TORONTO – The Canadian Television Fund launched a $2 million Digital Media Pilot Program this week.
Aimed at generating a stronger Canadian presence in new media, “the pilot program will support Canadian audiovisual, multimedia and interactive projects that are associated with CTF-funded television productions that use digital media to enrich viewer experiences,” says the press release.
Funds will be dispersed to eligible Canadian productions on a first-come, first-served basis in the form of a grant.
"Aligning television programs with web sites, webisodes, and mobisodes, allows producers to connect with their audiences in a more interactive way," said Valerie Creighton, president of the CTF. "Storyline extensions, viewer feedback and behind-the-scene information can now be simultaneously shared with viewers on more than one medium, enhancing viewer experiences.
"With more Canadians supplementing their television viewing habits with digital media content… we hope to expand it to include support for new media projects intended directly for digital platforms," she continued.
Digital Media Pilot Program applications will be administered by the Television Business Unit at Telefilm Canada on behalf of the CTF. Guidelines and application forms for the pilot program can be downloaded at www.ctf-fct.ca. Applications will be accepted from October 15, 2008 (at 12 pm – EDT) until February 13, 2009.
