How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

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.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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

grant_single_labels|register

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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

Apply to this program

Support for Independent Documentary Projects

This program offers financial assistance to filmmakers producing original English or French-language documentaries in Canada. It aims to stimulate the creation and growth of documentary filmmaking by supporting projects with unique and artistic narratives.

Understanding the Programme pour les Documentaires d’Auteur

The Programme pour les Documentaires d’Auteur is a vital initiative designed to support filmmakers in Canada, focusing specifically on the creation of distinctive and creative documentaries. Available for the 2024-2025 fiscal years, this program recognizes and funds projects that reflect the unique voices and artistic expressions of their creators. Filmmakers producing projects in either English or French are eligible to apply, providing they meet the definitions and criteria outlined within the program guidelines.

A critical aspect of this program is its commitment to fostering diversity and creativity in documentary filmmaking. It encourages filmmakers to present original narratives that add cultural significance and represent diverse voices within the Canadian landscape. Eligible projects are defined in line with the creativity and artistry typically associated with auteur documentaries, and must showcase a deep commitment to the craft of documentary storytelling—not simply informational or journalistic in nature.

The program mandates that these documentaries secure minimum financial commitments from Canadian broadcasters or distributors, though projects without confirmed broadcast agreements at the time of application may still apply. These films should be fully financed by January 2025, ensuring that filmmakers can bring their vision to life with the necessary resources.

Funding from the Canada Media Fund (CMF) comes in two primary forms: license fee top-ups and equity investments, with financial support potentially covering up to 49% of a project's eligible expenses. This dual structure not only ensures that auteur documentaries receive the financial backing needed to support production but also enables filmmakers to retain significant artistic control and investment in their projects.

The selection process within this program is meticulously structured to ensure that funding is allocated to projects with the highest potential for impact, creativity, and audience engagement. Projects go through an evaluation process that considers the market interest, the experience and diversity of the creative team, community engagement plans, and the overall originality and artistic merit of the work.

Ultimately, the Programme pour les Documentaires d’Auteur supports a vibrant and diverse documentary filmmaking ecosystem in Canada, empowering filmmakers to craft stories that inform, entertain, and engage both national and international audiences. By providing critical financial support and fostering a supportive community for documentary creators, the program plays an essential role in the continued growth and innovation of the Canadian film industry.