CBC and two B.C. media agencies have put $20,000 up for grabs to makers of interactive programming and tools. The network, together with BC Film and New Media BC, is taking pitches from producers in the province, and recently put out a call for ‘projects that combine a compelling and entertaining experience with a high level of audience interaction.’

A $10,000 development contract will go to the best one. The Interactive Content Lab will be headed by CBC’s John Kalangis, with help from other, as-yet-unnamed specialists.

‘The key word is multi-platform,’ says Kalangis, the exec in charge of original and interactive A&E programming. ‘Things could end up on TV or radio, but they’re not generated for those and then spill out for support reasons.

‘We’re trying to put the horse back in front of the cart,’ by seeking out stories and original ideas, he adds. ‘If someone’s got great comedy ideas it might be well-suited for webisodes, or it might be more like a game.’

A second lab is looking for tools or functions that can be added to the Ceeb’s website for B.C., www.cbc.ca/bc, and will be fronted by Nick Jones, creative director of digital programming and business development.

Submissions are due by Jan. 15. See www.newmediabc.com for details. Based on the results, similar programs may be offered in other regions.