CFPs: ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program (Netherlands)

The ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program, launched by the Creative Industry Incentive Fund in partnership with the Netherlands Film Fund, supports immersive and interactive media productions across development and realization phases. With €250,000 available per round, the program funds professional creators and producers working in VR, AR, MR, and interactive storytelling.

ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program Overview

The ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program is a targeted funding initiative designed to support innovative media productions that merge digital culture, film, and design. The program prioritizes immersive and interactive storytelling formats, including virtual reality, mixed reality, augmented reality, and interactive fiction and non-fiction experiences.

Program Objectives and Creative Focus

The program aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary innovation within the creative industries by:

• Encouraging crossovers between digital culture, film, and design

• Advancing immersive media such as VR, AR, and MR

• Supporting interactive media where storytelling is central

• Enabling experimentation, prototyping, and high-quality production

Funding Bodies and Total Budget

The program is jointly administered by:

• Creative Industries Fund NL

• Netherlands Film Fund

Each funding round makes a total budget of €250,000 available to eligible applicants.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be professional creators, collectives, or producers

• Demonstrate a proven track record in immersive or interactive media

• Be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce

• Apply within the category aligned with their primary professional activity

Both independent makers and established producers are eligible under different funding caps.

Funding Phases Explained

The program offers support across two distinct project phases: development and realization.

Development Funding Details

Development funding supports early-stage work prior to production, including:

• Artistic and narrative research

• Technical experimentation

• Concept refinement

• Creation of a functional prototype

Funding limits for development:

• Producers: €25,000 per project, with an optional additional €5,000 for coaching

• Individual creators: €15,000 per project, with coaching included up to a maximum of €20,000

Coaching support must be clearly justified in the application.

Realization Funding Details

Realization funding supports the full production phase, resulting in a completed immersive or interactive work, such as a VR installation.

Funding limits for realization:

• Producers: Up to €125,000 per project, covering a maximum of 85% of production costs

• Individual creators: Up to €35,000 per project

Producers applying for realization funding must not simultaneously act as director, screenwriter, or designer on the same project.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are reviewed by an independent advisory committee using structured assessment criteria.

Development proposals are evaluated on:

• Artistic and content quality

• Technical quality

• Design and feasibility of the development phase

Realization proposals are evaluated on:

• Artistic and content quality

• Technical quality

• Production design

• Distribution and audience engagement strategy

If eligible applications exceed available funding, prioritization is applied.

Application Review and Decision Process

The selection process follows these steps:

1. Formal eligibility and compliance check after submission

2. Evaluation by the independent advisory committee

3. Recommendation submitted to the governing board

4. Final funding decision made by the board

5. Applicants notified through an official decision

Reporting and Accountability Requirements

Grant recipients must fulfill accountability obligations, including:

• Submitting a final project report

• Completing reporting through the official application environment

• Providing documentation shortly before project completion

Failure to meet reporting requirements may affect future eligibility.

Why This Program Matters

The ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program plays a key role in:

• Advancing immersive and interactive storytelling in Europe

• Supporting innovation at the intersection of technology and culture

• Reducing financial barriers for experimental media formats

• Strengthening professional creative practices in the Netherlands

Tips for Strong Applications

• Clearly define the immersive or interactive storytelling approach

• Demonstrate technical feasibility and artistic originality

• Align the project phase with the correct funding category

• Provide a realistic production or development plan

• Include a clear audience and distribution strategy for realization proposals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for the wrong funding phase or applicant category

• Insufficient justification for coaching support

• Weak technical or artistic explanation

• Ignoring the 85% production cost cap for realization funding

• Overlooking reporting and accountability obligations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program?

It is a funding program supporting immersive and interactive media productions across development and realization phases.

Who runs the program?

The program is jointly run by Creative Industries Fund NL and the Netherlands Film Fund.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects involving VR, AR, MR, and interactive storytelling in fiction or non-fiction are supported.

How much funding is available per round?

Each funding round has a total budget of €250,000.

Can individual creators apply?

Yes. Individual professional creators can apply for both development and realization funding under specific caps.

Are coaching costs eligible?

Yes. Coaching costs are eligible if clearly justified and within the maximum allowed funding limits.

Conclusion

The ImmerseInteract Regulation Grant Program offers essential financial and institutional support for immersive and interactive media creators in the Netherlands. By funding both development and realization phases, the program enables high-quality storytelling innovation at the intersection of technology, culture, and design.