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 Ontario Creates (formerly OMDC) to run a program to give promising emerging game creators and developers a leg-up in our changing world. It’s the Interactive Digital Media Fund Futures program!

Participants who complete the program will be eligible to submit an application to the IDM Fund Concept Definition or Production programs starting in the Spring 2019 deadline. This will allow you to bypass the 3 years of full time industry experience requirement.

Last year, participants met international experts like Kelly Wallick (IGF Chairperson, Indie Megabooth) and John Polson (Humble Bundle, ALT.CTRL), learned from the experience of locals like Dave Proctor (Mighty Yell) and Emilie McGinley (GetSet Games), and developed pitch and business assets they can use for future endeavours. They’ll also make critical connections with fellow participant peers facing similar challenges.

Subjects from last year’s program include:

• 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 have developed 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 or two representatives 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 6 sessions in Toronto (exact date TBD, likely weekends in October and November)
• You can commit to 3-4 hours a week for the hands-on assignments
• You are an Ontario resident

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Apply by October 5, 2018!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://goo.gl/forms/GdCmmsdlZGMrF1Je2′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

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 Ontario Creates, with an eye towards cultural innovation and viability. The HES is also committed to ensuring a diverse range of participants are considered, so you are strongly encouraged to apply if you or your team are from a traditionally underrepresented background such as women, BIPoC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour), LGBTQ, etc. Make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list for updates, as these programs tend to fill up fast.

Please contact sagan@handeyesociety.com with any questions.