Open
Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP)
Post-production support for independent Canadian filmmakers
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 13, 2026
Location
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.
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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 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : June 13, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible 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
- 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
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
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 90% 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 or by phone at none.
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 Researchers And Facilities