News for 2009

This project has been over two-years in the making with the goal of creating a globally recognized certification centre to increase jobs for the Manitoba new media industry. Our hands-on training lab is filled with Macintosh Pro Dual Quad Core 3 GHZ Computers sporting pristine dual 24" Apple Displays. So what does this mean to you? Wicked fast computers and big-ass monitors are perfect for learning a new application!

Out of the gate we're proud to announce our first worldwide certification is Aperture 101, Introduction to Aperture 2

Written by Kevin Hnatiuk on Thursday, 08 October 2009

We could really use your input on Apple App Certification and iPhone Training for this Fall.

After two years in the making we are VERY pleased to announce that starting in October, we'll be offering Apple Pro Certification courses in OS X, Aperture, Logic, Final Cut Pro, and associate certification in iLife and iWork!

Over the past few years, there has been a demand from the Manitoba new media industry for benchmarking and accreditation in all aspects of digital media. Offering our first Apple certified courses in our Apple Authorized Training Center is a major initiative to deliver certification that will provide you with industry wide recognition around the globe!

Before we start scheduling courses we want to hear from you, so we know which ones to offer first. Please fill out the following survey at http://surveymonkey.com. It will only take 5 minutes of your time, and we will be selecting 10 random participants to receive a free renewal (or first signup) of their New Media Manitoba annual membership dues.

BECOME AN APPLE CERTIFIED TRAINER ON OUR DIME

We are also accepting applications for people wishing to become part-time Apple Certified Trainers in OS X, Aperture, Logic and Final Cut Pro. We have 5 open positions and are looking for people willing to take the Train the Trainer course from Apple, and teach in our new Apple Authorized Training Center at 1000 Waverly. What is the cost to you? If you're accepted, the cost is nothing. We have received unprecedented funding for 5 talented and sincere (not to mention lucky) Manitobans to take ‘Train the Trainer’ training from Apple that would ordinarily cost well over $1500 in tuition fees alone!

In order to qualify to become an Apple Certified Trainer, you must have a MINIMUM of three years experience with Apple's Pro Apps in the field as an editor, VFX artist, Photographer, DVD author, sound designer, or be a teacher with experience in these fields. If you're interested in applying to become an Apple Certified Trainer, please send your resume, and a cover letter detailing your professional experience and why you would make a great Apple Certified Trainer to our Certification Coordinator at kert@newmediamanitoba.com.

We will be accepting applications until September 12th, so get your applications in as soon as possible. If you know someone who may be interested, but is not a part of New Media Manitoba, please feel free to pass this message along to any interested parties. We can only send the best candidates so if you know someone who would be awesome, send them our way!

This is an incredible opportunity for all Manitobans!  Having our own Apple Certified Trainers in Manitoba means that rather than having to send yourself or your staff to another city or country to be trained, you will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of being Pro certified in Winnipeg without incurring gobs of extra costs.

WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME APPLE CERTIFIED?

Being Apple certified raises your earning potential, distinguishes you from others in the industry, increases your marketability, allows you to stay relevant in your field and advance more quickly in your career.

As an Apple Certified Pro, you will be recognized as a highly skilled user of your chosen application and will have the ability to differentiate yourself to employers and colleagues as a Certified Pro to promote career growth. You will also receive a certificate from Apple distinguishing you as an Apple Certified Pro and will have the right to use the Apple Certified Pro logo on your business cards and website.

For more information browse the Apple Training website here: http://training.apple.com/certification

If you have any questions or want more information about the Apple Certified Pro certification process, or becoming an Apple Certified Trainer, please email our Certification Coordinator Kert Gartner at kert@newmediamanitoba.com

Thanks and we hope to hear from you soon!

It's a question I ask myself regularly. When the answer isn't, "ten feet tall and bullet proof" I start to get twitchy and go for a soda.

We're putting the call out for Manitoba companies that have amazing new media work and/or great-big-balls-out success stories you feel should be profiled to potential partners around the world.

Starting later this July we will shoot videos of Manitoba New Media companies for broadcast locally and to international partners. These are going to be 4-minute profiles of Manitoba digital companies that have achieved incredible business accolades or have amazing stories to tell. For example; maybe you booked a meeting with Donald Trump and sold him on the idea of building a "Trump" hotel website (true Manitoba story). Or maybe you won an Emmy Award for the motion graphics and animation you completed on the Hollywood Superbowl (another true Manitoba story).

Whatever it is you do, we want to hear why you're so special, and you may just be one of the companies we choose to profile in our Manitoba New Media Showcase.

So how much does it cost you?

Well, if you were to book a production team to shoot, edit, and graphic this profile, it would cost anywhere from $6,000 - $8,000. But if you are chosen by one of our magical little elves it will cost you absolutely nothing AND your company profile will be marketed and shown to people around the world.

So what's this kind of publicity worth to you?

Now's the time to let it all hang out. Now's the time to hang up your humble suit. NOW is the time to share your story.

Take a few minutes and tell us:

1. What does your Manitoba-based new media company do?
2. What makes you so special?
3. Why do you run your business in Manitoba?
4. Contact Info, Website, Samples and Links.

The deadline to submit this information is Wednesday, July 15, 2009. We will then collaborate and pick the profiles we think have the dandiest work and stories to tell and begin shooting your profile later this month.

Your submission doesn't need to be longer that a few paragraphs in length.

Unfortunately we only have the budget to shoot approximately 8 Manitoba Profiles. The expense to professionally produce, shoot, and edit 8 segments is quite high which limits the amount of companies we can feature. We are looking for the most sincere new media companies (big or small) that can represent Manitoba on an International stage.

Should you be selected, you will receive copies of the final profile, massive fame and glory, and bragging rights that you are truly 'all-that-and-a-bag-of-old-dutch-chips.'

We look forward to seeing your work!

Kevin Hnatiuk

“The digital media sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the knowledge-based economy,” said Rondeau. “Funding for this project supports the province’s commitment to increase Manitoba’s scientific research capacity and create an atmosphere of economic growth in our innovation industry.” 

New Media Manitoba was formed in 2000 to address the skill gaps and business opportunities for Manitoba’s digital media developers.  It operates as a non-profit organization. As Manitoba’s digital media industry association, New Media Manitoba’s mandate is to provide advanced training, business development, industry advocacy and support to small and medium-sized businesses.

“This project will strategically promote and connect Manitoba’s digital media companies and grow the industry by enlisting the support of government and private sector partners from Manitoba and abroad,” said Kevin Hnatiuk, executive director of New Media Manitoba.  “We’ve already seen proof of innovative programs by way of STEM’s support for game-based learning and training, new media business planning and independent game developers.”
 
Rondeau noted New Media Manitoba has partnered with STEM to address the need for new media infrastructure by way of innovative programming.  This project will provide:
·         an interactive, online directory of digital media companies and their skills;
·         a video showcase of local new media companies;
·         promotional activities with local and international partners; and
·         support of the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Fund and the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.
 
“This is a young, vibrant and innovative industry and we recognize the opportunities it presents,” said Rondeau.  “We’re working to ensure Manitoba’s new media developers have the tools to compete.”