Emerging Music Business Program Application Guidelines

Transcription

1 Emerging Music Business Program Application Guidelines Music Investment Program Administered by Music Nova Scotia with support from the Province of Nova Scotia Updated as of June, 2015

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Program Objective 3 Program Overview 4 Eligibility.5 Eligible Projects General Summary...5 Application Guide.6 Helpful Hints.8 Jury Process...9 Acknowledgement of Investment Requirement.10 Terms and Conditions 11 Final Reporting

3 PROGRAM OBJECTIVE The objectives of this investment program are to enhance the sales and marketability of Nova Scotia produced music, and to develop skills for sustainable infrastructure in developing industry professionals. PROGRAM INVESTMENT The Emerging Music Business Program is funded by The Province of Nova Scotia. This commitment is made in support of Nova Scotia s Music Sector Strategy. Music Nova Scotia is pleased to work in partnership with The Province of Nova Scotia to develop and promote the commercial music industry in our province. 3

4 PROGRAM OVERVIEW Deadlines for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 September 15 March 15 Deadlines CAN fall on the weekend. Online submissions will be allowed until 11:59 p.m. on the 15th day NOT the Monday following the 15 th. Types of Investment There are three categories of investment under the Emerging Music Business Program: Emerging Artist/Group; (Sound Recording and/or Marketing) Emerging Industry Professional (Marketing and/or Professional development) Mentorship or Internships Investment Amounts Emerging Artist/Group: non-repayable investment of up to 50% of eligible project costs normally to a maximum contribution of $4,000; Emerging Industry Professional: non-repayable investment of up to 50% of eligible project costs normally to a maximum contribution of $4,000; Mentorship: non-repayable investment of up to 90% of eligible costs normally to a maximum contribution of $15,000; and Emerging Artist/Group and Emerging Industry Professional total combined federal and provincial government funding cannot exceed 75%. For Mentorship total combined federal and provincial government funding cannot exceed 90%. The purchase of equipment, on-going operational costs, music association membership fees, and costs to create merchandise for sale are not eligible. Funding is intended to help applicants break even on revenues and expenses. If a project generates a surplus, the recipient may be required to return funds to Music Nova Scotia. Normally, eligible projects should begin no earlier than the filing of the application. 4

5 Eligible Applicants Applicants should be working in the industry in some professional capacity at the time of applying. Contact Mickey Quase at Music Nova Scotia if you are a first time applicant and include a link to your music or website. Eligible applicants include: Emerging Artist/Group: Artists who have realized significant provincial exposure but not enough national or international sales or exposure to be considered Export Ready, although such artists may have secured a manager, publicist, and/or record label deal. The artist or 75% of group members must have maintained their primary residence in Nova Scotia for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline. Applicants who are out of the province temporarily and will be away for no more than 12 months may apply. Emerging Industry Professional: Individuals who are in the early stage of creating a music business, including, but not limited to, record company, management company, music distributor, music publicist, content marketer, cyber marketing, music publisher, or music promoter. Applicants must have maintained their primary residence in Nova Scotia for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline. Applicants who are out of the province temporarily and will be away for no more than 12 months may apply. Eligible Projects are, but not limited to Recording: All costs related to the creation of a commercial sound recording (i.e. available for purchase) including studio, engineer, producer, musicians costs while tracking; mixing and mastering, graphic design and reproduction, first run manufacturing and packaging, barcodes, encryption, distribution, etc.; Marketing & Promotion: development of electronic media kits, professional photos, bio writing, branding, initial website design, fees for publicists, blog banners, promotional giveaways (postcards, pins, etc.), promotional copies of recordings, mail outs, radio tracking, cyber marketing, video as internet content, touring costs for marketing new release, development of marketing and/or business plans, consultations with industry professionals, project management fees, etc.; Professional business development: Promotion of music industry as a career choice, capacity building, music business skills training (classroom and on-line), consultation with industry professionals Mentorship: Travel costs, accommodation, and fee for services for mentors. Applicants (mentees) are able to request up to $14 per hour to a maximum of 40 hours per week for themselves. Projects typically contribute to an applicant s business development, and acquisition of technical skills. Mentors may be from outside the province. An application requires a cohesive plan from both applicant and mentor(s). Interested applicants must meet with Program Officer prior to applying in this area of the program, for approval of mentor(s) and project. 5

6 APPLICATION GUIDE Required for application (online submissions only) Step #1 Complete Applicant Profile webform by following this link: Step #2 Complete online application webform by following this link: Step #3 Required attachments to web form: 1. Project plan (PDF) 2. Official Excel budget forms available for download by following this link: 3. Support materials (download links to three MP3s and critical reviews) It is strongly recommended that you contact Music Nova Scotia to discuss your proposed project and the application requirements before you prepare and submit an application. Mentorship applicants must contact the Program Manager prior to submission. An incomplete application will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for support. 1. What should be in your Project Plan? Provide a written project plan. It should present a clear idea of why you are investing in this project, a sense that you have the ability to capitalize on the opportunity you are creating, and more details regarding the expenses in your budget. Emerging Artist /Group: A full description of the artist/group including, audience/market, industry awards, current bookings and concerts, and future direction; A description of the proposed activity; Draft business and/or marketing plan-specific to proposed activity* Project budget with itemized revenues and expenses Emerging Industry Professional A full description of the professional s background and experience, and future career path Proposed activity Draft business plan* Project budget with itemized expenses 6

7 *The business plan should include: 1. A full project description. (Identify suppliers and include brief descriptions for each.) A supplier is anyone named in the budget. 2. Describe how this project will meet one and/or all of the following objectives: Enhance the professionalism and marketability of the applicant Improve professional business, marketing and technical skills Encourage establishment of artist-industry professional relationships 3. Describe how you will measure your success in meeting the objectives outlined in #2. 4. Provide a critical path showing pertinent dates and tasks; include anticipated start and completion dates. 2. Support Material MP3s via link and critical reviews A maximum of three performed songs are to be included (mandatory) with each emerging artist/group application (sound recording and/or marketing). Audio recordings will be accepted as mp3s. MP3 files must be labeled with the applicant s name and a download link must be provided with the online application. Applicants may submit a maximum of three critical reviews or articles about their work. PDF files are preferred and each file should be labeled with the name the applicant. 3. Application Assessment Projects under the Emerging Music Business Program will be assessed against their ability to: Show competitive capabilities and export possibilities in their music Enhance the professionalism and marketability of the artist or company Improve professional business, marketing and technical skills Ensure applicant has strong sense of project skills and requirements A jury composed of industry professionals who make recommendations for investment reviews applications in a competitive setting. 4. Program Evaluation The expected outcomes associated with the program include: Increased quality and marketability of music products; Increased professionalism; Increased business sustainability; and Increased leveraging of private sector investment. Progress in achieving these outcomes must be documented in final activity reports prepared by recipients of investment to aid in program review. 7

8 6. Payment and Conditions of Investment Applicants which are approved for funding will receive an outlining the terms and conditions of investment. Investment recipients must meet the following conditions: Investment must be used for the activity as described in the application. Successful applicants will receive an advance of 75% upon signing of investment agreement. The remaining 25% balance will be paid upon approval of project final report. Program Manager must be notified in advance of any changes in the activity, including start and end dates, location, or any other significant changes. Applicants who do not receive the amount they requested may be required to submit a revised budget based on the approved amount. If the project is not undertaken after the investment has been made the recipient must return the investment to Music Nova Scotia. Recipients of investment must submit a Final Report within 60 days of the project end date. The report is to include a detailed financial statement of actual revenues and expenses, with supporting documentation. A project final report is required to receive your 25% final payment. Recipients of investment music retain and submit receipts for all project expenses with final report. HELPFUL HINTS 1. Read the application form and guidelines carefully. 2. Call the program officer to make sure your project is eligible and that you are applying to the appropriate program. Feel free to call with any questions about the application process. 3. Understand that you are preparing your application for industry professionals, who will be serving as adjudication panel. The panel changes with each deadline. 4. Clarify your idea. Behind every strong application is a clear idea. Your task is to communicate that idea to the panel. 5. Make sure your application answers the questions posed. 6. Pay careful attention to the selection of support material. Support material should relate to the project for which you are applying. This is your opportunity to build the committee s confidence in the artistic merit of your project and your ability to carry it out. Feel free to annotate your support material to provide context for the committee. 7. Assume nothing. The members of the Panel are asked to assess the applications on the merit of the project, the artistic merit of the support material and the ability of the applicant to carry out the project. They are asked to make their assessment based on the information provided in the application, not what they know about an applicant through prior knowledge or experience. 8. Be concise. Members of the Panel have many applications to read and assess. Make sure your application is as clear as possible. 8

9 JURY PROCESS A jury of a minimum of three (3) musicians and/or industry professionals will review your submission. The juries are different each round, for each component. Your application form and the supporting materials should provide all the information the jury needs to know about you and your project. 1. Scoring Emerging Artist/Group (Sound recording & Marketing) 40% Project business/marketing plan - The jury will look at what you plan to do, how you plan to do it, your knowledge of the target market, how you plan to follow up and how this project fits into your overall plan. 25% Professional History - The jury will review all of your accomplishments in the business of music, including your live performances, your sales history, and the recognition you have received from the media and the industry. 35% Budget and Infrastructure - The jury will assess your budget for realism and moderation. Your ability to provide the other 50% of your project's costs will be assessed. They will also want to know who is helping you and what kind of experience they have. This team can be members of your group who are taking on the tasks to make this project a success. Preference for quotes for work on supplier letterhead. Mentorships & Internships 40% The plan, the mentor & the likelihood of employment - Preference is given to projects that will potentially lead to full or part-time employment upon completion, and/or those that will facilitate mentee starting their own service business after completion. 25% The apparent need of new practitioners of business in the chosen activity 35% The commitment of the mentor to the success of the mentee, and the effectiveness of the budget 2. How the Jury is Chosen Sound recording: The jury is most often made up of music industry professionals with experience and knowledge of most popular genres of music, who have the ability to both assess the support materials for best quality performance and strong writing craft. As well, jurors are required to understand the most current/appropriate forms of marketing and distribution for the material proposed. Professionals involved in artist management, promotion and live music presentation are the most likely members of the panel. Mentorships/internships: The jury is most likely comprised of exporting members of the provincial music industry especially those who have experience in mentoring, working with staff and/or contract employees or a National service organization. 3. Pre and Post Application Input The program is recognized as providing outstanding personal (one-on-one) consultation prior to applying (mandatory for mentorships). Those who are not successful receive in depth critiques of their support material and application upon request. 9

10 REQUIREMENTS FOR ACKNOWLEDGING INVESTMENT Music Nova Scotia requires that investment recipients adhere to the following communications guidelines: Acknowledgment and Logo Support for this project must be acknowledged through the inclusion of the Music Nova Scotia and The Province of Nova Scotia logos in all electronic and print communications material, i.e., brochures and advertising. The logos can be downloaded from the Music Nova Scotia website: The following is an example of text that may be used in press releases or anywhere a written acknowledgment of investment partners is used, XYZ Organization/Artist recognizes the support of Music Nova Scotia s Emerging Music Business Program and The Province of Nova Scotia. 10

11 TERMS AND CONDITIONS *These must be accepted officially in the online submission in order to submit your application. (a) Agree to be bound by all approvals and disapprovals of Music Nova Scotia in connection with this application for investment or in connection with any payment or allocation of investment. (b) Agree that they will not institute any claim or proceeding against Music Nova Scotia (or its directors, Managers or employees) by reason of any approval or disapproval of Music Nova Scotia in connection with this application for investment or in connection with any payment or allocation of investment. (c) Agree that Music Nova Scotia (and its directors, managers and employees) shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental loss or damage arising out of such application or the payment or nonpayment of such investment. Music Nova Scotia is responsible for payment of investment once investment has been awarded. (d) Agree that the applicants and their representatives, legal surrogates, parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries and divisions assume the entire risk of loss and/or damage arising out of the application for investment, the approval or disapproval of such application and the payment or non-payment of such investment. (e) Agree that their budget projections are based on fact and have been prepared with due regard to reality and moderation. (f) Agree to supply to Music Nova Scotia if investment is approved within 60 days of the end of the project a financial statement indicating in detail the costs and expenses relative to the project accompanied with original receipts/ invoices as supporting documentation, and such other documents as may reasonably be requested by Music Nova Scotia. (g) Agree that Music Nova Scotia will respect the confidential nature of the material submitted in this application. (h) Agree to allow an accredited accounting firm, or agent acting on behalf of Music Nova Scotia or the Province of Nova Scotia, to examine, photocopy and make extracts from the applicant's books of account at all reasonable times, provided that such reviews are limited to matters concerning the details of this application and that all information pursuant to such review is kept confidential by Music Nova Scotia. (i) Agree to declare, at the time the application is submitted to Music Nova Scotia, any monies which have been, or are expected to be, received for the proposed project from other government sources and understand that no more than a cumulative total of 75% of the project's total eligible costs, can be received from Music Nova Scotia and other government sources. (j) Music Nova Scotia final contribution will be available upon completion of the project and upon submission and approval of acceptable documented original receipts covering eligible expenses. Approved applicants will receive 75% of the approved investment upon the receipt of the signed terms and conditions agreement and the final 25% upon acceptance of a Final Report. Music Nova Scotia reserves the right to withdraw all or part of the recommended investment if the actual budget is substantially different from the projected budget or cannot be substantiated to Music Nova Scotia s satisfaction. 11

12 (k) Agree and certify all the information above to be true and complete, and authorize and consent to the receipt and provision of account and credit information from and to credit grantors, credit bureaus and suppliers of service. FINAL REPORT Please review this section before applying to fully understand what records you must keep and what you must submit in order to a) receive your final payment and b) remain eligible to re-apply to Music Nova Scotia investment programs. Final reports and budget forms must be submitted online, through the web form available on the Music Nova Scotia website. Receipts Please note that your final report is not reviewed or counted as submitted until all required documents are received. You may submit your receipts via the web form final report (one combined PDF is preferred), but it is still acceptable to submit your receipts by fax, mail or in person. Original receipts are not required**, but can be requested. Please submit clear, well-labeled receipts that correspond to eligible expenses. If it is unclear what a certain receipt is from (if the ink has started to fade or smudge etc.) then it is very helpful if you attach it with a brief explanation. It is also helpful if you group receipts for similar spending together and provide a total for that spending item. For example, if you have ten receipts for gas purchases while on tour, you can add them yourself and provide the total on an attached sheet of paper titled Gas. This is an extremely helpful approach and ensures that none of your eligible expenses will be missed or misunderstood. If you have incurred expenses outside of Canada, currency must be converted to Canadian dollars. Exchange rates at time of purchase will be honoured; otherwise the current rate will be used. Domestic tax (HST and GST) is not an eligible expense and must be subtracted from all receipts. Receipts must show the breakdown of cost plus taxes, so the tax amounts can be removed from the totals. Remember: food, drink, alcohol, clothing or any capital expense (i.e. an instrument purchases) is not eligible. **If you submit original receipts and need them returned, it is up to you to make copies for the Program Manager and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Budget Information: It is required that you use the Excel budget forms provided online when compiling your actual expenses budget for the project. This ensures consistency with your proposed budget and enables your spending to be easily assessed by category. It is highly recommended that you refer to your proposed budget while preparing your actual budget. Expenses or amounts that were not proposed in the application s proposed budget may not be accepted if the Program Manager deems it ineligible. Link to Excel budget forms: 12