December 2, 2013 – The Board of Directors of the Independent Production Fund (IPF) has renewed its commitment to support the production of web drama series. This funding program will continue indefinitely, and will be subject to review in response to the needs and expectations of this pioneering sector of the industry.

The Cogeco Program Development Fund has also agreed to maintain the mandate it undertook to fund television drama series previously supported by the IPF, as well as MOW’s and mini-series. These two Funds have coordinated their efforts and resources to ensure that Canadian drama for all platforms will be supported by the independent production funds.

The next annual deadline for application for the IPF web series funding is March 3, 2014. At this first stage of application, producers will be required to submit brief written creative concepts as well as posting online a two-minute proof-of-concept video which is available to the public in order to measure traffic and audience feedback. New this year is a requirement to outline an audience engagement strategy. As the success of previous projects has been correlated with strong and relevant social media and publicity, IPF evaluators will analyze the skills and the commitment of producers to undertake long-term plans to attract and maintain their online audiences.

A short-list of finalists will be selected to continue to the second phase of the application process which will require detailed business, financial and marketing plans to be submitted by May 5, 2014. An international jury will make funding recommendations to the IPF’s Board of Directors.

The IPF has supported the production of 54 web drama series since 2010, establishing Canada internationally as a major production hub for this genre. An average of 180 applications are received annually in this program. Canadian web producers have celebrated many international awards, including an International Digital Emmy Award in 2013 for the IPF-funded Guidestones (guidestones.org).

Marketing, distribution, financing, business models all continue to be an evolving learning experience for all involved. The IPF also provides useful tools to the industry as well as training and educational support, mentorship and professional development. The IPF has undertaken a Digital Marketing Workshop in five centres across Canada and will soon be publishing the second edition of “How to Build an Audience”.

“The production of web series is an exciting niche for Canadian producers, which allows them to reach beyond our borders to global online audiences”’ noted IPF Chair, Charles Ohayon. “We are all well aware of the challenges that remain, and even more of the opportunities ahead.”

The IPF invests over $1.5 M a year in web series which have been created for every demographic from pre-schoolers to adults, live action and animation, thrillers, sci-fi and comedy. They tell stories of a young detective, galactic janitors, a pro-wrestler turned actor, uncouth tow truck drivers and a range of characters and adventures in between. Many also include associated interactive activities. They can be accessed via the IPF’s web series dashboard at www.wipwebseries.ca.

Detailed Guidelines and Application forms are available at www.ipf.ca

In the past 22 years, the IPF has invested nearly $57 M in the production of television and web drama as well as professional development activities. It is a private, charitable Foundation with an endowment valued at $34 M. It uses the interest generated by this endowment as well as recoupment from successful projects, for its industry investments. An independent Board of Directors representing various aspects of the industry is responsible for all funding decisions.