Reinforcing the reputation of Vancouver's visual effects industry, sci-fi series Sanctuary and Stargate Atlantis led the Genie Award nominees from B.C., which were announced yesterday.

The Vancouver-based Sanctuary boasted six nominations, including best direction in a dramatic series (Steven Adelson of North Vancouver), best visual effects, and best performance by an actress (Amanda Tapping).

Stargate Atlantis followed with five nominations, including best visual effects, best writing in a dramatic series (Brad Wright of White Rock), and best achievement in make-up.

Other best visual effects nominees from B.C. include Impact.

Four nominations each went to:
Ӣ Elijah, up for best TV movie and best writing in a dramatic program or mini-series (Blake Corbet of Burnaby);
Ӣ Jibber Jabber, nominated for best animated program or series, best direction in an animated program or series (David Bowes of Pitt Meadows), and best writing in a children's or youth program or series (Dennis Heaton of Vancouver, Sandy Flanagan of Burnaby).

The Wild Horse Redemption is up for three nominations, including best direction in a documentary program (Vancouver's John Zaritsky).

Locally based actors Gabrielle Miller (the now-cancelled Robson Arms), Erin Karpluk (Being Erica), Ron Lea (Flashpoint), and Chernier Hundal (The Terrorist Next Door) all received acting nominations.

The CBC series The Week the Women Went, produced by Vancouver's Paperny Films, received a nomination for best reality program or series.

Awards for categories such as news, sports, documentary, lifestyle, drama, comedy, and variety awards will be presented at the Industry Gala on October 19 and 20 in Toronto, while the Broadcast Gala will take place in Calgary, Alberta on November 14.