Independent Production Fund updates web series funding program

The Independent Production Fund (IPF) has announced its Guidelines for applications to the 2013 Web Series Program. Launching the fourth year of funding for web series, the IPF has refined the selection process to include a new requirement for two-minute proof-of-concept video content for evaluation. The video content must be posted online and be available to the public. It is expected that this will allow evaluators to not only view creative material but to also evaluate marketing skills and measure traffic and audience response to the concepts.

The IPF Board of Directors approved funding for 15 scripted drama series (10 English / 5 French) designed and produced for exploitation on the web and is making equity investments of $1.5 M in these projects. This unique funding program, which was created in 2010 is encouraging experimentation and evaluating potential for high quality, story driven drama for web audiences.

The Chair of the Board of Directors of the Independent Production Fund (IPF), Charles Ohayon, is pleased to welcome Jeremy Butteriss, Director, Strategic Partnerships Google Canada to the Board. Jeremy’s extensive experience in the world of online video and YouTube will provide invaluable perspectives to the IPF’s Web Drama Series funding program. Previously Jeremy led the Broadband Entertainment division at Rogers Communications, launching and managing Rogers On Demand Online. He also helped to launch two internet ventures and has consulted in media, ecommerce and venture development.

Industry professionals, consultants and advanced media students undertook the challenging evaluation of 153 English and French applications for the IPF’s Web Drama Series Program. The following 31 projects were selected by the Pre-Selection committee and are invited to submit complete Production Applications by May 1, 2012. The Board of Directors of the IPF will make final funding decisions on June 14, 2012.

The IPF Board of Directors approved funding for 15 scripted drama series (9 English / 6 French) designed and produced for exploitation on the web and is making equity investments of $1.4 M in these projects. This unique funding program was created last year to support the exploration and potential for high quality, story driven drama for web audiences. The selection process required the evaluation of 160applications which were short-listed to 30 web series from production companies across the country.

Toronto, ON, [June 7, 2011] – A new guide from the Independent Production Fund (IPF) seeks to unravel the mystery behind the marketing and promotion of original web series. How to Build an Audience for your Web Series: Market, Motivate & Mobilize addresses many of the marketing challenges web series creators face and provides a practical framework for launching a show and building an engaged and loyal audience. The English language guide is available for download from the IPF Website. A French language version will be published soon.