IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition

Overview of the IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition program:

The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund: Production and Concept Definition program provides financial support to Ontario-based companies for the creation and development of original interactive digital media content. The program is divided into two streams: Concept Definition: Offers funding to develop initial ideas, prototypes, and pre-production activities for interactive digital media projects, helping creators refine their concepts and prepare for production. Production: Supports the full production and completion of interactive digital media projects, including video games, mobile apps, and web series, with the goal of bringing high-quality digital content to market.

Benefits of the IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition program:

• The IDM Fund will provide a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses as follows:
• Concept Definition
• Maximum request = $50,000
• Minimum request = $10,000
• Production
• Maximum request = $300,000
• Minimum request = $25,000

Eligibility criteria of the IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition program:

• Established Companies:
• Must meet one of the following criteria:
• At least 25% of revenue or 50% of expenditures over the past two fiscal years comes from creating screen-based content similar to the proposed project.
• At least 50% of revenue over the past two fiscal years comes from eligible publishing activities (as per the Ontario Creates Book Fund and Magazine Fund).
• Must have at least one owner or full-time employee with three years of experience in creating professional, commercialized content for interactive platforms similar to the proposed project.
• New Companies:
• Must have an executive team including at least one owner or full-time employee with three years of experience in:
• Creating professional, commercialized content for interactive platforms similar to the proposed project, or
• The publishing industries.
• Must be majority-owned by Ontario residents.
• Must be prepared to incorporate immediately if their application is successful.
• Must meet the relevant eligibility criteria for established companies upon incorporation.
• General Requirements for All Companies:
• Must be Ontario-based and, if in operation for more than 365 days, have been based in Ontario for at least one year prior to the deadline.
• Must be Canadian-owned.
• Must be incorporated in Ontario or federally, or be prepared to incorporate immediately if successful.
• Must be in sound financial standing.
• Must be in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission.