The animated action series Skyland was named Best Animated Program or Series on Tuesday at the Gemini Lifestlye, Childrens and Youth Gala, part of the 22nd annual Gemini Awards recognizing the best in Canadian television. Other big winners include Nelvana’s Backyardigans (Best Preschool Program or Series) and Wapos Bay (Best Children’s or Youth Fiction Program or Series).
Created by Emmanuel Gorin, Alexandre de la Patelli’re and Matthieu Delaporte, and produced by Canada’s 9 Story Ent. and France’s Method Films, Skyland combines hand-drawn images with 2D and 3D animation. Montreal-based Kaydara developed the software used in the production, which features motion-capture character animation. The show also earned composer Paul Inston the Gemini for Best Original Music Score for an Animated Program or Series.
Producers Vince Commisso, Steven Jarosz and Marilyn McAuley were on accept the award for Skyland, which won out over fellow kid shows Captain Flamingo from Breakthrough Animation, Naughty Naughty Pets from Scary Stories Inc. and Ruby Gloom from Nelvana, as well as the TELETOON detour adult toon Sons of Butcher from Smiley Guy Studios.
Joe Sherman, director of Cookie Jar Ent.’s hit series, Johnny Test, picked up his first Gemini for Best Direction in a Children’s or Youth Program or Series. ‘It’s nice to have our show recognized by someone other than 12-year-old boys!,’ he commented. ‘Johnny Test is a funny, wacky and goofy cartoon show’the kind we all grew up with.’
The award for Best Cross-Platform Project went to Smiley Guy Studios’ www.Oddjobjack.com, an Interactive comedy about one guy’s misadventures in temporary employment and his quest to get a full-time life. To see a full list of Gemini winners, go to www.geminiawards.ca/gemini22/categs.cfm.
