The newsletter of the SASKATCHEWAN INTERACTIVE MEDIA ASSOCIATION

Our mission: To foster the growth of a strong & vibrant interactive media sector/industry in SK with capabilities recognized & respected in the provincial, international, and international marketplace.

Our vision: As a provincially, nationally, and internationally recognized industry voice, Saskatchewan Interactive will: provide advocacy, promotion, and education to increase member opportunity in a global marketplace.

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March 8, SASKINTERACTIVE SUMMIT 2007! - Mark this day on your calendar. The event will be bigger than last year!
Our second annual one-day SaskInteractive Summit, features this year’s theme, “Way Beyond Websites.” Wide–ranging topics for this event will include, among others:

· Everything you need to understand about Web 2.0

· Implications with audio – voice, ringtones, iTunes – everything beyond the obvious

· The latest developments on mobile platforms

· An overview of computer gaming in the traditional sense, moving into online games, serious games, games for health and the virtually unlimited opportunity e-Gaming offers to education, industry, and to service providers

· Developments in eGaming and eLearning at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina, as well as exciting research at TRLabs

· Practical, real-world examples of applied simulation training in industrial applications

· A presenter from one of the companies that creates immersive on-line worlds, such as the enormously popular “Second Life”

· Marketing yourself online

· An overview of developments in England – a major player on the world stage in the e-Gaming industry

· An update on Fortune Cat Game Studio – Manitoba’s recently-launched not-for-profit game development incubator to create a successful eGaming industry in Manitoba

· An overview of developments across Canada, from the formation of the national body (CIAIC), to NewMediaBC’s World Centre, to the Banff New Media Accelerator Program, to Manitoba’s animation and game industry, to Quebec’s highly-developed industry, to PEI’s bold move into e-Gaming.

…and many others.

Event - SaskInteractive Summit 2007 – “Way Beyond Websites”
Location - Hilton Garden Inn, Saskatoon
Time - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2007
More details to follow…!

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Telefilm Canada announces its commitment to 19 projects through the Canada New Media Fund

Telefilm Canada announces its commitment, under the Canada New Media Fund, to 11 English-language and 8 French-language new media projects selected from 108 Product Development & Marketing applications submitted.

The 19 projects receiving Telefilm's financial assistance feature a range of platforms including wireless, game consoles, DVD-ROMs, and both convergent and independent Websites. Projects also include an assortment of games and edutainment properties.

Next deadline - The application deadline for Market research and Prototyping has been extended to January 31st, 2007 for all English and French-language projects.

New media producers are encouraged to streamline their application process to Telefilm Canada by taking advantage of its eTelefilm® service. Companies that submit applications via eTelefilm® enjoy two notable advantages:
* Access to direct deposit for Telefilm funding payments; and
* Submission of applications up to 10 p.m. (EST) on the deadline date (vs. 5 p.m. for those delivered to a Telefilm office).

To register online visit: www.telefilm.gc.ca/eTelefilm .

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NFB Animation Hothouse Call for Submissions: Deadline January 15, 2007
The National Film Board of Canada seeks submissions from emerging filmmakers (young and old), and artists intrigued by animation art, for the fourth edition of the Animation Hothouse. This year’s Hothouse runs from March 5 to May 25, 2007, at the Animation Studio in Montreal.

Six selected participants will direct a 30 second film, from creative inception all the way through final sound mix and video release in twelve intense weeks.

Submissions may come from across Canada and an artist’s fee will be paid.

The theme for this Hothouse is: A Chance Encounter
See full program and submission details at
http://www.nfb.ca/faireunfilm/travaillerStudio.php?idP=0&choix=stage&idS=28&idCat=58&v=h&lg=en

Maral Mohammadian
Associate Producer, Animation Studio
National Film Board of Canada
514-283-2510
www.nfb.ca >

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Flash opportunity
Member TinyEYE Technologies is looking for an experienced flash designer either as a contractor or an employee. Required skill sets are:
· User interface design and navigation – strong human computer interaction skills
· Interactive Game design skills
· Excellent artistic design

Please have a portfolio of past work available.
Contact Greg Sutton at gsutton@tinyeye.com

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Voice Acting Workshop
Member Wayne Gemmell is looking for a venue for a voice acting workshop in Saskatoon in January. Does anyone in Saskatoon have a home sound studio in Saskatoon that they would be willing to offer for use in this workshop?
Regina Workshops: Details at http://netrevenue.ca/recording%20studio.htm
$ TBD **Jan 20 - 23 Deb Munro Voice-Over Workshop Level 1
$ TBD TBD Deb Munro Monthly Copyworkout Tele-seminar
$ TBD Mar 23 - 24 Deb Munro Copyworkout Workshop

Saskatoon Workshops: Details at http://seenbyscene.ca/SirWayneWorkshops.htm
$ TBD *** Feb 16 - 17 Deb Munro Voice-Over Workshop Level 1
Please contact SeenByScene.ca "The Saskatchewan Actor's Resource Site"

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Please support our efforts to grow our industry by becoming a member and presenting a united voice in Saskatchewan. Pass this email on to everyone you know in the industry.
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Funding for the Saskatchewan Interactive newsletter is provided solely through the good graces of our overworked and dedicated volunteers. Don’t just sit back – help us to grow the industry by supporting our efforts - join our organization and make your voice heard through your industry representatives. We are making a difference!

Website: http://www.saskinteractive.com