Multimedia Victoria - Brumby Government boost means more digital jobs

Brumby Government boost means more digital jobs


Media release - 14 May 2009

The Brumby Government is providing more than $1 million to Victoria’s leading-edge digital games and online applications developers to help with the final push to get their products on the global market, Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced today.

The funding will be used by the companies in the key stage of producing prototypes of their products that, once complete, can be presented to potential buyers to take on to commercialisation.

The funding, provided through Film Victoria’s Digital Media Prototyping program, will be used to assist education, technology, and gaming projects that will further enhance Victoria’s position as the production hub of world-class digital content in Australia.

“In these challenging economic times the Brumby Government is taking action to support the continued growth of Victoria’s digital industry over the coming year. This work is an important part of creating an innovative future for Victoria,’’ Mr Jennings said.

“The $1.07 million in funding will not only create great enjoyment for those who use digital games and applications but will also help create more jobs for Victoria.

“As these new mediums rapidly become part of the fabric of how we communicate, interact and connect, it is vital our businesses and their innovative ideas are nurtured.”

The Government’s funding recognised that the digital games market had evolved and matured with the projects being supported including the music-driven STARPLAY (from Starplaylt) and the iPhone-driven App Suite (by Lycette Bros).

Other key projects to receive funding include the interactive online comedy Jokes On You (Whyte House Productions), the mobile environmental comedy The Haplocks (Emergint Pty Ltd), as well as an online interactive video service Swif Bubbler (Star Digital) and the Nintendo Wii action game Shelton 5 (Redtribe).

Australian sales of digital games and consoles grew by more than 47 per cent in 2008. With the global industry growing by an average 11 per cent, coupled with relatively low Australian dollar, Australian developers are a highly sought after resource, Mr Jennings said.

Film Victoria CEO Sandra Sdraulig said: “The Digital Media Prototyping program supports the types of non-traditional screen content that is rapidly being adopted and explored by today’s consumers. By providing these projects with the ability to develop to maturity in Australia, this program ensures we all benefit from Victoria’s creative nous.”

To stay informed of future funding opportunities, subscribe to Film Victoria’s e-news online or on twitter. Funding guidelines and application forms are available via the website.