Project Development Fund

• Articles of incorporation
• Executed commitment or development agreement with the triggering agent
• Development budget and finance plan
• Key personnel document
• Proof of payment of the application fee

Who is eligible?

• B.C.-based production companies.
• Companies involved in inter-provincial co-productions.
• Companies involved in international treaty co-productions.

Who is not eligible

• Companies extra-provincially registered in British Columbia.

Eligible expenses

• Acquisitions of rights including option payments and license fees for platforms or formats.
• Research including the creation of a report, bible, outline and/or treatment.
• Writing of a script stage including editing and various breakdowns (outline, treatment, first draft, second draft, final draft and polish).
• Production of a demotape, such as a sizzle reel, presentation pilot, webisode or storyboards.
• Creation of a character model pack (for animated projects).
• Pre-production planning, finance packaging and/or casting, including the creation of a casting reel.
• Travel costs necessary for creative work, such as interviewing or demotaping.
• Audience Development and Community Outreach Plan.
• Producer fees and corporate overhead, calculated as a combined maximum of 40% of the approved direct development costs.
• Business affairs and legal services associated with the above activities.

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Applications are assessed for program eligibility only, with no creative evaluation.
• Successful applicants are notified in writing and receive a Non-recoupable Development Advance Agreement.
• If ineligible, applicants are notified by telephone or email.

• Funding is in the form of non-recoupable advances, with a focus on building development commitments secured from qualifying parties such as broadcasters and distributors.
• The program will not conduct a creative evaluation of the projects, focusing solely on eligibility and securing of commitments from a triggering agent.
• Producer fees and corporate overhead can comprise up to 40% of approved development costs.
• The program supports co-ventures and co-productions provided that proper documentation, such as a co-production agreement, is submitted.
• The 2024/25 application window opens on May 15, 2024, at 12:00 PM PDT, and applications are evaluated on a first come, first served basis.
• In case of any delay in the development phase, Creative BC allows for one amendment to the completion date upon request.
• A $105 non-refundable application fee is required, with preference for payment via direct deposit.
• Sustainable production practices are encouraged, with requirements to use industry-standard carbon calculators for environmental footprint estimation.
• There is a specific focus on engaging diverse communities with protocols, including expectations around authentic and inclusive content creation.
• Successful applicants are required to adhere to Creative BC’s Code of Conduct ensuring a respectful, harassment-free workplace.