Open
Source change captured:
Project Development Fund
Supports B.C. film, TV, and documentary development
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
March 31, 2027
Opened April 27, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Project Development Fund supports B.C.-owned and controlled production companies, including eligible inter-provincial and international treaty co-productions, with non-recoupable advances for screen development. It funds feature film script development, dramatic or animated TV projects, and documentaries.
/100
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
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Feature film script development.
- Dramatic TV projects.
- Animated TV projects.
- Documentaries.
Documents Needed
- 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
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Project Development Fund opens for 2026/27
The Project Development Fund now shows the 2026/27 intake as open with an April 27, 2026 opening and new application materials.
The Project Development Fund has moved from the prior closed/waitlist state to an open 2026/27 intake, with applications opening Monday, April 27, 2026 and the fiscal-year window running to March 31, 2027. The page now also points to new 2026/27 application materials, including a new application form, checklist, budget templates, an incumbency certificate, and updated FAQ and guideline documents. The process note now states that applications must be submitted no later than 60 days after the B.C. applicant receives the letter of commitment or long-form development agreement with the Triggering Agent.
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Companies incorporated in British Columbia or Canada.
- B.C.-owned and controlled production companies.
- Companies majority owned and managed by residents of British Columbia.
- Inter-provincial co-productions.
- International treaty co-productions.
Who is not eligible
- Companies extra-provincially incorporated in British Columbia.
Eligible expenses
- Producer fees and corporate overhead, calculated as a combined maximum 40% of the approved direct development costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Applications are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget for the fiscal year has been fully committed, ending March 31, 2027.
How to apply
- Submit the Project Development Fund 2026/27 Application Form to Creative BC no later than 60 days after the date the B.C. applicant receives the letter of commitment or long-form development agreement with the Triggering Agent.
Processing and Agreement
- A review is conducted to determine eligibility, including proof of a commitment from an eligible triggering agent to advance funds for the development of a specific project.
- Review and analysis of the application does not include a creative evaluation.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Project Development Fund Program
What is the Project Development Fund?
Project Development Fund supports B.C.-owned and controlled production companies, including eligible inter-provincial and international treaty co-productions, with non-recoupable advances for screen development. It funds feature film script development, dramatic or animated TV projects, and documentaries.
How much funding can be received?
Project Development Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Project Development Fund program?
To be eligible for the Project Development Fund program, you must:
The applicant must be a company incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with its head office in British Columbia.
The company must be majority owned and managed by residents of British Columbia.
Inter-provincial and international treaty co-productions are eligible.
What expenses are eligible under Project Development Fund?
Producer fees and corporate overhead, calculated as a combined maximum 40% of the approved direct development costs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Project Development Fund?
You can contact Creative BC by email at rdsimpson@creativebc.com.
Where is the Project Development Fund available?
The Project Development Fund program is available the province of British Columbia.