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Interactive Digital Media Fund — Production
ON, Canada
Money for digital media projects in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJune 19, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 26, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ontario Creates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_card_status|closingSoon
grant_single_labels|preview
Get matching funds between $25,000 and $300,000 to create a market-ready digital media content project that will be released to end users.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides funding assistance to projects in the digital media sector, offering a combination of non-refundable contributions and minimum funding requests, structured to support various stages of project development.
- Non-refundable contributions can cover up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses incurred by the project.
- The maximum funding request for Concept Definition projects is $50,000, with a minimum request set at $10,000.
- The maximum funding request for Production projects is $300,000, with a minimum request set at $25,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant provides funding for the creation of high-quality interactive digital media content projects that contribute positively to the Ontario economy. Projects can be categorized into interactive content that is designed non-linearly and video content arranged in a linear fashion.
- Creation of digital first interactive content intended for access in a non-linear fashion, including video games, mobile content, and XR experiences with significant interactive content.
- Development of digital publishing projects, such as e-learning content and other interactive initiatives.
- Production of digital first video content for consumption in a linear manner, like web series and video for online magazines.
- Creation of XR experiences with limited interactive features.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 95,000
Creation of an interactive XR experience for Canadian historical sites
$ 90,000
Creating an interactive storytelling app for indigenous cultures
$ 75,000
Development of an e-learning platform for financial literacy
$ 50,000
Creation of a mobile app for urban gardening enthusiasts
$ 115,000
Development of an educational video game on climate change
$ 100,000
Production of a digital publishing platform for independent authors
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's company profile and experience in the interactive digital media sector.
- The applicant must be an Ontario-based company.
- The company must be Canadian-owned and incorporated in Ontario or federally, or be prepared to incorporate immediately if their application is successful.
- The company must be in a sound financial position and in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission.
- Established companies must demonstrate that either 25% of revenue or 50% of expenditures over the previous two fiscal years comes from creating screen-based content projects similar to the proposed project, or 50% of revenue comes from eligible publishing activities.
- Established companies must have at least one owner or full-time employee with a full-time equivalent of three years of experience in creating professional, commercialized content similar to the proposed project.
- New companies must have an executive team with at least one owner or full-time employee with three years of experience in content creation or publishing industries.
- New companies must be majority-owned by individuals who are Ontario residents and be prepared to incorporate immediately if successful.
- Applications must be submitted by the primary corporate entity and not a single-purpose production company.
- The company must not be a private college or training institution, nor should it be delivering online services for individuals.
- Public sector and not-for-profit entities are ineligible, as are companies not in good standing with Ontario Creates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is intended for established and new content creation companies in Ontario involved in interactive digital media.Eligible companies must meet specific criteria as outlined below.
- Established Companies: Must have at least 25% of their revenue or 50% of their expenditures over the previous two fiscal years from the creation of screen-based content projects similar to the proposed project or at least 50% of their revenue from eligible publishing activities as defined by Ontario Creates guidelines.
- Must have at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum of three years of experience in creating professional, commercialized content for interactive platforms, networks, or devices.
- New Companies: Must have an executive team, including at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum of three years of relevant experience, be majority-owned by Ontario residents, be prepared to incorporate immediately upon successful application, and meet the eligibility for incorporation similar to established companies.
- Both established and new companies must be Ontario-based, Canadian-owned, in a sound financial position, and in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes specific types of companies and industries due to their status and core activities. The restrictions ensure alignment with the grant's focus on fostering the interactive digital media sector.
- Private colleges and training institutions.
- Companies delivering online services for individuals.
- Companies not in good standing with Ontario Creates, or those associated with entities not in good standing.
- Not-for-profit and public sector entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant provides support for early-stage and production activities aimed at creating interactive digital media content. Eligible projects focus on developing and bringing to market new digital experiences for various platforms.
- Prototype creation for interactive content projects.
- Preparation of pre-production documents and pitch material.
- Business planning and research activities to support project development.
- Production of market-ready interactive content for public release.
- Development of interactive digital media projects such as video games, mobile content, e-learning content, and XR experiences.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies based in the region where the funding body operates. The eligible geographical area is specifically located within Ontario, Canada.
- Ontario, Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives for Concept Definition and Production programs.
- Track Record (15%): Evaluates company experience with similar projects, capacity, skills, knowledge, and expertise required to complete the proposed activities, diversity among senior leadership, staff or contract employees, and company policies or initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Risks and Feasibility (15%): Considers clear deliverables, reasonable budget with appropriately allocated costs and confirmed financing, well-planned project with realistic schedule and milestones, and mitigation of other challenges and risks.
- Creative Strength (30% for both programs): Assesses innovation, creativity, uniqueness, potential to result in a high-quality project, and support and reflection of diversity, particularly equity-deserving voices within the interactive digital media industry.
- Positive Impact (30% for Concept Definition, 20% for Production): Measures the impact of activities on project progression towards production, growth of the company as a result of activities, viability of the market, chance for resulting project to be commercially and/or critically successful, and demonstrated market demand with detailed and substantiated revenue projections (for Production).
- Ontario Benefit (10% for Concept Definition, 20% for Production): Evaluates creation and/or retention of employment opportunities in Ontario, potential for future revenue for the company, proportion of budget spent in Ontario, and sustainability of economic benefits.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Thoroughly read the Ontario Creates IDM Fund Guidelines, Budget and Financing Guidelines, and Program Policies.
- Ensure your project and company meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines.
- New companies and first-time applicants must contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks before the deadline to confirm their eligibility.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Gather all required documents as outlined in the Online Application Portal (OAP) application form, including budgets, financing plans, and proof of copyright ownership.
- Ensure all documents are complete and adhere to specified page limits and formats.
- Draft a detailed project proposal highlighting the creative strength, market potential, and alignment with diversity and inclusion priorities.
- Obtain written commitments for all required financing beyond the IDM Fund contribution.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Access the Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/ and log in or create an account.
- Upload all required documents to the portal as specified in the application form.
- Complete all sections of the online application form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the completed application electronically by the specified deadline (April 8, 2024 or August 26, 2024 by 5:00pm).
- Step 4: Confirmation and Assessment
- Receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging your application submission.
- Your application will be assessed for completeness and eligibility by Ontario Creates staff.
- Eligible applications may be sent to specialist industry advisors and a jury for further evaluation.
- You will be notified regarding the status of your application within 16 weeks of the deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The IDM Fund acts as a last-in participant in project financing, requiring all other funding commitments to be confirmed in writing at the time of application.
- Applicants proposing projects that support diversity and reflect equity-deserving communities are expected to demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to these communities.
- International partnerships and co-productions are permitted but preference is given to projects substantially owned by Ontario-based organizations.
- Successful applicants will receive funding in installments tied to deliverables, with specific percentages allocated at each stage.
- Projects must commence incurring expenses within 90 days after notification of Ontario Creates’ decision, with project completion timelines set for Concept Definition and Production activities.
- Companies must disclose if their project is under review for financial support from other recognized industry funding programs.
- Preference may be given to new content projects that do not have a history of receiving previous financial support from the IDM Fund.
- All budget and financing must adhere to the given templates and include all costs up to completion and delivery.
