Development program — General stream
Canada
Money to develop feature films
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 03, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 23, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Telefilm Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a repayable advance of up to $37,500 in the development stage of your feature film. To be eligible, you need to have released at least 1 fictional or documentary feature film in the last 6 years, and 1 film that premiered at a qualifying festival.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to Canadian feature film production companies. The eligibility is constrained to ensure domestic presence and activity alignment.
- Companies with their head office located in Canada.
- Organizations carrying out their activities in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$37,500
Create a thought-provoking documentary about climate change, focusing on the coastal cities of Vancouver
$37,500
Produce an animated feature about Canadian wildlife with emphasis on preproduction and key team engagement
$37,500
Develop a romantic comedy set in modern-day Toronto involving preproduction and script development
$37,500
Develop a historical drama exploring the Indigenous history of Montreal, focusing on script and story editing
$37,500
Create a feature film depicting the tech startup culture, focusing on script and creative team engagement
$37,500
Develop a horror film set in the haunted forests of Halifax with script writing and preproduction focus
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for Canadian feature film production companies to apply for this grant are as follows:
- Applicants must be Canadian feature film production companies.
- The company must have its head office located in Canada.
- The company must carry out its activities primarily 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
The Development Program supports Canadian feature film production companies in advancing their projects through various developmental stages. This includes detailed script drafting and project packaging to enhance project strength for potential production success.
- Development of the first draft script for a feature-length film.
- Development of the second draft script for a feature-length film.
- Development of the third draft script for a feature-length film.
- Subsequent draft script development for a feature-length film.
- Project packaging activities that enhance the project's marketability and readiness for production.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant for the Development Program covers specific expenses incurred during the development stage of Canadian feature films.
- Scriptwriting fees for first, second, third, or subsequent draft scripts.
- Cost of developing a project package for potential investors or partners.
- Consultation fees for script analysis and feedback from industry experts.
- Legal fees associated with securing rights and licensing agreements.
- Travel costs for meetings or consultations essential to project development.
- Administrative expenses related directly to project development.
- Costs for translation and adaptation services if needed.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Relevance of the project to the program's objectives and guidelines.
- Viability of the project and potential for success in the marketplace.
- Diversity considerations and inclusivity.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Telefilm Development Program grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Read the guidelines and essential information to ensure your project meets all eligibility criteria and requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the required documents for your specific stream (Prequalified, General, Indigenous, Stream for Black and People of Colour).
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Gather all necessary documentation as per the list provided for your stream.
- Complete any required forms such as the Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience and the Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation.
- Step 3: Access Dialogue
- Log in to the Dialogue platform, ensuring you have access well before the submission deadline.
- Ensure your company's contact and corporate information is up to date in your Dialogue profile.
- Step 4: Complete Application in Dialogue
- Fill out the online application form, providing all required details about your project.
- Upload all the required documents through the Dialogue platform.
- Ensure that all submitted information is accurate and complete.
- Step 5: Submit the Application
- Submit your application through the Dialogue platform before the closing date and time.
- Step 6: Confirmation
- Receive confirmation of your application submission via Dialogue.
- Keep a record of your submission and any reference numbers provided.
Ensure all submissions are made within the opening and closing dates provided for each stream.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The application process is facilitated through the Dialogue platform.
- A Springboard Initiative is available for projects that were unsuccessful under the Production Program but were ranked highly.
- Updated guidelines and essential information guides have specific dates for their release; review the latest versions.
- IT support for application issues is available on business days until 5:00 pm EST during the application period.
- There are different streams within the program, including a Prequalified Stream and specific streams for Indigenous and Black and People of Colour applicants.
Apply to this program
Develop Your Canadian Feature Film with Strategic Funding
The Development Program offers financial assistance to Canadian feature film production companies at the development stage, supporting projects from first drafts to the final packaging process. This program aims to enhance the quality and viability of Canadian cinematic projects through targeted funding across various streams, including a special initiative for underrepresented communities.
In-Depth Insight into the Development Program for Canadian Feature Films
Telefilm Canada's Development Program is designed to cultivate and nurture homegrown talent within the Canadian film industry by providing comprehensive funding solutions at the developmental stage of feature-length films. With specific funding streams tailored to different needs, this program serves as a pivotal cornerstone for filmmakers eager to bring their stories to the big screen. Emphasizing inclusion and diversity, the program accommodates a wide spectrum of projects, ensuring that voices from Indigenous and Black communities, as well as People of Colour, are given significant opportunities.
The program's strategic design allows for creative freedom while offering structured support that guides projects through critical stages from initial script drafts through to packaging. By engaging with this program, production companies not only receive financial support but also gain access to a robust network of industry experts, enhancing both the quality and reach of their cinematic endeavors. Moreover, the introduction of the Springboard Initiative provides a second chance for high-ranked projects under the Production Program, thus fostering a landscape of innovation and continuous improvement.
Applicants to the program must be Canadian feature film production companies that are centrally based and operational within Canada. The program is meticulously structured into four main streams: Prequalified Stream, General Stream, Indigenous Stream, and the Stream for Black and People of Colour. Each stream has specific criteria and targeted outcomes, ensuring that diverse project needs are met comprehensively.
In preparation for the application, production companies are urged to carefully review the updated guidelines and essential documents that outline the program’s objectives, eligibility requirements, and detailed procedural instructions. Such diligence ensures that applicants are well-prepared, increasing their chances for successful funding acquisition. Additionally, the program emphasizes transparency and accountability through rigorous reporting and evaluation processes, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and that projects remain aligned with initial goals.
Support is offered in various forms, including IT assistance during business hours and dedicated contacts for specific streams, enabling applicants to navigate the process efficiently. This structured support system exemplifies Telefilm Canada's commitment to advancing the Canadian film industry by equipping filmmakers with the necessary tools and resources to succeed on a national and international stage.
The Development Program is not merely a funding opportunity; it is a commitment to fostering a thriving creative industry in Canada, where diverse stories and innovative filmmaking techniques can blossom. By targeting key developmental stages and offering tailored support, the program ensures that Canadian films can achieve high standards of excellence, showcasing the unique cultural tapestry of the nation to audiences worldwide.
