FAQ's
Where do I have to be from to qualify for support from EM Media?
You need to be resident in, or your organisation needs to have a trading address in the East Midlands to qualify for our support. The East Midlands region covers the following six counties: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
Currently those working in the games, TV or interactive sectors often need to have an address in an Objective 2 area to be eligible to receive our support. To find out if you are in an Objective 2 area follow the link and type your postcode into the postcode checker: Objective 2 Postcode Checker.
What is the application process?
All projects that have received our investment first had to successfully complete our formal application process.
The most important first step of the application process is to establish whether EM Media investment is appropriate for your project. To do this you will need to discuss it with a member of the EM Media team before putting in an application. Please contact us and we will advise you about the initial information we need to match you with the most appropriate member of staff to deal with your enquiry. When you meet with a member of staff they will advise you in detail about the application process and what support is available to you.
I am looking for unpaid work experience, can you help?
EM Media currently has no formal work experience placement mechanism. However, from time to time we have regional employers looking to take on work experience candidates. Such opportunities are publicised on the News section of our website and in our monthly e-news bulletin so please check the website regularly and make sure you sign up to our e-newsletter.
I have an idea for a film – where do I go for funding?
EM Media cannot invest in ideas. We accept applications for feature film finance which have industry endorsement and often have co-financiers, sales agents and/or distributors in place. We can also suggest producers who may wish to see your idea.
For new and emerging talent we run an annual short film scheme called DV Shorts in partnership with the UK Film Council. We do not usually invest in single short film production outside of DV Shorts or similar EM Media initiatives.To contact us about a film project please email us with a one-page synopsis of your script, short biographies of the creatives involved with the project, details of the financial package in place and details of sales agents and/or distributors attached to the project. We will then contact you to discuss your idea further.
How do I register my property as a location?
The best way to register is to visit the source section of this website, where you can download a Location Registration Form. All you need to do is print it out, fill it in, sign it and send it back to us. We would prefer it if you can email images of your property to us, so we can store them electronically but if this isn’t possible, you can still send hard copies with your form and we will scan them in. Ideally we would like images of your property’s exteriors, interiors and a couple of pictures of the exact location of your property – what’s nearby? What’s the parking like?
Please send your completed form to: EM Media, 35-37 St Mary's Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1PU. Please send your images to: locations@em-media.org.uk
I have a script I want developing. What should I do?
EM Media cannot accept un-solicited scripts. If you have an idea and would like to apply for development investment, please download our application guidelines to see if you’re eligible to apply and, if you are, please email our Development Executive, Film with some information about your idea and a brief history of your experience and career to date. The Development Executive will then contact you to discuss your project.
Do you have any jobs at EM Media?
All vacancies are advertised via the Current Vacancies page on our website.
I’m thinking of relocating my company to the East Midlands, can you help?
Get in touch with us to find out about the opportunities and talent you can tap into by basing your business here. To apply for finance from EM Media, you will need to already have a trading address in the East Midlands. We cannot guarantee any application to EM Media for finance will be successful, but we are committed to supporting sustainable businesses which create jobs and bring new opportunities to the East Midlands.
I need help with my dissertation – can someone from EM Media be interviewed or can you provide me with answers to my questions?
Due to the volume of requests of this nature we receive we are regrettably unable to offer help of this kind. However, please use the information contained within our website where you can download our business plan, annual review, press releases and read case studies about the projects we’ve supported. Other useful sources are the UK Film Council and Skillset Careers.
Why don’t you give out grants?
We distribute funds from a variety of sources each of which have their own terms and conditions, which we must adhere to.
Although we expect a return on our investments, the expected return depends on the type and level of investment and the scale and nature of the project. For example, this could be one, or a combination, of the following:
- Equity investment recouped at least on equal terms and in proportion to the other equity investors; a pro rata pari passu basis.
- Loan repaid with a premium of up to 5% APR (variable) for all or part of the investment.
- Goodwill. This is specified on a project by project basis; examples can include providing case studies for promotional material or attending/speaking at EM Media events.
All the financial returns we receive from the investments we make through European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) go into an evergreen fund that will continue to support media activity in the East Midlands after December 2008 when the current ERDF fund ends.
I need some money to keep my media business afloat. Can you help?
All investments made by EM Media are returnable in the form of a low interest loan, an equity stake in the project or research for distribution. Investments are all project based, and must have a clear start and end date and demonstrate how and when we can re-coup our investment and how the project will benefit the region by jobs created or developing innovation. We cannot offer subsidies for commercial businesses.
I need to make a website to support my business. Can you help?
The sectors EM Media supports are all screen based media - film, games, television and interactive media. If the core business from which you generate your income from is outside of these sectors unfortunately we cannot help. Please see other support organisations in the region who may be able to help you (Designer Forum, Arts Council England East Midlands)
I am a TV producer/writer, but I do not yet have a commercially viable business. Can EM Media give me money to produce a pilot?
In some cases, we may be able to help you produce a pilot: usually it will depend on whether you have gained interest from a broadcaster and/or production company. Email us with a brief summary of your idea and interest in it, to enable us to allocate someone to contact you.
Can EM Media invest in the production of my short film?
We don’t usually invest in single short film production outside of DV Shorts or other similar EM Media initiatives, except where the objective is for an individual with a proven track record in film and media to develop skills in a new discipline and enhance career opportunities.
I would like to submit an application to EM Media but I need a decision within two weeks, is this possible?
Probably not. EM Media aims to give you a decision on your application within eight weeks. However, if we request further information from you the decision may take longer, depending on how quickly you provide the requested information to us.
Also, it’s important to remember that any application for an amount over £10,000 needs to be seen by EM Media’s Board of Directors for a decision. The Board meets every six weeks. Decisions on applications for less than £10,000 are made by EM Media’s Senior Management Team, which meets every two weeks.
How much does my film production need to spend within the East Midlands and how many jobs need to be created to qualify for top-level production investment from EM Media?
Every project is different but a rough rule of thumb is that every feature film receiving investment from EM Media needs to bring a level of inward investment to the East Midlands totalling at least three times as much as EM Media’s investment in the project. We would also expect productions to create at least one job for our regional crew per £10,000 invested by EM Media. Exact requirements are decided on a project-by-project basis and will be specified in your Investment Agreement.
I have a game idea I want someone to make. What should I do?
Game publishers and developers don’t accept unsolicited design ideas from anyone who is not an experienced/established developer (that is an entire team that has a track record of creating games), for a variety of reasons.
