{{Short description|Canadian digital content fund}} {{Infobox company | name = Bell Fund | logo = Bell Fund current logo.svg | type = | genre = | foundation = August 1997 | predecessor = | founder = | location_city = | location_country = | location = Toronto, Ontario, <br/>Montreal, Quebec | key_people = Nancy Chapelle, Executive Director Claire Dion, Associate Director | area_served = Canada | industry = Television, Digital Media | products = | revenue = | operating_income = | net_income = | num_employees = | divisions = | subsid = | owner = Bell Canada | slogan = | homepage = [http://bellfund.ca bellfund.ca] | dissolved = | footnotes = }}
The '''Bell Fund''' (formerly the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund) is an independent private Canadian fund that finances interactive digital content associated with Canadian television programs owned by Bell.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Fund: Mission and History|url=http://bellfund.ca/about/mission-and-history/|publisher=Bellfund.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CMPA: Business Affairs & Production Tools|url=http://www.cmpa.ca/business-affairs-production-tools/funding-opportunities/bell-broadcast-and-new-media-fund|publisher=Bellfund.ca|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509100338/http://www.cmpa.ca/business-affairs-production-tools/funding-opportunities/bell-broadcast-and-new-media-fund|archive-date=2015-05-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> These digital extensions can include things such as: web games, mobile apps, mobile games, websites, iTV apps, eBooks and webisodes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Fund: Production Program Guidelines|url=http://bellfund.ca/PDFS/BF%20Guidelines%20Production.pdf}}</ref> Established in 1997, the fund has supported over 1,400 projects with the total amount granted exceeding $150,000,000 as of December 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vlessing|first1=Etan|title=Bell Fund names Nancy Chapelle as new exec director|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2014/12/11/bell-fund-names-nancy-chapelle-as-new-exec-director/|website=Playbackonline.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref>
==History== The fund was established in 1997 by Bell Canada and receives annual contributions from Bell Satellite TV and Bell Aliant.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bell's new media fund |url= http://www.bce.ca/bell-s-new-media-fund/ |publisher=Bce.ca |accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> It was certified by the CRTC as an independent private fund.<ref>{{cite web |title=List of Certified Independent Production Funds |url= http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/general/cipfund.htm |publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission |website=Crtc.gc.ca |date= 4 December 2013 |accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> The fund was mandated by Bell Canada "To encourage the production of world-class Canadian content for the new media and broadcasting marketplace and to stimulate partnerships between new media and broadcast producers."<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund: Annual Report 1998|url=http://bellfund.ca/publications_PDF/BFAR1998.pdf|publisher=Bellfund.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> More specifically, the Fund's mandate has been to help support Canadian companies that create web content that complements Canadian television programs <ref>Steve Tilley, Sun Media ("Spotlight on Canuck Sites" October 3, 2007)</ref> The original funding program provided a grant of up to $250,000 for the digital media project and up to $75,000 for the television component of each project. In 1998 17 projects received funding and a total of $3,288,181 was given out.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund: Annual Report 1998|url=http://bellfund.ca/publications_PDF/BFAR1998.pdf|publisher=Bellfund.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> By 2013 that number had grown significantly with the fund supporting 188 individual projects with grants over $16,500,000.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cummins|first1=Julianna|title=Bell Fund invested over $16.5M in 2013: report|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2014/05/08/bell-fund-invested-over-16-5m-in-2013-report/|website=Playbackonline.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> Originally the fund just had one funding program, it now has nine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Fund Program Comparison|url=http://bellfund.ca/funding-programs/program-comparison|publisher=Bellfund.ca|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611025552/http://bellfund.ca/funding-programs/program-comparison/|archive-date=2015-06-11|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Mandate== The purpose of the Bell Fund is to "advance the Canadian broadcasting system."<ref>{{cite web|title=Arts BC: Corporate Grantors|url=http://www.artsbc.org/resources/for-organizations/grants-and-fundraising/fundraising/corporate-grantors-donors-and-sponsors|publisher=Artsbc.org|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510091325/http://www.artsbc.org/resources/for-organizations/grants-and-fundraising/fundraising/corporate-grantors-donors-and-sponsors|archive-date=2015-05-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> It does this by encouraging relationships between broadcasters, producers and digital media companies. The fund also supports mentorship programs <ref>{{cite web|last1=Twiss|first1=Jordan|title=Bell Fund and CMPA team up for digital media mentorship program|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2012/05/03/bell-fund-and-cmpa-team-up-for-digital-media-mentorship-program/|website=Playbackonline.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> industry research studies <ref>{{cite web|title=New directions for the financing of Interactive Digital Media in Canada|url=http://www.cmf-fmc.ca/documents/files/about/publications/Financing-Interactive-Digital-Media.pdf|publisher=Cmf-fmc.ca|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513173032/http://www.cmf-fmc.ca/documents/files/about/publications/Financing-Interactive-Digital-Media.pdf|archive-date=2014-05-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> and conferences <ref>{{cite web|title=Banff World Media Festival Partners|url=http://banffmediafestival.com/partners/|publisher=Banffmediafestival.com|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302023752/http://banffmediafestival.com/partners/|archive-date=2014-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> as well as creation of policies and a framework for funding and international co-productions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian funders adopt a framework to facilitate international digital media co-production|url=http://www.cmf-fmc.ca/industry-advisory/article/2013/09/canadian-funders-adopt-a-framework-to-facilitate-international-digital-media-co-production/?setLocale=1|publisher=Cmf-fmc.ca|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917063318/http://www.cmf-fmc.ca/industry-advisory/article/2013/09/canadian-funders-adopt-a-framework-to-facilitate-international-digital-media-co-production/?setLocale=1|archive-date=2013-09-17|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Fund Professional Development rogram|url=http://bellfund.ca/funding-programs/professional-development/|access-date=2013-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827011120/http://bellfund.ca/funding-programs/professional-development/|archive-date=2013-08-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, the Bell Fund organizes missions for digital media producers to meet potential co-production companies and international broadcasters including to Australia (2005),<ref>{{cite web|last=Hay|first=Rob|title='You reap what you sow' - New models for Australian media|url=http://www.screenhub.co.nz/news/shownewsarticleG.php?newsID=5933|publisher=Screenhub.co.nz|accessdate=2015-05-21}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Power to the Pixel in London (2013)<ref>{{cite web|title=Power to the Pixel: London Forum 2013|url=http://www.powertothepixel.com/events-and-training/pttp-events/london-forum-2013}}</ref> and Forum Blanc (2014).<ref>{{cite web|title=Forum Blanc Territory Focus - Canada|url=http://www.forumblanc.org/forum-blanc-2014/programme/content:100000301617|publisher=Forumblanc.org|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref>
==Awards== Over the years, projects supported by the Bell Fund have been recognized by many different award organizations including the International Digital Emmy Awards<ref>{{cite web|title=2013 International Digital Emmy Awards Nominees Announced|url=http://www.iemmys.tv/news_item.aspx?id=161|publisher=Iemmys.tv|accessdate=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401101955/http://www.iemmys.tv/news_item.aspx?id=161|archive-date=2015-04-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inaugural Canadian Screen Awards presented in Film, TV and Digital Media|url=http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/inaugural-canadian-screen-awards-presented-in-film-tv-and-digital-media/1002115476/?&er=NA|publisher=Mediacaster Magazine|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507134054/http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/inaugural-canadian-screen-awards-presented-in-film-tv-and-digital-media/1002115476/|archive-date=2013-05-07|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Shane Kinnear, Shaftesbury VP sales and marketing (ReGenesis Extended Reality Game), on being awarded their International Emmy, was quoted saying that support from the Bell Fund allowed Regenesistv.com to be more innovative than other sites being developed at the time. "Site developers and series writers worked together to make the site more than just a promotional tool. For example, elements of the script are created specifically to provide clues for playing the online game."<ref>{{cite web|last=Bracken|first=Laura|title=Industry catching up to Bell Fund|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2007/10/15/bellfund-20071015/|publisher=Playbackonline.ca|date=October 15, 2007}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+International Digital Emmy Awards !Project !Award !Year |- |Endgame Interactive: Facebook Episode |Digital Program: Fiction (nominee) |2012 |- |Endgame Interactive: Facebook Episode |Digital Program: Fiction |2012 |- |ReGenesis Extended Reality Game |Interactive Program |2007 |} {| class="wikitable" |+Gemini Awards !Project !Award !Year |- |Storming Juno Interactive |Best Cross-Platform Project - Non-Fiction |2011 |- |DatingGuy.com |Best Cross-Platform Project - Fiction |2011 |- |Babar and the Adventures of Badou Interactive |Best Cross-Platform Project - Children's and Youth |2011 |- |Taste Buds |Best Cross-Platform Project - Children's and Youth |2010 |} {| class="wikitable" |+Canadian Screen Awards !Project !Award !Year |- |Grojband – the Show Must Go On! |Best Cross-Platform - Children's and Youth |2015 |- |Played – Interference |Best Cross-Platform Project – Fiction |2015 |- |Big Brother Canada Digital |Best Cross-Platform Project – Non-Fiction |2015 |- |My Babysitter's a Vampire Interactive: Humans vs Vampires |Best Cross-Platform - Children's and Youth |2013 |- |The Drunk and On Drugs Happy Fun Time Hour - Digital |Best Cross-Platform Project - Fiction |2013 |}
==Projects== Since its creation in 1997, the fund has supported more than 1,400 Canadian television shows and their digital extensions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cummings|first=Juliana|title=Andra Sheffer resigns from Bell Fund|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2014/06/26/andra-sheffer-resigns-from-bell-fund/|publisher=Playbackonline.ca|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IMDB: Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund|url=https://www.imdb.com/company/co0232147/?ref_=fn_al_co_1|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> This includes factual television shows such as The Amazing Race Canada, Eat St.<ref>{{cite web|last=Christie|first=Brendan|title=Paperny Lands $300K from Bell Fund for Eat St.|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2010/12/06/paperny-lands-300k-from-bell-fund-for-eat-st/}}</ref> and Big Brother Canada.<ref>{{cite web|title=Big Brother Canada Gives Fans the Biggest Multiplatform Entertainment Experience|url=http://www.newswire.ca/fr/story/1099933/big-brother-canada-gives-fans-the-biggest-multiplatform-entertainment-experience|publisher=Newswire.ca|access-date=2015-05-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610173224/http://www.newswire.ca/fr/story/1099933/big-brother-canada-gives-fans-the-biggest-multiplatform-entertainment-experience|archive-date=2015-06-10}}</ref> Additionally, a number of Canadian dramas have received funding <ref>{{cite web|title=Funded Projects: Drama|url=http://bellfund.ca/category/drama/|publisher=Bellfund.ca|access-date=2015-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610175259/http://bellfund.ca/category/drama/|archive-date=2015-06-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> including Being Erica, Degrassi: The Next Generation,<ref>{{cite web|title='The N' Takes on Tween Issues With 'Degrassi: The Next Generation'|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noggins-new-programming-block-the-n-takes-on-tween-issues-with-degrassi-the-next-generation-76608637.html|publisher=Prnewswire.com|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> Murdoch Mysteries,<ref>{{cite web|title=Prime Minister Harper Steps Back In Time With Murdoch|url=http://www.villagegamer.net/2010/10/16/prime-minister-harper-steps-back-in-time-with-murdoch-mysteries|publisher=Villagegamer.net|accessdate=2015-05-21}}</ref> Heartland<ref>{{cite web|last=Richards|first=Erin|title=CBC Announces The Heartland Social Game on Facebook|url=http://www.veritascanada.com/news/cbc-announces-the-heartland-social-game-on-facebook/|publisher=Veritascanada.com|access-date=2015-05-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610181035/http://www.veritascanada.com/news/cbc-announces-the-heartland-social-game-on-facebook/|archive-date=2015-06-10}}</ref> and Primeval: New World<ref>{{cite web|title=Omnifilm Entertainment to Release Primeval: New World Dinosaur App Games|url=http://www.omnifilm.com/news/2012/11/omnifilm-entertainment-release-primeval-new-world-dinosaur-app-games#.VUz76JOoO4o|publisher=Omnifilm.com|accessdate=2015-05-21|archive-date=2015-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610174018/http://www.omnifilm.com/news/2012/11/omnifilm-entertainment-release-primeval-new-world-dinosaur-app-games#.VUz76JOoO4o|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==See also== * Bell Canada * Bell Media
==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
Category:Television organizations in Canada Category:Funds Category:Bell Canada Category:1997 establishments in Canada Category:Wills and trusts in Canada