Student-designed DIGIS logo from www.thedigis.com
I think that by this point, we all pretty much recognize the fact that the future of media is digital. Sure, there will always be a place for vinyl and other other analog technology, but the mainstream will be firmly ones and zeroes.
In an age where kids are landing recording contracts and launching film careers via YouTube, it only makes sense to officially recognize the best of these efforts. Such encouragement can help a hobby to become a career, and not just for the one in a million whose work happens to catch the eye of the right celebrity. Students, many of whom have grown up with the digital devices and software tools used in digital content creation, are putting out some of the more compelling digital content. The DIGIS, which just wrapped up its inaugural award ceremony in Stratford, Ontario (Canada) —home to one of those kids who leveraged YouTube to launch a path to stardom— is an award ceremony created to do just that: recognize the talents of high school students in all areas of digital media. After all, we have the Webby Awards to recognize the best in blogs, so why shouldn’t there be an award geared at students that celebrates the best mobile video, best animation or best documentary? According to Digis Founder, Stewart Reynolds:
“The lines between technology and creativity are converging. Creativity in digital media in Canada needs to be encouraged and celebrated. That’s what the DIGIS is all about.“
The DIGIS were designed to be a big deal, and included a red carpet reception, live bands, a DJ, a celebrity host and highlight reels for nominees. In all, awards were given out for 17 different categories, and for those who weren’t able to attend the festivities, everything was streamed online (naturally).
Among the partners in the event were representatives from the Canadian technology industry, including the Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) and the University of Waterloo. Plans are already underway for an expanded edition of the DIGIS in 2012, so if you know a Canadian kid with sick digital media skillz, point them to this URL. That MacBook Pro you let yourself be talked into buying might just be the ticket to something big.
