Cambridge Animation Systems, the exclusive developer of Animo software, has signed a five-year sponsorship with the Broadcast Educators Association of Canada (BEAC) to award the best student animator and his or her college or university. The total value of the sponsorship is more than CA$100,000. Under the annual program, students will create animation clips up to 60 seconds in length using traditional or digital animation processes. A panel of experts will judge the clips. "Cambridge Animation Systems' generous contribution will bring deserved recognition to the best animation talent in Canada," said BEAC president Michael Monty. "It will also provide an incentive that could encourage more students at colleges and universities in Canada to pursue a career in animation." Simon Ruffles, CAS' sales and marketing manager, said, "Cambridge Animation Systems is delighted to be a part of this program. For many years we have supplied software to a number of leading studios in Canada. Encouraging students to develop their passion and skills in animation can only be a good thing for the Canadian animation industry."