How much funding can be received?

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 French-language feature-length fictional film.

Financing terms and conditions

For projects with a Canadian budget less than $1.5 million: up to 49% of eligible production costs or $500,000, whichever is less.
For projects with a Canadian budget between $1.5 million and less than $3.5 million: up to one third of eligible production costs.
For minority coproductions where the Canadian share is 30% or less: $500,000 cap (subject to possible increase at Telefilm’s discretion if a Canadian scriptwriter or director is attached).
Applicants can choose between a non-repayable contribution or a repayable equity investment for financing up to $500,000; for amounts above $500,000, the choice is between a repayable advance or repayable equity investment.

Eligible projects & activities

Production of feature-length fictional films primarily in the French language with budgets under $3.5 million.
Post-production activities for eligible French-language feature films with budgets under $3.5 million.
International coproduction of French-language feature films within the defined budget range.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 196,000

Producing a feature-length film exploring the life of an iconic Canadian musician

$ 186,200

A film project exploring the impact of the railway on Canadian culture and economy

$ 186,200

Producing a dramatic feature film about the impact of climate change on indigenous communities

$ 186,200

Production of a romantic comedy set in the diverse cultural landscapes of Halifax

$ 210,700

Creating a feature-length documentary on the environmental impacts of urbanization

$ 205,800

Developing a narrative film about the history of the Canadian Arctic exploration

Eligibility criteria of the Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M program

The applicant must be a Canadian-controlled corporation operating as an audiovisual production company.
The company must have its head office and conduct its activities in Canada.
Key creative and financial personnel (producers, directors, screenwriters) must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The applicant must own the rights to the project and have financial, creative, and distribution control over it.
The project must be a feature-length fiction film (minimum 75 minutes), primarily intended for the Canadian theatrical market.

Who is eligible?

Canadian audiovisual production companies

Who is not eligible

Companies producing projects on contract for, or produced by, a government agency.
Businesses engaged primarily in industrial, corporate, or institutional video production.
Advertising agencies or companies focused on advertising content.
Student project producers or entities that undertake student projects.
Companies creating documentaries or non-drama projects (these should apply under dedicated documentary programs).

Eligible expenses

Costs associated with the final polish of the script.
Expenses for closing agreements with financial participants.
Costs for attaching cast and early pre-production activities.
Production costs for feature-length fictional films (minimum budget $250,000).
Post-production expenses incurred before picture-lock.
Encoding and preparation of subtitled or dubbed versions in both official languages.
Creation of closed-captioned versions for the hearing impaired.

Eligible geographic areas

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

Eligibility criteria of the Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M program

Originality and quality of the script and director’s vision.
Track record and experience of the key creative personnel (producer, director, screenwriter).
Financial and creative viability of the project, including the level of committed market interest.
Potential for cultural impact and audience reach, including promotional strategy.
Diversity of voices and Canadian point of view, with consideration for inclusion and representation.

How to apply to the Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M program

Review Guidelines

Read the guidelines and essential information guide available as of October 18, 2023, to ensure your project meets all eligibility criteria.
Familiarize yourself with the submission periods and other program-specific requirements.

Prepare Application Documents

Compile all required documentation including the standard budget template, production sustainability plan template, and declarations.
Ensure all project details align with the guidelines and evaluation grid.

Use Dialogue Platform

Access the Dialogue platform, Telefilm's online submission portal.
Register or log in to your existing account.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the application form with accurate and up-to-date project information.
Upload all required documents to the appropriate sections as indicated in the application checklist.

Review and Submit

Carefully review all entries and uploaded documents for completeness and accuracy.
Submit the application through Dialogue before the applicable deadline.

Confirmation of Application

Receive an email confirmation of submission from Telefilm with a tracking number for your application.
Keep this confirmation for future reference and inquiries.

Additional information

Resources within the Canada Feature Film Fund are allocated linguistically, with about one third dedicated to French-language projects.
All information related to applications is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Shortlisting may be used to accelerate the decision-making process during project evaluation.
Guidelines and required forms may be updated periodically; applicants should consult the latest documents on the program webpage.

Documents and links

Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M

Contact Telefilm Canada

anita.damiani@telefilm.ca

1-800-567-0890

Apply to this program

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