Slate Development

Who is eligible?

• Mid-level and experienced production companies based in British Columbia (B.C.).
• Companies with a significant track record of owned and controlled independent production in B.C.
• Companies incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with their head office in B.C. (excluding extra-provincially registered companies).
• Companies primarily engaged in the creation of motion picture audiovisual content.

Who is not eligible

• Companies extra-provincially registered in British Columbia.
• Projects currently supported through other Creative BC funding programs.
• Projects defined as excluded productions under the Film & Television Tax Credit Regulations, such as pornography, talk shows, news, live sports events, game shows, and advertising.
• Companies that received funding in the 2023/24 funding round (Round 2).

Eligible expenses

• Acquisition of rights or optioning fees.
• Script writing (all phases) and script workshopping.
• Production of a demo, storyboards or animatic.
• Pre-production planning, finance packaging and/or casting.
• Business affairs and legal services associated with development activities.
• Producer fees and corporate overhead (up to a combined total of 40% of development costs).
• Marketing and travel expenses related to securing market support or further financing.
• Company capacity-building activities such as hiring key professionals, engaging a producer mentor, bringing on executive support, and conducting company-wide training or workshops.

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia, Canada

• Creative BC requires all filmmakers to adhere to the On Screen Protocols & Pathways guide when working with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, cultures, concepts, and stories.
• The Black Screen Office's "Being Seen" study is a recommended tool for creating authentic and inclusive content and is supported by Creative BC. Applicants are encouraged to use it to foster systemic and long-lasting transformation in the industry.
• As part of the Slate Development Program, successful applicants must adhere to sustainable practices informed by the Reel Green™ initiative to minimize environmental impacts during project development.
• Applicants are required to take the Climate and Sustainable Production Training course as part of their commitment to sustainability.
• Successful applicants must utilize industry-level carbon calculators, such as the Green Production Guide Carbon Footprint Calculator or the albert Carbon Footprint Calculator, in line with the Government of Canada’s net-zero emissions goals by 2050 or earlier.
• Creative BC upholds a commitment to a harassment-free workplace, and all funding recipients must abide by the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct.
• Funding recipients are required to acknowledge Creative BC's financial support in all marketing materials and tail credits of completed productions where other financiers are credited, and they are encouraged to share this acknowledgment on social media.
• In cases of non-compliance with the terms of the funding agreement, Creative BC reserves the right to request repayment of funds and limit future access to their funding programs.