How much funding can be received?

Get a repayable advance or a repayable equity investment of up to $3.5 million to cover up to 49% of the production or post-production costs for a primarily French-language feature-length fictional film.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This program introduces varied financing options to accommodate the diverse needs of filmmakers regarding production funding. The modalities outlined ensure clarity in financial participation and emphasize environmental accountability.

Non-repayable contributions or repayable investments are available for minority coproductions where Telefilm's financial participation is $500,000 or less.
Post-production applications can choose between a non-repayable contribution or a repayable investment.
Projects with budgets of $3.5 million or higher selected for funding must use a carbon calculator to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and deliver a carbon footprint report at final costs.
The minimum contingency reserve requirement is set at 8% of the project budget.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports the production and post-production of Canadian feature films, providing financial assistance to production companies with confirmed budgets. The eligible projects include productions across various languages and budget categories, specifically fostering international co-productions and minority initiatives.

Production of feature-length films in French-language with confirmed funding structures of at least 60%.
Post-production applications across all budget levels and languages, with a choice of non-repayable contribution or repayable investment.
International minority co-productions involving Canadian filmmakers with financial participation up to $500,000.
French-language film productions with budgets of $3.5 million or more.
English-language film productions with budgets of $3.5 million or more, including potential opening periods for funding applications.
Indigenous film projects across all languages and budget levels.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 2,450,000

Production of a feature-length film about the history of Quebec City

$ 2,205,000

Post-production of a documentary feature about Indigenous cultures

$ 1,470,000

Post-production of a romantic drama set in downtown Toronto

$ 3,500,000

A feature film focused on the historical story of Québec City

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Production Program grant is determined by the following company requirements:

The applicant must be a Canadian audiovisual production company.
The company must have its head office located in Canada.
The company must carry out its activities within Canada.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Canadian audiovisual production companies who:- Have their head office in Canada.- Carry out their activities in Canada.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant guidelines do not specify which types of companies or industries are explicitly excluded from applying. Instead, they focus on who can apply, making it unclear who is specifically restricted from the grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Production Program supports the creation and completion of Canadian feature-length films, focusing on both production and post-production stages. It aims to foster high-quality cinematic works that contribute to Canada's cultural landscape.

Production and post-production of Canadian feature-length films.
International co-productions that engage with Canadian production companies.
English-language projects during specified opening periods.
Indigenous language projects under the Indigenous Stream.
Post-production applications for minority co-productions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to Canadian audiovisual production companies, ensuring that applicants have a significant presence in Canada in alignment with the funding body's national objectives.

Companies with their head office in Canada.
Organizations carrying out their activities within Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include:

Demonstrated financial viability and soundness of the project.
Quality of the script, direction, and overall creative elements.
Applicant's track record and experience in the industry.
Potential audience appeal and marketability of the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Access Program Information
- Visit the official Production Program page to review all guidelines and essential information.
- Ensure eligibility as a Canadian audiovisual production company with activities conducted in Canada.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Gather necessary documentation as listed under the 'Application documents' section, including budget templates, sustainability plans, and declarations.
- Ensure that all supporting documents such as Track Record for Producers, Director, and Screenwriter are ready.
Step 3: Register on Dialogue
- Create an account on the Dialogue submission platform if you do not already have one.
- Log in to Dialogue to prepare for submitting your application.
Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form on Dialogue accurately.
- Attach all required documents to your application.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct and complete.
- Submit the completed application through Dialogue before the designated deadline for your project type and budget category.
Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application.
- Keep track of any follow-up communications or requests for additional information.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

IT support is available only on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
Projects may only be submitted once per fiscal year unless they are in French and have a confirmed financial structure of at least 60%.
There are differences in opening periods for French-language projects with budgets under $3.5 million and English-language projects.
Minority coproductions and post-production applications have specific opening periods or can be submitted under general periods applicable to their budget or language.
The use of a carbon calculator and delivery of a carbon footprint report is mandatory for productions with budgets over $3.5 million.
Telefilm's participation in minority coproductions under $500,000 offers a choice between non-repayable contributions and repayable investments.
Updated document versions, such as guidelines and budget templates, are periodically released, with dates indicating when new versions become available.
Subscribing to the Telefilm newsletter will provide the latest updates on guideline changes and document releases.
The program stipulates a contingency reserve increase from 6% to 8% for eligible productions.

grant_single_labels|documents

Production program — French market budgets $3.5M+

Apply to this program

Empower Your Canadian Feature Film with Strategic Funding

The Production Program offers significant financial aid to Canadian audiovisual production companies producing feature-length films during their production and post-production phases. This initiative, backed by comprehensive guidelines and a structured application framework, is essential in advancing the Canadian film industry's scope and global presence.

Detailed Insights into the Production Program for Feature Films

The Production Program is a cornerstone initiative designed to bolster the Canadian film industry's stature by providing financial support specifically for the production and post-production stages of feature films. This program, managed by Telefilm Canada, is exclusively available to Canadian audiovisual production companies, which must have their main offices and operational activities based within Canada. This geographical stipulation ensures that the benefits of the program remain within the national industry, enhancing local economic activities and talent development.Targeting projects with varying budgets, the program addresses the diverse financial needs of film production. Projects can be part of different categories, including those with larger budgets or international co-productions, which require intricate financial structuring. The program specifies that for feature film projects with budgets of $3.5 million or more, and for international co-productions, submissions are restricted to precise fiscal periods. This structured timeframe ensures that projects are adequately reviewed and that funds are allocated efficiently across various project types.Language-based considerations are inherent in the program, acknowledging Canada’s multicultural landscape. French and English language projects, including those of Indigenous origins, find unique submission opportunities aligned with the stated fiscal calendar. For instance, Indigenous projects, regardless of language and budget, can benefit from dedicated submission windows alongside English and French projects, allowing diverse storytelling within the Canadian cinema framework.The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainable production practices. With advances in environmental awareness, the program mandates higher project budgets to include the use of carbon calculators to monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions. This requirement signifies the commitment to environmentally responsible filmmaking, resonating with global trends towards sustainability in production.For a successful application, applicants must navigate various resources and documentation requirements, including budget templates, performance strategies, and Canadian content declarations. This comprehensive documentation effort ensures transparency and accountability, aligning with Telefilm Canada's mandate to maintain high industry standards. Additionally, producers must be aware of updated guidelines and document revisions which are crucial for aligning project planning with current program requirements.Given the competitive nature of the film production landscape, the Production Program's financial support is a pivotal enabler for Canadian producers aiming to push creative boundaries. Projects are also subject to an evaluation process that reviews the project's potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the cultural and economic goals of the Canadian film industry.Overall, the Production Program serves not only as a financial instrument but also as a strategic partner in fostering innovation, creativity, and cultural representation in Canadian cinema. By adhering to the set guidelines and leveraging the resources provided, producers can enhance their project's chances of success, contributing significantly to Canada's cultural output on a global scale.