The Independent Production Fund announces funding for 14 web drama series
June 27, 2013
The Independent Production Fund announces funding for 14 web drama series.
The IPF Board of Directors approved funding for 14 scripted drama series (9 English / 5 French) designed and produced for exploitation on the web. Five of the approved projects are renewals for new episodes of successful web series and nine are new series launching next autumn and winter. The IPF is making equity investments of $1.6 M in these projects. This unique funding program, which was created in 2010 encourages experimentation and opportunity to evaluate potential for high quality, story driven drama for web audiences and is encouraging the marketing and exploitation of Canadian productions to global audiences.
The 2-step selection process required the initial evaluation of 157 applications which were then short-listed to 35 web series from both digital media and traditional television production companies from across the country. An international jury, industry evaluators and the Board evaluated projects based on content, production styles and processes, formats, business and promotion models, audience and revenue potential. The 2013 international jury included Alison Norrington (Transmedia producer/StoryWorld, UK), Gina Desjardins (digital media columnist and consultant, Canada), Veronica Holmes (ZenithOptimedia, Canada), Emilie Flamment (Editorial Advisor, Nouvelles Ecritures, France Television, France), André Gullini (writer/creator, Canada), Paul Ronca (Just For Laughs, Canada), Andy Shapiro (Machinima, USA), Catherine Mathys (digital technologies journalist, Canada), Dan Fill (Chocolate Liberation Front, Australia), Ipsa Desai (Google, Canada).
The selected projects represent a range of genres including comedy, action, thriller, sci-fi and mystery for different target demographics and distribution platforms.
The IPF has established a “Wip dashboard” linking to all of its funded web series. To see the 2010, 2011 & 2012 projects, go to wipwebseries.ca
The following productions are the recipients of the IPF’s 2013 web drama series program:
The IPF also continues to support training and professional development activities. The following organizations received professional development grants:
| Organization | Events |
| Académie canadienne du cinema et de la television | Prix Gémeaux 2013 |
| Regroupment des producteurs multimédias | NUMIX 2013 |
| Vancouver International Film Festival Society | 28th Annual Vancouver Film & TV Forum |
| Youth Media Alliance | 2013 Children, Youth & Media Conference |
The Independent Production Fund is incorporated as a private foundation with charitable status. It operates on the interest generated by a $33 M endowment, and by recoupment from its investments. An independent Board of Directors representing the industry oversees the operations of the fund and makes all investment decisions.
Funding partners for the Pilot Web Series Program included Film Nova Scotia and British Columbia Film + Media.
The IPF also administers the COGECO Program Development Fund and the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund.
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