Closed
Last Update: June 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 125,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 31, 2026
- Closing date : September 11, 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.
/100
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 : 125,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : August 31, 2026
- Closing date : September 11, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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
- Incorporation certificate, if updated
- Corporate Information details in Dialogue
- Executed screenwriter agreement
- Director agreement, if applicable
- Animation Initiative top-up request, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian feature film production companies
- Prequalified Stream applicants
- General Stream applicants
- Indigenous Stream applicants
- Black People and People of Colour Stream applicants
Eligible expenses
- Development costs incurred since the beginning of the calendar year
- Screenwriter fees and related delivery schedule
- Director fees for packaging applications, where applicable
- Additional development costs requested under the Animation Initiative, where applicable
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
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
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.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through an automatic or selective process depending on the stream.
- Selective stream applications are evaluated by advisory committees using the program’s evaluation grid.
- Prequalified applicants are notified of their eligibility and funding amount before the program opens.
- Eligible applicants receive their notice through Dialogue.
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.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Development program — Black and People of Colour streamFunding for Canadian feature film development
- Development program — General streamFunding for feature film development
- Development program — Indigenous streamSupport for Canadian feature film development
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 $125,000 of admissible expenses.
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-controlled audiovisual company
Head office and activities in Canada
Feature-length project of 75+ minutes
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
Where is the Development program — Prequalified stream available?
The Development program — Prequalified stream program is available across Canada.
Is the Development program — Prequalified stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Development program — Prequalified stream is a Grant and Funding