Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

A new deal struck between the Okanagan Film Commission and Yeti Farm Creative will see the start up of a new gaming/animation studio.

It’s all part of the film commission’s continued efforts to market the Okanagan as a viable location for this burgeoning industry.

“I am a huge gamer myself, and it’s a huge industry,” says Jon Summerland with the Okanagan Film Commission.

“We want the game companies to come to the Okanagan. We can offer cost efficiency for the companies and a quality of life for their employees. We already have a substantial gaming influence here with Disney and Rocket Snail and the Okanagan is gaining a great reputation as the place for this business. “

The people at Yeti Farms are also excited about expanding their studio, which has been in the Okanagan since 2008.

“This will add five full time positions to the Kelowna animation industry,” says Todd and Ashley Ramsay of Yeti Farm.

“Our growth focus and current growth has been with the emerging need for high-end creative for the commercial and advertising sectors, so we are excited to offer a new expanded division to deliver the same high caliber creative on a very cost competitive model to the game and animation sectors.”

The Okanagan Film Commission will be hosting an animation luncheon in Vancouver on Friday (Jan. 25), with over 20 major animation and gaming companies in order to further promote the area.