Winning projects will get up to $25,000 and companies do not need to provide or source additional funds. Proposals that include “expert consultants” will have winning edge!

To discuss how BC Film Digital Readiness Program consultants at FanTrust can work with your company to build digital expertise, strategic partnerships, original content and active fans, please contact FanTrust President Catherine Warren, cath[at]fantrust.com; 604-724-4609.

Applicants must submit on a tight deadline by March 14, 2011.

Click here for the BC Film funding details and application form.

In a recent exchange with FanTrust, BC Film’s Robert Wong, Vice President, Tax Credits and Development revealed the thinking behind plans to further support the digital media industry with this funding roll-out.

“Our intent is to make it easier for producers to access funding in order to put themselves in a better position to leverage funding from other sources, including the Canadian Media Fund and Bell Broadcast & New Media Fund” Wong said.

The main difference between previous and current funding terms: BC Film is now matching 100 per cent of the triggering agent’s development funding up to $10,000 for one-offs and $20,000 for episodic projects.

“Before it was 50 per cent up to those maximums,” Wong said. “We are now matching 100 per cent of the triggering agent’s funding on digital projects up to $10,000,” he added.

BC Film has also opened up the program to projects that have applied to the Canadian Media Fund under the convergent stream.

“These funds can be spent on additional development activities for the project over and above the original budget,” Wong said. “Digital media project in any phase of production can now apply, not just projects in development or in the alpha or beta testing stage.”

The impetus for these changes came directly out of BC Film’s discussions with broadcasters, bringing BC Film’s programs in line with the needs of the industry. These changes also address the need in the community for seed money for digital projects, Wong concluded.

According the BC Film website, a summary of the changes include:

Project Development Fund

- BC Film will increase its maximum contribution to 100% of the triggering agent’s commitment.

- Projects which have a triggering broadcaster AND have or will receive a commitment from Canada Media Fund’s Development Convergent Stream may now be eligible to apply to the Project Development Fund. Funds can be used for additional development activities for the project, over and above the original budget, including digital media activities.

Digital Media Development Fund

- For projects with a direct market trigger, BC Film will increase its maximum contribution to 100% of the triggering agent’s commitment.

- For projects receiving support through the Slate Development Fund or Project Development Fund, BC Film will increase its maximum contribution to $10,000.

- Digital media projects in any phase of the production cycle can now apply. For example, projects that secure production financing from Bell New Media Fund or Canada Media Fund are now eligible to apply.

Read the full announcement at the BC Film website here.

The BC Film Digital Readiness Program allows eligible TV, film and new media production companies to undertake creative, business and market development to develop a company-wide digital entertainment strategy or specific multiplatform projects. Applicants must work in consultation with a BC Film-approved industry expert or consultant who will provide advice, direction and assistance in the process.

The program, launched last year, injected seed money for BC’s film, television and new media companies to secure the necessary vision, knowledge and contacts for profitability in digital media. Several FanTrust clients have benefited from program funds to reach new audiences, markets, and platforms – retaining the FanTrust consulting team to build their digital entertainment strategy, define their value proposition, understand digital revenue-generating opportunities, identify business development prospects, negotiate the best deal terms and target funding and financing sources.

Full BC Film Digital Readiness Program guidelines are available online.

To discuss how FanTrust can work with your company to build digital expertise, strategic partnerships, digital revenues and fans as a BC Film Digital Readiness Program consultant, contact FanTrust President Catherine Warren, cath[at]fantrust.com