"Convergence and cross platform synergy is back and the new media partner is finally displaying the economic capability that will keep cross platform activities at a fever pitch for years to come," says John Davis, producer of the "Shipwreck Central" web site. "We are extremely happy that "Shipwreck Central" has been named as a finalist in the cross platform category. This is an all Nova Scotian endeavour and I hope this award process directs some national attention to the incredible, New Media, talent pool that exists here on Canada's East Coast. We have developed a team that can act as a "New Media" partner for any convergent projects."

"Using ESRI's ArcIMS solution for internet mapping, Eco-Nova and the Shipwreck Central team have built a unique web experience that lets users "hunt the globe" for shipwreck sites, dive locations, view historical data, and program locations," said Chris Davey, Account Manager, Atlantic Region, ESRI Canada. "This is another fine example of how 'Geography Matters' and the Eco-Nova folks deserve this recognition for the innovative use of a geographic information system (GIS)."

Hailing from almost every province in Canada, finalists include companies and individuals accomplished in digital interactive media. Finalists represent a wide range of government, private and public organizations from every facet of the new media industry including programmers, designers, educators and advocates.

Eco-Nova Productions Limited is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Company was incorporated in December of 1994 and has been successfully producing international caliber television programming for over a decade. Their wholly owned media arm, Ghostship Studio, provides all the service work in 2D and 3D computer graphics for their television products as well as overseeing their web site construction and design activities.

In June of 2004 Eco-Nova Productions Ltd. / Ghostship Studio launched their newest website: "www.shipwreckcentral.com". This event marks their entry in the world of "convergent new media products". To date they have had over 2 million individual visits. ShipwreckCentral.com has been named the cool site of the day on "Netscape", "U.S.A.Today", and on the "RefDesk" site.

Eco-Nova has developed a worldwide reputation for providing high quality underwater images. They work very closely with National Governments and Maritime Museums, in Canada, the United States and around the world. Eco-Nova has forged partnerships in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cuba, Barbados, Great Britain, France, Germany, Greenland, Malta, Poland, Finland, Russia, Turkey, Panama and Japan. Their solid reputation means that when Maritime Museums around the world require video surveys of new wreck sites, it is Eco-Nova that gets the call. Much of their unique television content is generated through these relationships.

About Eco-Nova Productions Limited:
Eco-Nova is the largest producer of documentary television in Atlantic Canada and the largest producer of underwater documentaries in Canada as a whole. Their "Oceans of Mystery" series is currently being broadcast in 154 countries and "The Sea Hunters" series is now in 241 jurisdictions, 171 countries, in 26 languages and is available to 40, million viewers worldwide.

To date, Eco-Nova has produced over 70 hours of television for domestic and international markets. Their Canadian broadcasters are Discovery Canada, History Television, National Geographic Canada, Vision TV, CTV, Sask. TV and Canal D. Their international broadcasters are Discovery International, National Geographic International, National Geographic U.S.A., Outdoor Life Network USA and Channel 5 in the U.K.

About the Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA):
The Canadian New Media Awards are presented in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada, CBC.ca and Delvinia. Produced by CANEMA, the Awards recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies in the Canadian new media industry. The Awards also help promote the new media sector and provide inspiration for those preparing to enter the industry. Tickets and registration to the event are available online at http://www.cnma.ca/.

About ESRI Canada:
Established in 1984, ESRI Canada is a Canadian owned company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS) solutions. We distribute the world's leading GIS software solutions from ESRI Inc., Miner and Miner, and Azteca. In order to provide organizations with complete industry-specific solutions we have established an extensive business partner program that includes more than 125 Canadian organizations. ESRI Canada also provides professional services including consulting, training, technical support, and enterprise GIS implementation. We are leaders in providing world-class enterprise GIS solutions for many industries including local government, utilities, public safety and defence, business demographics, education, natural resources, and transportation. ESRI Canada has thirteen regional offices across the country, with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit http://www.esricanada.com/ or call 1-800-447-9778.

Media Contacts:
Heather Adams
Communications Specialist
ESRI Canada
T: 416-386-6463
E: hadams@esricanada.com
W: http://www.esricanada.com/
 

John Davis
Producer, Shipwreck Central
Eco-Nova
T: 902-423-7906