Development program — Black and People of Colour stream
Canada
Financing for filmmakers who self-identify as black and people of colour
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 03, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 24, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Telefilm Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a repayable advance of up to $37,500 of the costs in the development stage of your feature film. To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria for recent theatrical releases, including having 1 project funded by Telefilm.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is exclusively available to Canadian feature film production companies as specified by the funding body. Companies must have their head office and carry out their activities within Canada.
- Companies with their head office in Canada.
- Organizations operating within Canadian borders.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$22,500
Vancouver
Animated film project focusing on Canadian wildlife conservation efforts
$20,500
Ottawa
Development of a documentary on Indigenous cultures in Canada
$19,500
Winnipeg
Drama film project about mental health in rural Canadian communities
$14,000
Toronto
Development of a historical drama film set to explore Canada’s railway construction era
$23,000
Montreal
Comedy film project exploring the humor in Canadian multiculturalism
$32,500
Calgary
Science fiction film set in a dystopian future of urban Canada
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires the applicant to meet specific criteria related to their business operations and geographic location.
- The applicant must be a Canadian feature film production company.
- The applicant must have their head office in Canada.
- The applicant must carry out their activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Canadian feature film production companies who:- Have their head office in Canada.- Carry out their activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports the development phase of Canadian feature films, allowing production companies to refine their scripts and conduct packaging to enhance their projects' potential. This funding is aimed at fostering creativity and diversity in Canadian cinema by supporting different streams tailored to various needs.
- Development of first, second, third, or subsequent draft scripts.
- Packaging of feature-length films to prepare for production stages.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Completeness of application
- Quality and viability of the project
- Track record of key personnel
- Market potential and audience engagement
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Guidelines and Prepare Documents
- Familiarize yourself with the program guidelines and requirements, available on the Telefilm Canada website.
- Gather and prepare the necessary documents as per the list provided for the appropriate stream you are applying for (Prequalified, General, Indigenous, or Stream for Black and People of Colour).
- Ensure all declarations and templates are properly filled, including the Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience and the Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information.
- Step 2: Access Dialogue
- Log into the Dialogue portal, Telefilm’s online application system. Ensure that your company profile on Dialogue is updated and accurate.
- If you do not have an account, create one to access the application portal.
- Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Start a new application by selecting the appropriate stream under the Development Program.
- Complete all sections of the online application form, making sure to provide comprehensive and accurate information about your project.
- Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Upload all required documents to the Dialogue portal as per the guidelines for your chosen stream.
- Check the document upload section to ensure all files are uploaded correctly and visible.
- Step 5: Review and Submit Application
- Review your application in its entirety to confirm that all information and documents are correctly filled and attached.
- Submit the application through the Dialogue portal before the closing date.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging the receipt of your application.
- Retain the confirmation number for your records and potential follow-up.
Apply to this program
Enhance Your Feature Film Projects with Development Funding
The Telefilm Development Program offers pivotal financial assistance to Canadian feature film production companies, enabling them to bring their long-form narratives to life during the critical development stages. This program is structured to support projects ranging from initial script drafts to complex packaging phases, ensuring diverse voices and innovative stories achieve cinematic fruition.
In-Depth Analysis of Telefilm's Development Program for Feature Films
The Telefilm Development Program stands as a beacon for Canadian film producers aiming to cultivate high-quality feature-length films—those exceeding 75 minutes in duration—right from the earliest draft stages or during packaging preparation. This vital financial resource is distributed across four distinct streams, each designed to cater to specific sectors within the Canadian film industry: the Prequalified Stream, the General Stream, the Indigenous Stream, and the Stream dedicated for Black and People of Colour filmmakers. Each of these channels is crafted to not only broaden the landscape of Canadian cinema but to also embrace diversity, supercharge creativity, and promote inclusivity.The program operates through Telefilm Canada's Dialogue platform, which centralizes the application process, enabling production companies to streamline their funding submissions efficiently. For companies entering the Prequalified Stream, notifications concerning eligibility and funding potential will begin dispatching via Dialogue starting June 21, 2024, thereby formalizing the process well in advance of the application opening day on September 3, 2024.A noteworthy addition to the program slated for the summer of 2024 is the Springboard Initiative. This innovative pilot aims to uplift projects that narrowly missed winning a grant under the Production Program, by providing an alternative avenue to receive development funding. This initiative accentuates Telefilm’s commitment to backing outstanding projects and fine-tuning them to a stage ripe for production.Applicants are encouraged to meticulously review the latest guidelines and detailed documentation released on June 20, 2024, which encapsulate everything from essential information guides to lists of required documents for various streams. The comprehensive evaluation grid ensures that projects are assessed with precision against established standards, reinforcing fair grant distribution and judicious use of public resources.Telefilm Canada's commitment to fostering the next generation of Canadian filmmakers extends beyond financial aid alone. The grant facilitates pathways for creative talent to access technical support, industry networks, and educational resources. This holistic support structure empowers filmmaking teams to develop projects that resonate on both domestic and international stages.For those keen on making a mark in the Canadian film landscape, the Telefilm Development Program offers a golden opportunity to realize visionary projects supported by a robust framework aimed at nurturing creativity, promoting Canadian culture, and ensuring cinematic quality. As each submission must adhere strictly to the outlined business policies and accounting requirements, applicants are advised to demonstrate not only creative potential but also operational acumen and budgetary responsibility.The strategic alignment of funded projects with the program's core values—such as community representation, innovation in storytelling, cultural authenticity, and economic impact—ensures that awarded filmmakers not only augment their production credentials but also contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of Canada's cinematic heritage. Through this initiative, Telefilm Canada not only fuels the storytelling potential of emerging directors but also champions the diverse narratives that reflect the nation’s multifaceted identity.
