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Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP)

Post-production support for independent Canadian filmmakers

Offered by
National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Official source: production.nfbonf.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 15,000
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Independent Canadian filmmakers
See full eligibility

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$15,000
Maximum share of project costs
100%
Financing goals
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Optimize production processes
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Montreal
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • 2SLGBTQI+
Legal structures
For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

FAP application materials and Balmoral form updated

The FAP now asks for a revised set of submission materials, and the Balmoral submission link has changed.

See more

The FAP submission requirements were revised for both the Local and Balmoral streams. The application package now specifies a director’s CV, a list of key creatives, and project budget and financing details, while the self-declaration form is now sent a few days after the submission rather than included with the initial materials. The Balmoral submission form URL was also replaced, and web documentary series are now explicitly limited to a total runtime of 60 minutes.

Official source: production.nfbonf.ca
October 14, 2026

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

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

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).

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

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

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

fap@nfb.ca

Official sources

production.nfbonf.ca
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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 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

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 the province of Quebec.

Is the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) is a Grant and Funding