IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition Programs (Canada)

The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund (IDM Fund) is aimed at strengthening and stimulating economic growth in the interactive digital media sector by supporting the creation and commercialization of proprietary interactive content.

The objectives of the IDM Fund are to:

• support the creation of high quality, original, interactive digital media content projects by Ontario companies for commercial exploitation;
• assist in capitalizing Ontario content companies creating interactive digital content projects; and
• contribute to the financing of projects that make a positive contribution to the Ontario economy.

Funding Streams

• The IDM Fund Production and Concept Definition programs consist of two streams:
  • Interactive Content (Non-Linear)
    • These guidelines outline two programs:
      • Concept Definition – support for early-stage activities that take place prior to and assist the applicant company in preparing for full production of a market-ready interactive content project.
      • Production – support for the creation of a market-ready interactive content project that will be made publicly available to an audience.
    • Funding Information
      • The IDM Fund will provide a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses as follows:
        • Concept Definition
          • Maximum request = $50,000
          • Minimum request = $10,000
        • Production
          • Maximum request = $300,000
          • Minimum request = $25,000
    • Eligible Projects and Activities
      • The IDM Fund consists of two programs to support content creation activities: ·
        • Concept Definition will support early-stage activities that take place prior to and assist the applicant company in preparing for full production of a market-ready interactive content project. The types of activities that may be supported include but are not limited to prototype creation, preparation of pre-production documents and pitch material, business planning and research.
        • Production will support the creation of market-ready interactive content projects that will be made publicly available to an audience on a digital media platform, network or device that is capable of interactivity.
    • Eligible interactive content projects include:
      • video games
      • mobile content
      • e-learning content
      • XR experiences with substantial interactive content
      • digital publishing projects
  • Video Content (Linear)
    • These guidelines outline two programs:
      • Concept Definition – support for early-stage activities that take place prior to and assist the applicant company in preparing for full production of a market-ready video content project.
      • Production – support for the creation of a market-ready video content project that will be made publicly available to an audience.
    • Funding Information
    • The IDM Fund will provide a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses as follows:
      • Concept Definition
        • Maximum request = $50,000
        • Minimum request = $10,000
      • Production
        • Maximum request = $300,000
        • Minimum request = $25,000
    • Eligible Projects and Activities
      • The IDM Fund consists of two programs to support content creation activities:
        • Concept Definition will support early-stage activities that take place prior to and assist the applicant company in preparing for full production of a market-ready linear video content project. The types of activities that may be supported include but are not limited to pilot/teaser creation, script writing, series bible, preparation of other pre-production documents and pitch material, business planning and research.
        • Production will support the creation of market-ready linear video content projects that will be made publicly available to an audience on a digital media platform, network or device that is capable of interactivity.
    • Eligible linear video content projects include:
      • web series
      • video content for online magazines
      • XR experiences with minimal interactive content
      • video content based eLearning

Eligibility Criteria

• Companies must meet the following requirements:
  • be Ontario-based;
    • companies with more than 365 days of operation must be able to demonstrate that they were Ontario-based for at least one year prior to the deadline;
  • be Canadian-owned;
  • be incorporated in Ontario or federally or prepared to incorporate immediately if their application is successful;
  • be in a sound financial position; and
  • be in good standing with Ontario Creates at time of application submission.

Ineligible

• The following companies are ineligible:
  • private colleges and training institutions;
  • a company that is delivering online services for individuals;
  • a company that is not in good standing with Ontario Creates or one that is associated with an entity that is not in good standing with Ontario Creates; and
  • not-for-profit and public sector entities.

For more information, visit Ontario Creates.