Search form

Television Animation Conference Announces 2006 Lineup

Canadas only animation-specific industry forum, the Television Animation Conference (TAC), which returns to Ottawa Sept. 20-21, 2006, at the Château Laurier hotel, has announced its 2006 lineup.

Presented by the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), the 3rd annual TAC brings together leading production and distribution representatives from such companies as Cartoon Network, Family Channel, Lucasfilm Animation, Mainframe, Nelvana and Teletoon for panels and networking. Targeting 200 professionals in animation creation, production, distribution and marketing, the event has sold out each year and has drawn execs from across Canada, Australia, China, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S.

Each year TAC spotlights an emerging or growing market that offers new opportunities for Canadian producers. This year we are delighted to present Brazil as the country of focus. Brazil is already famed for its edgy advertising and distinguished feature films and now Brazils burgeoning animation industry is poised to make its mark internationally.

In an industry that relies on international markets, it is essential that Canada embrace innovations and new business possibilities around the world, states Maral Mohammadian, TAC director. Canadian producers and our television industry have tremendous appeal to foreign companies and Brazil has great promise as a potential new partner. The strong support we have seen from both our governments and private companies speaks to this potential.

Led by the Brazilian Independent Television Producers Association (ABPI-TV), a delegation of some of Brazils top execs will be here to meet with their Canadian counterparts. A special retrospective of contemporary Brazilian short and commercial films will be screened to help celebrate this new animation scene. This trade mission is being supported by the Canadian Consulate General, the Department of Canadian Heritage and Foreign Affairs Canada.

As always this years conference gives attendees the opportunity to hear experts discuss the latest topics in animation business and technology. This years keynote speaker is Michael Ouweleen, svp of development and creative direction at Cartoon Network and creator of the hit show HARVEY BIRDMAN: ATTORNEY AT LAW. Panels include "Cartoons on the Go: Tomorrows Media Landscape," which will explore the future of animation content on mobile platforms, "High Time for High-Definition," about how HD is settling into the mainstream and how producers can ensure they stay competitive and "Not Just For Kids," examining how the face of the cartoon audience is changing.

Returning to TAC this year is Pitch THIS!, the popular live event that features two producers pitching their projects to a panel of broadcasters, including Nickelodeon and PBS, and a roomful of potential buyers and partners. Producers interested in submitting their projects must do so by July 31. Submission details are available on the Festival website.

Now in its 30th year, the OIAF is the largest festival of its kind in North America and one of the most respected animation festivals in the world. Bringing art and industry together, the festival attracts production executives, artists, students and animation fans from across Canada and around the world. For further information regarding TAC, the festival and full pass options, visit www.animationfestival.ca or call (613)-232-8769.

Rick DeMott's picture

Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks