Opening Soon
Source verified July 31, 2026
Development program — General stream
Feature film development support
Latest source updateLast Update: June 12, 2026Latest change: The Development Program now shows new 2026-27 dates, a June 23, 2026 validation deadline, and revised document and selection guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 12, 2026
Latest change: The Development Program now shows new 2026-27 dates, a June 23, 2026 validation deadline, and revised document and selection guidance.
Development Program updated for 2026-27 cycle
The Development Program page now reflects the 2026–27 cycle, with the application window changed from September 4, 2025–September 25, 2025 to August 31, 2026–September 11, 2026, and the prequalified-stream notice timing changed to mid-July 2026. A new information-session webinar section was added, including English on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at 12 p.m. EST, French on Tuesday June 16, 2026 at 12 p.m. EST, a dedicated BPOC and Indigenous webinar in August, and a June 23, 2026 validation deadline for festival awards and selections. The page also shows new or revised application guidance, including a Festival Score component, updated guidelines and document links dated June 9, 2026, and several application resources marked coming soon. Eligibility and selection language now references the new guideline criteria and Festival Score validation, while the application documents list has been reorganized for the General Stream and other selective streams.
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
September 11, 2026
Opened August 31, 2026
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on August 31, 2026.
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.