Interactive
Northern Ireland Screen is developing the interactive sector through the support of indigenous talent working in video games, immersive and web. We provide prototype funding for projects, advise on skills development opportunities and help find complementary partners. We also aim to establish Northern Ireland as an attractive place for international developers and publishers to come for large scale digital content productions.
Northern Ireland Screen offers funding in the following areas.
Project Prototype Funding
Project prototype funding is available to companies working in the interactive content sector for the development of video games, immersive and web projects for international markets and distribution.
How much is it?
- 90% of project budget for projects with a budget up to £34,000 (Maximum of £30,000)
All prototype funding awards are recoupable.
Who can apply?
Project prototype funding is available to independent production companies based in Northern Ireland and European production companies which have an office and staff based in Northern Ireland.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying to the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, we ask that you start by contacting the Interim Interactive Sector Lead, Rebekah Farmer to discuss the project. Please include your game design document and budget when emailing, her email address is [email protected]
Project Production Funding
Northern Ireland Screen offers production funding in the form of a recoupable award. The fund is intended to assist in completing budgets on productions which are almost fully financed. Northern Ireland Screen will not consider a production with less than 65% of its funding already in place.
Northern Ireland Screen is looking for productions which contribute to building a sustainable interactive content industry in Northern Ireland and which can show a direct economic benefit to the region.
Projects must be commercially viable and able to demonstrate clear possibilities for commercial exploitation. In the case of games, the attachment of an experienced publisher will be an asset, as will platform/console distribution.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and therefore the UK video games film tax breaks apply.
How much is it?
The Northern Ireland Screen Fund for digital content production funding can invest a maximum of £500,000 up to a ceiling of 25% of the overall project budget. The level of funding that can be applied for should be discussed with Northern Ireland Screen before an application is submitted.
Who can apply?
The Northern Ireland Screen Fund is open to all legally incorporated companies who can fulfil the British Cultural Criteria and the project criteria outlined above.
How do I apply?
we ask that you start by contacting the Interim Interactive Sector Lead, Rebekah Farmer to discuss the project. Her email address is [email protected]
If we decide the project could be eligible to receive support, you will be requested to submit further details through an expression of interest form when you have spoken to us.
Game Development Mentors
Northern Ireland Screen is seeking experienced mentors to support companies in the wider interactive sector in Northern Ireland. We are looking for individuals with proven expertise in bringing games to market, who can share their knowledge and help guide these emerging companies to success.
Purpose of the Call for Mentors
The goal of this initiative is to provide start-up companies with the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of the games development industry.
We are looking for Mentors with at least 3 years industry experience in a senior role who can provide insights into one or more of these topics:
- Narrative Design
- Marketing
- Environment Art
- Game Design
- Pitching / Networking
- Business Development
By providing this support we intend to ensure that our start-ups are well-prepared to succeed. Mentors will also address any issues the companies encounter and share the lessons they’ve learned from their own experiences.
How to apply.
If you are interested in applying to be a mentor please email a copy of your CV to [email protected] and detail in the email how you meet the criteria and the expertise you have within the industry.
