Emerging digital media hub in Toronto positions Ontario as a global centre for television, film, animation, gaming and interactive media industries OAKVILLE, ON, July 10 /CNW/ - Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning applauded the latest investment into the digital media industry in Ontario after the provincial government announced a $263 million investment into game developer, Ubisoft. "The investment by the provincial government is another key step in securing Ontario's future as a global hub for digital media companies," said Dr. Rob Turner, President and CEO, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. "Not only do these moves make economic sense, they make tremendous business sense. The Greater Toronto Area is home to some of the most highly skilled artists and technical trades people these industries rely upon for their workforces. It's the perfect environment for digital media industries to grow and thrive." Sheridan is a leading educator in the digital media space, with internationally renowned programs in television and film production, and animation. While historically, animation students started careers in television and film, nearly half of Sheridan's animation graduates now go on to become the backbone of game development in the video game industry across North America. "The province's investments into animation and gaming will undoubtedly attract other companies to locate here as well," added Turner. "Sheridan has long been a leader in digital media education and has close relationships with industry. We look forward to playing a key role in ensuring the graduates supporting this burgeoning sector of Ontario's economy are experts in the latest technology and have the skills the industry needs to compete in a global market for entertainment and gaming."
Sheridan leading the way in digital media research
In June, Sheridan was awarded a $2.3 million grant from the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to establish a unique new
research centre for screen-based industries.
The Digital Media Centre for Real-time Production will take a
revolutionary approach to research, technology development, education and
innovation, and will be located in the heart of the filmmaking industry in
Toronto.
The Centre's mission is to conduct world-class research into film,
digital cinema and high definition imaging technologies in a wide variety of
areas from capture to delivery and archiving. It was conceived and launched by
Sheridan and will operate in partnership with creative industries and three
levels of government.
The Centre has also received $300,000 in support from the Ontario
government's Ontario Media Development Corporation.