• Village Gamer

  • December 3rd Is TV Access Day For People Living With Disabilities

2nd December 2008

December 3rd Is TV Access Day For People Living With Disabilities

Until now, viewers with low or no sight only knew what television sounded like. And for many other Canadians living with disabilities and seniors, enjoying TV viewing often is a challenge. Now there is a new and unique TV channel that will respond to the many access challenges faced by more than 5 million Canadians plus their families, relatives and friends. It’s called The Accessible Channel or TAC for short, and it goes on air coast to coast at 6 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday, December 3rd, the United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities. All TAC programming will be broadcast in open description and closed-captioned. This will allow blind, low-vision, deaf, hard of hearing and many others to tune into TAC at any time during the day or night and KNOW that they will be able to enjoy television.

TAC was licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission in the summer of 2007 as a mandatory basic digital open description specialty TV service. That means it will be part of the basic digital service of all cable and satellite services distributing TV programming. The service will be operated by an independent not-for-profit company controlled by The National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. NBRS is a charity set up in 1990 to operate VoicePrint, a mandatory audio programming service that enhances access to print publications for blind Canadians and low-vision, print-restricted and senior listeners. The mission of both TAC and VoicePrint is to enhance access to media for millions of Canadians. Each is operated without government funding.

Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

1st December 2008

Chuck Gammage Animation Announces New Toronto Address

Chuck Gammage Animation’s new facility will coincide with the studio’s recently stronger focus on nontraditional and 3D animation.

TorontoChuck Gammage Animation, an internationally acclaimed animation production company and commercial animation service facility, announced today that it is changing its downtown Toronto address.

After three years at its current downtown location, the company is moving to a state-of-the-art production facility in Toronto’s Trinity-Niagara neighbourhood, an up-and-coming hub for Canada’s design, entertainment and high-tech industries.

“We’re excited to be moving to this vibrant new location where we’ll be down the street from some of the world’s premiere entertainment companies,” Tammy Semen, producer. “This move also comes at a time when Chuck Gammage is switching its focus to emerging forms of digital animation while recruiting outstanding new talent. So this new space will reflect the company’s fresh outlook.”
Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Animation, National News, Studios By: | Print This Post Print This Post

1st December 2008

QuickPlay Media Named Finalist In 2008 Mobile Entertainment Awards

Premier Provider of Mobile TV and Video Solutions Selected for Work on Rogers Vision, the First Fully-Integrated Mobile Video and Radio Service in Canada


TorontoQuickPlay Media, the premier provider of mobile TV and video solutions, today announced it has been named a finalist in the “Best Mobile Video and TV Service” category at Visiongain’s Mobile Entertainment Awards 2008. The awards, which recognize the technologies, companies, innovations and campaigns that moved the industry forward in 2008, have chosen QuickPlay Media for its role in powering Rogers Vision, a made-for-mobile experience that gives customers access to streaming video and radio at broadband speeds on select handsets. Rogers Vision is exclusively offered by Rogers Wireless, Canada’s largest wireless provider of voice and data services.

“The continued evolution of mobile devices and networks has created the perfect opportunity to transform the mobile phone into a legitimate entertainment resource,” said Wayne Purboo, president and CEO, QuickPlay Media. “QuickPlay empowers customers to take full advantage of this opportunity by giving them the ability to easily and efficiently provide consumers with a high-quality and compelling media viewing experience. We are extremely honored to have these efforts, and specifically the work we have done Rogers Vision, recognized by the global mobile entertainment community.
Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

29th November 2008

Social Media Conference Puts Out A Call For Speakers

The 2009 Northern Voice Personal Blogging & Social Media Conference has put out a call for speakers. The upcoming conference, which is being held at the Forestry Sciences Centre at UBC, February 20 & 21 2009, covers a wide variety of topics. According to their web site, “Previous years have had plenty of geekery mixed with panels on how blogging interacts with family life, education, travel, photography, community building and establishing professional profiles. Speakers range from the big names at the top of the Technorati rankings to first-time presenters with a passion to share.”

Interested speakers need to apply by December 19, 2008 by completing the conference’s application form. The organizers note that “We’re not necessarily looking for vast public speaking or punditry experience — we just want people who are experienced and passionate about social media and blogging.” Tickets for the conference have not yet gone on sale, but as per previous years the Conference will be affordable, fun and family-friendly.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

29th November 2008

Fundraising Through Games

Lumby, BC – The JW Inglis Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee and Starlit Citadel, an online board games store are working together to hold a fundraising evening of board games on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at JW Inglis Elementary School.

“This is a brand new fundraising venture for the school and one that we are very excited about. We love the idea of selling games as a fundraiser as it is not only an educational past-time, but it also encourages family and social interaction,” said Jennifer Greenwood, Vice-President of the JW Inglis Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee. “We look forward to seeing the children and their family members at this combined games night and bake sale.”

“Introducing board games to children encourages critical thinking and math skills at an early age. Furthermore, it is an environment that emphasizes interaction and competition which an entire family can participate in,” said CEO Tao Wong of Starlit Citadel.
Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

28th November 2008

Video Games Live Announces First Group of 2009 Canadian Dates

Video Games Live today announced 10 Canadian performance dates for 2009. VGL, along with the Vancouver Symphony played to a sold-out audience at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre in October and I can say first hand that this show is well worth the ticket price.

Not only is VGL a great journey down gaming’s nostalgia lane, it’s a fun and entertaining way to introduce our children to the world of symphonic music. While there has been no Vancouver date yet announced for 2009, I am hopeful that the show will return here next year.

Announced Dates:

Kitchener, ON – March 13 2009 – Centre In The Square with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony
Saskatoon, SK – May 10 2009 – TCU Place with the Saskatoon Symphony
Regina, SK – May 11 2009 – Conexus Arts Centre with the Regina Symphony Orchestra
Calgary, AB – May 15 & 16 2009 – Jack Singer Concert Hall with the Calgary Philharmonic
Edmonton, AB – May 18 2009 – Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Kelowna, BC – May 20 2009 – Prospera Place
Victoria, BC – May 21 2009 – Royal Theatre
Prince George, BC – May 24 2009 – CN Centre
Montreal, QC – Date & Location TBA

Canadian shows sponsored in part by Future Shop.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

28th November 2008

BCIC To Host Canadian Financing Forum

Vancouver – The BC Innovation Council (BCIC) is sponsoring the 12th Canadian Financing Forum, featuring 30 presenting companies and Western Canada’s best investor audience. The forum will take place on January 29, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver with a focus on Information Technology and Cleantech & Advanced Technology. Up to 30 Companies will present at the Canadian Financing Forum. Past presenters have raised over $1 Billion and 45% of the Presenting Companies attending the Financing Forum have successfully raised funds over the last 8 years (2001-2008). Meet investors from Canada’s most active venture funds and US investors that invest in Canadian companies. Establish and maintain the relationships you need for the future.

The Canadian Financing Forum matches North American Corporate and VC investors with serious entrepreneurs looking to build world-class technology companies. The Forum is one of the most respected resources for North American investors who seek to recognize, gain exposure to, and facilitate partnerships with the best and most promising Technology entrepreneurs and companies that are based in Canada.

Confirmed investors who will be present at the Forum thus far include: Blackberry Partners Fund, BC Advantage Fund, BDC Venture Capital Group, Cascadia Capital LLC, Celtic House Venture Partners, Yaletown Venture Partners, RBC Capital Partners and more. Those companies who are interested in presenting at the Forum need to apply in advance; all applications will be considered as they are received.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

27th November 2008

Nelvana Content On Demand Online

TorontoCorus Entertainment’s Nelvana will now offer its animated content on demand in the U.S., U.K., France and French-speaking Europe through Tribal Nova’s KidStudio online environment. Nelvana programs like 6teen, Tales from the Cryptkeeper and Di-Gata Defenders will be available depending upon the territory.

KidStudio is Tribal Nova’s movie studio-themed entertainment world featuring leading children’s brands targeted at a six- to twelve year-old audience. Offering games, online comic books, full-length episodes of favourite children’s shows and personalization features, it is a secure, immersive environment with kid-friendly navigation and instruction features.

KidStudio will be available on www.kidstudio.com and through several major games portals in all these territories.

“Our partnership with Tribal Nova is an important initiative in our international growth strategy for expanding our content to our audiences on the Internet,” said Peter Maule, Vice President of Home Entertainment and Digital Media, Nelvana Enterprises.

“We’re delighted to be working with Nelvana to feature its quality animated programs on our kid-friendly, secure immersive social networking virtual world KidStudio,” said Pierre Le Lann, Co-CEO of Tribal Nova.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Animation, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

26th November 2008

Home Sweet Home: Christmas Edition Is Out

London, OntarioBig Blue Bubble is proud to present “Home Sweet Home: Christmas Edition”! Christmas spirit has faded away in the town of Good Tidings. It’s up to you and your expert team of builders to help them out!

Make your clients happy by solving their riddle based requests and designing their dream room! You can design rooms in an infinite number of ways because you pick the type of furniture, its color, style, and where it goes. It’s going to take all of your New Tools and New Furniture to bring Style and Christmas Cheer to the Living Rooms, Offices, Basements, Kitchens, and Bathrooms of the townspeople.

The remarkably easy and intuitive drag and drop system and helpful tutorials will allow you jump right into designing rooms and making your clients happy. Santa needs you – so get designing!

Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Casual, Everyone, New Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

26th November 2008

Ontario’s Government Supports Innovative Economy

Toronto – Ontario is strengthening its economy with a $3.3 million investment in its cultural media industries. Sixteen initiatives received support through the province’s Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund. The fund was designed to help Ontario’s entertainment and creative industries grow and increase their competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The industries include commercial theatre, film and television production, interactive digital media, music recording, magazine and book publishing.

“Ontario’s cultural industries are a vital contributor to economic growth and prosperity in this province. This investment will help our cultural industries seize the economic opportunities before them and increase their competitive advantage in the global marketplace,” says Ontario’s Culture Minister Aileen Carroll.

The Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund is a three-year $7.5 million fund that was launched in September 2006 to stimulate growth in Ontario’s entertainment and creative industries by promoting capacity building, marketing, innovation and skills development. OMDC Chair, Kevin Shea said that “Since its inception, the Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund has provided support to 43 projects involving 285 partners with combined budgets of $15.9 million dollars, and the OMDC is proud to co-administer a fund that encourages innovation and fosters new business partnerships that encourage growth across Ontario’s cultural media industries and academic institutions.” The Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Culture that facilitates economic development opportunities for Ontario’s cultural media industries including book publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, magazine publishing, and music industries.

Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

  • Archives

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter


  • Select a list:

  • GWEN Radio
  • Gamers Giving Back