SODEC — Production support
QC, Canada
The "Production Assistance Program – SODEC 2024-2025" supports the creation of innovative and diverse Quebecois films and digital projects with potential for both local and international impact.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 27, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_card_status|closingSoon
grant_single_labels|preview
The SODEC's Production Assistance Program for 2024-2025 aims to support the creation of original, engaging, and diverse quality film projects, including feature-length fiction films, short films, and narrative short-format digital projects. Eligible activities include development, production, and post-production efforts for Quebec-based audiovisual works, with a strong emphasis on facilitating the continuity of experienced creative teams and nurturing new talent within the industry.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies that are established within certain geographical parameters set by the SODEC. Eligible companies must have their main operations and fiscal residence in Quebec.
- Businesses with a primary establishment in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$3,000,000
A full-length feature film about the life of a young artist
$250,000
A narrative digital short project highlighting pioneers's tech industry
$700,000
A medium-length documentary film focusing on Inuit communities
$150,000
A short documentary on the impact of climate change
$600,000
A short fiction film showcasing the everyday heroism of Toronto's common people
$450,000
A digital short film focusing on the cultural heritage of Halifax
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's profile and its proposed project.
- The applicant must be a Quebec-based production company.
- For first-time applicants, the company must contact SODEC at least one month before the submission deadline to confirm eligibility.
- Experienced companies seeking funding for a different production format must also contact SODEC one month prior to the submission deadline to confirm eligibility.
- The company's eligibility is assessed based on the planned production parameters and budget, according to the specific conditions of each program component.
- Companies must demonstrate that their administrators and producers have relevant professional experience to manage creative, administrative, and financial aspects of the production effectively.
- If requested by SODEC, the company must demonstrate financial capability to support the production cash flow.
- Eligible companies must provide all required documents for the creation or update of their master file at the time of application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Programme d'Aide à la Production offered by the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) is available to Quebec-based production companies that meet a set of defined criteria.
- Eligibility is determined by the professional track record of the company and the producers, demonstrating their capability in managing both creative and administrative aspects of production.
- The company must proactively engage with the SODEC at least one month prior to the submission deadline to establish eligibility if it is a first-time applicant or seeking funds for a new production format.
- The production company must have pertinent experience and maintain an active role in the exploitation of the project.
- The company must demonstrate financial capacity to support the project's cash flow, if requested by SODEC.
- All relevant documents must be submitted at the time of application to ensure proper setup or updating of the master file with SODEC.
- For eligibility, projects must align with the definitions of Quebec productions and maintain compliance throughout, including rights to production and exploitation.
- Projects rejected twice by the program may only be resubmitted upon SODEC's invitation after meeting any prescribed conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies due to specific licensing restrictions related to broadcasting activities. The limitations ensure that television broadcasters or related entities do not unfairly benefit from the program.
- Enterprises of broadcasting which are holders of an operating license according to the Broadcasting Act or are under certain specified conditions.
- Companies with corporate ties to a license-holding broadcasting enterprise.
- Production companies linked to a broadcaster, either through minority ownership or control, especially concerning their first commercial exploitation cycle.
- Companies holding or having held a broadcast license within 24 months before the application year.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The SODEC Production Assistance Program supports a diverse range of projects in the film industry to enhance cultural expression and market potential within Québec and internationally. Eligible projects span across various formats, from feature films to digital media, providing opportunities for creative and technical innovation.
- Production of feature-length fiction films.
- Production of short fiction and documentary films.
- Production of short narrative digital media projects, including interactive, immersive works for visual technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.
- Production of medium and feature-length documentary films as unique works.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant under the SODEC Programme d’Aide À La Production 2024-2025 covers various expenses directly associated with the production stages of eligible film and digital projects.
- Fees for screenwriting, including fees for concept development in short-format digital narrative projects.
- Costs for interpretation and technical team fees during preproduction, production, and postproduction stages.
- Rental and purchase costs of production equipment and technical services in Quebec.
- Directors' fees during production.
- Producers' fees, including those for executive and associated producers, all taxed in Quebec.
- Translation and dubbing costs for non-French original works to ensure distribution in Quebec.
- Exploitation strategy costs, including marketing for discoverability and visibility.
- Documentary research and character or participant costs in projects deemed relevant by SODEC.
- Postproduction costs related to editing and finishing the production.
- Distribution and dissemination costs through Quebec-based distributors.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the SODEC Programme d'aide à la production are based on specific criteria for each type of project.
- Creative Evaluation: Interest and engaging nature of the proposal, originality, dramatic structure, narrative coherence, realization quality, and potential for Quebec and international visibility.
- Financial Evaluation: State of financial development, amount requested from SODEC relative to the overall budget, variety of financial partners, and producer's investment.
- Exploitation Evaluation: Strategies and financial resources for discoverability, accessibility, visibility, audience engagement, promotion, and distribution in Quebec and abroad.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the PROGRAMME D’AIDE À LA PRODUCTION 2024-2025:
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Contact SODEC at least one month before the submission deadline to establish your eligibility.
- Ensure that your company meets the general and specific eligibility requirements for the program and the relevant funding category.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Gather all required documents as specified on the SODEC website, including proof of your company's eligibility status and project details.
- Prepare a detailed project proposal, financial plans, and strategy for exploitation.
- Step 3: Register and Access the Portal
- Create an account or log in to the SOD@ccès secure electronic submission portal on the SODEC website.
- Familiarize yourself with the portal interface and requirements for document uploads and form completion.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Upload all required documents, including financials and strategic documents, through the SOD@ccès portal.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of the online application form.
- Pay the applicable administrative fee based on the project category.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline specified in the SODEC calendar.
- Step 5: Confirmation
- Receive confirmation of your application submission from SODEC.
- Keep the confirmation details for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant provides additional considerations for the evaluation and application process. Specific guidelines, qualitative benchmarks, and other complementary information are also outlined.
- The grant evaluation includes assessments of projects' creative, financial, and exploitation aspects.
- Applications must be submitted electronically via the secure SOD@ccès portal.
- Specific documentaries are reported to be focused on presenting strong editorial viewpoints and have the potential for long-term interest.
- Projects must have access to a broad audience, with a requirement for some films to be accessible in French in Quebec.
- For the financial sustainability of a production, the SODEC may require audited financial reports.
- The SODEC may organize and finance professional development activities in partnership with industry professionals, enterprises, or associations.
- Applicants are advised to refer to the SODEC and Téléfilm Canada accounting and cost presentation rules.
- A $50 to $1,000 fee is required for project submission depending on the project type and budget.
- Specific deadlines for submission are mandated and available on the SODEC website.
- Environmental sustainability and regional development are encouraged within the scope of the grant.
Apply to this program
The SODEC Production Assistance Program 2024-2025
The SODEC Production Assistance Program offers financial support to Quebec-based production companies seeking to develop feature films, documentaries, short films, and digital narrative projects. This initiative prioritizes fostering original, diverse, and culturally engaging projects that hold potential for both local and international acclaim.
Detailed Insights into the SODEC Production Assistance Program
The Société de Développement des Entreprises Culturelles (SODEC) is dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Quebec through its Production Assistance Program for the 2024-2025 period. This program is carefully structured to provide selective financial investments specifically aimed at supporting the creation and completion of high-quality cinematographic and audiovisual projects. The program spans three distinct segments: feature-length fiction films, short films alongside narrative digital projects, and medium to feature-length documentaries, each with specific eligibility and support criteria.
The core aim of this initiative is to develop culturally significant content that resonates with audiences both within Quebec and on the global stage. By underpinning projects with financial assistance, SODEC ensures that creative teams can focus on producing works that excite and engage diverse audiences while also fostering new talents that invigorate the Quebecois and broader Canadian audiovisual industry. The program outlines specific conditions and requirements that applicant companies must meet to qualify for funding, placing emphasis on the production’s potential to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.
Feature-length fiction productions, segmented under the program’s Volet 1, are assessed based on their artistic merit, production feasibility, and potential market reach, both locally and internationally. Interestingly, the program stipulates that projects directed or written by women are given priority to ensure gender representation. This not only supports inclusivity in the industry but also promotes diverse storytelling perspectives.
Further extending its reach, the program offers a Volet 2 that addresses the unique requirements of short film creators and digital narrative project developers. This segment emphasizes innovative storytelling through short-form content, recognizing the value of technological integration and user interaction as modern narrative devices.
Documentary filmmakers can access support through Volet 3, where the focus is on producing culturally relevant documentaries that explore significant social topics. By supporting this genre, the program underscores the importance of documentaries as vital cultural artifacts that educate and engage public discourse.
To participate, production companies are required to demonstrate their professional credentials and financial capacity, ensuring robust management of the creative and financial aspects of their projects. Additionally, SODEC’s stipulation that projects must be primarily narrated in French highlights the program’s commitment to preserving and promoting the linguistic heritage of Quebec.
The financial support model primarily consists of investments that are expected to generate returns through the successful dissemination of projects. For certain productions, notably short films and narrative digital formats, the support can be granted as non-recoverable subsidies, thereby encouraging experimentation and risk-taking without the burden of financial recovery.
Overall, SODEC’s Production Assistance Program serves as a pivotal instrument in propelling Quebec’s cinematic and audiovisual productions onto a wider platform, supporting creators to push the boundaries of storytelling and engage audiences across various media. It represents not only an opportunity for financial support but also an endorsement of the cultural value and potential of the Quebecois artistic landscape.
