New money for digital content

NZ On Air today announced the creation of a new contestable fund, the Digital Content Partnership Fund. The fund will support programmes involving the use of new media and is part of NZ On Air's new digital strategy as it prepares for changes to the Broadcasting Act.
The fund will exist for four years, with $1million set aside each year and submissions sought annually. The first application deadline is in March 2008.
Chief executive Jane Wrightson says the fund is a great opportunity for fresh collaboration across broadcasting and new media and is aimed at providing audiences with new experiences.
The preference for the first year is for projects targeting New Zealand children or youth. "This audience is, of course, the most digital-savvy," said Ms Wrightson. "It's important they have the opportunity to connect with local content on all the platforms they use," she said.
Amendments to the Broadcasting Act are intended to allow funding of online and other digital content. The Act currently requires a 'broadcast outcome', says Ms Wrightson. This means that successful projects for the first year's allocation, at least, must still air on a New Zealand television or radio station. But the fund will also allow reversioning and streaming on online and mobile platforms. A nationwide networked or syndicated outcome is desirable so as many people as possible can access it.
The content must be available free to the audience on at least one platform, but some form of subscription or cost-recovery on another may also be permitted.
Funds may be applied to one or more projects. A minimum total of 10 funded hours is expected – and more is better, says Ms Wrightson. "We've kept the criteria very broad to encourage the most innovative ideas to surface," she said.

www.nzonair.govt.nz  

The Digital Content Partnership Fund – a description

Purpose
To provide a contestable fund for the creation of new or adapted multi-format audio/visual New Zealand digital content

Fund
$1 million per annum plus GST. An annual call for submissions will be made for the next four years. This is the 2008 call for submissions (Year One)

Background
This is NZ On Air’s second digital initiative. The first was the funding of the archiving portal NZ On Screen in 2007 (currently in development).

This Fund replaces the former Innovation Fund.

Year One (2008)
Year One applications are confined to those linked to a broadcast outcome, as NZ On Air must currently require under the Broadcasting Act 1989.

The preference for Year One is for projects targeting New Zealand children or youth. Other genres may be considered if there are insufficient satisfactory proposals submitted for those audiences.

A ‘broadcast outcome’ means the successful projects must air on a New Zealand television or radio station. A nationwide networked or syndicated outcome is desirable. The content must be available without charge to the audience on at least one platform, but some form of subscription or cost-recovery on another may also be permitted. NZ On Air will take its normal investment position in respect of any revenue generated.

Funds may be applied to one or more projects. A minimum total of 10 funded hours is expected – and more is better!

The decision of NZ On Air will be final.


Eligibility
The content must reflect and develop New Zealand identity and culture and help NZ On Air achieve its Broadcasting Act objectives. The following criteria will also be assessed:
· the strength, creativity and originality of the idea
· the relevance to and probable size of the target audience
· whether innovative cross-media opportunities are being maximised (e.g. more than one station/channel? or sizeable network? great broadcast scheduling? the most relevant digital platforms? effective online options? mobile? cross-promotion opportunities?)
· the versatility of the content being created (will it still be available and relevant in coming years?)
· NZ On Air funding spans television, radio, NZ music and archiving. Does the project provide any synergies or innovation across this work?
· the cost-effectiveness of the proposal: is it value for money?
· whether there are opportunities for other sources of funding (i.e. does it need a subsidy from public funds?)
· the support of a broadcaster is required. The level of financial support will be influential

Who can apply?
Companies or individuals with a successful track record of audio/visual content production. Joint ventures are encouraged.

How and when?
Application deadline is 5pm, 7 March 2008.
The following details must be included in the covering letter and documents accompanying each application.
· A completed Production Funding Application Form
· A completed Budget Summary Sheet
· A clear explanation of the nature of the content including synopsis, treatment, and proposed formats and platforms
· Written confirmation from a New Zealand broadcaster that the content will be broadcast, including intended timeslot and details of the broadcaster's financial contribution if any
· Written confirmation of participation from providers for third-party platforms
· Names of key personnel involved in the production, with brief CV's
· A full production budget supporting the Budget Summary Sheet
· The extent to which funding or resources have been sought from other sources; including which sources have been approached and the extent of assistance obtained
· A description of how the launch of the content will be publicised so target audience awareness is maximised across all platforms
How will applications be considered by NZ On Air?
Staff will evaluate proposals against the criteria above. Independent assessors may be used. Recommendations will be made to the NZ On Air Board’s April 2008 meeting and decision(s) will be advised as soon as possible thereafter.