CASO - Computer Animation Studios of Ontario

CASO ELECTS 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TORONTO, ON, November 25, 2008 – Computer Animation Studios of Ontario Association (CASO) is pleased to announce the newly appointed members of the 2009 CASO Board of Directors.

Neil Williamson will return as President of CASO. He will continue to provide vision and direction towards building a strong collaborative animation and visual effects community within the region.

“I am honoured to serve as President for a second term,” said Williamson. “The new board represents a cross-section of visionary leaders in the animation and visual effects industry in Ontario. I would like to congratulate them and offer my gratitude in advance of their service. CASO’s foundation has been built through the strength and dedication of our volunteers and the support of our members. I look forward to another prosperous year.”

During 2009, CASO plans to continue work in the area of international marketing and promotion. Emphasis will be placed on developing networking missions into key production centers, including New York and Los Angeles. The Association’s commitment to work effectively with government officials to secure support will be ongoing. Primary initiatives in this area include, improving the administration of the OCASE tax credit process and modifying the legislation to remove the 'year prior' restriction on employees. Additionally, member services will be a focal point for development, creating value added programs and events for our membership.

CASO 2009 Board of Directors
President Neil Williamson, Partner, CEO, Invisible Pictures
Vice President/Secretary Michael Carter, President, Executive Producer, theskonkworks
Past President Ronald Estey, President, C.O.R.E Group of Companies
Directors Mary Bredin, Development and Acquisitions, GURU Studios
Wesley Lui, Co-Founder, Director of Operations, House of Cool
Paul Moyer, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Optix Digital Pictures
David Nighswander, CA
Brian Simpson, CEO, Keyframe Digital Productions
Kris Wood, President, Tellavision

Computer Animation Studios of Ontario Association (CASO)
Established in 2005, CASO is a non-profit trade association representing the digital animation and visual effects community in Ontario, Canada. As an advocate for the industry, CASO’s primary areas of operation are: International Marketing and Promotion, Industry Statistics and Competitive Advantage, Education and Organizational Relations, Government Relations and
Member Services. www.casont.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Christa Tazzeo
Manager, Business Affairs
CASO
416.207.9142
christa@casont.ca

COMPUTER ANIMATION STUDIOS OF ONTARIO ASSOCIATION (CASO) UNVEILS RESULTS OF INAUGURAL INDUSTRY SURVEY

The Survey as PDF / View press release as PDF / Communiqué de presse de vue comme pdf

OTTAWA, September 19, 2008 - Computer Animation Studios of Ontario Association (CASO) President, Neil Williamson, announced the results of the first animation and visual effects (VFX) industry survey last night at a reception held during the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

The study, entitled Economic Profile of the Ontario Computer Animation and Visual Effects Industry, examines the economic profile of the computer animation and visual effects industry in Ontario and develops financial, corporate and employment baseline indicators for future market analysis and comparison. The research develops estimates of total industry revenue, operating expense, output volume, number of employees and future market opportunities.

"After CASO was formed three years ago and we started talking to people about the industry, it became clear that very little distinct information existed about its makeup. With this survey, we are now beginning to form a clear picture of operations in Ontario animation and visual effects studios," says Ron Estey, Past President of CASO.

"The survey is the first major initiative of CASO and a first for the industry," says CASO President, Neil Williamson. "I am pleased that we have taken this critical step in establishing benchmarks for growth in our region. We are extremely grateful to our supporters, including our major contributor the Ontario Media Development Corporation."

"This study underscores the growing importance of the animation and visual effects industry to the Ontario economy," said Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of the Ontario Media Development Corporation. "Industries in Ontario's entertainment and creative cluster are the cornerstone of the new knowledge-based economy and CASO's members will play a pivotal role in ensuring Ontario is a leader in the global marketplace."

Conducted by Nordicity Group Ltd., the project received funding assistance from the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), York University, Royal Bank of Canada, the City of Toronto - Economic Development, and CASO.

Key findings:

The majority of computer animation and VFX studios in Ontario are Canadian-owned, privately-held corporations that have been in existence for more than seven years.
The Ontario computer animation and VFX industry employed a total of 1,600 to 1,900 people in 2007.
Total Ontario computer animation and VFX industry revenues are estimated to be between $170 million to $200 million annually.
The number of computer animation minutes produced in Ontario in 2007 is reported to have been between 18,000 and 21,600; the number of shots for VFX was between 7,400 and 8,900.
Market segments were as follows, 16% of computer animation studios' revenue was derived from feature films, 45% from TV series and 17% from TV commercials. For VFX companies it was the reverse - 44% of VFX survey-sample revenue was derived from feature films and 16% from TV series; 13% was allotted to TV commercials.
The conventional market segments of television series and feature films continue to be regarded as general growth opportunities for the industry. Emerging market segments such as games, web and mobile content production are also seen as growth opportunities. About 20% of respondents regard web and mobile content production as a growth opportunity for their company.

A full report can be downloaded here.

Nordicity Group Ltd.
Nordicity Group Ltd. (nordicity.com) is one of Canada's leading strategy-consulting firms for clients in the creative, telecommunications and technology industries. Our consultants work with clients in both the private and public sectors to shape business strategy and develop implementation plans.

Ontario Media Development Corporation
Ontario Media Development Corporation's mandate is to build Ontario's cultural industries' capacity and competitiveness. Through tax credits, programs and services for the film and television, book and magazine publishing, music and interactive digital media industries, OMDC maximizes opportunities for growth and innovation in Ontario and abroad. www.omdc.on.ca

Computer Animation Studios of Ontario Association (CASO)
Established in 2005, CASO is a non-profit trade association representing the digital animation and visual effects community in Ontario, Canada. As an advocate for the industry, CASO's primary areas of operation are: International Marketing and Promotion, Industry Statistics and Competitive Advantage, Education and Organizational Relations, Government Relations and Member Services. www.casont.ca

For more information, please contact:
Christa Tazzeo
Manager, Business Affairs
CASO
416.207.9142
christa@casont.ca

Computer Animation Studios of Ontario Looks Forward to its Second Year

November 10, 2006, Toronto, ON: At their Annual General Meeting on October 24, 2006, members of the Computer Animation Studios of Ontario (CASO) convened to elect a new Board to serve in 2007. Returning President, Ron Estey, told the group of 25 people who attended that while the first year was a challenge he is looking forward to moving the Association forward in its second year.

Mr. Estey said that while CASO will still be involved in government relations activities, it would focus more closely on members' services and industry promotion in the coming year.

The following people were elected to the Board: Dennis Berardi, Mr. X. Inc., Ron Estey, President, C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures Inc., Frank Falcone, Guru Animation Studios Ltd., Paul Moyer, Optix Digital Pictures, Neishaw Ali, Spin Productions Inc., Tom Sinnott, Technicolor Creative Services, Tom Turnbull, Rocket Science VFX, and Neil Williamson, Invisible Pictures. At the first board meeting Mr. Moyer was appointed Vice President.

CASO is committed to promoting the industry both in Canada and internationally. In the coming year, the Association will be developing a long-term business plan with the primary goal of promoting the industry. The business plan will include building a website to promote Ontario Animation and Visual Effects companies, crafting press releases to promote the high caliber of local talent, targeting advertising to promote the industry in trade publication and industry websites and ensuring that the industry has representation at local and foreign trade shows and industry events.

For more information contact:
Christa Tazzeo , 416.207.9142

New Association Aims to Solidify Ontario's Leading Position In Global Animation Industry

December 20, 2005 (Toronto, ON): It was announced today that a new association, the Computer Animation Studios of Ontario (CASO), has been formed to address the issues and opportunities of computer animation studios in Ontario. Today, there are an estimated 50 studios in the province that produce computer animation and visual effects for feature films, television programs and television commercials. These studios, all permanent business establishments, employ anywhere from a few to hundreds of employees who use the latest in computer equipment and software to create world leading animation and digital visual effects. CASO will be the first single source of information about the computer animation industry in Ontario and will provide government relations, business information, industry research and other resources to its members.

Ron Estey, founding President of CASO says, "For the past few decades, Ontario has been a recognized leader in the production of computer animation for feature films, television and commercials. CASO will be a single voice addressing the many issues of operating computer animation studios in the province to governments, educators and related industry groups."

A central element of the association's activity will be to encourage export trade in animation for Ontario studios. Dennis Berardi, founding Vice President of CASO adds, "As more and more studios around the world vie and compete for projects, it is critical to the continued success of Ontario studios to have a strong and unified association that will advance and improve our global competitiveness."

The inaugural Board of Directors of CASO includes Jon Campfens of Switch VFX, Frank Falcone of Guru Animation, Laurie McLean of March Entertainment, Paul Moyer of Optix Digital Pictures, Tom Turnbull of Rocket Science VFX and Neil Williamson of Invisible Pictures.

The association will operate from offices in Toronto under the management of Executive Director, Chris Stockwell.

For more information contact:
Christa Tazzeo , 416.207.9142