Production program — English market budgets under $3.5M
Canada
Financing for English-language feature films
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 31, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Telefilm Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution of up to $500,000, or an equity investment, to cover up to 49% of the production or post-production costs for a primarily English-language feature-length fictional film.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers a structured approach for financial participation, providing options for both non-repayable and repayable funding based on the level of financial contribution. The forms of funding are tailored to accommodate varying project scales and financial needs.
- For projects with Canadian budgets less than $1.5 million, Telefilm can finance up to 49% of eligible Canadian production costs or $500,000, whichever is lesser.
- For projects with Canadian budgets between $1.5 million and less than $3.5 million, Telefilm financing can cover up to one-third of eligible Canadian production costs.
- For projects with Canadian budgets $3.5 million and more, the financing limit is the lesser of 49% of eligible production costs or $3.5 million for French-language projects, and $4 million for other languages.
- Eligible minority coproduction projects may receive up to $500,000 in funding, with discretion for exceeding this cap if a Canadian scriptwriter or director is involved.
- Financial participation of $500,000 or less offers a choice between a non-repayable contribution or a repayable equity investment, returning 10% of production revenues for a specified period.
- Participation over $500,000 provides a choice between a repayable advance or equity investment, with terms affecting potential tax credits.
- All funded projects must be available in both official languages and include closed-captioning.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is aimed at supporting Canadian production companies in the realm of feature film production, focusing on works that resonate with both Canadian and international audiences. It emphasizes the advancement of films that contribute to cultural legacy, support filmmakers in their artistic careers, and ensure equity and representation in storytelling.
- Production of feature-length fictional films in French, English, Indigenous languages, or other languages for artistic reasons.
- Projects primarily targeting the Canadian theatrical market while also leveraging alternate platforms for distribution.
- Feature films created by experienced producers with a track record of industry-related experience.
- Projects with significant Canadian creative elements that present a distinctly Canadian point of view.
- Initiatives including community engagement plans and projects aiming for cultural impact and audience appeal.
- Audiovisual treaty coproductions that comply with applicable treaties and advance Canada's audiovisual industry.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 149,450
Production of a suspense thriller film set
$ 143,080
Family adventure film set
$ 176,400
Sci-fi action film production located
$ 172,970
Animated feature film focusing on environmental themes
$ 187,670
Creation of a historical drama film based
$ 153,860
Production of a romantic comedy set
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's profile and structure.
- The applicant must be a Canadian-controlled corporation, as determined under sections 26 to 28 of the Investment Canada Act.
- The applicant must have its head office and carry out its activities in Canada.
- The applicant must operate as an audiovisual production company.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Canada Feature Film Fund Production Program is open to Canadian-controlled corporations operating as audiovisual production companies with head offices in Canada. Key creative personnel and copyright ownership must meet Canadian citizenship or residency requirements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant outlines certain ineligible project types rather than specific companies or industries, focusing on the nature of the projects themselves. These restrictions ensure that funds are allocated to projects that align with the cultural and creative objectives of the fund.
- Projects done on contract for, or produced by, a government agency.
- Projects produced primarily for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
- Advertising projects.
- Student projects.
- Projects using film as a tool to record or document existing artworks.
- Documentary or non-drama projects.
- Conventional forms of television entertainment, such as pilots, movies-of-the-week, news reports.
- Projects not destined for a theatrical or festival audience.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the production of feature films under the Canada Feature Film Fund.
- Telefilm’s financing may be used for the production costs of feature-length fictional films.
- Encoding and subtitling or dubbing costs should be included in production budgets.
- Closed-captioned version for hearing impaired productions available as widely as possible.
- Dubbing costs included in the production budget (excluding the Marketing Program).
- Cost associated with the final polish of the script, attaching cast, and early pre-production eligible for greenlight advances.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is open to Canadian production companies that are based and carry out their activities within Canada. The program is designed to support and fund projects within the country's established guidelines.
- Companies must have their head office in Canada.
- Applicants must operate as audiovisual production companies within Canadian territory.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific creative, professional, and strategic criteria, ensuring alignment with the Canada Feature Film Fund's objectives and priorities.
- Creative Elements: Evaluation of the project's originality, quality of the script, director’s vision, and community engagement plan.
- Track record of Key Creative Personnel: Assessment of the past experience and success of the producer(s), director(s), and screenwriter(s), including critical acclaim and audience reach.
- Project Viability: Analysis of the financial and creative feasibility of the project, including the level of committed market interest.
- Cultural Impact and Audience Reach Potential: Consideration of how the project’s promotional strategy, potential appeal to Canadian and international audiences, and cultural significance can contribute to the Canadian film landscape.
- For Audiovisual Treaty Coproductions: Evaluation of investment optimization, capacity building, and visibility and promotion of Canada's audiovisual industry, with specific criteria adjustments for minority coproductions.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Online Registration
- Create or log into your account on the Telefilm Canada portal, known as Dialogue.
- Ensure that your company's details are up-to-date in the system.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
- Review Telefilm's list of required documents on their website.
- Prepare all necessary documents to support your application, including project proposal, budget, and relevant commitments.
- Step 3: Application Submission
- Use the Dialogue platform to submit your application.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded and your application is complete.
- If additional materials are needed post-submission, submit them through the Dialogue platform.
- Contact your regional coordinator for technical difficulties.
- Step 4: Observe Submission Timelines
- Refer to the Program webpage for specific opening and closing dates for application submissions related to your project and stream.
- Submit prior to commencement of principal photography (for production funding) or before picture lock (for completion funding).
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Telefilm aims for its participation to be approximately one third of eligible Canadian production costs.
- Projects funded by Telefilm must be made available in both official languages, subtitled or dubbed, and have a closed-captioned version available.
- Telefilm may provide greenlight advances under specific conditions, which will count towards its total funding for the project.
- An Indigenous Stream is available, which sets aside funds for projects by Indigenous filmmakers to overcome unique barriers in the audiovisual industry.
- Advisory committees evaluate projects using an evaluation grid and provide a priority ranking based on different portfolios, such as language market and budget level.
- Telefilm's decision-making considers the objective of fostering a diversity of voices to ensure project funding reflects various genres, budgets, and perspectives.
