, full guidelines and application forms are available from the WIFT-T website. 
NSI Drama Prize Program - Deadline for applications is November 4, 2005, 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Visit www.nsi-canada.ca/dramaprize to download an application and for more information about the program. 
NSI Announces Call for Film Submissions for Canada's Coolest Film Festival – Deadline:  Nov 1 - More info: www.nsi-canada.ca/filmexchange/applications.html  
Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth – Deadline:  November 4 - More info:  www.r2rfestival.org
2006 Banff World Television Awards – Deadline:  February 28 -http://www.banff2006.com/rockies.php  
News
If you have a news item please email newsletter@snmda.sk.ca and we will post it on our website and put it in the next newsletter.
 
SNMDA provides input to CHRC's New Media Steering Committee
The Cultural Human Resource Council (CHRC) New Media Steering Committee (NMSC), including representatives of NM associations from across the country, and from provinces that don't have NM associations, met in Ottawa on October 5. Ryan Lejbak, an SNDMA Board member, and committee member for three years, represents Saskatchewan views. The main agenda item was to prepare for the upcoming NM Roundtable planned for late March. This meeting will bring together NM industry professionals and educators to discuss issues related to education and skills development for NM workers, as identified in our national HR strategy. Also, on the Roundtable agenda will be discussion of NM business models, based on a study that CHRC hopes to commission soon; and discussion of the possibility of a web portal for NM human resources issues. The SC is assisting CHRC in identifying participants to the Roundtable. CHRC is collaborating with the CI@IC on some of these agenda items.
SNMDA discusses console gaming industry in Saskatchewan
David Milne and Ryan Lejbak, both on the SNMDA Board of Directors, recently met with Saskatchewan government officials, education institutions and gaming consultants to discuss the viability of increasing the console gaming industry in Saskatchewan.  This was the first meeting and many ideas, pros and cons were identified. More study and industry input will be needed in the next few months. However, some progress has been made. SNDMA will keep you informed of all of the developments.
The U of S DMT
SNMDA President Deborah Black and Ryan Lejbak (SNMDA Board) met with Colleen Fitzgerald, the Director of Media and Technology (DMT), and David Hayter, the Executive Director of SMPIA this week.  The meeting was called to see how the three groups can work together to tackle the "education and training gaps" identified in the new media sector.   All three parties vowed to work together to improve education and training for the "soft skills" required to compete in the new media world.  More announcements will be made once the plan is further developed.
Next week
SNMDA will have representatives at the Montreal Game Summit and at the Canada New Media Fund Roundtable.
 
New Media Jobs Available
If you know of any New Media jobs available please email newsletter@snmda.sk.ca and we will post them on our website and in the next newsletter.
No new job postings this week

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