How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 49% of admissible expenses, capped at $400000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the CMF — POV Program?

CMF — POV Program is funded by Canada Media Fund (CMF)

What are CMF — POV Program's eligibility criterias?

The applicants must comply with the eligibility criteria outlined in section 3.1 of the main production guidelines module. Projects affiliated with broadcasters or internal productions are not eligible for this program.

CMF — POV Program

grant_single|update January 24, 2025

Canada

Support for creative author documentaries through financial contributions

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grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

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grant_single|deadlines

grant_single|openingDate April 1, 2024
grant_single|closingDate January 8, 2025

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Grant and Funding

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Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

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Canada Media Fund (CMF)

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The "Programme pour les Documentaires d’Auteur" for 2024-2025 provides financial support up to a maximum of $400,000 to eligible documentary projects that are either unique author-driven or creative works in English or French. The program is designed to encourage the development and growth of uniquely characteristic documentary genres and requires projects to meet specific eligibility criteria, including securing a minimum third-party financial commitment.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The CMF — POV Program provides specific financing conditions to support eligible documentary projects by ensuring a structured contribution from the fund. The financing modalities focus on rights, capital participation, and combinations with other funding avenues.

The initial financial contribution from the CMF is structured as a rights top-up, covering up to 20% of eligible expenses.
Additional contributions surpassing the 20% threshold are offered as equity participation.
The total CMF contribution, combining rights top-up and equity, is capped at 49% of eligible expenses, with a maximum contribution limit of $400,000 per project.
Inputs from other CMF programs may influence the amount granted under this program, potentially adjusting the total financial support provided.
The total FMC contribution across all programs for a project cannot exceed 84% of eligible expenses.
When multiple CMF programs fund a single project, the same proportion of rights top-up and equity participation is applied for the entire budget.
Financial forecasts must include tax credits as per the CMF's policy on their integration within this program's financial framework.

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The CMF — POV Program supports unique documentaries in English or French, fostering the creation of authorial or creatively distinctive films. Eligible projects focus exclusively on documentaries that highlight unique storytelling perspectives and cultural significance.

Creation of single, authorial documentaries or creatively distinctive films.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile.

An eligible applicant must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in section 3.1 of the Main Principles Module (Production).
Applicants must comply with any specific eligibility criteria applicable in this section.
Productions affiliated with a broadcaster and internal productions are not eligible for this program.

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Eligible applicants for the Programme pour les Documentaires d'Auteur must meet specific requirements outlined in the main module and additional conditions in this section. Broadcasters-affiliated productions and in-house productions are not eligible.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the applicant as set out in section 3.1 of the main principles module (production).
Applicants must adhere to any specific eligibility criteria applicable as mentioned in this section.
The program is open to projects in English or French that meet the creative documentary genre definition provided in Annex A.
Eligible projects must be unique works, such as full-length documentaries, but not mini-series.
Projects must adhere to fundamental documentary genre requirements as outlined in Annex A.
Eligible projects must have secured minimal financial commitments from a Canadian third-party (other than the CMF and the applicant).
Projects must secure broadcaster or distributor contribution that meets the threshold requirement by January 8, 2025.

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Based on the context provided, certain types of companies are excluded from applying for the grant designed for auteur documentaries. The restrictions focus on ensuring projects meet specific industry and production criteria.

Productions affiliated with a broadcaster.
Internal productions not meeting the independent production criteria.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly attributable to the production and completion of eligible documentary projects.

Creative and production fees, including director and writer salaries.
Costs associated with the production team, such as producers and technical crew.
Equipment rental and purchase essential for production.
Location and studio rental fees necessary for filming.
Post-production costs, including editing, sound design, and visual effects.
Travel and accommodation expenses directly related to the project.
Marketing, promotion, and distribution expenses specific to the project.
Legal and administrative fees directly tied to the project.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for the Programme pour les Documentaires d’Auteur are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Interest of the market: 25 points (15 points for Market Engagement, 10 points for Potential Audience)
Team: 26 points (Antécédents et expérience, 20 points; Positioning, 2 points; Parity, 2 points; Diversity, 2 points)
Community and sustainability: 4 points (Community engagement plan, 2 points; Sustainability plan, 2 points)
Creative elements: 45 points (Originality and creativity, 30 points; Innovation in form and production value, 15 points)
Total: 100 points

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Here are the steps to submit an application for the Programme pour les documentaires d’auteur:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
Ensure that both the applicant and the project meet the eligibility criteria detailed in the Programme guidelines.
Verify that the Project's language, funding, and format align with requirements.
Step 2: Secure Preliminary Financial Commitment
Obtain a financial commitment from a Canadian third party representing at least 15% of the project's eligible expenses.
Ensure any required broadcaster or distributor contributions meet the required thresholds.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Draft a detailed project proposal including creative elements, audience engagement plans, and community involvement.
Prepare any necessary financial documents demonstrating commitment and budget alignment.
Include plans for environmental sustainability and community engagement within the project framework.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the application through the FMC's designated portal, ensuring all documents are accurately prepared and uploaded.
Complete the online submission form, and attach all required materials in the specified format.
Submit the application prior to the deadline.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
After submission, receive a confirmation of receipt from the FMC.
Keep the confirmation for future reference and wait for any follow-up communication regarding the application status.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The contribution from the Canada Media Fund (CMF) cannot exceed 49% of a project's eligible expenses.
The grant offers a mix of broadcast license supplements and equity investment, where broadcast supplements are capped at 20% of the eligible expenses.
Projects must be 100% financed by January 8, 2025.
The maximum funding amount from the CMF for a single project is $400,000.
Projects involving the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) have specific considerations regarding distribution advances and equity contributions.
Foreign broadcaster license fees can be included if Canadian license fees form the largest part of the threshold requirement.
Multiple CMF programs can affect funding amounts, with a total contribution cap of 84% of eligible expenses when multiple programs are combined.