DigiBC is developing a new pilot program to provide work placement opportunities in the Creative Tech sector, supported by the Province of British Columbia. This exciting new initiative will create student placements within animation, visual effects, and XR companies across BC.

Offering new tailored resources for students and employers alike, the program will help students build successful careers in Creative Tech, while also supporting employers in hiring talented students. Further details about the new program will be available in late May. Stay tuned! 👀

►Click here to join our mailing list so you can stay informed!

To cap off Creative Technology Day, we’d like to highlight and acknowledge a few of the major awards and accolades that some of our members have received within the last year! 👏👏👏
 

Atomic Cartoons
• 2023 Kidscreen Hot50: Production Companies (#3)

Blackbird Interactive
• Homeworld 3 // Cover Feature (PC Gamer Magazine, January 2024)

DNEG
• Oppenheimer // Best Visual Effects (Critics Choice Awards)
• The Last of Us // Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie (Emmy Awards)

Doberman Pictures (Garnet Syberg-Olsen)
• Not Quite Narwhal // Best Art Direction Animation Series (Leo Awards)

Framestore
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3; Rocket // Outstanding Animated Character In A Photoreal Feature (VES Awards)

Sony Pictures Imageworks // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
• 7 x Annie Awards 2024
• 4 x Visual Effects Society Awards 2024
• Named 2nd Best Animated Movie of the 21st Century (IndieWire)

Think Tank Training Centre
• The Rookies - 2023 School Rankings: Game Design & Development (#3), Visual Effects (#4),
Top 50 Global Schools (#7), 3D Animation (#8)

Timbre Games
• Best Mid-Sized Companies (50-200 Employees) // Best Places to Work Canada 2023

Titmouse
• 2023 Kidscreen Hot50: Production Companies (#7)

Versatile Media
• New Air // 2 x Silver Awards: Visionary Use of Technology in Short Film & Innovative Sound Experience (Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology)

WildBrain Studios
• 2023 Kidscreen Hot50: Broadcasting (#10), Distribution (#5), Licensing (#4), Digital Media (#4)
• The Snoopy Show, Ninjago, Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School // 4 x Leo Awards
• Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie // Best Special Production (Annie Awards)

DigiBC member Strawberry Fields Interactive announced last week that Aexia is now available for early access on Steam. Aexia is a platform for creating, sharing and playing VR role-playing games. They also recently received some great coverage from industry reviewer, Matteo311. "We're checking out a truly unique VR experience. I've never tried anything exactly like Aexia. While this free-to-play title is still in early access, it already has excellent world building, role-playing and social interactions."

WATCH THE FULL REVIEW HERE

CHECK OUT AEXIA ON STEAM

Open Call for XR Producers

Gain Mentorship. Make Connections. Showcase Your Work.

Signals is back from September 27 to October 6, and this year we’re excited to unveil the Signals XR Producer’s Lab! 💡

This is a unique platform for those dedicated to XR, virtual production, and immersive storytelling, providing the necessary structure, tools and support to innovate, network, and showcase world-class projects at the 2024 Signals Creative Technology Expo.

👉 If you are a mid-career producer with a project already in development, or an early-career producer looking for hands-on learning, apply to the Signals XR Producer’s Lab and join a supportive and structured program surrounded by mentors and fellow innovators.

Spread the word and submit your application by April 18, 2024 to be a part of this exciting opportunity!

DigiBC member Think Tank Training Centre has once again partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Access Canada to sponsor five selected artists from underrepresented communities in Canada with full-time tuition to Think Tank’s online 3D art program, CG Asset Creation for Film or Games. This is designed to teach students how to layer essential technical skills with original artistic ideas, master real-world software, and develop an industry-ready portfolio. Highly personalized, hands-on and entirely online, the program helps young artists gain the crucial skills and connections needed to launch a rewarding career in the entertainment industry.
 

Scholarship Details:
• Applications are open from March 18 (9:00am EST) until April 19 (8:59pm EST)
• Five applicants selected as recipients
• Recipients receive tuition scholarship for Think Tank’s online CG Asset Creation for Film or Games
• All software provided by Think Tank

CLICK FOR MORE INFO & TO APPLY

The XP Game Developer Summit is back for 2024! Connect with global industry professionals to explore crucial industry trends, develop new and innovative business building opportunities, and help shape the future of gaming and video game IP. The event unites business leaders, developers, publishers, investors, artists, educators and industry organizations for a comprehensive networking and knowledge-sharing experience.

This year’s focus is on the critical role of IP in games and will feature a series of expert speakers, panels and masterclasses on identifying, building, expanding and exporting IP.  It also includes a Business Lounge with MeetToMatch matchmaking services, an exclusive VIP Lounge, and associated networking events.

DigiBC members are entitled to an exclusive discount on conference passes, a hotel discount, and have the opportunity to apply to be a speaker.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Use the code DIGIBCTOXP24 to receive a 15% discount on passes

HOTEL DISCOUNT BOOKING LINK

Deadline for preferred pricing is March 21 or when rooms sell out

SPEAKER APPLICATION FORM

Apply by April 12

It's awards season and we'd like to congratulate all of our Animation & VFX member companies that have been nominated at this year's Academy Awards, VES Awards, Annie Awards, Kidscreen Awards, GLAAD Media Awards, BAFTAs, NAACP Image Awards and Producers Guild of America Awards.

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Visual Effects Society Awards
Winners announced on February 21, 2024

Scanline VFX
Outstanding Effects Simulations in a Photoreal Feature // Nyad
 

Framestore
Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in a Feature // Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature //Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a CG Project //Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
Outstanding Effects Simulation in an Episode // Invasion S02 (A Voice from the Other Side)
Outstanding Animated Character in a Photoreal Feature // Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 (Rocket)
Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project // Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 (The Arete)
Outstanding Created Environment in a Photoreal Feature // Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 (Knowhere)

Sony Imageworks
Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a CG Project // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Effects Simulations in an Animated Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in a Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Spider HQ)

DNEG
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature // Oppenheimer
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature // Nyad
Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature // Nimona
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode // The Last of Us S01 (Infected)
Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in an Episode  // The Last of Us
Outstanding Animated Character in a Photoreal Feature // Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Bringing Topo to Life)
Outstanding Created Environment in an Episode, Commercial, Game Cinematic, or Real-time Project  // The Last of Us (Post-Outbreak Boston)
 

Annie Awards
Winners announced on February 17, 2024

Titmouse
Best TV/Media – Mature // Scavengers Reign (The Signal)
Best Production Design - TV/Media // Scavengers Reign (The Storm)
Best Writing - TV/Media // Scavengers Reign  
Best TV/Media – Mature // Big Mouth (The International Show)
Best Music - TV/Media // Animaniacs (Talladega Mice)
Best Editorial - TV/Media // The Legend of Vox Machina (The Sunken Tomb)

DNEG Animation
Best Feature // Nimona
Best Character Animation - Feature // Nimona
Best Character Design - Feature // Nimona
Best Direction - Feature // Nimona
Best Production Design - Feature // Nimona
Best Storyboarding - Feature // Nimona
Best Voice Acting - Feature // Nimona (Chloe Grace Moretz)
Best Writing - Feature // Nimona
Best Editorial - Feature // Nimona
 

Sony Imageworks
Best Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Direction - Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Editorial - Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best FX - Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Music - Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Character Design - Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Production Design - Feature // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

WildBrain Studios
Best Special Production // Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie
 

Kidscreen Awards

Winners announced on February 5, 2024

WildBrain Studios
Best One-Off, Special or TV Movie // Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie

Titmouse
Best New Series - Preschool Programming // Pupstruction
Best New Series - Kids Programming // Kiff

GLAAD Media Awards
Winners announced on March 14 (Los Angeles) & May 1 (NYC)

DNEG Animation
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film - Animated // Nimona

WildBrain Studios
Outstanding Children’s Programming // Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film - Animated // The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder S2
 

Academy Awards
Winners announced on March 10, 2024

Framestore
Best Visual Effects // Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

DNEG Animation
Best Animated Feature  // Nimona

Sony Pictures Imageworks
Best Animated Feature  // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

BAFTAs
Winners announced on February 18, 2024

DNEG Animation
Best Animated Film  // Nimona

Framestore
Special Visual Effects  // Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

Producers Guild of America Awards
Winners announced on February 25, 2024

Sony Pictures Imageworks
Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

NAACP Image Awards
Winners announced on March 16, 2024

Disney Animation
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture // Wish
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance in a Motion Picture // Wish (Ariana DeBose)

Sony Pictures Imageworks
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture // Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

WildBrain Studios
Outstanding Animated Series // The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder S2
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (TV) // The Proud Family: Louder & Prouder S2 (Keke Palmer)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (TV) // The Proud Family: Louder & Prouder S2 (Kyla Pratt)

DRAGONS’ DEN gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls - the Dragons. Successful pitchers will have a chance to earn real investment from the Dragons’ own pockets! This is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to apply and pitch their business concept for the chance to appear on national television.

Auditions for season 19 will kick off February 2024 and they will be hosting both virtual and in-person auditions in a few select, major cities. All applicants must apply through the online system, regardless if you are attending an in-person audition or a virtual audition. Selected applicants will be contacted in February 2024 to schedule an audition. Those who are invited to film for the show will need to be available for 1-2 days in Toronto in spring 2024.
 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE