Closed
Source verified July 14, 2026
Development program — Prequalified stream
Support for feature film development
Latest source updateLast Update: July 14, 2026Latest change: The Development Program page now shows updated 2026 key dates, revised application document links, and reorganized contact details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 14, 2026
Latest change: The Development Program page now shows updated 2026 key dates, revised application document links, and reorganized contact details.
Development Program page updated
The Development Program page now shows the 2026 intake window, with Opening August 31, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT and Closing September 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT, and the Prequalified Stream notification timing is now shown as mid-July 2026. The overview and application sections were also reorganized, with supporting document links changed and the contact information moved into a table with specific phone numbers and email addresses. The page still routes applicants to Dialogue for submissions, but the visible application guidance and document listing have been revised enough to affect how applicants find the right materials and support contacts.
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 100,000
Deadline
September 11, 2026
Opened August 31, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Telefilm’s Development Program supports the development of Canadian feature films through automatic and selective funding. It covers script development, packaging, and related development-stage activities for eligible projects.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
- 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
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of Canadian feature films
- Script development from first draft through packaging
- Springboard projects invited from the Production Program
- Animation projects seeking additional development support
Documents Needed
- List of required documents – Prequalified Stream and Springboard Initiative
- List of required documents – Selective streams: General Stream, Indigenous Stream, Stream for Black People and People of Colour
- Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience
- Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information, only for organizations that do not have a Dialogue account
- Production Sustainability Plan Template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian feature film production companies
Selection criteria
- Projects are assessed by advisory committees in the selective streams.
- Applications are scored and ranked using the evaluation grid.
- Prequalified access is based on the organization’s performance score.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted through Dialogue.
Processing and Agreement
- All production companies eligible to the Prequalified Stream will be notified of their eligibility and the maximum amount of funding to which they are eligible via Dialogue on July 11, 2025.
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 — General streamFunding for feature film development
- Development program — Indigenous streamCanadian feature film development support
Frequently Asked Questions about the Development program — Prequalified stream Program
What is the Development program — Prequalified stream?
Telefilm’s Development Program supports the development of Canadian feature films through automatic and selective funding. It covers script development, packaging, and related development-stage activities for eligible projects.
How much funding can be received?
Development program — Prequalified stream Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on August 31, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Development program — Prequalified stream program?
To be eligible for the Development program — Prequalified stream program, you must:
Canadian feature film production companies
Head office and activities in Canada
Feature-length films of 75 minutes or longer at script or packaging stage
What expenses are eligible under Development program — Prequalified stream?
Development of Canadian feature films
Script development from first draft through packaging
Springboard projects invited from the Production Program
Animation projects seeking additional development support
Who can I contact for more information about the Development program — Prequalified stream?
You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.
Where is the Development program — Prequalified stream available?
The Development program — Prequalified stream program is available across Canada.