CBC, BC Film + Media and New Media BC today announced the CBC Development Award winner from the second Digital Development Interactive Content Lab.

“Sex With John” takes top prize

The winner of the $10,000 CBC Development Award for 2009 is “Sex With John”; an interactive comedy series developed by BC writers and producers Lauren Grant and Lori Lozinski.  “Sex With John” follows 32-year-old over educated and under experienced sexologist Mallory Davis through the cyber trenches in a hunt for her own elusive relationship. The narrative engages the audience in a ‘chose your own dating adventure’ style of storytelling.

“We are pleased to support this exciting innovative project. The award offers a great opportunity for Lauren and Lori to develop their idea into an accessible and compelling interactive narrative series”, said Mary Quinn, CBC Executive in Charge of Development and Production for TV Arts & Entertainment.

Background: The Digital Development Lab

The second Digital Development Lab was made possible by the support of CBC’s Regional Program Development Fund, BC Film + Media, New Media BC and The Centre for Digital Media, Great Northern Way Campus.

“We were very pleased to once again support this innovative digital lab”, said Richard Brownsey, President of BC Film + Media. “All participants presented strong concepts that were advanced in a supportive and immersive environment.”

This year’s competition drew over 50 pitches from BC companies. Five companies were selected to participate in an intensive interactive content lab led by industry professionals held at The Centre for Digital Media in April. One project was selected this week for the $10,000 CBC Development Award that will enable the team to develop a proof of concept and seek production funding.

“We were very impressed by the quality of mentorship at this year’s Digital Development Lab. The top caliber industry professionals were deeply immersed in each proposal and provided valuable guidance to fine tune storytelling and audience interaction” said Kenton Low, President of New Media BC Association. “The Centre for Digital Media also provided an inspiring environment to help facilitate fresh ideas and creative thinking.”

"It was exciting to see such a range of innovative ideas. The quality of the pitches submitted continues to raise the bar", said Karen Volterra, Development, Interactive Content, CBC Television A&E.

For more information, please contact:

Mary Quinn, Executive in Charge of Development and Production, CBC A&E
604.662.6411 or Mary.Quinn@cbc.ca

Karen Volterra, Development, Interactive Content, CBC A&E
416.205.6967 or Karen.Volterra@cbc.ca