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DAILY NEWS
Jul 11, 2008 7:26 AM
Elans Add VFX to Video Game and Animation Awards Show
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The 3rd Annual Elan Awards, a Vancouver-based video games and animation festival, will open all its categories to world-wide submission, organizers have announced.
There were several developments described by the producers of the Elans, including the addition of Visual Effects award categories.
The next show takes place in Vancouver on Saturday, February 28, 2009.
"Expanding the Elans to international content is an exciting next-step," said Ian Verchere, Producer/Creative Director/Faculty, Masters of Digital Media Program. "Vancouver's video game, effects and animation industries compete on the world stage for commercial and critical success, so it's appropriate for the world's best games, animation and special effects to compete for the Elans on a Vancouver stage."
Producers Holly Carinci and Jack Weatherell also announced the Board of Advisors for their 3rd Annual Elan Awards 2009.
The luminaries behind the Elans this year are:
Anthony Brown, Managing Dir of Bus Development, Seven Group;
Doug Binkley, Marketing, Seven Group;
Doug Campbell, President, Spin West VFX;
Ian Verchere, Creative Director, Masters of Digital Media Program;
Michael Matrick, Tech Business Advisor;
Kay Gruenwoldt, Head of Title Marketing, North America, Nokia;
Kelly Zmak, Radical Entertainment, President;
Tarrnie Williams, General Manager, RELIC Entertainment
The President of Radical Entertainment, Kelly Zmak, explained his reasons for accepting a position on the ELAN's Board of Advisors: "The ELANS represent a unique opportunity for the industry to honour and acknowledge the talents and artistry of the people who make games," says Zmak. "We do this as our chosen profession: The ELANS provide a perfect setting to celebrate this powerful form of entertainment and art."
Kay Gruenwoldt, Head of Title Marketing in North America for Nokia, added, "The Elan Awards have already been a highlight for us in Vancouver this year and we are looking forward to next year's event. With roughly 3.3 billion mobile devices in the market today the world is ready for mobile gaming and our N-Gage games are ready for the awards."
The 3rd Annual Elan Awards 2009 have already acquired a great partnership this year with the Seven Group. The Seven Group provides end-to-end technology solutions and has designed and built the infrastructure for some of the biggest Video Game, Visual Effects and Animation studios in the world. The Seven Group will be overseeing the technical aspects of the Elans and their surrounding events and galas ensuring a flawless, state-of-the-art production.
"We see the ELANS as representing the best-of-the-best and the pinnacle of recognition for excellence in this spectacular industry," said Anthony Brown, Seven Group's Managing Director of Business Development. "We're so very proud to be a part of it; to be able to show our support and to participate in such a global movement."
Doug Binkley, Seven Group's Marketing Director, went on to say, "The ELANS allow this incredible industry to have recognition and applause from peers and public alike. More and more people, businesses, sponsors, up-and-comers and organizations want to take part."
Brown summarized: "The ELANS are a truly red carpet event. Everything is first class, with "A" list hosts, tuxedos and evening gowns, and the upper echelon of industry big wigs in attendance. Our company got more exposure from the ELANS than from any other event we have ever been part of. It's about time that this industry was recognized for its contribution to arts and entertainment. We will be a part of the ELANS for many years to come."
