Closed
Source verified September 14, 2026
Development program — General stream
Feature film development support
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Latest source updateLast Update: October 4, 2026Latest change: The Development Program now includes a Canadian Status Declaration for shareholder companies without a Dialogue account.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 4, 2026
Latest change: The Development Program now includes a Canadian Status Declaration for shareholder companies without a Dialogue account.
Canadian Status Declaration added
The Development Program document list now includes a Canadian Status Declaration for shareholder companies that do not have a Dialogue account. The update also adds this declaration to the list of final reporting templates and related program documents.
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
The Development Program supports Canadian feature film production companies developing feature films at the development stage. It covers projects in the first, second, third or subsequent draft script, or packaging, through the Prequalified, General, Indigenous, and Stream for Black People and People of Colour streams.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Development of Canadian feature films.
- Development of feature films at the script or packaging stage.
Documents Needed
- Application form in Dialogue
- Required documents for the selected stream
- Declaration Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience
- Declaration of Canadian Status and Corporate Information
- Most recent creative material
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian feature film production companies
Eligible expenses
- Costs incurred since the beginning of the calendar year are eligible.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs deemed unreasonable or not in line with the program’s objectives may be declined.
Selection criteria
- Track Record of the Key Creative Personnel, including screenwriter(s), producer(s), and director(s) for the packaging phase.
- Creative Elements.
- Cultural Impact and Audience Reach Potential.
- Diversity of voices, a balanced portfolio of productions, and possible prioritization of projects aligned with Telefilm’s EDIA Action Plan, with gender parity and intersectionality also considered.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted through Dialogue.
Processing and Agreement
- Projects are evaluated by advisory committees based on the evaluation criteria indicated in these guidelines and ranked using an evaluation grid.
- A final cost report will be required.
- Telefilm could question some costs to make sure they meet the program’s objectives and spirit and intent.
- The contract signed with Telefilm remains valid and the development advance will have to be reimbursed in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Additional information
- The Program includes the Prequalified Stream and three Selective Streams: the General Stream, the Indigenous Stream, and the Stream for Black People and People of Colour.
- The Springboard Initiative may invite projects that were unsuccessful under the Production Program but that were ranked highly or that meet Telefilm’s corporate objectives.
- The Animation Initiative grants an additional funding amount to animation projects submitted in the Prequalified or Selective streams.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Development program — Black and People of Colour streamFeature film development support
- Development program — Indigenous streamCanadian feature film development support
- Development program — Prequalified streamAutomatic funding for top-ranked organizations
Frequently Asked Questions about the Development program — General stream Program
What is the Development program — General stream?
The Development Program supports Canadian feature film production companies developing feature films at the development stage. It covers projects in the first, second, third or subsequent draft script, or packaging, through the Prequalified, General, Indigenous, and Stream for Black People and People of Colour streams.
How much funding can be received?
Development program — General stream Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Development program — General stream program?
To be eligible for the Development program — General stream program, you must:
The applicant must be a Canadian-controlled corporation.
The company must have its head office and carry out its activities in Canada.
The company must operate as an audiovisual company.
What expenses are eligible under Development program — General stream?
Development of Canadian feature films.
Development of feature films at the script or packaging stage.
Who can I contact for more information about the Development program — General stream?
You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.
Where is the Development program — General stream available?
The Development program — General stream program is available across Canada.
Is the Development program — General stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Development program — General stream is a Loans and Capital investments