Production program — English market budgets of $3.5M+
Canada
Financing for high-budget English-language feature films
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 04, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 19, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Telefilm Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a repayable advance or a repayable equity investment of up to $4 million to cover up to 30% of the production or post-production costs for a primarily English-language feature-length fictional film.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies that are headquartered and carry out their activities in Canada. All applicants must be Canadian audiovisual production companies.
- Companies with their head office in Canada.
- Entities conducting activities within Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,500,000
Post-production of a science fiction film set
$36,000
Development of a romantic comedy script based
$75,000
Script development for a historical drama set
$3,000,000
Production of an English-language feature film depicting a historic event
$1,800,000
Post-production of an animated feature film set
$900,000
Production of a documentary on Arctic wildlife
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Production Program grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's corporate status and activities.
- The applicant must be a Canadian audiovisual production company.
- The company's head office must be located in Canada.
- The company's activities must be carried out in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Canadian audiovisual production companies that have their head office in Canada and carry out their activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Production Program provides funding support for Canadian feature films during production or post-production stages, enhancing the Canadian film industry by aiding in the completion and quality of films. This program includes support for both high-budget and low-budget projects across various categories and languages.
- Production of English-language feature films with budgets of $3.5 million or more.
- Production of French-language feature films with confirmed funding structures of 60% or more at all budget levels.
- English-language feature films with budgets under $3.5 million, including international coproductions.
- French-language feature films with budgets under $3.5 million, including international coproductions.
- Indigenous streams in all languages and at all budget levels.
- English-language international minority coproductions and post-production applications at all budget levels.
- French-language international minority coproductions and post-production applications at all budget levels.
- Feature films with obligations to include sustainability measures, such as using a carbon calculator for productions with budgets of $3.5 million or higher.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria are as follows:
- Canadian Content
- Quality and commercial potential of the project
- Experience and track record of the key creative team
- Financial structure and market interest
- Market potential and audience development
- Sustainability and diversity
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
- Ensure your project is eligible based on the guidelines and criteria specified for the Production Program.
- Decide on the type of financial participation (non-repayable contribution or repayable investment).
- Step 2: Prepare Application Documentation
- Gather all necessary documents such as the Standard Budget Template, Production Sustainability Plan, and Declarations.
- Prepare project-specific documents like the Script, Synopsis, and Track Record for Producers, Directors, and Screenwriters.
- Draft the Exploitation Report Template and Audience Reach/Promotional Strategy.
- Step 3: Register and Access Dialogue
- Create an account on the Dialogue platform if you do not have one.
- Log in to access the online application form for the Production Program.
- Step 4: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form with relevant project details and financial information.
- Upload all required documents to support your application.
- Double-check all information provided for accuracy and completeness.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Ensure that the application is submitted within the designated opening and closing periods.
- Click 'Submit' on the Dialogue platform to send your application for review.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email verifying successful submission of your application.
- Keep the confirmation email and provided application number for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects may be submitted only once per fiscal year, except for French-language projects with at least 60% confirmed financial structure.
- For productions with budgets of $3.5 million or more, a carbon footprint report is required to be submitted at final costs.
- Minority coproductions with Telefilm’s financial participation not exceeding $500,000 may choose between a non-repayable contribution or a repayable investment.
- Post-production applications also have the option of a non-repayable contribution or a repayable investment.
- Changes to greenlight financing terms and conditions have been implemented.
- A carbon calculator is mandatory for productions with high budgets to calculate greenhouse gas emissions.
- The contingency reserve requirement has increased from 6% to 8%.
Apply to this program
Financing Opportunities for Canadian Feature Films
The Production Program offers financial support for Canadian feature-length films in the production and post-production stages. Open to Canadian audiovisual production companies, the program aims to enhance the quality and reach of Canadian cinema.
In-Depth Insight into the Production Program and Its Benefits
The Production Program, a pivotal financing initiative, aims to bolster the Canadian film industry by supporting feature-length films during their production and post-production phases. This program is specifically designed for Canadian audiovisual production companies, ensuring that the country's rich storytelling capabilities continue to flourish both domestically and internationally. By providing financial support at these critical stages, the program enables filmmakers to focus on crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The program covers a broad range of features with different eligibility based on language and budget. For example, projects produced in French and English, regardless of budget, have distinct submission periods to ensure a streamlined application process. Additional provisions are made for Indigenous language projects, reinforcing the program's commitment to diversity and inclusivity within Canadian cinema.
Applicants must carefully consider key fiscal timelines and prepare detailed submissions including various declarations and budget reports. The Production Program has introduced stringent requirements to enhance accountability, such as an increase in the mandatory contingency reserve from 6% to 8%. Additionally, projects budgeting $3.5 million or more are required to employ a carbon calculator to assess and report greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with growing trends in environmental responsibility and sustainable filmmaking.
Engagement in the Production Program not only brings financial relief but also opens doors to a network of resources, including access to industry experts and promotional strategies to boost audience reach. Applicants can expect meticulous evaluation criteria, demanding clear demonstration of their project's innovative aspects, feasibility, cultural value, and resource management capabilities. This ensures that only projects poised for significant cultural and commercial success secure the funding necessary to reach their potential.
The adoption of both repayable and non-repayable financing options adds versatility to project planning, allowing filmmakers to tailor financial commitments to their unique production needs. This flexibility can play a crucial role in managing studio expectations and achieving creative goals without compromising financial stability.
In summary, the Production Program represents an integral part of Canada's effort to sustain and grow its film industry. By investing in its production companies, Canada continues to support a diverse range of voices and stories that contribute to its cultural legacy. Participating filmmakers not only gain critical funding but also contribute to a vibrant and sustainable cinematic environment, poised for innovation and international recognition.
