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  • 24 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    Telefilm Canada, in partnership with the Trade Commissioner Service, has organized the Meet the Producers SXSW 2022 Mentorship Program. They are accepting applications from Canadian production companies specializing in film or VR/AR production and planning to attend SXSW 2022 for the first time.

    The initiative will enable a maximum of 10 producers to benefit from exclusive and personalized guidance (networking, B2B meetings, market preparedness, etc.) to prepare for SXSW 2022. This will take place from January 15 to March 20, 2022 and programming leading up to the B2B event at SXSW will be virtual.

    The program will include:

    • Prep for international markets (DALAS, ROs, Telefilm) [virtual]
    • Pitch development session [virtual]
    • SXSW 101 session, hosted in partnership with SX staff [virtual]
    • B2B program at SXSW 2022 [in-person]
       

    ►Deadline for submission is Friday, December 3

    Click here for more info on eligibility requirements, selection criteria and process


     

  • 23 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    Discover what’s on the horizon for the digital economy at Canada’s 2022 Digital Future Summit this February, featuring perspectives from global and community leaders on business trends, markets, policy, and best practices.
     


    ICTC Horizon will be the largest virtual summit of its kind, drawing over 3,000 participants, including industry leaders, policy makers, innovative thinkers, and community participants.

    Internationally renowned keynote speaker, Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space, will kick off the summit. A roster of other insightful keynote presentations will include Johan Rockström, internationally recognized scientist on global sustainability issues; Ron Keller, expert on international financial, economic and geopolitical matters who was the former Dutch Ambassador in Russia, Turkey, China; and Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
     

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    Virtual | Free Admission
     

    World-Class Speakers
    You’ll hear diverse perspectives from 50+ global and community leaders that have an eye on the horizon.
     

    Exclusive Interactivity
    We’re not just talking about Q&A sessions. Meet the speakers in exclusive breakout rooms, network with thought leaders, and be part of a real-time discussion about the future of our digital economy.

    Community

    Keep the conversations going after it’s all done and revisit your favourite talks and content.
    Register today for ICTC Horizon to gain exclusive access to global leaders with an eye on our changing economic horizon!


    DigiBC is a proud community partner of ICTC Horizon.

     

  • 20 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    DigiBC members have the opportunity to connect with the Centre for Digital Media on R&D projects with their Master of Digital Media (MDM) students. This is a win-win scenario where companies can have R&D/proof-of-concept/playable demo work completed in a cost-effective partnership while assessing potential talent to hire. In turn, students make connections and can get real-world industry and portfolio experience. Check out the video below to hear about testimonials from past industry project clients.


    ►Contact Dennis Chenard (Dennis_chenard@thecdm.ca) for more info

     

     

    Click image above to view testimonial video

     


    Industry Project Details

    • Industry project partners can have R&D work completed in a cost-effective collaboration
    • Employers can develop, assess, and identify potential talent (new hires) before they graduate
    • Project partners become mentors and collaborators on the projects
    • The next round of in-house industry projects starts May 2022 (proposals due February 28)
    • Can search past database of projects by genre, client or project platform

     

    Simple 3-part Proposal Process

    1. Project high-level R&D idea(s)

    2. 1-2 team member bios and company boilerplate info

    3. Potential partnership ideas (like consider hiring grads/interns etc)

    Note: Projects must be research and development related (not work-for-hire or outsourcing but more proof-of-concept, proof-of-fun, prototype development related)

     

     

  • 19 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    Applications are open for the Unity for Humanity Grant, as well as the Imagine Grant that was created in partnership with artist and activist, Common.

    Creators making social-impact focused projects built in RT3D across VR, video games, AR, apps or animation are welcome to apply. Grant recipients will receive funding, technical support and mentorship. Applications are being acceipted until December 3, 2021.

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY

     

  • 18 Nov 2021 by DigiBC
    DigiBC member, Versatile Media announced last month the official opening of their virtual production facility located in Vancouver's Ironworks Building. The studio serves as the company’s Canadian headquarters, and it houses two motion tracking stages (each 3,500 sq ft) running on an Unreal pipeline.
     

    If you have an animation or live-action project, find out how a real-time capture and visualization workflow can extend creative freedom and add efficiency to your production. The facility is currently open for bookings, demos and tours.
     

    CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE


     

  • 18 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    On November 10, the HR Tech Group announced the release of their 2021 Diversity in Tech Dashboard, one of several initiatives stemming from the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Tech Project, launched in 2019 with funding from the Province of BC. The Diversity in Tech Dashboard reports year-over-year progress on representation of equity-deserving groups in the BC tech sector. The project aims to improve the attraction, retention and advancement of women, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people of colour, newcomers to Canada, and individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+ in skilled technology occupations throughout the province. 

    In 2021, 171 tech employers participated in the Diversity in Tech Dashboard survey, providing industry-wide data on DE&I policies and practices and employee representation. Now in its second year, participation in this year’s survey was up by approximately 27%, from 134 employers in 2020. This year, 38% of participating organizations reported already having company-wide DE&I goals in place, with an additional 43% considering or currently working on goal-setting.

    “It’s wonderful to see the enormous lift in participation levels this year, and we’re pleased to be able to provide valuable data and insights that highlight the importance of measuring representation within BC’s technology sector,” Said Stephanie Hollingshead, CEO, HR Tech Group. “Tech companies have struggled to build strong representation of equity-deserving populations across the province. It’s essential that we invest in the recruitment and development of diverse perspectives to meet the needs of this rapidly growing sector. In order to do this, we first need to understand where our gaps are in terms of representation.”

     

    Key findings related to how employees self-identify*:  

    • 8.3% of employees self-identified as 2SLGBTQQIA+
    • 2.9% representation of people with disabilities (apparent or non-apparent)
    • 0.7% representation of Indigenous peoples in BC’s tech sector

    * Based on survey results
     

    “Supporting more Indigenous, Black, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+, youth, and women enter the tech industry is a critical part of our work to build an inclusive and sustainable economy for everyone,” said Brenda Bailey, Parliamentary Secretary for Technology and Innovation. “Our government is committed to removing obstacles facing people from underrepresented communities, so that we can better support our growing tech sector with a workforce that represents the diversity of our province.”

    Key findings related to employee reporting on their gender identity*:

    • 66.6% self-identify as a man
    • 33.2% self-identify as a woman 
    • 0.2% self-identify as non-binary or other
    • 81% of the roles in human resources and 76% of the roles in administration are filled by women 
    • 23% of the roles in technology, design & support and manufacturing are filled by women
    • 31% of executive level roles are filled by women

    * Based on survey results


    While 41% of employees reported identifying as visible minorities, this dropped to just 19% at the executive level. The representation of visible minorities is highest in software engineer and developer roles, with 44.5% representation, relative to the 41% reported across all employees. 

    “The second year of HR Tech Group’s diversity data once again reveals the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at work. It’s encouraging to see the level of employer engagement with benchmarking diversity within the sector and the genuine momentum on the activation of policies, programs and initiatives to enhance inclusion. It’s clear that we still have work to do in advancing DE&I in BC’s tech sector, but we’re headed in the right direction. Through programs like the DE&I Tech Project, we are committed to helping tech companies put programs and policies in place to continue to move the needle,” adds Hollingshead. 

    The Diversity Dashboard showcases data from HR Tech Group’s 2021 Tech Salary Survey, which is produced in partnership with Mercer and includes data from 25,353 incumbents at 184 Canadian tech employers. For more information and to explore HR Tech Group’s Diversity in Tech Dashboard, visit: https://diversity.hrtechgroup.com/diversity-tech-dashboard.

     

    About HR Tech Group

    HR Tech Group is a non-profit association for HR, People and Culture professionals in Canada’s tech sector. The group produces Western Canada’s leading Tech Salary Survey and provides thought leadership, training, collaboration channels, DE&I resources and tech sector data. Our member community is instrumental to tech industry growth, and is connected through knowledge exchange, strong professional and mentoring networks and the sharing of benchmark data. Our 700 members lead and influence the HR, people and culture practices at over 200 tech companies in all tech sectors, including ICT, VFX and animation, interactive and digital entertainment, cleantech, AI, life sciences and more.


    Contact
    Stephanie Hollingshead
    HR Tech Group
    shollingshead@hrtechgroup.com

     

  • 17 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    The SXSW Gaming Awards celebrate the wide reach of gaming across areas such as art, design, narrative, gameplay, cultural innovation, and more. Enter any or all of the Gaming Awards categories that celebrate and recognize the best within the gaming world. Deadline to apply is December 9, 2021.
     

    LEARN MORE

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY

     

    2022 Categories

    • Game of the Year
    • Indie Game of the Year
    • Tabletop Game of the Year
    • VR Game of the Year
    • Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award
    • Excellence in Animation, Art, & Visual Achievement
    • Excellence in Game Design
    • Excellence in Original Score
    • Excellence in Multiplayer
    • Excellence in Narrative
    • Excellence in Audio Design
    • Excellence in Technical Achievement

    Final nominees for each category will be publicly announced in February 2022 and all nominees will receive two SXSW Platinum Registrations to attend SXSW 2022.

     

    Entry & Judging Process

    The Gaming Awards are open for entry from August to December of each year. All entries must be completed titles released during that calendar year.

    Once all entries are received, the judging process will begin for SXSW staff and an advisory board. Once the judging process concludes, SXSW will announce the final nominees for each category in February.

    Click here to view previous winners



  • 10 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting creative technology-related educational initiatives in the province, DigiBC is asking for your support through sponsorship of the BC Game Developers Innovation Award, in conjunction with the Science Fair Foundation of BC. This award is for students participating in virtual science fairs across the province in 2022.
     


    What You'll Get
    Any DigiBC member company who provides $1,000 in sponsorship will receive:

    • Their company name and logo listed on www.sciencefairs.ca
    • Acknowledgement in promotional materials
    • Acknowledgement on the Science Fair Foundation BC website
    • Acknowledgement on SFF BC social media channels


    In addition, if you would like to be involved in the fair for your region, you can help adjudicate the award, attend the virtual ceremony and help present the Game Developers Award. There are also likely to be opportunities for local media coverage. Not to mention the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping students participate in science-based learning. If sponsorship is oversubscribed we plan to use the remaining funds for any or all of:

    • Plaques for student winners to commemorate their achievements
    • Additional sponsorship to the Science Fair Foundation
    • Putting funds aside to support science fairs in future years
       

    If you would like to contribute to this co-sponsored award, please contact:

    ►Christina Florian, cflorian@sciencefairs.ca
    ►Mention you are a DigiBC member
    ►Deadline to confirm a donation is November 17, 2021
    ►Deadline to pay for your donation is November 30, 2021

    We look forward to your support!



    Why Sponsor?
    The idea grew out of a discussion between Yggy King (Blackbird Interactive) and Eric Jordan (Codename Entertainment). The award represents a great opportunity to give back to our local communities, promote STEM education in BC and generate some positive publicity for BC game developers.
     

    The Award
    This will be given to the student(s) whose project demonstrates creativity and innovation in computer science, mathematics, engineering or astronomy. The award encourages the participation of women, First Nations, and others traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields.

    Open to students in grades 7 to 12, the award includes a $50 cash prize for a junior project (grade 7-8), $100 for intermediate (9-10) and $150 for senior (11-12), and will be awarded at all 13 regional science fairs.


    Science Fairs
    The Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia serves to support, organize, stage and fundraise for science fairs in BC. This extends to local, regional, national & international science fairs where students supported by the foundation have consistently produced high standard projects. In British Columbia, 13 regional fairs are part of the nearly 100 fairs held every year across Canada. Each fair is affiliated with Youth Science Canada.
     

     

  • 08 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    GamesIndustry.Biz announced the winners of their ‘Best Places to Work Canada 2021 Awards’ today and we are proud to see some of our DigiBC member companies on this list.

    Congratulations to Relic Entertainment, Phoenix Labs and Hyper Hippo Entertainment, as well as Heidi Eaves (COO, Relic) for being named Canada's Best Boss and Hyper Hippo for picking up the Health & Wellbeing Award. 🏆

    This event is all about making the games industry a better place to work, and the bulk of the awards are based on an employee survey which covers numerous topics including working environment, work/life balance, management, diversity and more.


     

    CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST
     

     

  • 05 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    Mitacs is a national not-for-profit agency that supports and funds industry and academia collaborations through student placements. Their grant programs enable you to host student interns who are supervised by Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) faculty with expertise to solve your challenges. 

    ECU is interested in piloting this program to start with 12 Mitacs internships starting in late spring of 2022. This would draw from students who are in ECU's Bachelor of Arts program and specialize in animation and VFX.
     

    Click here to view the program slide deck


    ►Questions or inquiries can be directed to:

    Kyoko Ariyoshi
    Creative Sector Lead, Mitacs
    kariyoshi@mitacs.ca

    Alan Goldman
    Industry Liaison Research, Emily Carr University of Art + Design
    agoldman@ecuad.ca

     

  • 01 Nov 2021 by DigiBC

    DigiBC is proud to be one of the sponsors for this year’s Vancouver Asian Film Festival which is celebrating its 25th edition from November 4-14. The extended hybrid festival kicks off with four days of in-theatre events (Nov 4-7), followed by six days of on-demand programs (Nov 8-13), before one final live program and the closing awards ceremony on Nov 14. Don't miss out on their biggest festival to date which has 88 films to commemorate this milestone year. The eleven-day celebration will highlight an array of unique and outstanding talent, with both emerging and established Asian Canadian and Asian American writers, producers, and directors showcasing their latest work.
     

     

    The theme of this year’s VAFF, Past, Present & Possibilities, reflects on the festival’s illustrious achievements in these 25 years, celebrates how far they’ve come in elevating the profile of Asian Canadians in cinema, and looks to the future with a mission to keep spreading a message of inclusivity and help take Asian filmmaking to new heights. To this end, the theme is at the essence of VAFF25’s Feel the Vibe-Asian campaign. Featuring a multitude of Asian Canadian talent, Feel the Vibe-Asian carries a message of originality, boldness, and vitality, with a spirit of poise and grace.