Development program — Prequalified stream

This grant program offers financial assistance to Canadian feature film production companies at the development stage of their projects. It aims to nurture creativity and diversity within the Canadian film industry by providing support throughout various development phases.

The Development Program by Telefilm Canada is strategically designed to support high-quality Canadian feature films at the crucial development stage, ensuring the vibrancy and sustainability of the national film industry. This initiative recognizes various project types and stages, focusing on feature-length films that have reached the script drafting or packaging phases. With the aim of fostering diverse storylines and inclusive narratives, the program encompasses multiple streams, namely the Prequalified Stream, the General Stream, the Indigenous Stream, and the Stream for Black and People of Colour, ensuring opportunities for varied cultural expressions and viewpoints.

The program is inclusive, inviting submissions from Canadian feature film production companies that maintain a strong operational presence and head office in Canada. Notably, the initiative endeavors to elevate projects that, while unsuccessful in previous attempts in the Production Program, demonstrated great potential. Such projects might be considered for the innovative Springboard Initiative set to commence in the summer of 2024, offering a fresh opportunity to strengthen these film projects and enhance their chances of fruition.

Structured with clear, comprehensive guidelines updated as recently as July 2024, the Development Program delineates a systematic approach for potential applicants. Eligible production companies are contacted directly via Dialogue, Telefilm's communication platform, ensuring a straightforward process when navigating application requirements. The program emphasizes timely submission, with a well-defined open window from early to late September for applications. Throughout this period, comprehensive IT support is provided during business hours to streamline the application process.

With an eye on long-term impacts, the Development Program ensures that selected projects align with both cultural and economic priorities, thus contributing to the enrichment of Canadian narratives on a global scale. It stipulates a series of documents and templates, such as the Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience, and various Final Cost Report Templates, guiding applicants through a structured reporting and evaluation process.

Moreover, the Development Program is underpinned by robust business policies, including specific accounting and reporting requirements to maintain transparency and accountability in financial management. These policies ensure that beneficiaries adhere to a standardized code of conduct and operational efficiency, safeguarding the allocation and use of funds across the full scope of development activities.

The strategic emphasis of the Development Program on diversity and inclusivity is particularly noteworthy. By fostering projects housed under the Indigenous Stream and the Stream for Black and People of Colour, Telefilm Canada not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also enriches the cultural tapestry of Canadian cinema. Such commitment underscores the organization’s mission to support innovative projects that reflect the broad spectrum of Canadian society and its stories.

Through this comprehensive support structure, Telefilm Canada’s Development Program positions itself as a beacon for feature film creators, providing them with the resources, guidance, and platform needed to bring compelling Canadian stories to life. The program reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and advancing the country’s cultural narrative, ensuring that the storytellers of today have the opportunity and support to create the films of tomorrow.