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Project Development Fund
BC, Canada
Supports film and TV project development in British Columbia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Creative BC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Project Development Fund supports B.C.-owned production companies by providing non-recoupable advances for the development of feature film scripts, dramatic or animated TV projects, and documentaries, with a maximum funding amount capped at $50,000 per applicant for the fiscal year 2024/25. Eligible activities include script development, production planning, and community outreach among other related expenses.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Non-recoupable development advances are provided, matching up to 50% of the commitment from an eligible triggering agent.
- Financial participation is available for a range of development costs, including acquisitions of rights, script writing, and production of a demotape.
- Funding is capped at $10,000 for feature films, with television series having a cap of $20,000 for development funding in the 2024/25 fiscal year.
- The total development funding available to each applicant may not exceed $50,000 in the 2024/25 fiscal year.
- Maximum cumulative development funding for an eligible project is $30,000, with a higher cap of $50,000 for television series throughout its development history.
- Producer fees and corporate overhead are eligible costs, calculated as a combined maximum of 40% of approved direct development costs.
- The advance of funds is released through one drawdown if the commitment is $5,000 or less, and over two drawdowns (75% and 25%) if it is over $5,000.
- Advances are contingent upon a prior written agreement with a triggering agent related to the project development phase.
- Forfeiture of funding occurs if deliverables are not submitted by the agreed completion date.
- Should there be a default by the applicant, they are barred from accessing further funding, and immediate repayment of funds is required.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Scripted feature films intended for theatrical release, broadcast, streaming or VOD platforms.
- Television movies, pilots, television series and mini-series intended for broadcast or streaming/VOD platforms.
- Short films and web series.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a company incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with its head office in British Columbia. Companies extra-provincially registered in B.C. are not eligible.
- The majority of the common interest voting shares of the company must be held by B.C. residents.
- The company's primary business must be the creation of motion picture audiovisual content.
- The principals, directors, officers, and shareholders of the applicant company must be in good standing with Creative BC.
- The applicant company may own 10% or less of the shares of a broadcaster and may have 10% or less of its shares owned by a broadcaster or by a distributor.
- The project must have a "Triggering Agent" that is arm’s length from the applicant company and cannot be a related or associated company.
- The eligible project must be 100% owned and controlled/optioned by the applicant for a minimum of 12 months.
- The BC applicant must retain at least 51% of the copyright interest for interprovincial co-productions and between 15% to 30% for international treaty co-productions.
- The eligible project must not contain elements of serious or gratuitous sexual violence or exploitation, obscene, indecent, or pornographic content.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- British Columbia owned and controlled production companies.
- Companies involved in feature film script development.
- Organizations developing dramatic or animated TV projects.
- Companies working on documentaries.
- Co-productions and co-ventures with appropriate agreements and documentation.
- Applicants with projects for scripted feature films intended for various platforms.
- Companies creating television movies, pilots, series, and mini-series for broadcast or streaming platforms.
- Producers of short films and web series as a development step for longer projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Companies extra-provincially registered in British Columbia.
- Television productions that are 100% owned and controlled by the National Film Board of Canada.
- Projects that contain elements of serious or gratuitous sexual violence, exploitation, obscene, indecent or pornographic content, or any elements unlawful under the Criminal Code of Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- British Columbia, Canada
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Ensure your company is incorporated and majority owned in British Columbia or Canada.
- Confirm that the project aligns with Creative BC's guidelines for a scripted feature film, TV movie, or web series.
- Step 2: Secure a Triggering Agent
- Identify and secure a commitment for funding from an eligible triggering agent, such as a broadcaster or distributor.
- Ensure the triggering agent is arm’s length from your company.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
- Gather all necessary documents, including the executed co-production deal memo if applicable.
- Ensure written documentation outlines the ownership and control agreements.
- Compile budget details aligned with eligible costs as outlined by Creative BC.
- Step 4: Online Application Submission
- Complete the application form available on the Creative BC website.
- Pay the non-refundable $105 application fee via direct deposit and screenshot the payment.
- Submit all required documents through the online portal.
- Step 5: Post-Submission
- Monitor for communications from Creative BC on the status of your application.
- Be prepared to address any additional requests for information or clarification.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
clarsen@creativebc.com
