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International New Media Festival -
Banff Television Foundation Comes on Board
(Banff, Alberta, Canada, February 6, 2003) The Banff Television Foundation, the Atlantic Digital Media Festival Society and Technology PEI announced today a new deal with regard to the annual International New Media Festival (INMF) held in Brudenell, PEI. Under the terms of the deal the Banff Television Foundation becomes the FestivalÌs owner, organizer, manager and producer; Technology PEI retains its role as the lead sponsor with a strong five year commitment to the Festival; and the Atlantic Digital Media Society relinquishes its role with the event. The Festival will continue to operate in Prince Edward Island with the seventh edition taking place in October 2003.
"This is a very exciting acquisition for the Foundation," said Pat Ferns, president and CEO of the Banff Television Foundation. "We have had a long association with the INMF through CyberPitch and professional development exchanges so we already feel that we are family. Our COO, Jim Byrd, has been instrumental in putting this deal together. The enthusiasm of Technology PEI gives us great confidence that we can build a world-class brand for this leading edge event."
Technology PEI, the Government of Prince Edward Island's lead agency in the development of the information technology and media production sectors, is the major lead funder of the International New Media Festival joining a number of other public and private sector partners in hosting the event. "We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Banff Television Foundation and believe a bright future for the International New Media Festival is now assured," said Scot MacDonald, director of investment for film, television and new media with Technology PEI. "We believe our continued investment in this event and the addition of the Banff brand will only enhance Prince Edward IslandÌs growing reputation as a world class new media development location."
The International New Media Festival is a three-day event attracting new media producers, industry visionaries, professionals, artists and innovators from around the world who take part in a number of interactive panels, sessions and new media screenings focusing on the creative process and elements necessary for the development of exceptional new media content. Other attendees include developers, buyers, broadcasters and investors who help identify current growth opportunities and future trends in the industry. As part of the Festival, the Awards competition recognizes creative achievement and innovative works by new media producers world-wide.
The Festival's mission is to provide an annual creative retreat for new media producers to focus on the creative process and content development; to help foster an innovative, vibrant and productive new media industry; to showcase the work of new media producers and professionals; and to deliver a unique and rewarding experience.
The International New Media Festival was first held in 1997 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. It then moved to Baddeck, Cape Breton for four years before relocating to Prince Edward Island and The Rodd Brudenell River Resort in 2002. The Resort is an attractive and functional venue offering inspiring surroundings and a casual networking atmosphere that has become a trademark of the Festival. Welcoming the international event to PEI was Development & Technology Minister, Mike Currie. "We are pleased to keep this world-class event in Atlantic Canada and we look forward to continuing the successful tradition of the Festival here in Prince Edward Island. With the new Atlantic Technology Centre in Charlottetown, we believe our relationship with the Festival is another valuable asset in our growing list of achievements in the emerging new media sector."
New Deal for International New Media Festival Past Attendees of the International New Media Festival describe the event to be a valuable business and networking opportunity.
"The Festival was great, I know that all of us from the north west found it fantastic on many different levels: work, contacts and play." Gareth Langley, Manchester
"I think the event was spectacular and I hope to be a part of the Fest next year." Brian Vescovi, Seattle
"It was a fantastic opportunity to make contact with like-minded professionals in the Maritimes." Douglas Carrigan, Burbank.
The Banff Television Foundation is a management organization for some of the worldÌs leading television and new media industry events, including the Banff Television Festival, the World Congress of History Producers, the World Congress of Science Producers, the Alliance Atlantis Banff Television Executive Program and now the International New Media Festival. Its mission is to inspire innovation in content creation, celebrate excellence in programming in Canada and around the world, and provide learning and business opportunities for creators and other industry professionals.
For More Information: |
Heidi Bobiak
Communications Manager
Banff Television Foundation
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Sarah Pearson
Communications Assistant
Banff Television Foundation
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