Who will be evaluating the candidates this year?
We officially launched the Ubisoft Indie Series last month, kicking off the submission process to this yearly competition dedicated to the independent studios of Quebec and Ontario. In its sixth year, the Ubisoft Indie Series is offering $75,000 in cash prizes and mentoring, which includes advice on all aspects of video game development, production and marketing, as well as financial tools from the National Bank.
Well, then, Indies. It’s time to meet this year’s esteemed panel of judges, each of whom has their own unique perspective and experience in game development, and all of whom share a passion for creative ideas, captivating narratives, and making the video game industry more inclusive. Here we go!
JULIEN LAFERRIÈRE (he/him)
Senior Producer
Ubisoft Montréal
Julien is currently a senior producer at Ubisoft Montréal, where he’s been working for nearly 15 years. He supervises a number of projects, developing efficient and ambitious core teams. He was the lead producer of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, leading production across 16 studios scattered around the world. He has been on the brand since Assassin’s Creed II, where he took on different production management roles over time. Before joining the video game industry, Julien worked in software and advertising. He has software and interface-design training.
WHAT’S HIS MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
For the captivating games, but also for the passionate teams and for companies that what it takes to reach their ambitions.
SIMON JOLY (he/him)
Marketing Director
Ubisoft Canada
A tech aficionado since childhood, Simon Joly got his start in marketing in 2007. While working at different advertising agencies from 2007 to 2016, he specialized in digital (strategy, planning, branding, content production, acquisition), and actively contributed to the strategy development of clients such as Air Canada, Budweiser, Bell, BMO, Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge, Danone, Desjardins, General Motors, Labatt, Mentos, Target, Tourism New Brunswick and Tourisme-Québec.
He joined Ubisoft in October 2016, finally connecting his love of video games with that of marketing. Simon Joly is driven by his strategic vision, his passion for high-performing creativity, and his thirst for knowledge.
WHAT’S HIS MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
Discovering the creativity and the passion of our local artisans. Analyzing how appropriate their marketing plan is given their understanding of their players.
CHRISTINA THIBAULT (she/her)
Project manager, Production
Ubisoft Saguenay
While studying for her bachelors in sexology, Christina Thibault decided to make a fundamental career shift and pursue her biggest dream: become a part of video game development. The decision marked the start of a wonderful adventure at Ubisoft. As someone who is passionate about the industry, being able to work in it, contribute to it, and be a part of development is one of her greatest sources of pride.
WHAT’S HER MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
Her fascination for indie games and what people with limited means manage to create. Excited by the originality of different ideas and game mechanics.
PIERRE MOISAN, LL.B, M.A. (he/him)
Senior Advisor
CEIM
A pioneer of the Canadian interactive-entertainment industry, as well as a seasoned manager and entrepreneur, Pierre Moisan had developed, after 25 years in business, sought-after expertise before joining the CEIM team in 2015. Among other titles, he’s held that of vice-president of Megatoon (Behavior), president and founder of Studios ArtMedia, and producer at Ubisoft. For nine years, he was the vice-president of corporate strategy at Frima, which has since become the most important independent studio in Canada. He developed a significant business network on a global scale, and specifically in the fields of new media and video games. For the past few years, he has been organizing missions abroad (North America, Europe, Asia).
He chairs the board of the Centre de développement et de recherche en intelligence numérique (CDRIN).
WHAT’S HIS MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
His interest in discovering games that push the limits, that tell a good story where the player is the main actor
MARIE CAUCHON (she/her)
Product Director, Marketing
Ubisoft Québec
Marie has been in the industry, and at Ubisoft Québec, for more than 12 years. She started her career in the User Research Lab, then moved into production of party games, and finally ended up doing what really captivates her: marketing! She collaborated on the development and the rollout of marketing and communications strategies for some of Ubisoft’s biggest brands, such as Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, Might and Magic and Immortals Fenyx Rising. She enjoys challenges, surrounding herself with people who are passionate about what they do, and making new discoveries daily.
WHAT’S HER MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
Seeing passionate people who have a common vision create the best games for their target audience, while taking into consideration the market, which is constantly evolving.
ÉRIC DURAND (he/him)
Senior Manager
National Bank of Canada
Beginning at the Montreal Exchange, and by way of two public companies and a publicly traded technology company, Éric Durand has more than 20 years of experience in corporate financing and management. In 2009, he joined National Bank where he has been involved in the financing of many business acquisitions in the knowledge-based industry. Éric Durand holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Université Laval.
WHAT’S HIS MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
While he is certainly captivated by a solid financial and marketing plan, he also admires the different universes created by the competition’s teams.
DOMINIQUE CHAMPAGNE (she/her)
Account Manager
National Bank of Canada
Dominique is a member of the Quebec CPA order, has been a CPA-CMA since 1994, and worked in the video game industry before joining National Bank’s Creative Industries Group in 2006. As a finance and accounting professional, she has overseen a wide range of financing transactions for companies specializing in video games, new media, shows and movie production, both in Canada and abroad.
WHAT’S HER MOTIVATION FOR JOINING THE JURY?
Sharing the energy and determination of local creators and being surprised by entrepreneurs who have a clear vision for their project.
Didn’t have a chance to submit your application for this 6th edition? You can still register for the Indie Series this year, right here. Don’t forget: the deadline is Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EN.
