15 July 2010 Film Victoria supports local companies in digital media marketplace

15 July 2010

Film Victoria has confirmed more than $900,000 in funding for 12 projects in a bumper round of digital media investment, bringing the agency’s total digital media commitment to more than $1.3 million in 2009/10.

CEO Sandra Sdraulig said the Victorian games development community was world-renowned for its innovation and capability. “In 2009 the number of Australians playing games overtook those attending the cinema, which illustrates just how fast this sector is growing. The Victorian Government has shown incredible foresight in its support of the digital media sector, which it has advocated for more than 10 years.”

“Film Victoria received a 45% increase in digital media applications in 2009/10, indicating that local companies are embracing the opportunity to develop entertaining and commercially appealing content for new platforms. We also provided more funding for digital content than any other state or federal funding agency in Australia and will continue to support digital media in this new financial year.”

The successful projects, approved by the Film Victoria Board in June, include:

Downloadable Games Initiative
• ELECTROIDS, Scott Ashton - Xbox Live Arcade/PC
• PLAY-BIT HEROES, Christopher Watts -Facebook

Digital Media Prototyping
• DESURA, DesuraNet - Online
• LIVE, Pure Pictures - Online
• NAWLZ, Stuart Campbell - iPad
• MY FARM, Tantalus Media - Playstation Wii/Nintendo DS
• KART WORLD, Twiitch - Facebook

Production Investment for Games
• AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL, Trickstar Games - Online

Digital Media Scoping
• FIGARO PHO, Chocolate Liberation Front
• B TO C, Robyn Kershaw Productions

Cross Platform Development
• KANGAROO MOB, 360 Degree Films
• WEIRD AND WONDERFUL – THE RISE AND FIGHT OF THE DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT, Fertile Films

Reflecting on the 2009/10 year, Ms Sdraulig noted that three of the top ten iPhone games of 2009 were developed in Melbourne: THE SIMS 3, FLIGHT CONTROL and NEED FOR SPEED. Victorian company Firemint has gone from strength to strength, winning two Apple Design Awards and the Victorian and Australian Export Awards; and local young developers the Voxel Agents released their iPhone game TRAIN CONDUCTOR to huge success.

Film Victoria supported a total of 32 digital media projects in 2009/10 with a total commitment of more than $1.3 million.

To stay informed of future funding opportunities, subscribe to Film Victoria’s eNews online at www.film.vic.gov.au or on twitter http://twitter.com/filmvictoria.