Open
Source verified July 23, 2026
Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP)
Post-production support for independent Canadian filmmakers
Latest source updateLast Update: August 14, 2026Latest change: The Balmoral application link now points to a live Microsoft Forms submission page instead of a placeholder.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 14, 2026
Latest change: The Balmoral application link now points to a live Microsoft Forms submission page instead of a placeholder.
Balmoral submission link updated
The Filmmaker Assistance Program page now sends applicants to a live Microsoft Forms submission page for Submit my project: Balmoral instead of the previous placeholder link. This changes the application endpoint for the Balmoral stream; no other eligibility, funding, scope, or timeline text is shown as changed.
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Montreal, Canada
Overview
The Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) supports independent Canadian filmmakers with post-production assistance and reimbursement. It covers selected post-production services such as editing, colour correction, sound work, titles, digital masters, DCP authoring, and related archival access or discounted rates.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Enhance an existing program
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Montreal
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Post-production support for independent Canadian films
- In-house post-production work at the NFB’s Balmoral studios in Montreal
- Local post-production reimbursement for eligible filmmakers
Documents Needed
- One-page project summary
- Budget and financing structure
- Production and post-production schedule
- CVs of key creative team members
- Letters of intent from funding sources or partners
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Independent Canadian filmmakers
- Canadian production companies submitting eligible film projects
- Filmmakers working on eligible documentary, fiction, animation, or experimental films
Who is not eligible
- Filmmakers based in Montreal for the Local reimbursement stream
- Projects in French, unless submitted under another NFB program
- Interactive projects, promotional films, commissioned films, commercials, PSAs, demo reels, or music videos
- Mid-length or feature narrative films and mid-length or feature experimental films
- Films produced for an educational program
Eligible expenses
- Post-production services from arm’s-length local Canadian suppliers
- Online editing, colour correction, titles, closed captions, sound editing and mixing
- Foley, digital masters, DCP authoring, and discounted archival footage access
- Selected in-house post-production services at Balmoral, including editing, sound, and mastering
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Offline editing
- Music, music recording, composing, and musicians
- Animation, motion graphics, and VFX
- Film processing, dailies transfers, and digitizing archival footage
- Software, music, and archival footage licences, and material purchases
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Montreal for in-house services at Balmoral
- Local reimbursement available outside Montreal
Selection criteria
- Application completeness and compliance with eligibility criteria
- Feasibility of the project and proof of financing or rough cut readiness
- Alignment with the NFB’s capacity and available services
- Balance of genres, formats, talent levels, regions, and representation commitments
How to apply
- All applications must be submitted through our submission form.
- Please make sure you fill in the appropriate form.
- There are two different submission forms – one for local and one for in-house services @ Balmoral (Montreal).
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against eligibility, feasibility, and the NFB’s capacity.
- Selections are made in line with the NFB’s commitments to equity, diversity, Indigenous representation, and regional balance.
- Applicants are notified by term-based acceptance notices.
- For reimbursement support, post-production expenses can only begin after the FAP contract is signed.
Additional information
- There are separate application forms for Local and Balmoral services.
- Only one project per production company or filmmaker per year is permitted.
- The NFB may provide only some of the requested services due to limited capacity.
- Filmmakers retain copyright and full control over their film.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) Program
What is the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP)?
The Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) supports independent Canadian filmmakers with post-production assistance and reimbursement. It covers selected post-production services such as editing, colour correction, sound work, titles, digital masters, DCP authoring, and related archival access or discounted rates.
How much funding can be received?
Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) program?
To be eligible for the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) program, you must:
Canadian citizen or permanent resident director
Independent Canadian production
Secured project financing
What expenses are eligible under Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP)?
Post-production support for independent Canadian films
In-house post-production work at the NFB’s Balmoral studios in Montreal
Local post-production reimbursement for eligible filmmakers
Who can I contact for more information about the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP)?
You can contact National Film Board of Canada (NFB) by email at fap@nfb.ca.
Where is the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) available?
The Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) is a Other Support