Web Series

In 2018, 10% of the applications submitted for web drama series production financing, were approved for funding.

The primary criterion for acceptance by the Fund is the quality of the project. This is evaluated at each stage of the application process by juries of advanced level media students and a team of Canadian and international digital drama professionals who review all the materials submitted, meet for discussion and/or provide written ratings and comments.

Assessment Metrics

Applications are scored and rated based on the following indicators of potential success:

  • Creative material – compelling , well written, appropriate for the platform
  • Audience engagement strategy – well developed and series specific marketing and promotion strategies for the target audience
  • Proof-of-concept video content, traffic metrics and audience feedback
  • Development opportunities for new talent
  • Business and Financing – appropriate budget with confirmed financing; exploitation platforms and distribution plans
  • Feasibility – production team’s track record and experience; sufficient development undertaken and production plans are realistic
  • Overall judgement of potential success with audiences

Applications for second or subsequent seasons of series are also evaluated by a combination of metrics of success based on performance of the season(s) previously launched:

  • Views
  • Awards and critical acclaim
  • Revenue generated and recoupment to the IPF
  • Distribution platforms, licenses
  • Social media interactions, sharing, buzz, Likes, Followers
  • Support and achievements of new talents
  • Third party financing, sponsorships and endorsements
  • Crowd-funding success

Television Series

In order to evaluate the television series applications submitted for funding in the Cogeco Television Production Program, the following criteria are applied by the Board of Directors in their assessment of the projects and their potential for success:  

  • The track record of the production company and the experience and quality of the creative and business team
  • The quality of the creative material submitted
  • Committed financing from other sources
  • The Canadian broadcaster commitment to the project
  • The potential to engage Canadian and international audiences
  • International distribution potential and business strategies; recoupment potential