We’re excited to announce that we’ll be running Interactive Digital Media Fund Futures again in partnership with Ontario Creates for 2021! Across Ontario folks have been developing fantastic games but there’s always the question: how can Ontario-made games stand out in an international market? Starting with a strong, foundational understanding of business skills is a great way to start. Fund Futures is a program that helps game makers learn the skills they need to start their studios and get working on their games. This program is open only to Ontario residents and 6 participants will be selected.

The program will be running Saturdays starting October 9 through November 27th from 1-4PM.

Applications close October 1st!

 

Over the course of the past 4 years, we’re refined the course using interviews with experienced game creators, past alumni, and working closely with partners to get to the most critical and useful business learning for folks in the Ontario region. From things like tax credits to how to run your social media you’ll be going through a wide array of exercises via talks, homework, and discussion.

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 able to connect online for sessions
• You can commit to 3-6 hours a week for the hands-on assignments
• You are an Ontario resident

We ask that one or two representatives from your team attend. Throughout the program, you’ll be working on getting yourself, your studio, and your game ready to hit the ground running for things like pitching and applying for funding. Every week there will be homework associated with the topic of the upcoming session.

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), LGBTQIA+, etc. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out at info@handeyesociety.com.

The six (6) 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 2022 deadline. This will allow you to bypass the 3 years of full time industry experience requirement. Applicants that apply to more than one partner organization in the Fund Futures stream will only be accepted to one program.

 

Fund Futures covers topics about how to start your studio, hiring, building your community, and so much more!

Topics covered in this years programs are as follows:

• October 9: Pitching and Financing: Funding Sources, Publishers, Tax Credits, Deferrals
• October 16: Legal: Incorporation, Insurance, and Contracts
• October 23: Budgeting: Payroll, Cash Flow & Accounting
• October 30: Production Methodology: Scaling Up, Hiring, Timelines/Schedules
• November 6: Audience Connection: Community Building, Publicity & Marketing
• November 20: Strategy: Designing Your Company & Alternate Income Streams
• November 27: Repitch: Moving Forward With Grant Writing

Apply By October 1st!

 

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.

Got questions about the program? Feel free to send us an email at info@handeyesociety.com! Make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list for updates, as these programs tend to fill up fast.

This program is in partnership with Ontario Creates.