Production program — French market budgets $3.5M+
Canada
Financing for high-budget French-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 18, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
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 $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|projects
This grant is only available to Canadian audiovisual production companies. Eligible companies must have their headquarters located within Canada.
- Companies with their head office in Canada.
- Organizations conducting their activities within Canada.
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_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.
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.
