Here in Toronto we’ve developed a rich videogame art scene and a vibrant interactive digital media industry, but how will it continue to thrive as the international market gets increasingly saturated? We think a part of the answer is a focus on business skills, and we are partnering with the Ontario Media Development Corporation to run a program to give promising young game creators and developers a leg-up in our changing world. It’s OMDC’s IDM Fund Futures program.
Participants who complete the program will be eligible to submit an application to the OMDC IDM Fund Concept Definition or Production programs starting in the Spring 2018 deadline. They will also have the opportunity to submit an application to receive one of a limited numbers of grants to assist with product development (administered by the OMDC).
Additionally, participants will meet international experts like Kelly Wallick (IGF Chairperson, Indie Megabooth) and John Polson (Humble Bundle, ALT.CTRL), learn from the experience of locals like Alex Jansen (Pop Sandbox) and Rob Segal (Get Set Games), and develop pitch and business assets they can use. They’ll also make critical connections with fellow participant peers facing similar challenges.
The sessions will run over six weeks on Sunday afternoons starting Sept 24th and will cover the following subjects:
- Pitching and Financing: Funding Sources, Publishers, Tax Credits, Deferrals
- Legal: Incorporation, Insurance, and Contracts
- Budgeting: Payroll, Cash Flow & Accounting
- Production Methodology: Scaling Up, Hiring, Timelines/Schedules
- Audience Connection: Community Building, Publicity & Marketing
- Strategy: Designing Your Company & Alternate Income Streams
We are developing a curriculum from scratch using interviews with experienced game creators to uncover what are the most critical and useful business learnings for people in our region, from tax credits to connecting with an audience. One representative from each company or team will be accepted, and they will be working on one game idea throughout the program.
This program could be a good fit for you if:
- You have an awesome game prototype with commercial potential -OR- you’ve made game prototypes in the past and have an idea for a game with commercial potential
- You have less than 3 years of full time industry experience
- You are available to attend the weekend sessions in Toronto
- You can commit to 3-4 hours a week for the hands-on assignments
- You are an Ontario resident
There is no cost to apply. If selected, you will be required to become a Hand Eye Society member ($7/month) and pay a $100 deposit that will be returned to you on successful completion of the program. As we only have 6 spots available, we want to ensure that all the spots are filled by participants who are committed to finishing the course.
Selections will be made by Hand Eye Society staff in consultation with the OMDC with an eye towards cultural innovation and viability. If you are not selected or it’s not quite the right fit for you, never fear! The Hand Eye Society will be doing videogame arts workshops throughout the year aimed at a variety of experience levels and approaches (commercial/non-commercial). Make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list to be notified, as they tend to fill up fast.
Get in touch with jim@handeyesociety.com with any questions.