The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.

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Franny’s Feet Online is the interactive sidekick to Decode Entertainment’s television series Franny’s Feet.

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Len Pendergast has joined Independent Film Financing Inc. as VP. He will oversee all aspects of accessing and administering global incentives on behalf of the company’s clients, and for sourcing and implementing new business opportunities for it and LA-based Comerica Enteratainment Group. Perndergast was previously director of tax credits for the Ontario Media Development Corp. That position will be filled on an acting basis by Gina Vanni, and a competition held to fill it permanently.

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Clarkson promises new media will be a priority
New Telefilm Canada head Wayne Clarkson told an audience February 3 that new media will be an important priority in his leadership of the agency. In a speech to the Canadian Film and Television Production Association annual meeting, he told listeners that new media’s "creative opportunities are only beginning to be revealed. The road ahead is filled with risk. It takes courage, leadership and financial commitment." Clarkson thanked Canadian Heritage minister Liza Frulla for an announcement the same day that the agency’s Canada New Media Fund would be bolstered by a further $5-million next year, before continuing: "With the additional resources, which will increase as the industry evolves, Telefilm will continue to help Canada maintain its competitive edge. These are exciting times with new ways of disseminating culture and new kinds of content creation. Innovations in web, gaming and wireless applications present new challenges and new prospects; now is not the time to fall behind." Clarkson addressed several new media issues in an exclusive interview with Decima Reports, which will be featured in an upcoming issue.

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The Canadian new media industry’s marquee trade show appears to finally be on solid footing under new owners Achilles Media. Julia Walden, who has been hired by Achilles to oversee the production of nextMEDIA, tells Canadian NEW MEDIA that the show is set to proceed June 11 and 12 in Banff, just before the Banff Television Festival.

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An expanded Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA) program sees the involvement this year of Ontario’s New Media Business Alliance (NMBA) and the Society of Wired Women to judge nominations. The event, to be held at the Carlu Theatre in Toronto May 30, sees the NMBA and its fellow Canadian coalition of new media associations and Wired Women providing the judges to over-see the selection of 19 award winners. One award, for outstanding contribution to the industry, is being chosen by CNMA founder Adam Froman.

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New made-in-Canada online ad format standards are being touted as an important way to reduce the cost of advertising online. On January 17, the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada (IAB Canada) announced three new formats on which its members would standardize: a super banner, big box and skyscraper. Common pixel and file sizes will be used by all of IAB Canada’s approximately 70 members. It’s hoped the Canadian Universal Ad Package will reduce the costs and inefficiencies associated with planning, buying and creating online media.

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New media content producers are becoming edgy about the fate of the Inukshuk Learning Plan fund in the wake of a takeover of parent company Microcell Telecommunications Inc. by Rogers Wireless Inc. One producer who has asked to remain anonymous was invited to submit a second phase application to the fund after an expression of interest phase. That second application was submitted in July, and there have apparently been no decisions yet made. The producer was told by fund administrators only that "the evaluation process is taking longer than expected."

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Canada Post hopes to build on its position of trust in the Canadian marketplace to deliver targeted interactive advertising to consumers. The company is testing a new service dubbed fetch that entices potential customers to ask for more information on items they see advertised in print, hear on radio and see on television.

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Canadian Heritage has announced that the Canada New Media Fund, administered by Telefilm Canada, will be increased to $14 million for 2005/06. The announcement was made February 3 at the Canadian Film and Television Production Association’s annual conference by Canadian Heritage minister Liza Frulla. The additional $5 million will be welcomed by the new media industry, which has been lobbying hard for an increase in the fund to over $30 million per year. "The Canada New Media Fund is an important part of many success stories and has fostered the creation of innovative products," said minister Frulla at the event. " The government of Canada is proud to encourage this thriving industry."

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