Cultural Supports Program — Film and Television Stream
ON, Canada
Funds for film and TV productions in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMay 01, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a contribution that covers up to 50% of production costs, to a maximum of $2 million (tiered amounts based on the production budget) for a media project that grows the film and TV industry in Northern Ontario.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant focuses on productions benefiting Northern Ontario. Productions must have significant expenditures and activities located in Northern Ontario to be eligible.
- Productions set in Northern Ontario.
- Key creative positions from Northern Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,500,000
Development of a children's animated series set in the wildlife parks of Sault Ste Marie
$750,000
Production of a documentary on the mining industry's impact on Timmins' community and environment
$900,000
Production of a made-for-television movie based on Indigenous stories
$2,000,000
Production of a theatrical feature film centered on the history of the Boreal Forest
$1,750,000
Filming of an adventure reality TV series in the wilderness of Greater Sudbury
$1,250,000
Creation of a six-episode scripted television series on local folklore
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and rights ownership.
- The production company must be a Canadian corporation which is Canadian controlled.
- The production company must own all, or a majority of the rights necessary to exploit and produce the production.
- Applicants must receive a producer credit on the project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Film and Television Stream is eligible for Canadian production companies that are passionate about supporting and expanding the film and television industry in Northern Ontario. These production companies must be Canadian corporations with Canadian control and must own all or most of the rights needed to exploit and produce the project. Additionally, applicants are required to receive a producer credit on the project to qualify for this stream.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Projects not in line with the objectives of the Film and Television Stream are not eligible for the grant. The focus is on fostering content that showcases and contributes significantly to Northern Ontario's film and television industry.
- Companies involved in producing unscripted media content, such as reality TV, live sports, news, or improvisational comedy.
- Organizations producing advertisements, partisan content, fundraising videos, or industry-targeted videos not meant for broader consumption.
- Production companies creating content with excessive violence, sexually explicit content, or materials that encourage hatred, intolerance, violence, or criminal activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible projects for the Film and Television Stream focus on enhancing the film and television sector in Northern Ontario through high-quality productions that reflect the region's unique characteristics. The program supports a variety of projects that contribute to local cultural representation and industry growth.
- Theatrical feature films.
- Scripted television series.
- Made-for-television movies.
- Documentaries.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific production costs incurred within Northern Ontario.
- Labour costs for individuals whose primary residence is in Northern Ontario.
- Production goods and services procured from Northern Ontario vendors.
- Post-production expenses incurred within Northern Ontario.
- Rentals from vendors located in Northern Ontario.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the NOHFC Film and Television Stream are based on criteria designed to assess the alignment with Northern Ontario's cultural and economic goals as well as the applicant's ability to execute the project.
- Projected economic impact on Northern Ontario, including employment potential and local expenditures.
- Length of shoot and the extent to which post-production is sourced from Northern Ontario.
- Cultural significance of the project to Northern Ontario and the ability to showcase Northern Ontario stories.
- Experience and history of the applicant working in Northern Ontario, including engagement with local talents.
- Feasibility concerning budget, financing, project scope, and distribution plan.
- Marquee value of cast and quality of creative content proposed.
- Credibility of the marketing plan, including distributor's capability and track record.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Film & Television Stream grant:
- Step 1: Prepare Project Documentation
- Compile a script or screenplay of your production.
- Write a project synopsis highlighting key elements of your production.
- Develop a detailed production schedule.
- Sign and date your production budget.
- Prepare projected Northern Ontario expenditures in the same format as the production budget.
- Gather copies of applications or commitment letters from all other sources of production financing.
- Secure and attach a written commitment letter(s) from a distributor or broadcaster.
- Create a detailed marketing and distribution plan.
- Forecast national and international revenue projections.
- Include a detailed cast and crew list.
- Provide evidence of a complete and clear chain of title, including a description of the production's development history and all 3rd party agreements.
- Step 2: Demonstrate Financing
- Ensure a majority of the financing is in place or confirmed.
- Demonstrate the availability of all other project financing with terms and conditions satisfactory to the NOHFC.
- Step 3: Application Submission
- Submit the application during one of the four intake rounds: February 1 - April 30, May 1 - July 31, August 1 - October 31, or November 1 - January 31.
- Ensure all documents and information are complete and meet eligibility criteria before submission.
- Step 4: Review Process
- NOHFC staff will review applications for completeness and eligibility.
- Funding decisions are based on the project’s Northern Ontario Benefits and Production Strength.
- Wait for feedback from the NOHFC on the status of your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The NOHFC Film and Television Stream aims to encourage vendors to establish businesses in Northern Ontario to support the local industry.
- A commitment from a qualified and experienced distributor or broadcaster must be secured at the time of application.
- Applicants are encouraged to provide on-set training for crew members by partnering with Northern post-secondary institutions, industry organizations, or unions.
- Only rentals from vendors located in Northern Ontario are eligible costs.
Apply to this program
Boost Northern Ontario's Film and Television Industry
The Film and Television Stream grant aims to enhance the film and television industry in Northern Ontario by fostering job creation and investment through supporting original productions that showcase local culture, geography, and talent. This grant is available to Canadian-controlled production companies committed to driving industry growth in Northern Ontario.
Detailed Insights into the Film and Television Stream Grant
The Film and Television Stream, administered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), provides crucial financial support to production companies looking to create quality content that highlights the region's distinct culture and landscapes. Aimed at boosting local employment and attracting investment, this funding initiative supports projects like theatrical feature films, scripted television series, made-for-TV movies, and documentaries.
Eligible production companies must not only comply with Canadian ownership regulations but also demonstrate significant local investment through crew hire, location shoots, and post-production activities conducted in Northern Ontario. By focusing on local talent and resources, the grant aims to amplify Northern Ontario's visibility on both national and international stages.
The grant applications are evaluated on two main criteria: Northern Ontario Benefits and Production Strength. Under Northern Ontario Benefits, productions are assessed on their economic contributions, including projected regional expenditures, the length of filming in the area, and involvement of local creative talent. Furthermore, projects that successfully incorporate Northern Ontario narratives, culture, and training opportunities for residents, particularly through partnering with local universities and institutions, receive prioritization.
Production Strength assessment evaluates the feasibility and experience of the production company in managing projects of this nature. Important considerations include validating a project’s budget, financing capabilities, creative content value, distribution plan, and the reputation and commitment of partnering distributors. These components ensure that projects funded under this stream have the highest potential for successful delivery and audience engagement.
Through a tiered funding approach, the NOHFC ensures a maximum conditional contribution of up to 50% of eligible costs, with caps depending on the total spending within Northern Ontario. This means a project with a budget up to $5 million could receive up to $500,000, whereas those exceeding $10 million might be eligible for up to $2 million in funding support. Eligibility conditions include restricting funding to costs incurred within Northern Ontario, fostering a local-driven economic impact.
In alignment with its community-focused goals, the Film and Television Stream does not support productions such as unscripted media, reality TV, advertisement, or content that might propagate hate or intolerance. It remains dedicated to supporting projects that illustrate a responsible and inclusive narrative, reflecting the values and stories of Northern Ontario.
To ensure a well-rounded and competitive application, applicants must submit several supporting documents, including scripts, detailed budgets, distribution agreements, and evidence of secured funding. By requiring a distributor’s commitment, the NOHFC ensures that the projects presented are not only creatively rich but are also positioned for broad viewership and success.
