The MEDIA Programme supports concept development (up to a first playable application) of digital interactive content complementing an audiovisual project (drama, creative documentary or animation).

The content must be specifically developed for at least one of the following platforms: Internet, PC, console, handheld device and interactive television.This digital content must present: substantial interactivity with a narrative component, originality, creativity and innovation against existing works, European commercial potential.

Key questions:

What's NEW?

The Guidelines are permanent since 2011 and have not, therefore, undergone any changes regarding eligibility. The only changes that have taken place followed the entry into force of the new Financial Regulation and its Rules of Application foreseen for 01/01/2013. They are detailed in the table at the beginning of the Guidelines.

When should you apply?

The Call for Proposals 32/2012 is open from the date of its publication in the Official Journal until 12/04/13. There are two deadlines: 23/11/2012 12:00 CETmidday Brussels time and 12/04/2013 12:00 CEST midday Brussels time..

How should you apply?

Applications must be submitted using the e-Form. The online submission is considered to be the master copy. However, 1 paper copy must be sent by registered mail or private courier together with additional annexes that are not attached to the e-Form (see "checklist of documents to be submitted msw8 - 65 KB [65 KB] " in the information about the Call).

Pay attention: Online applications must be submitted through the e-Form by 23November 201212:00 CETmidday Brussels time (for the 1st deadline) and by12/04/201312:00 CEST midday Brussels time (for the 2nd deadline). It is strongly recommended that you not wait until the last minute to apply: the system will not let you to submit an application after 12:00 CET/CEST midday Brussels time.
A submission confirmation will be sent to your email address immediately after a successful electronic submission.

Who is this funding for?

Grants of this type are aimed at independent European companies whose main object and activity is audiovisual production and/or the production of interactive works, games development (or similar) from countries participating in the MEDIA 2007 Programme. Companies submitting an application must have completed a previous eligible interactive work and prove that the work has been commercially distributed during the two calendar years preceding the date of submission (01 January 2010) and the date of submission of their application.

Which types of production are eligible?

The scheme for Interactive Works aims to encourage greater multiplatform creation and collaboration between the audiovisual sector and developers of games and interactive content. It seeks to promote digital content presenting substantial interactivity, originality, creativity and innovation against existing works with European commercial potential. It focuses on supporting those interactive works that are specifically developed to complement an audiovisual work (animation, creative documentary or a drama). The audiovisual works in question are the same as those that are targeted for Single Project and Slate Funding support. The maximum grant available under development support for Interactive Works is 150,000€.

What is eligible is the concept development (up to a first playable application) of digital interactive content complementing an audiovisual project (drama, creative documentary or animation) specifically developed for at least one of the following platforms:

  • Internet
  • PC
  • Console
  • Handled device
  • Interactive television

This digital content must present:
- substantial interactivity with a narrative component
- originality, creativity and innovation against existing works
- European commercial potential

Your company must hold the copyright (at least to the concept).

What is an eligible complementary audiovisual work?

Only the following types of audiovisual project intended for commercial exploitation can be complemented by the submitted interactive work:

  • a drama of at least 50 minutes (the total length of the series in the case of a series);
  • a creative documentary of at least 25 minutes (length per episode in the case of a series);
  • an animation of at least 24 minutes (the total length of the series in the case of a series).

Can companies apply for support to develop the complementary audiovisual work under Call for Proposals 31/2012?

The audiovisual work being specifically complemented by the interactive one can equally seek support as a Single Project or as part of Slate Funding under the condition that the eligibility criteria are met. The selection or rejection of the audiovisual or interactive application does not affect the decision regarding the other.

How much is an interactive work grant worth?

The minimum grant is EUR 10,000. The maximum grant is EUR 150,000.

What is the total EU budget for interactive works grants?

The total budget for 2013 is estimated to be 2.5m€ (1.25m€ for each deadline).

When will the results of the selection procedure be known?

For the 1st deadline (applications sent between the date of publication of the Call and 23/11/12), applicants will be informed of the results during the month of April 2013.
For the 2nd deadline (applications sent between 24/11/12 and 12/04/13), applicants will be informed of the results during the month of September 2013.

How likely are you to receive a grant?

Project applications received by the Agency are ranked by merit at the end of the selection procedure. The best are awarded funding, within the limit of the available budget. Under the last Call for Proposals (21/2011), 99 Interactive Work applications were received, of which 25 were selected.