Tactica Interactive Communications

Change your behaviour with auto-analytics

Angela — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:10:16 +0000

Are you tracking what you eat, how far you run, your progress toward a goal? You are not alone.

And while you may have been using a pen and paper to track your efforts in the past, using technology to track metrics (auto-analytics) is making the shift to science-based behaviour change more effective.

This recent blog in the Harvard Business Review reveals some interesting trends in auto-analytics. Did you know that already 21% (PDF) of people who self-track use smartphone apps or gadgets that make self-tracking behavior more efficient and the data more dependable?

We’re working on some projects of our own in this area, so stay tuned. You’ll have some help sticking to your new year’s resolutions very soon!

Tactica wins at 2013 Signature Awards

Angela — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:07:52 +0000

It was a big night for Tactica Interactive at the 2013 Signature Awards held May 9 in Winnipeg, Manitoba with three awards and a runner-up certificate.

Verdict, won in the Website category and took runner-up in Interactive. The series is produced by Gemini Award-winning Frantic Films and online by Tactica Interactive.

Tiga Talk Campfire Adventure, a game for iPhone and iPad, won the award in both the Interactive and Game or Application categories.

Thanks Ad Winnipeg, for the recognition and support and to the great people at Frantic Films and Maystreet Productions for bringing these great projects to us.

Tactica hosts provincial tax credit announcement

Angela — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:09:10 +0000

Tactica Interactive welcomed Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger and the Honorable Peter Bjornson for the formal announcement of the extended and enhanced Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

Kevin Glasier brought down the house when he noted his mom was particularly in favour of the move which enhances the ability of Manitoba companies to stay in the province to build their businesses by attracting foreign investment and creating high-paying jobs. “Support like the tax credit is allowing us to stay in Manitoba to raise our families and contribute to the local economy,” said Glasier. “My mom likes that.”

Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit extended

Angela — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:49:05 +0000

Now is a great time to create your mobile app and other digital media with us!

As announced in the April 16, 2013 provincial budget, the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit has been extended and enhanced. The MIDMTC has been extended to December 31, 2016 and enhancements include:

companies may claim up to $100,000 in eligible marketing and distribution expenses that are directly attributable to that eligible project;
financial support from the Canada Media Fund that is recoupable or repayable will not be treated as “government assistance;”
an eligible product that is developed under contract for an arm’s-length purchaser does not need to demonstrate the product will be resold or licensed by that arm’s-length purchaser; and
a broader interpretation of the sale requirement will provide the province with added flexibility in determining which types of commercialization projects will be eligible.

At Tactica we can help you access up to 40% in labour tax credits and funding for your project.

Just contact us.

Ruby on Rails Developer

tadmin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:11:57 +0000

Tactica is looking for a Ruby on Rails developer to play a key role in web development. In this development role, you will be engaged in all aspects of the development process, from concept development and technical analysis to deployment. Full-time and freelance positions available.

Our Environment

Tactica is a dynamic, growing company providing premium web development services and mobile apps.
Tactica offers exciting projects and opportunities, a friendly and collaborative work environment and
room for growth. We want you to create great work and have fun doing it.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to hire people who can work with us to push the boundaries of interactive experiences. Tactica
is looking for team members who can operate well in an open environment and can collaborate with
other designers, developers and especially with clients. You should be self-starting and able to see a
project from conception through to completion.

Responsibilities

Develop new web apps, sites and components using RoR core features and integrated gems
Define application architecture and plan solutions to technical challenges
Research and implement tools, libraries and gems
Work with other web developers, iOS and Android developers
Manage your time against multiple deadlines and requirements

Qualifications

Proficient with the Ruby on Rails framework
Proficient with the IDE of your choice
Comfortable in a Linux environment and possess basic server administration skills (possession of
advanced server administration skills is an asset)
Experience integrating gems – i.e. authentication, Facebook integration, image management
Experience utilizing RoR’s inherent testing advantages
CSS, jQuery/JavaScript skills is an asset
Experience with other web technologies and/or frameworks is an asset

How to Apply

We love doing great work and working with motivated and creative people that are truly passionate
about what they do.

If you think this is you then please email a link to your resume to work@tactica.ca with the subject
line “RoR Developer Application”.

Verdict wins five awards at the 2013 LA Web Series Festival

tadmin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:54:39 +0000

Verdict, the interactive web series Tactica co-produced with Frantic Films (Tammy Marlowe Johnson and Shaun Johnson), has won five awards at the 2013 LA Web Series Festival. The web series was honoured in the Interactive Narrative Drama Series category for outstanding production, editing, ensemble cast, series concept and theme song.

Verdict is a revolutionary interactive web series that combines Law & Order with a touch of American Idol: YOU, the real audience, are the jury – voting on an accused’s guilt or innocence – and influencing the outcome of every episode.

Learn more about the Verdict interactive web series.

Tactica heads to Ottawa for Prime Time

Angela — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:04:37 +0000

Interactive digital media is on everyone’s lips, and talking about its evolution was top of mind at the recent CMPA Prime Time in Ottawa, March 6-8.

Angela Heck, Director of Business Development at Tactica moderated a panel that asked: “When and how should content be extended across platforms, if at all?”

It was a lively and spirited discussion featuring Mark Bishop (and his socks), marble media; Victoria Evans, consultant; Caitlin O’Donovan, Corus Entertainment; and Alan Sawyer, executive producer and founder of Two Solitudes Consulting.

Read Susan Tolusso’s coverage of the panel here.

Project Manager / Account Manager

kevin — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:38:52 +0000

Tactica is looking for a project manager / account manager to guide interactive projects. In this management role, you will be engaged in all aspects of the project management process, including: concept development and initial project planning, client services, resource management, budget and scope management, and scheduling.

Our Environment

Tactica is a dynamic, growing company providing premium web development services and mobile apps. Tactica offers exciting projects and opportunities, a friendly and collaborative work environment and room for growth. We want you to create great work and have fun doing it.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to hire people who can work with us to push the boundaries of interactive experiences. Tactica is looking for team members who can operate well in an open environment and can collaborate with other designers, developers and especially with clients. You should be self-starting and able to see a project from conception through to completion.

Responsibilities

Assist team members create accurate work estimates
Identify milestones and key deliverables and create project timelines
Simultaneously manage multiple projects
Manage both internal resources as well as external contractors and teams
Monitor and manage project budgets
Ensure on-time project delivery
Source external contractors and resources
Provide project and organizational reporting

Qualifications

Experience managing web and/or mobile development projects
Ability to communicate within a high-level technical context
Familiarity with web and mobile technologies, products and services
Familiarity with mobile apps and social media
Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Ability to creatively problem-solve in difficult or stressful situations

How to Apply

We love doing great work and working with motivated and creative people that are truly passionate about what they do.

If you think this is you then please email your resume to work@tactica.ca with the subject line “Project Manager Application”.

Web Developer

kevin — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:32:20 +0000

Tactica is looking for a web developer. In this development role, you will be engaged in all aspects of the development process, from concept development and technical analysis to deployment. Full-time and freelance positions available.

Our Environment

Who We’re Looking For

Responsibilities

Devise technical solutions to complex problems to meet project and client objectives
Research, evaluate and make critical decisions regarding technology options
Provide direction, guidance and support to a team of developers
Provide accurate estimate ranges for features
Assess risks and exposures on projects
Aid in the creation and refinement of development processes
Provide direction on web server management
Manage your time and the time of others against multiple deadlines and requirements

Qualifications

Experience using CMS frameworks, including plugin/module development, theme/template creation, custom functionality and integration – WordPress or Drupal preferred
Experience with Ruby on Rails or PHP
Comfortable in a Linux environment and possess basic server administration skills (possession of
advanced server administration skills is an asset)
CSS, jQuery/JavaScript skills is an asset
Experience with other web technologies and/or frameworks is an asset

How to Apply

We love doing great work and working with motivated and creative people that are truly passionate
about what they do.

If you think this is you then please email a link to your resume to work@tactica.ca with the subject
line “Web Developer Application”.

SEED: Shots of Wisdom Second Screen Experience

Angela — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:36:56 +0000

A second screen experience that could fly you to L.A.!

A recent Canadian Media Fund (CMF) report, The Second Screen and Television, notes that one out of two Canadians browse the web on and off while watching TV, while 19% of Canadians invariably have a connected device at hand while watching TV.

To give these multi-tasking, multi-platform users a place to go, Tactica created Shots of Wisdom for the City comedy series Seed. This web-based app allows viewers to engage with the show on another screen and rewards them for their efforts.

As you watch Seed, Mondays at 8:30 ET on City, you can ‘take a shot’–video advice, dispensed by the bartending lead character Harry, who gives his take on life events ranging from dating to parenting. Each episode unlocks three new ‘shots’ for a total of 39 virtual shot glasses to collect throughout the series.

But collecting isn’t the only reward.

After watching the video shot, you can caption an image from the show with your own “Shot of Wisdom” and share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter or other social media. Once you create your own shot, you’ll be eligible for a chance to win one of three weekly prizes–a prize pack of a SEED shot glass and t-shirt–and be entered to win one of three grand prizes of a trip for two to Los Angeles for “wings and beer” with the show’s lead character, Harry (Adam Korson).

To increase your bragging rights, all eligible shots are added to the Shots of Wisdom gallery and could be posted on the Seed Facebook page.

Catch the show on City, Mondays, 8:30 ET / 7:30 CT / 9:30 PT