Animation Studio to Open in Winnipeg

Opus Animation to launch with production of animated feature film

September 18, 2012 (Winnipeg MB) -- Opus Visual Effects and Buffalo Gal Pictures are pleased to announce the opening of an animation studio in Winnipeg, called Opus Animation. The news was released at a press conference this morning.

Opus Animation has already begun hiring animators for its first project – a feature film called Emma’s Wings: A Bella Sara Tale. A co-production between Winnipeg’s Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc., Winnipeg’s Opus Visual Effects, and Entremedia Digital Films Inc. from Toronto, Emma’s Wings: A Bella Sara Tale is the first movie based on Bella Sara, the popular brand and virtual fantasy world of horses that originated in Denmark. The 3D feature movie will be released in 2013. It is the first animated feature being produced in Winnipeg.

“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Entremedia to make this movie in Manitoba, and be able to expand our animation industry,” says Phyllis Laing, president of Buffalo Gal Pictures and Opus Visual Effects. “The entire world of Bella Sara is not only magical and engaging, but empowering for young girls. We could not be more excited to part of the team bringing this universe to life.”

“We have a lot of expertise at this type of CGI animation,” says Dan Krech, president of Entremedia. “The team at The Bella Sara Company has done a great job with their art development and branded characters. Our job will be to bring the fantasy world of Bella Sara to life in a way that will be entertaining and engaging to everyone. We’re glad to be bringing this project to Manitoba.”

JOB CREATION & INDUSTRY EXPANSION

Production of Emma’s Wings: A Bella Sara Tale will take place beginning this fall at Opus Animation – a commercial animation studio being established in Winnipeg, which will be located in the Exchange District. The project has already hired eight people, and will be adding another 16 more in coming weeks. In total, 45 positions will be created over the 44 week duration of the project. It is anticipated that 80% of the present jobs will be filled by Manitobans this year, with a goal of 100% within two years.

This exciting media industry expansion is a clear demonstration of how the Manitoba government's support for Manitoba’s motion picture industry has facilitated the growth of Manitoba production companies. Existing production incentives managed by Manitoba Film & Music, and industry development support provided by On Screen Manitoba have played a significant role in creating a favorable context for Manitoba companies to develop new business opportunities, like expanding the animation sector.

TRADITION OF ANIMATION

Manitoba has a long tradition of animation, and has been ‘put on the map’ by many renowned animation filmmakers such as Cordell Barker (The Cat Came Back) and Anita Lebeau (Big Drive). Manitoba companies with a current stake in the animation business include DACAPO, a professional audio production company that records voice actors and provides audio post-production for animated TV series and feature films. Mid Canada Production Services offer visual effects content for any application, and Merit Motion Pictures and Les Productions Rivard are also developing animation projects.

ABOUT OPUS VISUAL EFFECTS

Opus is a leading visual effects company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With over a decade of experience, the Opus team has been instrumental in the realization of numerous CG effects in projects ranging from large Hollywood productions (Avatar, Superman Returns, X-Men, Swordfish) to independent films and TV miniseries (Storm of the Century, The Big Empty). They specialize in 3D animation, digital compositing, green screen integration, SFX animation/particle work, pre-visualization and stereoscopic work. www.opusvfx.com

ABOUT BUFFALO GAL PICTURES
Buffalo Gal Pictures (Buffalo Gal) is an independent film and television production company based in Winnipeg. Led by Phyllis Laing and Liz Jarvis, Buffalo Gal has developed and produced many challenging and diverse projects by creating collaborative relationships with creative talent and building successful co-production partnerships nationally and internationally. The company has produced over 20 feature films, seven award-winning documentaries, nine feature-length dramas, and nine documentaries. Their team of seasoned producers and staff manage business affairs, budgeting, script break-downs, accounting, and tax credit administration. www.buffalogalpictures.com

ABOUT ENTREMEDIA DIGITAL FILMS

Entremedia Digital Films Incorporated (Entremedia) produces and develops animated family entertainment, including feature films, television specials and episodes, direct to DVD content, and visual effects elements for live action features and content for audiences around the world. Based out of Toronto, founders Dan Krech and Jeff Bell have been industry leaders in the field of CG animation for film, television and digital content creation for more than three decades, and are responsible for hundreds of computer generated programs including Veggie Tales, 9, Everyone’s Hero, and most recently, Dinosaur Revolution. www.entremedia.ca

ABOUT ON SCREEN MANITOBA

On Screen Manitoba leads the development of a dynamic media production industry, recognized internationally for its world class creative and technical talent. Manitoban companies work in all genres, in both English and French, and have access to some of the best production incentives in Canada. www.onscreenmanitoba.com

ABOUT MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC

As a provincial leader and champion for the film and music industries, Manitoba Film & Music (MFM) works with Manitoba’s industry partners, government and the private sector to support sustainable industries. MFM serves as an ambassador of the industry and of Manitoba by promoting local companies outside of the province and by attracting production and investment to Manitoba. www.manitobafilmmusic.ca

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
RoseAnna Schick, RAS Creative
Winnipeg, Manitoba
204-783-7600 / rascreative@yahoo.ca
www.ras-creative.com

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Animation Studio to Open in Winnipeg