Continuing Support for Digital Media Fund $3 million allocation to Film Victoria's DMF programs
Film Victoria is pleased to announce that continued support of the Digital Media Fund (DMF) has been confirmed with a commitment of $3 million for DMF programs and initiatives.In an announcement earlier today, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson stated "We've already had success with work funded through the Digital Media Fund including the production of international award-winning games and short interactive animations. It is also vitally important that Victoria is well placed to take advantage of the rapidly expanding market for original content for platforms such as broadband, interactive television and mobile phone technology."
"The state government's continued support of the Digital Media Fund enables Film Victoria to improve programs and guidelines in response to the dynamism of the new media environment and the needs of the Victorian digital industry. As a result, we are instituting changes to DMF guidelines that encourage access to a greater range of digital media developers and producers working across new digital media platforms.' said CEO of Film Victoria, Sandra Sdraulig.
One of the changes will be extending the Visual FX Internship Program to a Digital Media Internship Program ensuring all digital media creators have the opportunity to participate. To date, internships have been provided to 14 applicants and of the six who have completed their internship, five have gained full-time employment with their host company.
Other changes relate to more generous repayment terms for applicants to the Innovative Digital Content, Digital Animation and Game Prototype Development programs. To encourage new and smaller scale game developers, participant contributions for projects assisted through Game Prototype Development will be reduced.
The focus for digital animation concepts will be directed toward projects developed for new digital media platforms such as Internet, Broadband, DVD, iTV, enhanced TV, wireless or hand-held technologies.
A Digital Audience Development Program will replace the Digital Culture program with project grants available for Innovative Exhibitions including the commissioning of new digital media art works as part of exhibitions and festivals, support for regional festivals and tours and Professional Industry Development Events.
Revised guidelines and application forms for all DMF programs will be announced shortly.