Screen BC Short Film Award

Q: How much funding can be received?

Screen BC Short Film Award Funds up to 15000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Screen BC Short Film Award a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Screen BC Short Film Award is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Screen BC Short Film Award?

Screen BC Short Film Award is funded by Creative BC

Q: Who is eligible for the Screen BC Short Film Award program?

To be eligible for the Screen BC Short Film Award program, you must: • The project must showcase British Columbia talent in front of and behind the camera. • The project must be based on an original work and have a finished running time of no more than 10 minutes. • The project must be completed within 11 months of the award date and be ready for screening at the 2025 Whistler Film Festival.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Screen BC Short Film Award?

You can contact Creative BC by email at hcampbell@creativebc.com.

Q: Where is the Screen BC Short Film Award available?

The Screen BC Short Film Award program is available the province of BC.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Screen BC Short Film Award program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Screen BC Short Film Award program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

BC, Canada

Supports emerging filmmakers in developing creative short film projects

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $15,000 to $15,000

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Screen BC Short Film Award provides up to $15,000 in cash and $100,000 in-kind services to support emerging filmmakers in British Columbia in developing their directing careers by creating original short film projects. The program is intended for projects showcasing creative vision, utilizing British Columbian talent, and culminating in screening at the Whistler Film Festival.

Financing terms and conditions

The award provides a $15,000 cash grant to the successful applicant.
In-kind services valued up to $100,000 are offered across the industry, which may include production and postproduction services, equipment, and supplies.
If Creative BC's commitment exceeds $5,000, funds will be released in two installments: 75% initially, and the remaining 25% upon completion of specific conditions outlined in the agreement.
Funds are non-recoupable except under circumstances of forfeiture and default as specified in the agreement.
Applicants must adhere to Creative BC's Code of Conduct for a respectful workplace and the On Screen Protocols & Pathways.
Production must comply with sustainable practices, including the use of industry-standard Carbon Calculators.
Any default conditions as per the agreement will limit future funding access and may require the repayment of advanced funds.

Activities funded

Production of a short film project by an emerging filmmaker in British Columbia.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 15,000

Explore climate change effects in a coastal village drama

$ 15,000

Create an emotionally charged drama focusing on mental health

$ 15,000

Produce a short film about a historical courtroom drama

$ 15,000

Capture an immigrant's journey in search of new beginnings

$ 15,000

Short film depicting forgotten memories resurfacing in Victoria

$ 15,000

Document a family's reunion through a travel-based narrative

$ 15,000

Create a film exploring relationships in urban Indigenous youth

Eligibility

The applicant must be the Director of the proposed project; only one Director per application is allowed, and Co-Director projects are not accepted.
The applicant must be 19 years of age or older.
The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
The applicant must currently reside in British Columbia and must have lived in the province for at least 12 months prior to applying.
The applicant must have creative control and final editorial authority over the proposed project.
The applicant must be a graduate from a post-secondary institution or recognized film school, or possess equivalent experience in the film industry.
The applicant must have directed and completed at least two short films or television projects.
The applicant must not have directed more than 60 minutes of professional live action, documentary, dramatic or comedic films, excluding student films.
The applicant must agree to grant non-commercial streaming, screening, and promotional rights to Screen BC, Creative BC, and the Whistler Film Festival.
The completed film must have its world premiere at the Whistler Film Festival in 2025.
Previous recipients of the MPPIA Short Film Award are not eligible to apply again.
The project must showcase British Columbian talent in front of and behind the camera.
The project must have a runtime of no more than 10 minutes and must be based on an original work.
The project must be a live action drama or docu-drama; animation or documentary scripts are not accepted.
The project must be completed within 11 months of the "Award Date" and in time for the 2025 Whistler Film Festival screening.

Who is eligible?

Emerging filmmakers based in British Columbia.
Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents residing in British Columbia.
Individuals with completed short films or television projects showcasing their expertise.
Directors with creative control and final editorial authority over their project.
Producers with relevant experience in the film or television industry.

Who is not eligible

No specific information about ineligible companies or industries is provided in the available data.

Eligible expenses

Pre-production support, including office space, accounting, and mentorship.
Production support, including lights, cameras, offices, materials, video stock, and stage space.
Post-production support, including editing, transfers, dubbing, and VFX.

Eligible geographic areas

Province of British Columbia, Canada.

Selection criteria

Originality of the concept.
Quality and eloquence of the script.
Experience of the applicant director.
Marketing plan and distribution strategy.
Feasibility of the director’s vision statement.
Experience and track record of the producer named in the application.
Letters of recommendation provided in support of the director and producer.
Use of British Columbian talent in front of and behind the camera.
Overall viability of the proposal.
Sense of style and impact evident from the applicant director’s supporting materials/links.

How to apply

Create an Account

Visit the online application portal linked through Creative BC or Screen BC.
Create an account by providing your personal and professional details.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare a project proposal highlighting your unique creative vision and director's vision statement.
Compile letters of recommendation endorsing your leadership and production team.
Ensure you have documents proving your residency in British Columbia and age eligibility.

Complete the Application Form

Access the application form through the portal.
Fill in all required fields accurately, including personal, project, and team information.
Review the information provided for completeness and correctness.

Submit Application

Upload all required documents and the completed application form on the portal.
Ensure submission is completed by the deadline: September 30, 2024.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive an automated email confirmation with your application details and reference number.
Keep the confirmation email for future reference and proof of submission.

Additional information

The award program is committed to fostering inclusive and respectful environments free from discrimination and harassment.
Upon completion of the film, a digital link must be provided to Screen BC, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, Whistler Film Festival, and Creative BC.
All companies seeking funding from Creative BC are expected to adhere to their Code of Conduct and implement harassment-free workplace policies.
Projects must adhere to sustainable practices throughout the development process, including taking the Climate and Sustainable Production Training course.
Successful applicants are required to use industry-level Carbon Calculators such as the Green Production Guide Carbon Footprint Calculator or albert Carbon Footprint Calculator.
The name and location of the successful recipient will be published by Screen BC, Creative BC, and the Whistler Film Festival.

Contacts

hcampbell@creativebc.com

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Screen BC Short Film Award Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Screen BC Short Film Award. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.