Q: Do games qualify?
A: Exploration of any creative endeavour which benefits creative teams working with the Animation, Gaming, VFX & Immersive Technologies and new technologies) is welcomed.
Q: Can a company submit multiple applications?
A: Yes, a company can submit separate applications for different projects. Please note that, due to the competitive nature of the fund and in the interest of fairness, it may be that only one of these projects could receive funding by the end of the selection process.
Q: Does the Innovation project have to include tech?
A: Not necessarily. This is a broad scheme to explore and encourage innovation in storytelling in all its forms: business model innovation; workflow innovation, etc. Tech is welcome but not compulsory.
Q: Our innovation project has already been developed outside of Ireland, are we still eligible?
A: You will need to demonstrate why the fund needs to be directed to your version rather than the industry investing in this existing innovation: have you identified why that innovation hasn’t been adopted in Ireland yet? What improvements are you bringing to it? Have you acquired rights and licences to work on something similar or on a different version of this innovation?
Q: We already received funding under that scheme in the past, are we still eligible?
A: Yes, every application will be considered on its own merits. You will just need to demonstrate that this new project is different to your previous application and how.
Q: Does the idea or concept have to be proprietorial to an Irish entity?
A: As with all our funding, the ambition and focus is in Irish entities who have clear control of the opportunity proposed. However, collaboration is also recognised as a fundamental part of any growth trajectory, once we can see clear benefit to the Irish market, Irish creatives and the Animation, Gaming, VFX & Immersive Technologies and new technologies
Q: Is use of AI allowed?
A: Use of AI is allowed in projects as long as it adheres to Animation Ireland’s AI Policy, and the EU AI Act. The use of AI must be transparent. The software used and how it is used must be declared and documented clearly in the application form and in the End of project Report.
Q. Is the funding repayable?
A. The funding is provided in the form of a Grant and is therefore not repayable, in the absence of a breach of contract. Because it is a grant, Animation Ireland or Screen Ireland do not have a claim on the IP.
Q: Will the fund support funding based on an innovative business plan for a new studio?
A: Submissions (recognising the size of the fund) for business planning are welcome. The main focus however, is to evolve at a project and creative level new areas of opportunity – this can lean into some new technological and business investments which ideally realise a pipeline of new creative work in the short to medium term. A balance and line will however be struck between local level investment and the broader significantly larger industrial investment asks or requirements which can lean on other external investment, enterprise agencies and initiatives for support and funding.
Q: What level of ownership should the borrowing company have in the projects they wish to submit for development funding under the Concept & Innovation Fund and what agreements need to be in place for Screen Ireland?
A: This can vary depending on the nature of the project. In the context of material/IP to be owned and controlled by the borrowing company, documentation that evidences the borrowing company’s connection/ownership to the material/IP or indicates how you will be connected to the IP is required. This type of documentation can include an option agreement or shopping type agreement. At application stage this documentation can be in draft form however if the application is successful all such documentation will be required to be fully and properly signed in order to draw down any funds awarded.
In addition to the above, in the context of material/IP not originated by the borrowing company or that is not solely generated by the borrowing company but is co-developed, the relevant documentation should include a form of co-development agreement. At application stage this agreement can be in draft form however if the application is successful any such agreement will be required to be fully and properly signed in order to draw down any funds awarded.
When finalising any development funding contract, the goal is to see that the borrowing company either owns or has a share of the copyright in the material/IP that they are developing with the award of funding. Screen Ireland will not take a deed of charge.