Media Advisory - Countdown to Shaw Rocket Prize 2013

National Kids Jury will choose from nine finalists;

Three $25,000 winners to be unveiled at Ottawa Gala November 20

OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Excitement is building as a new and improved Shaw Rocket Prize has been unveiled!  This year, the prize has been split into three prizes of $25,000 for three separate categories: preschool, children (6-12) and youth/family.  Finalists were selected by a kids jury.

Cast and crew, industry representatives, members of the Ottawa and political community and media will be once again attending the ceremony at the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel to find out who will win.

Attendance at the Ottawa event is once again encouraged and, for those covering, interview requests are being accepted for advance coverage as well as following the announcement of the winners.

The evening will be hosted by Susan Hay and Tom Clark and prizes will be awarded by the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Date:	November 20, 2013
Time:	6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. (gala reception at 6 P.M.; awards at 7 P.M.)
Where:	Château Laurier, Adam Room 1 Rideau St. Ottawa, ON

For more information about the Prize and Shaw Rocket Fund, please visit www.rocketfund.ca

Twitter: @RocketFund
#ShawRocketPrize

Facebook: Shaw Rocket Fund

THE FINALISTS

PRESCHOOL

Bookaboo
Production Company: Cité Amérique

« Bookaboo! Bookaboo! Bookaboo! » Bookaboo is a world famous drumming rock puppy who tours across Canada with his band on the bookabus, playing to packed stadiums of adoring fans. However, there's just one hitch for our rock puppy superstar… "Without a story a day, I just can't play!"

Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood
Production Company: 9 Story Entertainment

Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood is an animated preschool series featuring Daniel, a shy but brave 4 year old tiger, who lives in the beloved Neighbourhood of Make Believe. With the help of his neighbours, family, and friends - O the Owl, Prince Wednesday and Katerina Kitty - Daniel has fun and learns key skills necessary for school and for life.

Roll Play
Production Company: Sinking Ship Entertainment

Roll Play mixes puppet-based adventures with live action exercise for a fun mix of story-telling and physical fitness. In front of a black background, colourful puppets act out children's stories by renowned Canadian artists. Sharing the screen with the puppets are kids who match the puppets' actions. Children at home can jump, stomp, shimmy, roll and play along with their peers on-screen. Kids love stories, pretending and getting physical, so they not only watch, but also participate.

CHILDREN 6 - 12

Almost Naked Animals (Season 3)
Production Company: 9 Story Entertainment

Based on the quirky designs of Noah Z. Jones, Almost Naked Animals features an ensemble cast of underwear-clad animals, set in a beachfront hotel named The Banana Cabana. Led by Howie, The Banana Cabana is home to mayhem, destruction and general debauchery…mostly at the hands of Howie! But he can't take all the credit. Surrounding Howie are his best friends and fellow employees including Nervous Octo at the front desk, excitable event coordinator Bunny and handy animal Duck.

Rocket Monkeys
Production Company: Breakthrough Entertainment

When facing rogue black holes, vengeful aliens, criminal masterminds, and rifts in the evil dimension, the universe turns to its bravest and brightest to save the day. When those guys are busy, the universe is stuck with the Rocket Monkeys. Carrying out a wide range of important missions, brothers Gus and Wally tend to cause more intergalactic calamity than they actually prevent. Luckily, they have plenty of help from YAY-OK, their dashing and devoted (if slightly outdated) robot.

The Next Step
Production Company: Temple Street Productions

As the A-Troupe dancers prepare for the regional dance competition, relationships and loyalties are put to the test at the Next Step studio. The Next Step Dance Studio is holding auditions for the ten dancers in A-Troupe that could take the studio to Regionals this year. With the arrival of an amazing new dancer, no performer's spot is guaranteed. 

YOUTH/FAMILY

Animism: The Gods' Lake
Production Company: Zeros 2 Heroes Media

Animism chronicles the adventures of Mel Ravensfall, a 17 year old environmental activist who discovers that her efforts to save the Gods' Lake are just the smallest skirmish in a much wilder war between the supernatural forces of the Mother, the Trickster and the Wetiko. Animism is told as a true transmedia story: the televised series is peppered with clues that lead the audience to an alternate reality game, fan fiction collection, downloadable game and augmented reality graphic novel. 

Blackbird
Production Company: Story Engine Pictures Inc.

A rebellious teenager's online postings lead to false accusations of planning a school shooting and a police investigation. Committed to prison to await trial, the teen must survive a harrowing conflict with a gang leader while fighting to redeem himself with his community and the girl he loves. Winner of Best Canadian First Feature Film at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, BLACKBIRD is a remarkable portrait of modern youth facing a dangerous hyper-connected world.

The Phantoms
Production Company: Dream Street Pictures Inc.

Inspired by real events, The Phantoms is a 2-hour made for television movie that follows a newly formed high school basketball team and its difficult road to success after a devastating crash takes the lives of seven players and the wife of the coach. Against all odds, the ragtag group gels as a team, advancing towards the championship while lifting the spirit of the small east coast town. The Phantoms is a moving story about determination, courage, healing, and the power of community. 

 

SOURCE: Shaw Rocket Fund

Jacquie LaRocque
ENsight Canada
[email protected] (email preferred)
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