Open
CMF — Distributor Program
CMF support for distributor-driven content financing
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 14, 2026
- Closing date : December 8, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides CMF support for projects triggered by eligible Canadian distributor commitments. It supports eligible linear audiovisual projects, with CMF funding up to 49% of eligible costs and a maximum of $500,000.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 49% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 14, 2026
- Closing date : December 8, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Linear audiovisual production projects
- Projects intended for Canadian audience availability within the required timeframe
- Projects with distributor-led market commitments
Documents Needed
- Distributor Agreement Form (FED)
- Completed Dialogue application form
- Required supporting documents and attachments
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian production companies
- Canadian broadcasters, where applicable
- Projects with an eligible Canadian distributor commitment
Who is not eligible
- In-house programming
- Pilots
- Drama feature films
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project production costs
- Costs used to calculate the CMF contribution
- Eligible tax credits included in the financing structure, where applicable
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Team experience and track record
- Distributor experience and sales performance
- Strength of distribution commitment
- Community engagement and sustainability plans
- Value of market commitment within the financing structure
How to apply
1
Preliminary Checks
- Review the Distributor Program's 2024-2025 guidelines thoroughly to ensure eligibility and understanding of the application requirements.
- Check the eligibility of your project against the criteria outlined, including the Eligible Triggering Commitment requirements.
- Confirm that your distributor is an Eligible Canadian Distributor by having them contact the CMFPA at least fifteen (15) business days before application submission for eligibility determination.
2
Prepare Application Materials
- Gather all necessary project details, including budget, project timeline, and information on the creative and production teams.
- Prepare legally binding contracts showcasing the Eligible Triggering Commitments, including distribution agreements with the Eligible Canadian Distributor and, if applicable, licence agreements with Canadian Broadcasters.
- Ensure all supporting documents, like distribution and broadcast plans related to Exploitation Rights, are correctly compiled.
3
Craft Application
- Complete the program application form through the CMF’s online portal, detailing project specifics and funding requirements.
- Include a Community Engagement Plan and a Sustainability Plan, describing measures undertaken for responsible content creation and environmental sustainability.
- Highlight the experience and track record of the Eligible Canadian Distributor as required by the Evaluation Grid.
4
Application Submission
- Verify the accuracy and completeness of the application form and attached documents before submission.
- Submit the application on or after November 7, 2024, but no later than the closing date of November 28, 2024.
5
Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of your application submission from the CMF’s online portal.
- Keep track of any communications from CMF regarding your application status or requests for additional information.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a selective evaluation process.
- CMF assesses eligible applicants against an evaluation grid.
- Funding is awarded only to selected projects.
- Approved applicants must enter into a binding financing agreement.
Additional information
- Applicants must use Dialogue and submit all required forms and supporting materials.
- Applicants are not issued an acknowledgement letter for complete or incomplete files.
- The CMF may request additional documents during assessment.
- Applications are subject to CMF policies in effect for the fiscal year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CMF — Distributor Program Program
What is the CMF — Distributor Program?
This program provides CMF support for projects triggered by eligible Canadian distributor commitments. It supports eligible linear audiovisual projects, with CMF funding up to 49% of eligible costs and a maximum of $500,000.
How much funding can be received?
CMF — Distributor Program Funds up to 49% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 8, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the CMF — Distributor Program program?
To be eligible for the CMF — Distributor Program program, you must:
Eligible Canadian applicant
Eligible distributor commitment
Meets program content rules
What expenses are eligible under CMF — Distributor Program?
Linear audiovisual production projects
Projects intended for Canadian audience availability within the required timeframe
Projects with distributor-led market commitments
Who can I contact for more information about the CMF — Distributor Program?
You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF) by email at cmf.fmc.coordination@telefilm.ca.
Where is the CMF — Distributor Program available?
The CMF — Distributor Program program is available across Canada.