LGE rounds down

Lions Gate Entertainment has lowered its expectations for 2005/06 and is now forecasting $15 million in net earnings, well shy of its $35-million projection in November. It also estimates its full-year EBITDA to come in at $35 million, down from $63 million. LGE is blaming the drop on its underperforming release of the feature In the Mix, starring pop star Usher, a slump in home entertainment, and other factors. The company’s fiscal year ends on March 31.

High times in Alberta

A two-day seminar aimed at producers of high-definition TV hits Calgary and Edmonton this month, organized by the Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association and other groups. High Definition – The Road to the Future includes talks on budgeting, broadcaster expectations and the pros and cons of the new format. Speakers include Harold Protter, SVP of technology at WB Television; Michael McEwen of Canadian Digital Television; and Mark Starowicz, head of CBC’s documentary division. Calgary will host on Jan. 11-12, and Edmonton on Jan. 14-15. See www.ampia.org for details.

Overhaul at CRTC

The CRTC has undergone a major reorganization in a bid to run more efficiently, putting Len Katz, its former head of telecommunications, in charge of a new, all-encompassing unit that covers policies and operations of both the broadcast and telecom industries. Diane Rhéaume, previously the CRTC’s secretary general, now reports to Katz as head of a new section responsible for monitoring the agency’s activities. Also under Katz will be new heads of the telecom and broadcasting sections, though these have not yet been named.

Ontario animators unite

A newly formed association is looking to boost the animation trade in Ontario and the standing of its roughly 50 production and FX houses. The Computer Animation Studios of Ontario launched in December, with Ron Estey of CORE Digital Pictures in place as president. Mr. X’s Dennis Berardi is VP, and exec director Chris Stockwell will run CASO from his office in Toronto. The CASO board of directors includes Jon Campfens of Switch VFX, Laurie McLean of March Entertainment and Paul Moyer of Optix Digital Pictures. See www.casont.com.