Closed
Documentary + Factual Development Fund
Early-stage documentary development support for BC filmmakers
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Open Date : December 3, 2024
- Closing date : January 14, 2025
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $15,000 per project to support early-stage documentary and factual development in British Columbia. It funds research, treatment development, pitch materials, and proof-of-concept or trailer work for projects with market potential.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 30.000002% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : December 3, 2024
- Closing date : January 14, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Early-stage development of documentary and factual projects
- Development of documentaries and hybrid documentaries
- Development of documentary or factual television series, pilots, and mini-series
- Development of documentary short films and web series
Documents Needed
- Online application form
- Project logline
- Development budget
- Key personnel bios and relevant credits
- Certificate of incorporation
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated BC-based production companies
- Production companies with a proven track record in film or television production
Eligible expenses
- Research
- Treatment development
- Pitch document development
- Proof of concept and trailer development
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Applicant knowledge, experience, and track record (15)
- Capacity to execute and deliver the project (15)
- Connection to the subject matter and fit of the team (5)
- Creative merit of the proposed project (20)
- Potential to secure production support (10)
- Audience reach and feasibility (10)
- Appeal of the project, including international sales potential (10)
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the online application form.
- Gather the required supporting materials.
- Step 2: Assemble supporting documents
- Prepare the project logline, development budget, and key personnel bios.
- Provide a document describing the project, intended development activity, audience, and market path.
- Include the certificate of incorporation.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Submit the application through the online form.
- Optional supporting documents such as letters of interest or support may be included.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for program eligibility, creative merit, viability, and market potential
- Applications are assessed competitively with input from an external advisory panel
- Successful projects are funded under a contract with a payment schedule and development deliverables
- A completion date is set in the contract for final deliverables
Additional information
- A minimum of 30% of funding is reserved for projects owned and controlled by systemically excluded groups.
- Applicants with Indigenous content should review the required Indigenous media guide before applying.
- Successful recipients must follow sustainable production practices and complete Sustainable Production Training.
- Recipients must acknowledge Creative BC and the Rogers Group of Funds in the completed project.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Documentary + Factual Development Fund Program
What is the Documentary + Factual Development Fund?
This program provides up to $15,000 per project to support early-stage documentary and factual development in British Columbia. It funds research, treatment development, pitch materials, and proof-of-concept or trailer work for projects with market potential.
How much funding can be received?
Documentary + Factual Development Fund Funds up to 30.000002% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 14, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Documentary + Factual Development Fund program?
To be eligible for the Documentary + Factual Development Fund program, you must:
BC-based incorporated production company
Proven production track record
Project copyright controlled by applicant
What expenses are eligible under Documentary + Factual Development Fund?
Early-stage development of documentary and factual projects
Development of documentaries and hybrid documentaries
Development of documentary or factual television series, pilots, and mini-series
Development of documentary short films and web series
Who can I contact for more information about the Documentary + Factual Development Fund?
You can contact Creative BC by email at mryan@creativebc.com.
Where is the Documentary + Factual Development Fund available?
The Documentary + Factual Development Fund program is available the province of British Columbia.