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Production Program
BC, Canada
Supports diverse B.C. filmmakers creating culturally enriching films
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Creative BC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Production Program provides financial support for B.C.-based independent creators working on longer-form motion picture projects, with a maximum funding amount of $200,000 per project depending on the budget level. Eligible activities include the production and post-production of scripted feature-length films, documentary one-offs, and factual series that contribute to the cultural diversity of British Columbia.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Funding is provided as a non-recoupable grant for both production and post-production streams.
- Production Stream funding is based on the project budget: up to $200,000 for budgets over $2,000,000; up to $120,000 for budgets between $500,001 and $1,999,999; and up to $50,000 for budgets $500,000 and under.
- Post-Production Stream funding is based on the project budget: up to $50,000 for budgets between $500,001 and $1,999,999; and up to $20,000 for budgets $500,000 and under.
- At the ultra-low budget level, the Creative BC funding cannot exceed 75% of the total project budget.
- Recipients must demonstrate financial closing within an initial 6-month period post-commitment, with potential for extension if additional third-party financing is confirmed.
- Contracts outline a production timeline, payment schedule, and specific deliverables.
- 80% of the funding may be disbursed at the commencement of principal photography, with the remaining 20% provided upon submission of the final cost report and project completion confirmation.
- A portion of project expenditures must be incurred in British Columbia, with at least 75% of production or post-production expenditures paid to BC resident individuals or BC-owned companies, considering exceptions for co-productions.
- Funding is subject to potential impacts on federal or provincial tax credits eligibility.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Production of scripted feature-length films, including live-action or animation, with a minimum length of 75 minutes.
- Creation of documentary one-offs with a minimum length of 25 minutes.
- Development of documentary or factual series with each episode being a minimum of 25 minutes.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 75,000
Launching a digital literacy program for seniors
$ 45,000
Launching a waste reduction initiative in restaurants
$ 90,000
Creating a mobile app for mental health support
$ 180,000
Implementing a renewable energy system in schools
$ 100,000
Establishing a community craft brewery
$ 60,000
Developing sustainable urban farming practices
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a B.C. resident (Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident) who has resided in British Columbia for at least 200 of the 365 days prior to the application and must have filed income tax returns in B.C. for the taxation year prior to the application.
- The applicant company must be an audiovisual company incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with its head office in British Columbia.
- The primary owner/majority common voting shareholder(s) of the applicant company must meet the individual eligibility criteria.
- 100% of the copyright of the project must be owned, controlled, or optioned by the applicant (with exceptions for inter-provincial or international treaty co-productions).
- The applicant must be in good standing with Creative BC.
- For inter-provincial co-productions, a minimum of 51% of the project must be owned by the B.C. applicant, or if co-owned by two B.C. companies or individuals, it will count as 100% ownership and is eligible.
- For international treaty co-productions, Creative BC will follow the minimum guidelines laid out in the governing international treaty, with the B.C. applicants' creative and financial control aligning with their copyright or ownership in the project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- B.C.-based independent creators.
- Individuals who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents residing in British Columbia for a specific duration.
- Production companies incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with their head office in British Columbia.
- Applicants from systemically excluded groups, including Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, Women, Non-binary, and people with disabilities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Technology and facility expenses related to the project.
- Services of a post-production supervisor.
- Special effects and colour grading expenses.
- Online edit and title creation costs.
- Music composition, sound editing, and mixing.
- Voice-over work and versioning expenses.
- Mastering, output time and materials, including master copies and some screening formats like DCP.
- Translation and language support costs.
- Accessibility costs during post-production.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- British Columbia
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Background and experience of the key creative team (or potential in the case of emerging applicants).
- Quality and strength of the creative package.
- Project viability and readiness to proceed to production for the Production Stream.
- Demonstration of additional need in post-production for the Post-Production Stream.
- Potential audience size or commercial success.
- Impact on B.C. owned and controlled IP production spend in the province.
- Co-productions will be evaluated based on their ability to enhance and promote B.C.'s Motion Picture industry, support industry development, and maximize potential investment.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Application Preparation
- Access the guidelines for the Production Program FY2024/25 Round 6 on the Creative BC website.
- Gather all necessary materials, including project details, financing plans, budgets, and additional documents.
- Ensure that your project aligns with the eligibility criteria and targeted funding requirements.
- Step 2: Create an Account
- Register an account on the Creative BC online application portal if you do not have one.
- Log in to your account to begin the application process.
- Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the online application form with required project and company details.
- Upload the creative plan, including director’s vision, story synopsis, and character profiles if applicable.
- Attach a marketing and distribution plan, plus relevant documents on the key creative team.
- Submit a community engagement plan or letter of support where necessary.
- Include a detailed production or post-production schedule.
- Step 4: Submission and Review
- Submit the completed application before the deadline of March 20, 2025, at 4:00pm PT.
- Review the comprehensive checklist provided on the Creative BC website to ensure all required documentation is included.
- If changes occur after submission, you may update your submission once before the deadline by contacting Creative BC.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an email confirmation for your submitted application.
- Retain the confirmation for your records.
- Step 6: Post-Submission Support
- Contact Creative BC's Program Analyst if assistance or accommodation is required during the application process.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The Production Program emphasizes sustainability, requiring applicants to adhere to sustainable practices and take the Climate and Sustainable Production Training course.
- Applicants are encouraged to review the "Being Seen" study by the Black Screen Office to assist in creating authentic and inclusive content.
- Successful applicants must credit Creative BC in marketing materials and the final production credits.
- A minimum 30% of the funding is allocated to projects controlled by emerging filmmakers or members from systemically excluded groups, including Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, Women, Non-binary individuals, and people with disabilities.
- Completion of the ON SCREEN PROTOCOLS & PATHWAYS guide is required for working with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
- Advisory panels for evaluation are composed of external and internal experts, representing key demographics and systemically excluded groups.
- While confirmed third-party financing is not required at application, competitive submissions often have an average of 70% of their finance plan confirmed.
- No appeal process is available; funding decisions are final.
grant_single_labels|contact
rmacabulos@creativebc.com
