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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SGI - Customer Experience Architect
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is a dynamic and growing property and casualty insurance company currently operating in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We provide Saskatchewan’s compulsory auto insurance program, and administer the vehicle registration and driver’s licensing systems in that province. We are seeking a Customer Experience Architect to join our Communications Division in Regina.
http://jobsearch.monster.ca/getjob.asp?JobID=59640710&AVSDM=2007-07-04+16:13:35&Logo=1&cy=CA&lid=929&fn=9012&sort=rv&vw=b&dcjvlid=929
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Nasscom Animation and Gaming Summit 2008
NASSCOM in association with Government of Andhra Pradesh is pleased to announce its annual 'NASSCOM Animation & Gaming India 2007' international conference which will be held on 10-11 January 2007 at Hyderabad. This special two day international conference has been specifically structured to chart out a vision, set up aspirations and identify strategic imperatives to address global opportunities and for animation & gaming industry in India.
http://www.nasscom.in/Nasscom/Templates/CustomEvents.aspx?id=50124
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People’s Choice Awards
Telefilm Canada and Arcadia launch the People’s Choice Awards on the Great Canadian Video Game Competition
Telefilm Canada, in partnership with Arcadia Festival, is giving the nation’s gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to vote on their favourite game project among the four finalists of the Great Canadian Video Game Competition.
http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/data/Communiques/rel_821.asp?lang=en
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Mobile Games Seminar 2007
September 27-28, 2007
Los Angeles Marriott Downtown
The Mobile Games Seminar, powered by the Game Developers Conference, is designed for developers of mobile games who are looking to improve on their technical skills.
Attendees will learn how to shorten their development, production and post-production cycles, and will explore alternative distribution and merchandising models.

Register by August 3rd and SAVE up to 31% on seminar passes! Click here to register:
http://info.gdconf.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eBAne0Igb7g0SXz0FNft0EO

Speakers include leading executives from Benchmark Capital, Capcom Interactive, Digital Chocolate, EA Mobile, Four Corners Development Group, G3 Studios, Greystripe, I-Play, Mofactor, Nokia, PlayPhone, Thumbplay, Tira Wireless, Venrock Ventures, Zingy, and more.

Click here to view the full list of sessions and speakers:
http://info.gdconf.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eBAne0Igb7g0SXz0FNfu0EP
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Ottawa International Animation Festival - September 19th to 21st
Passes are now on sale and specially-tailored to meet the demands of our wide variety of patrons. With a selection including exclusive TAC Passes, discounts, and weekend or day passes, there is something for everyone!
https://ottawa.awn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=380&Itemid=612
You must be registered for an online account to order a pass, but if you haven't yet, it's easy, secure and you don't even have to give us your address.
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Join Canadian Colleagues at -- eChallenges 2007 and a Canada Netherlands Workshop
- The Hague, Netherlands from October 24-26, 2007.
The conference is expecting over 650 delegates from commercial, government and research organizations around the world to share knowledge and experience, lessons learnt and good practices in the application of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) to resolving the Digital Divide. Some of the themes being addressed are: eGovernment, Technology Enhanced Learning, eHealth, Digital Content, Collaborative Working Environments, GRID and mobility & security. More information on the conference and the Advance Program can be found at: http://www.echallenges.org/e2007/.
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Denver Mission – October 9 – 12, 2007
Currently there are 4 companies firmly committed plus a possible 3 more, and a total of 8 business people going to Denver. There is also the possibility of a VIP from the province's ITO and/or SIR accompanying the group.

The number of participants from all three prairie provinces is limited so please send in your registration and company profile (see below for more info) as soon as possible to guarantee a spot for your company. Registration deadline is July 31st In addition, the in-market consultant will be back in SK near the end of August to meet with any companies not seen on the first visit. We have an outstanding opportunity in this mission, an opportunity your company can't afford to miss.
itinerary:
Oct 9 - travel
Oct 10 - one-on-one meetings/ possible trip to Colorado Springs
Oct 11 - DemoGala
Oct 12 - travel
Contact president@saskinteractive.com for further information and registration details.
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Tokyo Game Show 2007
This year, the Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA), is working hard to make the Tokyo Game Show more attractive to foreign companies and to do so, following the recommendations of most past foreign exhibitors, has accepted to extend the length of TGS by one day, making it a four day event, including two business days. Until now, TGS had only one business day which would make foreign companies wonder if it was worth the trip. It is no longer the case! CESA has also moved the Computer Entertainment Developers' Conference to immediately after TGS, hoping to increase the presence of foreigners at the conference. The combination of TGS and CEDEC make for an interesting package to any game related company interested in this market.

The Embassy is coordinating the Canada at TGS initiative, but this time, with the support of the Canadian Interactive Alliance (CIAIC). The CIAIC has received funding from our Department to put up a pavilion at TGS and support companies that will be participating in the show. ($600 in travel to the first 10 companies to confirm their participation)
Stephane-Enric Beaulieu
Trade Commissioner / Délégué Commercial
Embassy of Canada / Ambassade du Canada
7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
107-8503, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 5412-6232
stephane.beaulieu@international.gc.ca
www.infoexport.gc.ca
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Casual Connect Seattle
All conference info and the agenda can be found at http://www.casualconnect.org/seattle The site is the official conference site and hosts all the information relating to official conference programs, timing, etc. This is THE gaming event in Seattle for 2007 and will attract upwards of 1,000 attendees. Currently, Microsoft alone is sending 100 people and RealNetworks 80 attendees. If you know of companies interested in gaming, they should attend this conference. Period. The conference starts Monday, July 16, 2007 with a full-day “tutorial” session on Casual Gaming. The organizers say this day is a primer of sorts for “newbies” to the sector, but that companies already successful in the space can benefit from attending as well. The main conference sessions start at 9AM Tuesday, July 17, 2007. There is also an opening reception and badge pick up scheduled from 4-7PM on the 16th.
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Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association's Annual General Meeting 2007
Wednesday, July 18th
Boffins Club, Saskatoon
SATA would like to invite you to its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday July 18th at Boffins Club, Innovation Place, in Saskatoon. Registration will begin at 4:00pm with the business meeting for the AGM beginning at 4:30pm followed by a networking reception and BBQ.
You are welcome to bring your staff or any of your business partners.
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MIC & ME – Mic Time Audition Voice Workout (meant for every level)
Regina, Saskatchewan Sept. 7/8/9 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

THIS WORKSHOP WILL TEACH YOU:
- THE INS AND OUTS OF THE VOICEOVER BUSINESS
- AUDITION TECHNIQUE
- HOW TO MAKE THE BUSINESS WORK FOR YOU NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE

You will have the opportunity to get behind professional recording equipment to work with top instructor/talent Deb Munro.
For more information about Debbie Munro please visit www.debsvoice.com
Contact Debbie Munro to register at info@debsvoice.com or +1 (604) 939-4029
Please pass this on to anyone you know that may be interested! _______________________________________________
Innovations in Learning Conference – September 24-26, 2007
Santa Clara, California
http://www.brandonhallconference.com
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nextMEDIA – Monetizing Digital Content Scheduled for
November 21-22, 2007 at Toronto’s Diesel Playhouse
nextMEDIA organizers Achilles Media Ltd. are pleased to announce the launch of nextMEDIA – Monetizing Digital Content, the first in a series of new events that will address the highest areas of growth in the digital media industry. This inaugural, two-day event will take place November 21 -22, 2007, at the Diesel Playhouse in Toronto, ON, Canada.

nextMEDIA – Monetizing Digital Content, aims to help Publishers and brands to monetize their assets by leveraging digital technologies, and to enable Digital Content Creators/Aggregators to find alternative ways to finance and monetize their initiatives by aligning their properties with brands.

nextMEDIA – Monetizing Digital Content, is a digital entertainment, interactive advertising and technology conference dedicated to connecting all sides of today’s rapidly evolving digital media marketplace. Delegates will come away with the tools and the contacts which will enable them to create and execute profitable digital strategies for their organizations.
For more information: http://www.nextmediaevents.com
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SaskTel/SaskFilm Interactive Travel Assistance Program.
The program is designed to provide financial assistance to interactive producers to approved program markets in order to increase the marketing and export of Saskatchewan interactive products. This program is funded by what was formerly called the SaskTel New Media Fund and will be available until program funds are fully expended.

SaskInteractive appreciates the support that these funds offer to our members to attend important events and to bring back valuable information for our members.

Should you have any questions about the program, please contact Charlene Hilkewich, Program Coordinator at Charlene@saskfilm.com or by calling 306.798.3317.
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Saskatchewan Voicers Club
In the voice business, talent can be in any town or city, using a home sound studio to record sound files and email them worldwide.
Anyone interested in voice-over work who would like to become a member of a Saskatchewan Voicers Club should direct Saskatchewan inquiries to Wayne Gemmell wayne@NetRevenue.ca
Please forward this to anyone that you think may be interested. For a wealth of technical information go to James Alburger's web site ... VoiceActing.com
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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