£50k fund put in place by Vision+Media for IPTV content development
Vision+Media has to set up an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) fund offering creative companies the chance to develop content for the BBC.
The north west support body will host a launch event on 1 December to explain more about IPTV platforms and the opportunity to win funding to create content for use by BBC Productions.
In 2013, it is expected that IPTV service revenue will grow from £5.9 billion in 2009 to £15.7 billion in 2013, according to Multimedia Research Group.
A budget of £50,000 had been ring-fenced for the development fund in the north west.
Enda Carey, head of digital content for Vision+Media (pictured), will attend the launch event, explaining more about IPTV platforms and commissions from BBC Future Media & Technology.
Nick Gallon, from TV Platforms Group North, will demonstrate Flash applications and prototypes developed by north west companies such as All Out Productions, Citrus Suite, Libra Television, madebymN, Onteca and Stardotstar, which have previously received prototype funding
Should north west creative companies choose to get on board, a deadline of 13 December has been put in place to submit proposals, with decisions being made by 16 December and contracts signed in January.
IPTV development will take place from January onwards.
Carey said: “We believe that IPTV is going to be huge. Boxee, YouView and Google TV are around the corner, and existing online services such as Hulu, Apple TV and SeeSaw are here already.
“There is a massive opportunity for content and service providers to realise the potential of developing for IPTV platforms.
“We can help establish the north west as a centre of excellence for IPTV development. MediaCityUK and BBC Future Media &Technology are on our doorstep, and we will build on the North West’s status as the biggest creative hub outside of London.”