2010 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for the Animation and VFX industry here in Ontario. Although the CDN dollar is strong, there has been an increase in production and there is a strong indication that this will only continue over the year. VFX has rebounded and the Series Animation business continues to maintain slow and steady growth.
CASO has been extremely active in identifying project leads and in developing long term relationships with Government branches; the City of Toronto, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Culture as well as Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Working together we have secured over $125,000.00 in research, marketing, and organizational development support for the 2009/2010 year. As part of the funding, CASO will lead two Trade Missions in February; one to Kidscreen Summit in NY and one to Los Angeles, CA, with additional missions with international exposure scheduled for March and April.
Most importantly, the pre-Christmas approval of two very important OMDC programs, will only strengthen our businesses and attract more production to Ontario. The OPSTC tax credit on 25% of non-Labour and the pilot IP Development Fund of a 30% repayable grant on development costs, clearly provides a distinct competitive advantage over other animation and VFX centres in Canada.
I encourage all members and non-members to participate in the various programs that CASO has worked hard to provide.
Sincerely Yours,
Michael Carter,
President, CASO
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Send us your BIG news, and see it on our next CASO newsletter!
Another year has past and we want to know what you've been up to.
Win any awards? Working on something awesome? Or Maybe you just have an interesting story to share. Send us an email and let us know and we'll put your tale in the next CASO newsletter. We'd love to hear about it!
Send your big news to:
Shirlyn@casont.ca
Business Affairs Manager
Win any awards? Working on something awesome? Or Maybe you just have an interesting story to share. Send us an email and let us know and we'll put your tale in the next CASO newsletter. We'd love to hear about it!
Send your big news to:
Shirlyn@casont.ca
Business Affairs Manager
CASO commissions Wesson Consulting to perform a strategic study of the Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Industry
In November, Wesson Consulting was commissioned by CASO to perform a strategic study of the Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Industry. The study is being funded with a grant from the OMDC Research Office. The goal of the study is to analyze the Ontario industry’s strengths and weaknesses and then develop a strategic plan based on these findings. They are looking not only at how the Ontario studios can improve their current operations serving existing markets, but also at whether alternative markets offer new opportunities to sustain and grow the industry.
At this point, they have conducted extensive interviews with opinion leaders inside and outside the industry. Working with the CASO project team, they have developed a good understanding of the current state of the industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces. In the New Year they will be conducting a focus group of industry participants and a short survey of CASO members.
Wesson Consulting has been overwhelmed by the cooperation and enthusiasm they have encountered from everyone they have talked to in the industry. They are looking forward to working with more industry members over the coming weeks. If you have comments or questions about the project or want to share your thoughts about the industry, please feel free to contact Tom Wesson at twc_tom@rogers.com.
At this point, they have conducted extensive interviews with opinion leaders inside and outside the industry. Working with the CASO project team, they have developed a good understanding of the current state of the industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces. In the New Year they will be conducting a focus group of industry participants and a short survey of CASO members.
Wesson Consulting has been overwhelmed by the cooperation and enthusiasm they have encountered from everyone they have talked to in the industry. They are looking forward to working with more industry members over the coming weeks. If you have comments or questions about the project or want to share your thoughts about the industry, please feel free to contact Tom Wesson at twc_tom@rogers.com.
CASO 2010 EPK - Call For Submissions
CASO is producing our 2010 Electronic Press Kit profiling member companies. This EPK will be professionally packaged and authored on Memory Stick for Domestic and International Marketing Distribution. Last year’s EPK made it onto the desks of over 500 animation and visual effects decision makers!
All interested members are asked to submit a company demo reel as well as 5 shots of your best work to be used in the opening montage. (Note: No priority will be given to member companies for the opening montage. Shots will be chosen and edited in randomorder by the editor.
Submission Requirements
• 1 Company Demo Reel – Maximum duration 3 minutes
• Best Of – submit 5 of your best animation and visual effects shots in their entirety
• Completed Submission Form with contact information and 50 word company description
(Please see attached)
• Completed Legal Clearance (Please see attached)
Technical Specifications
Best of 5 Shots
• To be supplied “bugless”. Note: supply full frame image sequences, HD 10 bit
uncompressed DPX files, 1920 x 1080, 24fps (*NTSC 30fps can be supplied if
necessary and upconverted to HD at our post facility)
• Bugs should be supplied separately as high resolution JPEG or TIFF files with separate alpha channels
• Letterboxing will be completed in the online stage
• Footage to be submitted on DVD or drive
Company Demo Reel
• To be supplied as a 3 minute edited piece. HD 10 bit uncompressed QT 1920x1080,
24fps (*NTSC 30fps can be supplied if necessary and upconverted to HD at our post
facility) or as footage on tape.
• Company logo burn in, in lower right hand corner is required
• Footage to be submitted on HDCam, HDCam SR videotape or digital files supplied on a
drive.
Please note:
*All shots/work displayed on reels must have been completed by the participating company. Submissions completed by staff members before their employment at participating companies will not be accepted.
*Entrants are responsible for their own quality control and legal clearance. CASO accepts no responsibility for material distributed without legal clearance or for work submitted with technical issues.
Entry Fees
The total fee for each company entry is $ 400.00 + GST
Payment must be received by CASO with submitted materials and forms.
Cheques can be made payable to: Computer Animation Studios of Ontario
Deadline for Materials:
Best of – 5 shots - Monday, January 11th, 2010
Company Demo Reel – Monday, January 25th, 2009
Please ship to:
ATTN: Paul Moyer
OPTIX Digital Pictures
157 Princess St.
Toronto, ON M5A 4M4
CASO will also accept additional IN KIND donations from member companies, consisting of editorial, graphic design, DVD authoring, DVD replication or similar production contributions.
For more information please contact:
Christa Tazzeo at the CASO office, 416.207.9142 or christa@casont.ca
All interested members are asked to submit a company demo reel as well as 5 shots of your best work to be used in the opening montage. (Note: No priority will be given to member companies for the opening montage. Shots will be chosen and edited in randomorder by the editor.
Submission Requirements
• 1 Company Demo Reel – Maximum duration 3 minutes
• Best Of – submit 5 of your best animation and visual effects shots in their entirety
• Completed Submission Form with contact information and 50 word company description
(Please see attached)
• Completed Legal Clearance (Please see attached)
Technical Specifications
Best of 5 Shots
• To be supplied “bugless”. Note: supply full frame image sequences, HD 10 bit
uncompressed DPX files, 1920 x 1080, 24fps (*NTSC 30fps can be supplied if
necessary and upconverted to HD at our post facility)
• Bugs should be supplied separately as high resolution JPEG or TIFF files with separate alpha channels
• Letterboxing will be completed in the online stage
• Footage to be submitted on DVD or drive
Company Demo Reel
• To be supplied as a 3 minute edited piece. HD 10 bit uncompressed QT 1920x1080,
24fps (*NTSC 30fps can be supplied if necessary and upconverted to HD at our post
facility) or as footage on tape.
• Company logo burn in, in lower right hand corner is required
• Footage to be submitted on HDCam, HDCam SR videotape or digital files supplied on a
drive.
Please note:
*All shots/work displayed on reels must have been completed by the participating company. Submissions completed by staff members before their employment at participating companies will not be accepted.
*Entrants are responsible for their own quality control and legal clearance. CASO accepts no responsibility for material distributed without legal clearance or for work submitted with technical issues.
Entry Fees
The total fee for each company entry is $ 400.00 + GST
Payment must be received by CASO with submitted materials and forms.
Cheques can be made payable to: Computer Animation Studios of Ontario
Deadline for Materials:
Best of – 5 shots - Monday, January 11th, 2010
Company Demo Reel – Monday, January 25th, 2009
Please ship to:
ATTN: Paul Moyer
OPTIX Digital Pictures
157 Princess St.
Toronto, ON M5A 4M4
CASO will also accept additional IN KIND donations from member companies, consisting of editorial, graphic design, DVD authoring, DVD replication or similar production contributions.
For more information please contact:
Christa Tazzeo at the CASO office, 416.207.9142 or christa@casont.ca
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Launch of New Intellectual Property Development Fund
We are delighted to inform you that Minister Carroll today announced the launch of the new Intellectual Property Development Fund. We know you have looked forward to this with great anticipation. Detailed guidelines and FAQ’s about the IP Development Fund are now available on OMDC’s website www.omdc.on.ca.
Application forms will be available on the website by December 14th. OMDC will begin accepting applications at that time for development expenditures incurred from April 1, 2009 and up to March 31, 2010.
Information sessions will be scheduled for January 19, 25 and 28 in Toronto, and February 17 in Ottawa. Further details about how to register for the information sessions will be posted on our website, sent by email to stakeholders and featured in our monthly newsletter.
If you have any questions regarding the Intellectual Property Development Fund that are not addressed in the guidelines or FAQ’s, please contact the OMDC at IPFund@omdc.on.ca or (416) 645-8524.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blitz
Director Tax Credits & Financing Programs
Objet : Lancement du nouveau Fonds pour le développement de la propriété intellectuelle
Nous sommes ravis de vous informer que la ministre Carroll a annoncé aujourd’hui le lancement du nouveau Fonds pour le développement de la propriété intellectuelle. Nous savons que vous attendez ce moment avec trépidation. Vous trouverez ci-joint le communiqué de presse et le document d’information sur le Fonds pour le développement de la PI. Par ailleurs, les lignes directrices détaillées et une FAQ sur le Fonds pour le développement de la PI sont maintenant disponibles sur le site Web de la SODIMO à www.omdc.on.ca.
Les formulaires de demande seront affichés sur le site Web d’ici au 14 décembre. La SODIMO commencera à accepter les demandes à ce moment-là pour les dépenses de développement engagées entre le 1er avril 2009 et le 31 mars 2010 inclus.
Des séances d'information seront organisées les 19, 25 et 28 janvier à Toronto, et le 17 février à Ottawa. De plus amples renseignements sur les dates et le mode d’inscription aux séances d’information seront affichés sur notre site Web, envoyés par courriel aux intervenants et publiés dans notre bulletin mensuel.
Si vous avez des questions concernant le Fonds pour le développement de la propriété intellectuelle qui ne sont pas couvertes dans les lignes directrices ou la FAQ, veuillez vous adresser à la SODIMO à IPFund@omdc.on.ca ou en composant le 416 645-8524.
Cordialement,
Jennifer Blitz
Directrice, Programmes des crédits d’impôt et de financement
Application forms will be available on the website by December 14th. OMDC will begin accepting applications at that time for development expenditures incurred from April 1, 2009 and up to March 31, 2010.
Information sessions will be scheduled for January 19, 25 and 28 in Toronto, and February 17 in Ottawa. Further details about how to register for the information sessions will be posted on our website, sent by email to stakeholders and featured in our monthly newsletter.
If you have any questions regarding the Intellectual Property Development Fund that are not addressed in the guidelines or FAQ’s, please contact the OMDC at IPFund@omdc.on.ca or (416) 645-8524.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blitz
Director Tax Credits & Financing Programs
Objet : Lancement du nouveau Fonds pour le développement de la propriété intellectuelle
Nous sommes ravis de vous informer que la ministre Carroll a annoncé aujourd’hui le lancement du nouveau Fonds pour le développement de la propriété intellectuelle. Nous savons que vous attendez ce moment avec trépidation. Vous trouverez ci-joint le communiqué de presse et le document d’information sur le Fonds pour le développement de la PI. Par ailleurs, les lignes directrices détaillées et une FAQ sur le Fonds pour le développement de la PI sont maintenant disponibles sur le site Web de la SODIMO à www.omdc.on.ca.
Les formulaires de demande seront affichés sur le site Web d’ici au 14 décembre. La SODIMO commencera à accepter les demandes à ce moment-là pour les dépenses de développement engagées entre le 1er avril 2009 et le 31 mars 2010 inclus.
Des séances d'information seront organisées les 19, 25 et 28 janvier à Toronto, et le 17 février à Ottawa. De plus amples renseignements sur les dates et le mode d’inscription aux séances d’information seront affichés sur notre site Web, envoyés par courriel aux intervenants et publiés dans notre bulletin mensuel.
Si vous avez des questions concernant le Fonds pour le développement de la propriété intellectuelle qui ne sont pas couvertes dans les lignes directrices ou la FAQ, veuillez vous adresser à la SODIMO à IPFund@omdc.on.ca ou en composant le 416 645-8524.
Cordialement,
Jennifer Blitz
Directrice, Programmes des crédits d’impôt et de financement
Thursday, November 26, 2009
DigitalMediaCamp Invitation
Join us for DigitalMediaCamp Toronto on Saturday, December 12th. Save the date and register at the link below.
DigitalMediaCamp Toronto
Saturday, December 12th
9:30 to 4:30
OCAD Auditorium
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, ON
Register: http://guestlistapp.com/events/8148
You will join other emerging leaders in Toronto's digital media community in an intense and interactive set of conversations around this central question:
How can we work together to propel Toronto's technology, content and design communities into the future and make Toronto a globally competitive hub of digital media entrepreneurship and innovation?
The day is structured as an unconference. The participants create the content of the day. There is no pre-set agenda. Your ideas, your needs and your voice will have the platform and the content of our conversations will be shared online in real-time and will be used beyond the day of the event in a number of forums, including at the Canada 3.0 2010 conference which will take place May 10-11, 2010.
This is the first of a series of DigitalMediaCamp events to be held across Canada, hosted by the Canadian Digital Media Network, and designed to help shape the agenda for Canada 3.0 2010. The series is intended to engage emerging leaders and the talented and passionate creators in Canada's digital media industry, to identify great ideas and new voices and to spur creativity in Canada's digital economy.
For more information about the Canadian Digital Media Network, visit www.cdmn.ca and see what's in store for Canada 3.0 2010 at www.canada30.ca
DigitalMediaCamp Toronto
Saturday, December 12th
9:30 to 4:30
OCAD Auditorium
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, ON
Register: http://guestlistapp.com/events/8148
You will join other emerging leaders in Toronto's digital media community in an intense and interactive set of conversations around this central question:
How can we work together to propel Toronto's technology, content and design communities into the future and make Toronto a globally competitive hub of digital media entrepreneurship and innovation?
The day is structured as an unconference. The participants create the content of the day. There is no pre-set agenda. Your ideas, your needs and your voice will have the platform and the content of our conversations will be shared online in real-time and will be used beyond the day of the event in a number of forums, including at the Canada 3.0 2010 conference which will take place May 10-11, 2010.
This is the first of a series of DigitalMediaCamp events to be held across Canada, hosted by the Canadian Digital Media Network, and designed to help shape the agenda for Canada 3.0 2010. The series is intended to engage emerging leaders and the talented and passionate creators in Canada's digital media industry, to identify great ideas and new voices and to spur creativity in Canada's digital economy.
For more information about the Canadian Digital Media Network, visit www.cdmn.ca and see what's in store for Canada 3.0 2010 at www.canada30.ca
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