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|projects
This grant is specifically targeted at companies that are based in Ontario, Canada, to support the creation and commercialization of interactive digital media content. Companies must meet certain criteria including being incorporated in Ontario or federally and demonstrating substantial operations in Ontario.
- Ontario-based companies.
- Companies incorporated in Ontario or federally.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$95,000
Ottawa
Creation of an interactive XR experience for Canadian historical sites
$90,000
Halifax
Creating an interactive storytelling app for indigenous cultures
$75,000
Vancouver
Development of an e-learning platform for financial literacy
$50,000
Toronto
Creation of a mobile app for urban gardening enthusiasts
$115,000
Montreal
Development of an educational video game on climate change
$100,000
Calgary
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
The IDM Fund supports expenses that are directly related to the development and production of interactive digital media content.
- Prototype creation and development of pre-production documents.
- Pitch materials preparation and business planning.
- Research activities necessary for the project development.
- Costs associated with the creation of interactive content, including software development and design.
- Personnel costs directly involved in the project.
- Marketing and promotion expenses occurring during production.
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.
Apply to this program
Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund: Boosting Innovation in Non-Linear Content
The 2024-25 Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund aims to empower both established and emerging content creation companies by accelerating the development of original interactive digital media projects within Ontario. With deadlines set for April 8 and August 26, 2024, this grant focuses on projects ready for commercial exploitation, fostering economic growth, and leveraging innovative digital platforms.
Detailed Insights on the Ontario Creates IDM Fund and Its Strategic Objectives
The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund (IDM Fund) serves as a pivotal force in the creative sector, directing financial support towards the nurturing and realization of distinctive interactive digital media projects. This initiative is split into two principal streams: Concept Definition and Production. The Concept Definition stream focuses on funding early-stage project activities such as prototype creation and pre-production planning, setting a solid foundation before full production. Meanwhile, the Production stream is dedicated to actualizing projects that are poised for market release, enhancing their accessibility and engagement with audiences through digital media.
Eligibility for these grants hinges on several factors, including the nature of the applicant company — whether established or new — the company's experience in content creation, and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Each applicant must demonstrate the capability and skills necessary to conclude their proposed projects successfully, bolstered by a strong business and financial plan. This fund emphasizes the ownership of proprietary content, whereby applicants must hold or secure at least 51% of copyright ownership, ensuring authenticity and originality in submissions.
Under the IDM Fund, interactive projects eligible for support span a variety of formats, such as video games, mobile and e-learning content, and extensive XR experiences, all showcasing substantial interactive components. Importantly, these projects engage users actively, thus influencing how content is ultimately experienced. The fund also stipulates the significance of interactivity, integrated with diverse media forms like text, sound, and images to qualify for funding. This diversity in content representation underscores Ontario Creates’ commitment to fostering innovation and creativity across the digital media landscape.
Participating companies are required to match the grant with double the contribution in Ontario expenses, a strategic move encouraging local production and economic stimulation within the province. Moreover, a required cash contribution from other sources (a minimum of 10% of the total project budget) ensures that projects are economically viable and financially sustainable. As the IDM Fund acts as a last-in investor, applicants must secure and confirm additional financing from other investors prior to final fund allocation decisions by Ontario Creates.
The comprehensive decision criteria for awarding grants involve a rigorous evaluation process that considers track record, project feasibility, creative strength, market impact, and Ontario's economic benefit. Notably, the fund applies a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, prioritizing projects that feature an array of voices and perspectives, an approach that aligns with the broader cultural and economic objectives of the province.
For successful applicants, the financial distribution occurs in stages corresponding to project milestones, effectively boosting project momentum and ensuring accountability. Accessibility funds are also available for applicants needing assistance, reflecting Ontario Creates' dedication to inclusivity within the digital sphere.
In summary, the Ontario Creates IDM Fund represents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking companies aiming to advance Ontario's reputation as a leader in interactive digital media. By supporting diverse, high-quality content projects, the fund not only enhances the province's creative economy but also enriches cultural exchanges through innovative media productions.
