Guidelines 2015 PROGRAM DETAILS

Transcription

1 Guidelines 2015 The One-Off Members Production Fund for Games AIM OOMPF! Games is competitive grant scheme that provides financial assistance for FTI members in the games industry to help them take their game to market with funding of up to $10,000. The scheme is designed to support diversity, growth and sustainability in the WA game ecosystem through knowledge sharing and capacity building within and between local studios and developers. To this end, preference will be given to projects which demonstrate the most potential for reinvestment in the local industry, through employment opportunities or future game development arising from successfully taking a game to market. Upon completion of their project, successful applications will be required to present their work at a public talk hosted by FTI. The application process is designed to help game makers to think strategically about the business aspect of their work, and more importantly, be prepared to talk to potential investors or publishers through the preparation of a business plan, elevator pitch or participation in the OOMPF! Games Pitch Night. Even unsuccessful applicants will come out of the process with a stronger business case for their projects. Eligible games can include video games, console games, mobile games, online games, augmented and virtual reality games and pervasive, mixed/cross platform or other forms experimental games, as long as the production contains a digital component. For example, an augmented tabletop game that uses an ipad to deliver a narrative component of the game would be eligible, but an entirely analog card game would not is the first year that OOMPF! has been available to the WA games industry, and as such is a pilot initiative which will likely be further refined based on the outcome of this initial year. Currently, OOMPF! is the only game funding program available to the WA industry, both at state and federal levels. PROGRAM DETAILS As this is a pilot funding initiative, up to $10,000 will be assigned to one or more projects, depending on number of applications received and their respective merit. For example, FTI might elect to fund one $10,000 project, two $5000 projects, two $2000 and one $6000 projects and so forth. The core criteria that will drive this decision will be made based on which project or combination of projects are most likely to financially

2 succeed, and more broadly will best foster a sustainable and diverse local industry. Consideration will also be given to the innovativeness and creativity of the project. The awarded funds can be used towards any aspect of the project, including salaries (both for others as well as the applicants') as well as hardware and software. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how and why their use of the funds is essential for taking their game to market. Projects must be completed within 6-10 months of receiving funding. Applicants must demonstrate why their chosen timeline is best suited to bringing their game to market. TIMELINE Pitch Night 23 July 2015 Applications Close 7 August 2015 Panel August 2015 Contracting September 2015 Delivery February 2016 (unless otherwise agreed upon) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studios or individual developers must identify as West Australians and must be WA-based. Shortlisted applicants will need to provide evidence of their status before funding can be award, such as through an ABN or postal address. At least one person in the studio must be a current FTI member. Projects can be at any stage of development as long as the game will be ready to go to market by the project completion date. Funding for prototypes is generally discouraged, but reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you are considering applying for funding for a prototype, please contact Games and Interactive Program director, Kate Raynes-Goldie (kate@fti.asn.au or ) prior to submitting your application. FTI is committed to supporting and growing an inclusive and diverse game community in Western Australia. Games that have a focus on WA content (such as a game set in WA or that tells WA stories), are especially encouraged, as are games created/co-created by, or that tell the stories of Indigenous people, women and other underrepresented groups. Previous OOMPF! recipients will only be eligible where the application demonstrates a significant departure from their previous OOMPF! project and where their previous project has been fully delivered to FTI. The project cannot contribute to any course of study. Applications cannot be considered from, nor contracts entered into with, individuals in default of their previous contractual obligations with FTI. If a project has been previously unsuccessful in applying for OOMPF! funding, full details of the project s subsequent reworking must be provided. Applications will not be accepted if the project has been unsuccessful three times in previous funding rounds.

3 The funding is not open to individuals who have been successful for any FTI funding in the last 3 calendar years (2012, 2013, 2014) Content that can be considered hate speech or is discriminatory in any way, such as games that are misogynistic, racist, sexist or homophobic/transphobic, will not be accepted. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Assessments are chosen by three industry representatives chosen by FTI, at least two of which will be interstate/international. FTI will chair the panel, but not vote. The panel will assess projects against the following criteria: The strength of the case made for why the funds are required to take the game to market Most effective use of funds with respect to getting the game to market. Potential for financial success. A demonstrated understanding of the project s attended audience, market size, costs and potential revenue, and marketing needs. Potential for reinvestment in the local industry, through employment opportunities or future game development. Previous success taking a game to market. Involvement in the local game industry. Innovation and creative merit. The panel will assess all applications, and at their discretion, shortlist applicants for interview. Shortlisted applications will be required to attend an interview and may be asked to submit further materials. All unsuccessful applicants will be notified within 6 weeks of the closing date. The panel may choose not to select a full compliment of projects. APPLICATIONS Applicants are required to submit the following materials via the online submission platform at Elevator pitch video (max 2 min) An elevator pitch describes your game to potential investors in 2 minutes or less (hint, sometimes shorter is more effective) and includes what experience the player has, why its different from other games in the genre and the potential audience/market. Some excellent resources on crafting a strong elevator pitch:

4 Design document 1-2 pages describing the game, which includes: Platform/Technologies involved Genre Target audience Any aspects that make it particularly unique, innovative or appealing to consumers Project Summary 1-2 pages summarising the game, which includes: Current stage of the project and the development timeline What the funding will be used for and how it will help take the game to market The project team and roles Market size and revenue potential Other resources (funding from other sources, in kind donations) Time and money already invested in game Estimated cost required to take the game to market Potential obstacles Project Timeline 1-2 pages, which includes: Past and future project milestones Why chosen timeline best suits the project and bringing it to market Additional Documentation (optional) At the discretion of the applicant additional documentation can be included, including, but not limited to A marketing plan Business plan Full budget Summary of market research undertaken Description of revenue model etc. OOMPF! Games Pitch Night (optional) On 24 July 2015, FTI will host a public pitch night for potential applicants of the OOMPF! Games grant scheme to refine their elevator pitch videos. Participants be given the opportunity to pitch their game to an audience and will receive feedback from FTI and a panel of experts. Participation in this event is strongly encouraged.

5 OBLIGATIONS A letter of intent will be issued to successful applicants outlining the conditions of funding. Applicants will not be permitted to receive any drawdown funding until all letter of intent conditions have been met. Agreements will require the project completion within a certain timeline and will also specify a drawdown schedule for the project. Successful applicants will also be required to provide the following: Acknowledgment of FTI in all the games' credits, documentation and key marketing materials Promotional materials for the project, including a video trailer, screen shots (or other appropriate visual materials, such as photographs of the game being played) and project description that will be shared on FTI materials, including but not limited to the website Upon completion of the project, the recipients will deliver a public talk to share their experiences and learning with the local industry Provide FTI with a report at two stages, upon launch and then an update 6 months in, which covers sales figures, profit etc CONTACT & FURTHER INFORMATION For further information and assistance in completing this application: Kate Raynes-Goldie, Director of Games and Interactive kate@fti.asn.au