
Development program — Prequalified stream
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Financing for feature film production companies
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $125,000
Timeline
- Open Date : September 3, 2024
- Closing date : September 24, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get funding in 1 of 3 tiers; up to $37,500, 75,000 and $125,000, respectively, if you have produced a fiction or documentary feature film financed by Telefilm with a theatrical release in the last 6 years.
Activities funded
The Development Program under the Prequalified Stream finances Canadian feature films at various stages of development. Eligible projects involve the creation and refinement of feature-length film scripts and associated activities.
- Development of feature-length film scripts that are 75 minutes or longer.
- Script drafting including first, second, third, or subsequent drafts.
- Packaging of feature film projects to prepare for production stages.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 75,000
Historical documentary about Canadian railroad construction
$ 65,000
Documentary about Canadian artists in the 21st century
$ 67,500
Drama feature film about the struggles of urban immigrants
$ 75,000
Development of a feature film exploring indigenous folklore
$ 75,000
Animated feature film for children promoting environmental awareness
$ 75,000
Sci-fi feature film exploring artificial intelligence concepts
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business profile and location.
- The applicant must be a Canadian feature film production company.
- The company's head office must be located in Canada.
- The company's activities must be carried out within Canada.
Who is eligible?
Canadian feature film production companies who:- Have their head office in Canada.- Carry out their activities in Canada.
Eligible expenses
The Development Program supports the creation of Canadian feature-length films during the development stage. This includes drafting scripts and packaging projects for further production stages.
- Development of first, second, third, or subsequent draft scripts for feature-length films.
- Packaging of feature-length film projects to enhance production readiness.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to Canadian feature film production companies with specific eligibility criteria regarding their geographical location. Eligible companies must have their head office and conduct their activities within Canada.
- Companies with their head office located in Canada.
- Entities conducting their activities within Canada.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Artistic and financial objectives alignment
- Originality and creativity of the project
- Balance between creators, production team, and target audience
- Potential for domestic and international distribution
How to apply
1
Review Guidelines
- Access and carefully read the "Guidelines" and "Essential Information Guide."
- Ensure that your project and company meet the eligibility criteria.
2
Gather Documents
- Prepare the documents listed in "List of required documents" relevant to your stream.
- Complete templates such as "Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience" and others as applicable.
3
Create Dialogue Account
If not already done, create an account on the Dialogue platform provided by Telefilm.
4
Prepare Application
- Log into the Dialogue platform to access the application form.
- Input required information, ensure accuracy and detail about your project, including a development plan.
5
Submit Application
- Upload all prepared documents and complete the application form on Dialogue.
- Submit the complete application by the deadline of September 23, 2024, 11:59 PM EST.
6
Confirmation of Receipt
- Receive confirmation of submission through Dialogue.
- Keep the confirmation as a proof of application submission.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- IT support is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
- Notification to production companies eligible to the Prequalified Stream will occur on June 21, 2024, via Dialogue.
- The Springboard Initiative will start in the summer of 2024, allowing unsuccessful Production Program projects to apply for development funding.
- Applicants can receive updates directly through email by subscribing to program updates.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Development program — Prequalified stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Development program — Prequalified stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Development program — Prequalified stream?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Development program — Prequalified stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Development program — Prequalified stream?
Who is eligible for the Development program — Prequalified stream program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Development program — Prequalified stream?
Where is the Development program — Prequalified stream available?

Canada

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed
Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M
Telefilm CanadaFinancing for French-language feature films
Canada

Grant and FundingOpening Soon
Strategic Funds and Initiatives — Market Access Strategy
Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)Funds for official-language minority community artists
Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Development program — Black and People of Colour stream
Telefilm CanadaFinancing for filmmakers who self-identify as black and people of colour
Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
International Promotion Program
Telefilm CanadaFunds for filmmakers at international events
Canada

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed
Production program — French market budgets $3.5M+
Telefilm CanadaFinancing for high-budget French-language feature films
Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Production program — Indigenous stream
Telefilm CanadaFinancing for Indigenous-made feature films
Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Development program — General stream
Telefilm CanadaMoney to develop feature films
Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
Telefilm Canada — Marketing program
Telefilm CanadaFinancial support for marketing and distribution of feature films
Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
Production program — English market budgets of $3.5M+
Telefilm CanadaFinancing for high-budget English-language feature films
Canada