With its scheduled opening on April 1, 2010, the new Canadian Media Fund is promising to support Canadian content and software application development for current and emerging digital platforms. Some $350 million in funding support will be distributed, officials describe, through two main streams. The combined CMF is funded partly by Heritage Canada, and partly from cable and satellite TV distributors like Rogers, Telus and Bell. The new fund does not represent a new source of cash for the industry, as it unites two existing funds, the Canadian Television Fund and Canadian New ...

Creators of original web video now have a new source of funding. Canada’s Independent Production Fund (IPF) is launching a pilot program to fund drama series created for any platform. In recognition of the evolving broadcast environment, the IPF will provide equity financing not only to drama series with a television broadcast license, but also to scripted drama series that are designed and produced initially for online exploitation. “After the media financing doldrums of 2009, this money and leap of faith towards digital audiences couldn’t come at a better time,” said ...

The Bell Fund has created a special program for interactive digital media projects with budgets that do not exceed $100,000. Grants will be awarded for up to 75% of the budget, to a maximum of $75,000 per project. Eligible projects must be associated with a licensed Canadian television program. Deadline for application to this Pilot Program is October 1, 2009. A recent survey of broadcasters and television and new media producers indicated a common theme: less is sometimes more when it comes to interactive content associated with television programs. "Some of ...

Take charge of your digital strategy, with FanTrust's step-by-step plan. Here's how to set yourself up for success with a laser focus on accountability. In the latest three blog sessions, FanTrust has helped your company to articulate digital goals for 2009; identify the niche value offered to your fans; and better understand your fan base. Welcome to the FanTrust guide to digital success – Setting Your Digital Resolutions for 2009. December is traditionally a time for reflection and goal-setting, both personal and professional. Though you know what ...

ICE Cubes – a series of podcasts that examines current trends and news stories in interactive entertainment – launched this week in conjection with the Interactive Content Exchange (ICE) conference.

An ICE 2008 advisory board member and presenter, FanTrust President Catherine Warren recently sat down with ICE Cubes host and producer Alan Sawyer to share her thoughts about the digital ABC’s – audience, business and content – including:

How audiences are changing entertainment content and the business of entertainment Aggregating fans to monetize online content Developing a profitable digital strategy ...