Serkis to be feted at Whistler fest

Andy Serkis will receive Variety's Tech Pioneer Award at the Whistler Film Festival on Dec. 1. Serkis will appear via a live Skype conference as part of a Whistler Summit interactive narrative master class Following the release of "Kung Fu Panda 2," fest will also recognize helmer Jennifer Yuh Nelson with its first Trailblazer in Animation Award at an In Conversation event on Dec. 3. Fest runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 4. Contact Bobbie Whiteman at bobbie.whiteman@variety.com