Mumbai: Elans award show has added Visual Effects award categories to their next show, taking place in Vancouver on 28 February, 2009. In addition, the third Annual Elan Awards will also become the first ceremony to have all of its categories open to worldwide submission.

"Expanding the Elans to international content is an exciting next-step," says Masters of Digital Media Program producer/creative director/faculty Ian Verchere.  "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 their Board of Advisors for their third Annual Elan Awards. The luminaries behind the Elans this year are:

Seven Group managing dir of bus development Anthony Brown

Seven Group marketing Doug Binkley

Spin West VFX president Doug Campbell

Masters of Digital Media Program creative director Ian Verchere

Tech business advisor Michael Matrick

Nokia North America head of title marketing Kay Gruenwoldt

Radical Entertainment president Kelly Zmak

RELIC Entertainment general manager Tarrnie Williams

Zmak, explains his reasons for accepting a position on the ELAN’s Board of Advisors, "The ELANS represent a unique opportunity for the industry to honour and acknowledge the talents and artistry of the people who make games. It provides a perfect setting to celebrate this powerful form of entertainment and art."

Gruenwoldt adds, "The Elan Awards have already been a highlight for us in Vancouver this year and we are looking forward to next year’s event. With roughly 3.3 billion mobile devices in the market today, the world is ready for mobile gaming and our N-Gage games are ready for the awards."

"We see the ELANS as representing the best-of-the-best and the pinnacle of recognition for excellence in this spectacular industry," says Brown. "We’re so very proud to be a part of it; to be able to show our support and to participate in such a global movement."

Binkley goes on to say, "The ELANS allow this incredible industry to have recognition and applause from peers and public alike. More and more people, businesses, sponsors, up-and-comers and organizations want to take part."

Brown summarizes, "The ELANS are a truly red carpet event. Everything is first class, with "A" list hosts, tuxedos and evening gowns, and the upper echelon of industry big wigs in attendance. Our company got more exposure from the ELANS than from any other event we have ever been part of."