Four Canuck prodcos got to take a bite out of the Big Apple last night as the finalists for the Shaw Rocket Prize, which seeks to recognize the best TV programs for Canadian kids 13 to 17, were unveiled at the Sheraton Manhattan.

Hope for the Future from Sea to Sea Productions, Epitome Pictures’ Instant Star, Make Some Noise from Omni Film Productions and Amberwood Entertainment’s The Snow Queenmade the cut.

The international jury that includes AOL Kids & Teens’ Malcolm Bird, Dea Connick Perez from Discovery Kids, Donna Andrews from Australia’s Dandy Productions, and Estelle Hughes (formerly of CiTV), now hands the final vote over to a 700-member strong student jury comprised of children ages 11 to 14. The US$42,000 prize winner will be announced during a ceremony in Toronto being held on May 3.

The independently governed prize was established in 2005 and funded by a number of cable cos in Canada including Shaw Communications and Star Choice Television Network. For more info check out www.rocketfund.ca.