* Nelvana announced another step towards expansion and computer animation integration at its recent annual general meeting.

Nelvana is investing in a business operated by Minneapolis-based Windlight Studio, a computer animation production company that is also a 3D software developer, specializing in motion capture. Initially Nelvana is acquiring a small interest in Windlight LLC with an option to purchase up to 82%.

One of Windlight’s clients is Alias Research. Windlight also produces cd-roms and interactive games.

Nelvana is positioning itself as an animation source for third-party video and interactive media product, and is working with Virgin Interactive Games and Sanctuary Woods.

Nelvana reports 1994 revenues of $58.3 million ($5.5 million over forecast) and net earnings of $6.2 million.

Currently, Nelvana has commitments to produce 148 half-hours of animation and 26 half-hours plus 13 one-hours of live actions. Nelvana’s portion of the production budgets is in the $50 million to $70 million range.