For immediate release

April 6, 2016 – The Independent Production Fund and its evaluators have reviewed the 177 proposals for web series funding which were submitted this year from across Canada. Over 40 industry professionals, consultants and advanced media students selected a short-list of 29 projects, including 18 English-language and 11 French-language web series. Eight web series previously funded by the IPF will be eligible to apply for subsequent season financing. The selected short-listed projects are now invited to submit complete Production Applications by May 2, 2016. An international Jury will evaluate these proposals and the Board of Directors of the IPF will make final funding decisions in June.

Andra Sheffer, CEO of the IPF, noted that “there are a lot of great ideas and incredible enthusiasm for web series across Canada. Our evaluators were very impressed by the proof-of-concept videos that were produced and the creative materials that are in development. Although the IPF is limited by the funds at its disposal, we all hope that projects that were not selected will be able to find alternate means to proceed. It is challenging, but an exciting process.”

List of previously funded projects eligible to apply for a subsequent season:

The Independent Production Fund thanks all of the evaluators for undertaking this selection challenge and sharing their insights and viewing experiences.

The IPF invests approximately $1.8 M in the production of 12 – 15 web series each year. These series represent all demographics and genres, including action, animation, thriller, comedy and science fiction. They also offer a variety of interactive activities for viewers. The web series previously funded can be accessed at www.ipf.ca/webseries.

The IPF has invested over $9 M in the production of 84 web drama series in the past 5 years. It is incorporated as a charitable foundation with an endowment valued at $36 M. It uses the interest generated by the endowment and return on its project investments for its annual operations and project funding. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from the industry and undertakes all final funding decisions.