News Release

Date:Toronto, Canada, August 17, 2006

BELL FUNDS CCI-DIGITAL'S WEB PLAYGROUND
CCI Digital’s production slate is continuing to grow following a decision by the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund to cover the costs of companion website for the hit series Harry and his Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, CCI Entertainment  Co-Chair Arnie Zipursky announced today.
 
            “As Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs continues to become recognized as a global brand by way of continued television, print publishing and merchandising exposure, we are pleased we can now extend the Harry experience into an interactive broadband platform” Zipursky said. 

The Harry website, which features an innovative engine that allows kids to create up to 240 mini-games, is the third project spearheaded by CCI’s new digital division to receive Bell funding.  The first, www.ghosttrackers.tv, features a ground-breaking web adventure based on the popular YTV ghost-hunting reality series.  Meanwhile, www.erkyperky.com supports a new series debuting on YTV this fall and offers the most advanced web-based animation engine ever created.

Along with its production slate, CCI Digital is also developing several new projects including Bangs and the Tank, a multi-platform sports brand aimed at tweens.  Created in association with Smiley Guy Studios, a cutting edge Flash animation house and the brains behind The Comedy Network hit Odd Job Jack, CCI is also partnering with Starbridge Media, a Washington-based sports marketing agency, to sell the series to minor and major leagues baseball teams across North American.  CCI is also working with Smiley Guys Studios on X Marks the Spot, a global treasure hunt that uses GPS technology.

“We are building strategic partnerships within the digital community, and are looking for innovative ways to build on existing technology,” said Chris Gudgeon, Creative Director of CCI Digital.  Gudgeon, who has worked with companies like LeapFrog, Mattel Interactive and Disney’s Creative Wonders, says that CCI Digital’s strength is in building bridges across media and technology.  “We are identifying creative opportunities, and sourcing the creative talent who can bring those opportunities to life.”

As well, CCI Digital today announced the appointment of Stephen Freeland as Operations Manager and Chris Gudgeon as Senior Producer.  As Infrastructure Manager for Catalyst Entertainment and CCI Entertainment, Freeland has provided technical support for shows like Timeblazers, Harry and his Bucket Full of Dinosaurs and Ghost Trackers. Along with his TV experience – he created the hit YTV series Ghost Trackers – Gudgeon has consulted with companies like LeapFrog, Mattel Interactive, Disney’s Creative Wonders and The Learning Company.

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