Program Info

Taking emerging interactive digital media companies to the next level!

Applications for the 2022 Program are Now Closed.

In partnership with Ontario Creates, Interactive Ontario presents the sixth edition of the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Futures Forward. This program is designed to provide Ontario’s early-stage screen-based companies with access to the skills that they require to fast-track their knowledge acquisition and enhance the competitiveness of their companies through a series of workshops. The program is intended for companies that do not currently meet the requirements of the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Concept Definition and Production programs.

In addition to weekly sessions led by industry experts, participants will receive continual coaching from grant writing coaches who will review homework and provide feedback over the 8-week course.

If your emerging interactive digital media company is looking to strengthen its capacity in funding/financing, accounting, legal, marketing and more this program is built for you. This leadership training will help you to grow your great game or interactive digital media product into a sustainable company.

Completion of this course results in your eligibility to apply to the Ontario Creates IDM Fund Concept Definition and Production programs. Participants are also eligible to compete for the $15,000 Futures grant open only to IDM Fund Futures participants (early development activities).

This year’s workshop will specifically cater to non-linear IDM products such as those who are developing Video Games and VR/AR applications.

Participants will take part in 8 weekly workshops via Zoom on Wednesdays from October 19th to December 7th. In addition, participants will be arranging a total of 4 meetings with Interactive Ontario’s coaches.

For IO Members

$400+HST

For Non Members

$500+HST

Intro and Pitch Training Part 1

Wednesday, October 19, 2022 | 6:00-8:30PM

Jennifer McIlroy

Jennifer McIlroy

Professor at Centennial College

Wojtek Kawczynski

Wojtek Kawczynski

CEO at Wark Studios

Diana Arruda

Diana Arruda

Lead Game Producer at Metamoki Inc.

Week 1 – Introduction to Grant Writing Coaches & Pitch Training Part 1 (Participants Present Project Briefs – Pitch Homework Assigned)

IDM Fund Program and Futures Forward Grant

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 | 6:00-8:00PM

DanielleHebert

Danielle Hébert

Program Consultant at Ontario Creates

Irene Vandertop

Director of Finance and Business Development at Cream Productions

Week 2 – IDM Fund Program and Futures Forward Grant

Project Management and Budget Building

Wednesday, November 02, 2022 | 6:00-8:00PM

Sasha Boersma

Cofounder at Sticky Brain Studios

Week 3 – Project Management and Budget Building – Homework Assigned based on the Ontario Creates budget template to be reviewed by Coach.

Project Financing & Legal

Wednesday, November 09, 2022 | 6:00-8:00PM

Emmanuel Evdemon

Emmanuel Evdemon

Entertainment Lawyer, Entertainment Counsel

Week 4 – Project Financing & Legal

Business Modeling & Market Viability

Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | 6:00-8:30PM

Ericka Evans

Ericka Evans

Head of Production at Phantom Compass

Week 5 – Business Modeling & Market Viability – Homework Assigned to produce business plan to be reviewed by Coach

Marketing Plan

Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | 6:00-8:30PM

Astrid Rosemarin

Astrid Rosemarin

Communications Director at New World Interactive

Week 6 – Marketing Plan – Homework Assigned to produce marketing plan to be reviewed by Coach.

Pitch Training Part 3 – Final Delivery

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 6:00-8:30PM

Jennifer McIlroy

Jennifer McIlroy

Professor at Centennial College

Week 7 – Pitch Training Part 3 – Final Delivery

Summary & Conclusion

Wednesday, December 07, 2022 | 6:00-8:30PM

Wojtek Kawczynski

Wojtek Kawczynski

CEO at Wark Studios

Diana Arruda

Diana Arruda

Lead Game Producer at Metamoki Inc.

Week 8 – Wrap-up – Major takeaways and learnings about the main components, open discussion forum between the companies and with both Grant Writing Coaches and expert guests

On Conclusion of the Program Participants Will:

  • Have a business and marketing plan for their IDM product

  • Have an understanding of business operations (including corporate financial statements)
  • Be able to effectively pitch a project to an investor, channel partner or funding agency
  • Have an understanding of the budget and financing considerations for IDM projects
  • Be eligible for the Ontario Creates IDM Fund Concept Definition and Production program
  • Have the opportunity to submit an application to receive one of a limited number of grants to assist with product development

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants will Adhere to the Following Criteria:

  • New companies that are led by individuals with less than three years of professional IDM content creation experience
  • Established companies that are transitioning to IDM content creation from other industries
  • Participating companies should have an interest in pursuing opportunities associated with proprietary content creation, and have an IDM Fund-eligible project that they would like to produce.
  • This year’s workshop will specifically cater to non-linear IDM products such as those who are developing Video Games and VR/AR applications.
  • Each selected company may send up to two employees to participate in the workshop sessions.

Applicants Selection Criteria:

  • Potential for the applicant to benefit from the program (value of 50%)
  • The market viability and commercial potential of their project (value of 35%)
  • Diversity among senior leadership, staff or contract employees (value of 15%)

If you have any questions, please email Interactive Ontario’s Director of Industry Initiatives (Sarah Saucier) at programs@interactiveontario.com

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Interactive Ontario (IO) believes in fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry. As such, all participants in IO’s programs and events are expected to behave in a respectful manner and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Please let us know if you require accommodation to participate in IO’s IDM Fund: Futures Forward program by emailing programs@interactiveontario.com.

2022 Presenting

Partners

Ontario Creates - Ontario Créatif