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By: Chris Clay

August 28, 2007 - You have to wonder if Vince Commisso's astrological sign is Gemini.

Only two years after the Mississauga resident's production company, 9 Story Entertainment, won a Gemini Award for Best Pre-School Program or Series for the animated childrens television program, Peep And The Big Wide World, it has been nominated again. Skyland is up for a 2007 Gemini Award in the Best Animated Program or Series category.

The Gemini Awards recognize excellence in Canadian television programming.

In Skyland, which is set in the future, the world has used up all renewable energy sources. Earth is ruined after people tunnel to the centre of the world to harness magma.

The result is a massive continental shift that sees Earth split into blocks of land that magically float into the sky. As water becomes more and more precious for the people living on the floating blocks, things turn ugly and rebellion raises its head.

Skyland also received a nomination in the Best Original Music Score for an Animated Program or Series category for composer Paul Intson's piece, Mogura.

The majority of award winners will be announced Oct. 28 at a gala ceremony in Regina. Some awards will be presented at three other ceremonies, taking place Oct. 15-17.

"This year represents an outstanding year in Canadian television," said Sara Morton, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. "The nominations in all categories truly exemplify the unparalleled talent within our borders."

Last year, local funnyman Shaun Majumder won a Gemini for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Program or Series along with Cathy Jones, Gavin Crawford and Mark Critch for This Hour Has 22 Minutes (Episode Seven). The same group, including Majumder, is nominated again for This Hour Has 22 Minutes (Series XIV, Episode 3).

Mississauga director Michael Kennedy is nominated in the Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series for Little Mosque on the Prairie. In the Best Pre-School Program or Series, The Doodlebops, starring local actor Lisa Lennox, received a nomination.

Dancer Shawn Byfield, who's originally from Mississauga, is nominated for Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series for The TO Variety Show, Toronto Dances.

For more information, visit www.geminiawards.ca.