TORONTO – The Domestic Geek is the first YouTube channel to receive funding from the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), a major industry shift towards recognizing YouTubers and online content creators as established contributors to Ontario’s creative economy.
Funding was made possible through the Corporation’s new Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF) which provides support for projects that fit within OMDC’s mandate but currently fall outside of existing program parameters.
One of the fastest growing food channels on YouTube, The Domestic Geek has earned more than 600,000 dedicated subscribers and over 35 million views.
“The Domestic Geek is a standout example of success in an ever-changing media landscape,” said OMDC president and CEO Karen Thorne-Stone, in the news release. “The channel’s carefully crafted business strategy provides an incredible opportunity for growth within Ontario’s media industry and serves as inspiration for content producers across the province.”
The Domestic Geek creator and host Sara Lynn Cauchon and RTR Media CEO Kit Redmond will use the CIF to help grow a new content company devoted to managing and growing The Domestic Geek brand both online and offline. Known as Inspired Entertainment Inc., the company produces high-quality, long-form content on YouTube and off-platform content like eBooks, and plans to produce branded content for Canadian advertisers and diversify its lifestyle offerings within the next year.
“I’ve been blown away by the traction the channel has gained and I’m excited to grow the brand across more platforms”, added Cauchon. “We are thrilled to launch Inspired Entertainment Inc. and bring together television, design and publishing professionals who are passionate about the endless opportunities the digital space offers and, of course, food!”
