CMF — Regional Production Funding
Canada
CMF no longer accepting applications for regional production programs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 30, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 23, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Media Fund (CMF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The CMF's Regional Production Financing provides maximum funding of either 15% of eligible expenses or $1,000,000, supporting the creation of English language productions from specific regions in Canada. Eligible activities include broadcast and digital content projects that enhance local talent and industry development.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Regional Production Funding by CMF allocates its contributions as a supplement to broadcast license fees. Each eligible project is assessed individually for funding support subject to specific thresholds and criteria.
- CMF's contribution is in the form of a supplement to the broadcast license fees, thereby enhancing financial support from broadcasters for eligible projects.
- The maximum contribution is the lesser of a specific percentage of eligible costs or a set dollar amount for each program, with detailed criteria outlined in relevant sections for different project types.
- For co-productions, the maximum CMF contribution is determined based on the eligible expenses associated with the qualified applicant.
- The CMF allows for funding from regional production programs to be combined with other CMF program funds, provided that the total CMF funding does not exceed 84% of eligible expenses.
- Broadcast license fees' thresholds must primarily be met by Canadian broadcasters, except where contributions from eligible Canadian distributors are permissible.
- Projects that received previous CMF funding are generally ineligible for new regional funding within the 2024-2025 cycle unless specified otherwise.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the project's specifications.
- The applicant must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in section 3.1 of the Main Guidelines Module (Production).
- The applicant must adhere to any specific eligibility criteria mentioned within the program guidelines.
- The applicant must comply with all other requirements/qualifications specified in the Addenda A and B.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the CMF's production regional funding must adhere to specific criteria outlined in the CMF's guidelines. These generally include Canadian production companies with projects classified as regional productions. Each type of project, whether it be in English or French, must meet language and production specifications unique to the provinces or territories defined as regions by the CMF. Additionally, special rules apply to projects involving Canadian broadcasters and distributors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the production and execution of eligible projects within the regional funding programs.
- Salaries and wages for project personnel directly involved in the production.
- Equipment and materials essential for the completion of the project.
- Legal fees and costs associated with rights acquisitions.
- Marketing and promotion expenses for the project.
- Travel and accommodation expenses directly related to project production.
- Fees for external consultants or experts necessary for project realization.
- Costs of post-production services including editing and visual effects.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Identify Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria in the Module principal des Principes directeurs (production) and the addenda for regional production funding.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, budgets, and schedules.
- Gather all necessary supporting documentation, such as letters of commitment from Canadian broadcasters or distributors.
- Confirm that all financial sources are secured and documented at the time of submission.
- Step 3: Register or Log In
- Create an account or log in to the CMF application portal if you already have an account.
- Step 4: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the online application form with required project details and upload all supporting documents.
- Review the application form for completeness and accuracy.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the application through the CMF portal before the specified deadline.
- Step 6: Receive Confirmation
- Receive an automated confirmation email with your application number from CMF.
- Keep this confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the CMF Regional Production Funding:
- The programs are funded on a first-come, first-served basis, which means early submissions have better chances of receiving funding until the program's budget is depleted.
- There are specific rules and date allocations depending on whether productions are in English or French, or aimed at Northern regions.
- Up to 35% of program funds might be allocated to dramatic feature films.
- Producers are required to calculate the tax credit contributions as part of the project's financial structure while applying.
- The CMF reserves the right to limit funding to a single project from each applicant in a given funding round if demand exceeds funds.
- 90% of available tax credits must be included in the project's financial structure calculations to avoid oversubscription.
- All other financing must be confirmed at the time of application, and previously supported projects by CMF are not eligible unless for exceptions listed.
- CMF contributions will be in the form of broadcast license top-ups and tailored to project type, language, and region.
Apply to this program
CMF Regional Production Funding Update
Effective immediately, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) has closed applications for both the English Regional Production Bonus and the Quebec French Regional Production Incentive due to high demand. The CMF remains committed to supporting diverse production initiatives across Canada.
Understanding the Changes and Impact on Regional Production Funding
In response to unprecedented demand, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) has made the decision to halt new applications for its English Regional Production Bonus and Quebec French Regional Production Incentive programs. These programs have been central to supporting regional storytelling and promoting local content creation across Canadian provinces. The CMF's mandate to fund productions across the country remains strong, with other initiatives and funding opportunities still active to sustain this commitment.
The shutdown of these specific application streams underscores the vibrant and growing appetite for regional media production in Canada, a testament to the country's rich tapestry of stories and diverse narratives. As a national funding body, the CMF’s role in nurturing this landscape involves not just financial support but also empowering diverse voices and fostering accessibility within the production sector for persons with disabilities.
Even though these particular application windows are closed, the CMF’s funding architecture includes several other avenues. For example, the support for Northern Incentive: Production continues to remain open, with its application rounds administered on a first-come, first-served basis until December 5, 2024. This ensures that regions such as the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories continue to receive opportunities to share their unique stories and cultural narratives on national platforms.
Furthermore, the CMF's efforts to integrate tools like PERSONA-ID reflect a progressive approach in modernizing the application process, streamlining applicant information, and improving the inclusivity and efficiency of funding procedures. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this system to enhance their future application processes.
In terms of accessibility, the CMF remains proactive, offering resources and support mechanisms for persons with disabilities to ensure equitable access to funding opportunities. These efforts highlight the CMF's holistic approach not only to supporting content creation but also to ensuring that the creation process itself is accessible and inclusive to all Canadians.
While the strategic pause in these funding programs might initially seem challenging to regional filmmakers, it opens up a pathway for the CMF to reassess and redistribute financial investments to maximize their impact. This step may potentially lead to the development of new, even more targeted initiatives that could offset current limitations and bolster production communities across Canada in the near future.
Organizations and producers affected by the program closures are advised to stay informed of further announcements from the CMF. By maintaining engagement with CMF updates, applicants can be prepared to capitalize on new opportunities as they arise, ensuring continued vitality and innovation in Canada's media production industry.
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