Degrassi: The Next Generation becomes the first TV series available on a pay-per-download basis at the Canadian music download site

A key reason Discovery Channel is so happy with the online aspect of its $20-million Mars mega-project is that it had Toronto interactive firm QuickPlay Media involved from first discussions through to final script.

From saving the environment to cyber-carpentry, the game projects that have made it to the final four in Telefilm Canada’s Great Canadian Video Game Competition are anything but average. In a risk-averse industry that tends to crank out games based on proven models, the judges were looking for something new.

For some producers, Internet and mobile offerings for made-for-TV properties are mere afterthoughts. But not for Insight Productions executive producer John Brunton, who says multiplatform strategies are at the core of his Toronto shop’s shows, which include CTV ratings topper Canadian Idol and Project Runway Canada, set to launch this fall on Slice.

The Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design has an edge when it comes to turning out digital media minds, if the recent Canadian New Media Awards are any indication. Three students from the Vancouver school swept the nominations in the event’s Emerging Innovator of the Year category, with Jason DaSilva ultimately taking home the prize.

Vancouver-based Hothead Games was named most promising new company of the year, as the Canadian New Media Awards honored the best digital filmmakers, game developers and interactive designers at a gala ceremony on May 28 in Toronto.

Amaze Film and Television is looking to expand its presence south of the border with help from its new partner, Toronto- and L.A.-based Blueprint Entertainment.

The Toronto production house hopes its new partners at Blueprint will help take their horror-comedy Medieval into the U.S.

Maker of enviro-themed game wins most promising new company at new media awards, followed on stage by company of the year winner MyThum Interactive

For most of television’s lifespan, programming – often costing an arm and a leg to produce – has been left to professional production companies guided by deep-pocketed broadcasters. But in the digital age, the likes of Current TV are trying to erode that model.

If the caliber of companies that have signed on to provide content or advertise on Joost.com is any indication, then the details of this outfit’s business model will be eagerly digested by media execs trekking to the Rockies this June.

But casters bank on the add-on value of Net presence and the future of social networking