TON Tuesday- Interactive Entertainment
TON Tuesday - Interactive Entertainment
November 24, 2009, 5:30-7:30 pm
hosted by bitHeads Inc.
1309 Carling Avenue
(entrance at east end of Westgate Shopping Centre)
Focus on Interactive Entertainment - Definition, Wikipedia - The phrase Interactive Entertainment also known as video games refers to the business of producing and distributing products and services, or the products and services, of which the entertainment value (or outcomes) can be influenced by users through direct feedback. Come hear our distinguished speakers talk about interactive entertainment, their role in it, what it takes to run a successful business, and Ottawa’s strong play in this industry. Also, does it go beyond the definition as entertainment, and what value does it bring as a tool to life’s other endeavours including business influence, education and training? Come join us for what should prove to be an interactive discussion!!
Scott Simpson, CEO & Co-founder, Playbrains - Scott is the co-founder and CEO of Playbrains, an emerging development studio in Ottawa, Canada. Playbrains released its first game title to critical acclaim on console and PC this summer and is dedicated to digitally-distributed fun, blurring the lines between downloadable and retail games. Scott is also the CEO of the award-winning services company bitHeads and is a member of the board of directors for ITAC and Interactive Ontario. Scott is a contributor and advisor to many of Ottawa’s tech start-up success stories.
Nick Iannitti - Director of Communications, Fuel Industries - Nick is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for evangelizing the Fuel Industries brand to media and to industry. An avid member of the digital community, he has written and researched extensively on the subject of social media, gaming and marketing, and the role of agencies and creative studios in the changing media landscape.Nick also manages Fuel’s social media services division-in this capacity, he has developed and implemented online strategies for a number of international brands, including HBO, Microsoft, Fox Home Entertainment, Ubisoft and others. Over the course of his career, Nick has worked as a PR specialist, advertising writer and strategist, and as manager of communications and development for a national non-profit organization.He has recently spoken at the CMA’s Digital Marketing and nextMEDIA conferences in Toronto, as well as at the 2009 Television Animation Conference on the subject of Branded Entertainment. Nick holds a degree in Mass Communications from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Kenton White, Adjunct Professor, Carleton University - Kenton has over 20 years experience in media and telecommunications. In the late 80’s, Kenton worked in Los Angeles on numerous feature films and television properties (some you may have even heard of!). Through the 90’s he made the transition to digital media and the internet age, working first for DARPA and later joining Nortel here in Ottawa. Most recently Kenton was the founder and CTO of DISTIL Interactive, an award winning creator of eLearning and serious games. Kenton has a PhD in Physics & Applied Mathematics from the University of Arizona.
Joshua Ostrowalker - Chief Technology Officer, Magmic Games - Joshua has worked on leading edge technology products since 1995. After completing a degree in Computer Science at Carleton University, he was one of the first members of the Java Research and Development team at Corel. Upon joining Beduin Communications in 1998, he developed a personal information manager as part of a suite of applications for Java-enabled devices. Joshua went on to work for Sun Microsystems after Sun acquired Beduin, and helped to build an XHTML Basic browser and MIDP 2.0. In his role as VP of Technology at Magmic Games, Joshua continues to drive innovation and growth in all areas of development.
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