NZ On Air has confirmed funding for nine new projects for HEIHEI, the safe, ad-free online platform created by TVNZ and NZ On Air for children's content. In the March funding round NZ On Air called for applications for new games for primary school-aged children, and has selected seven of the 29 applications. In addition, through the Canada NZ Digital Media Fund, NZ On Air will support two new projects for children: Bug Hunter! a web series and game which follows an entomologist as she compares and contrasts the insects of NZ and Canada and encourages children to explore and learn about bugs; and Kids Cookout, a webseries and game which will explore rich multicultural culinary traditions via backyard cookouts.
Here's the who, what and how much from NZOA:
I Spy, Resn, up to $131,200
Kids race against the clock to find objects and animals within lively illustrated NZ scenes.
Tahi Two, Adrenalin Group, up to $129,808
A memory game that helps to expand vocabulary and knowledge.
Hoko Helper, Vanishing Point Studio, up to $123,000
A meal/shopping game that teaches users financial literacy and healthy food choices.
Riddle + Squizz Eye Spies Learning Game, RDYSTDY, up to $149,962
A suite of educational toy-like interactions and activities with a focus on exploration and experimentation.
Count My Cube, Metia Interactive, up to $147,500
An educational puzzle game set in a zero-gravity 3D cubic world.
Soundboard, Resn, up to $132,020
A musical toy featuring local artists that allows children to experiment with music and beat creation.
Flying Kiwis, Adrenalin Group, up to $149,331
An arcade game featuring a Kiwi who has to jump and run from a predator.
And from the Canada NZ Digital Media Fund
Bug Hunter!, 12 x 8 mins + AR app + online game, The Gibson Group, up to $220,000
Kids Cookout, 8 x 7 mins + game and recipe videos, CAB Productions, up to $180,000