 The
place to be for Interactive Digital Media
Companies in Manitoba's interactive digital media industry are engaged in the creation, production
and delivery of interactive digital content to inform, educate or entertain.
- Content providers represent approximately two-thirds of the sector including
web design and development, animation, e-learning, gaming, visual effects,
digital content publishing and internet marketing.
- Enabling companies create tools and provide resources for digital content
development. Key activities include internet applications, software, technology,
technology consulting and content development applications.
- Content distributors include companies across the spectrum of broadcast
and communications to Internet service providers and web hosting services.
Manitoba's interactive digital media sector is home to approximately 232
companies and has notable strengths, including a proven expertise in 2D and
3D computer animation, web development, visual effects, CD-ROM development,
software development, music and sound processing. The Manitoba government
is committed to supporting the growth of the sector with the creation of
a Cluster of Excellence for Interactive Digital Media by 2007.
Why Manitoba for Interactive Digital Media?
Lower Costs. Higher ProfITs.
- Tailored programs such as the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Fund
and others provide financial support to help firms bring new products to
market around the world.
- With salaries at only 94.8 per cent of the national average, Winnipeg
has the most competitive IT salaries of seven major Canadian markets (Robert
Half Technology Survey, 2005).
- You'll pay less for statutory and other benefits. At 29 per cent of salary
and wages, Canada compares well with the 32 per cent paid in the US, due
in large part to lower medical premiums.
- Canada's income tax incentives for research and development are among
the most generous in the world and Manitoba companies reap even greater
rewards. In 2005, the combined federal and provincial tax credits for a
non-manufacturing firm in Manitoba reduced a $100 R&D investment to an
after-tax cost of just over $40.
We're a Leader!
We rank among the best according to KPMG's 2004 Competitive Alternatives Study.
- Winnipeg, Manitoba is among the lowest of cities in 11 leading industrialized
countries for software and R&D.
- Canada ranks as the #1 place to do business in North America and Europe for web and
multimedia content development – and second in the world.
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*KPMG's Competitive Alternatives – The CEO's Guide to International
Business Costs G7, 2004 edition
Our People – Young, Educated and Loyal
- The interactive digital media sector in Manitoba draws from a tremendous
base of artistic and technical talent, due in part to its long involvement
in traditional media production. Our film and sound industries have combined
annual revenues of more than $104 million, and employ an estimated 800
people.
- The sector is supported by a progressive educational infrastructure across
more than a dozen institutions. Firms are able to draw on a readily available
pool of highly skilled and home-grown talent.
- Our ICT workforce is young – over 65 per cent are 25 to 44 years old.
- Manitobans are well educated, with more than 81 per cent of ICT workers
having post-secondary education. Our eight post- secondary institutions
are educating more than 70,000 students annually.
- Manitoba's workforce is loyal, showing the second highest job tenure
in Canada at 108 months.
- Manitoba is one of the country's most multicultural provinces, with more
than 100 different languages spoken.
Home to Innovators
Interactive digital media continues to grow in Manitoba, encompassing world-renowned
firms, some of which have made significant contributions to digital media
on a global scale. 
- Frantic Films - Best known for their work on feature films X-Men 2, The
Core, Swordfish, Scooby-Doo 2 and others, Frantic has been firmly established
as one of North America's most creative resources for stunning visual effects,
post-production and animation. The company provides a complete line of
post production services including 2D and 3D animation.
- Canwest Global - Canada's largest diversified media company owns, operates
and/or holds substantial interests in conventional television and specialty
cable channels in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and the United
Kingdom. The company's program production and distribution division and
new media division operate in several countries throughout the world.
- KidsWebTV is an innovative content provider of youth entertainment via
the Internet, television and mobile devices. The company has garnered attention
from CNN.com, CNN Cable, and the Hollywood Reporter for its innovative
content. No stranger to Hollywood or Silicon Valley, KidsWebTV has worked
on projects with Gena Lee Nolin, Mary Hart, Keifer Sutherland, hockey star
Keith Tkachuk, Rob Burgess, CEO Macromedia and other celebrities.
We can help - Financial Support
for Interactive Digital Media Companies
Digital Media ventures in Manitoba have access to numerous financial support programs including:
- Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Fund
- Telefilm Canada New Media Fund
- Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit Program
- Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund
- Manitoba Feasibility Study/Business Plan Program
- Manitoba Technology Commercialization Program
- Scientific Research & Experimental Development Tax Credit Program
- Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit
- Manitoba Trade Assistance Program
- Industrial Research Assistance Program
Invest In Manitoba's Interactive Digital Media Industry
We have all the advantages that can help you improve your bottom line. Visit
us at www.gov.mb.ca/est/knowledge
or call 204-945-6657 to learn more.
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