Dated: 2 August 2006
Animators, illustrators and interactive designers will have a reason to cheer as the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) is calling for proposals of online content projects again under the Synthesis funding scheme.
Launched in August 2005, Synthesis is a MDA funding scheme that supports innovative and creative digital productions that are Web-based. Funding up to $10,000 per project, this year’s Synthesis focuses on online character-based projects. Proposals submitted can range from animation to games or other interactive forms and must make use of the Web as a platform to showcase original characters, and their stories.
Commenting on this year’s focus, Mr Seto Lok Yin, Director of Industry Development, MDA said: “Character properties are one of the most lucrative commercial entities today, as seen by the proliferation of character-based merchandise and media products in the consumer market. Some of the most successful character properties today were actually Web-based. Examples are Happy Tree Friends, Mashimaro, Pucca, Neopets and Princess Natasha.
“With Synthesis, we encourage and support creative talents to introduce their creations on the Web, be it through licensing channels or even for television, film and publishing. We are delighted to have the continued support of Adobe and Apple.""
Last year’s Synthesis saw 40 entries of which 15 were selected for funding. One of the funded projects is FreeRadicalz, an online amalgamation of animation, 3D characters and musical talent content produced by CreativeAsia. On how funding through Synthesis helps in getting their projects noticed, Mr James Paul Pilande of CreativeAsia said: “The Synthesis initiative is a valuable platform for our animation studio as it enables us to reach out to a wider audience using the web. It also helps in building our Free Radicalz brand and achieving its vision roadmap.”
Ms Teresa Oh, the creator of another funded project, Project Power!Plant, an interactive website that educates the young on global warming issues and promotes the importance of preserving the natural environment, said: “Through MDA's funding, I am able to spread the message of global warming, and realise my potential in creating fun and engaging animation for kids.”
Application for Synthesis 2006 starts on 2 August 2006 and closes on 31 December 2006. All applicants must submit their project proposal and supporting documents together with a completed application form that can be downloaded from www.synthesis.net.sg. Applicants can also check out more details and guidelines about Synthesis from the website.
Apart from Synthesis, MDA also provides other schemes to support Singapore’s media industry. For more information on these schemes, please visit www.mda.gov.sg.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Jasmine Wong
Assistant Manager
Communications
Tel: 6837 9364
Email: Jasmine_Wong@imda.gov.sg
Ms Phoebe Seow
Assistant Director
Communications
Tel: 6837 9369
Email: Phoebe_Seow@imda.gov.sg
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