Finalists Announced for Shaw Rocket Prize

NEW YORK, February 15: The Shaw Rocket Prize has named its
three finalists for this year’s C$50,000 prize: Johnny Test, Life with Derek
and Roll Play, with the winner to be announced April 30 in Toronto.

The Shaw Rocket Prize recognizes the year’s best Canadian
television programming targeted at kids aged 12 and under. An international
jury of industry experts in children’s television and media selected the
finalists, and the winner will be decided by a 700-member national student
jury, comprised of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.

The second season of Johnny Test, from Cookie Jar Entertainment, is a finalist. The
series chronicles the adventures of an 11-year-old boy, his genetically
engineered super dog and his 13-year-old super genius scientist twin sisters.
The third season of Life with Derek, from Shaftesbury Films, is also a finalist. The live-action comedy
centers on a blended family of three girls and two boys who are thrown together
in the same house when their parents get married. Rounding out the finalists is
the preschool series Roll Play,
from Sinking Ship Entertainment. The show features original puppets from the
Famous People Players, and young children imitate the actions of these
creatures.

“The finalists represent exactly what the Shaw Rocket Prize
is about—engaging, entertaining and positive programming for young
Canadian children,” said Agnes Augustin, the president of Shaw Rocket Fund.
“Many thanks to the international jury who have generously donated their time
and tremendous knowledge to select Canada’s best.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski