There were many leaps forward announced today by the producers of the Elans – an awards show that has for the last two years honored video games and animation with big-name hosts such as William Shatner (1st year) and Seth MacFarlane (2nd year) – not the least of which being their addition of Visual Effects award categories to their next show taking place in Vancouver on Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Adding VFX to their categories isn’t the only big step forward the Elans are taking; the 3rd Annual Elan Awards will also become the first ceremony of its kind to have all of its categories open to world-wide submission.

“Expanding the Elans to international content is an exciting next-step,” says Ian Verchere, Producer/Creative Director/Faculty, Masters of Digital Media Program. “Vancouver’s video game, effects and animation industries compete on the world stage for commercial and critical success, so it’s appropriate for the world’s best games, animation and special effects to compete for the Elans on a Vancouver stage.”

Producers Holly Carinci and Jack Weatherell also announced today their Board of Advisors for their 3rd Annual Elan Awards 2009. The luminaries behind the Elans this year are:

- Anthony Brown, Managing Dir of Bus Development, Seven Group;

- Doug Binkley, Marketing, Seven Group;

- Doug Campbell, President, Spin West VFX;

- Ian Verchere, Creative Director, Masters of Digital Media Program;