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
Eligible projects and activities for this grant include the selective funding of production for feature-length fiction films, short fiction and documentary films, narrative digital projects of short format, and medium-length and feature-length unique documentary films.
- Production of feature-length fiction films
- Production of short fiction films
- Production of short documentary films
- Production of narrative digital projects of short format
- Production of medium-length and feature-length unique documentary films
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$3,000,000
Montreal
A full-length feature film about the life of a young artist
$250,000
Toronto
A narrative digital short project highlighting pioneers's tech industry
$700,000
Iqaluit
A medium-length documentary film focusing on Inuit communities
$150,000
Vancouver
A short documentary on the impact of climate change
$600,000
Toronto
A short fiction film showcasing the everyday heroism of Toronto's common people
$450,000
Halifax
A digital short film focusing on the cultural heritage of Halifax
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Projects seeking funding must meet the general eligibility criteria of the program, alongside specific criteria for different types of film projects. Canadian enterprises must demonstrate their capacity across various aspects including creative, financial, and production management.
- Enterprises must be Quebec-based production companies.
- First-time applicants must contact SODEC at least one month before the deposit date to establish eligibility.
- Experienced companies shifting to a new production format must also contact SODEC one month in advance.
- Only applications from enterprises with pre-established eligibility will be considered.
- Eligibility is assessed based on the professional history of the company and its producers.
- Applicants must demonstrate their administrators and producers have relevant professional experience.
- Applicants may need to show financial capability to sustain the production's cash flow.
- All necessary documents for the master file must be provided at the time of deposit.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible companies must be Québec-based production companies that meet specific conditions related to their professional experience, financial capacity, and administrative capabilities.
- Must be an enterprise from Québec.
- First-time applicants must communicate with SODEC at least one month before the submission deadline to establish eligibility.
- Experienced enterprises in one production format wishing to apply for another must also communicate with SODEC one month prior to the deadline.
- Must demonstrate relevant professional experience in orchestrating creative, administrative, and financial aspects of production.
- Must show the financial capacity to support production's cash flow if required by SODEC.
- Must provide all required documents for initial application or update their master file.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain types of companies are not eligible for the grant. Specifically, companies in the broadcasting sector or those with certain affiliations to broadcasting companies are excluded.
- Broadcasting companies holding a license under the Broadcasting Act (L.R.C., c. B-9)
- Companies that become license holders during the taxation year they apply for the grant
- Companies that were license holders in the 24 months preceding the application year
- Companies that control or are controlled by a license holder, directly or indirectly, within the 24 months preceding the application year
- Production companies with a minority stake in a broadcasting company or vice versa
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the grant should align with various categories outlined in the program guidelines.
- Costs of scriptwriting and development.
- Salaries for creative and technical teams.
- Equipment rental and technical services.
- Production expenses including pre-production and post-production.
- Marketing and distribution expenses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is limited to Quebec, Canada. Only Quebec-based production companies that meet specific criteria are eligible to apply for the grant.
- Companies must be Quebec-based.
- Companies must be primarily engaged in production activities.
- Companies must have a significant portion of their production and administrative operations within Quebec.
- Companies must demonstrate that their administrators and producers have relevant professional experience.
- Companies must have the financial capability to support the production's cash flow requirements.
- Additional requirements may apply for films in languages other than French, including mandatory French dubbing or subtitling.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The projects are evaluated based on their creative aspects, financial feasibility, and exploitation strategies. Below are the detailed evaluation and selection criteria:
- Creative Aspects:
- Interest and engaging nature of the proposition.
- Originality in the context of the current offer.
- Scenario quality including its structure, rhythm, character development, and dialogue quality.
- Proposed realization quality and coherence.
- Vision of the producer or the production team.
- Track record of the company and the producer.
- Capacity of the project to gain traction in Quebec and internationally.
- Financial Aspects:
- State of advancement of financial structure.
- Amount requested from SODEC in relation to total budget.
- Diversity of financial partners.
- Financial investment by the producer.
- Exploitation Strategies:
- Strategies and financial resources deployed for ensuring discoverability, accessibility, and visibility.
- Engagement of audiences.
- Promotion and dissemination of the film in Quebec and abroad.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure your enterprise is a Quebec production company.
- If you are submitting for the first time, contact SODEC at least one month before the submission date to establish eligibility.
- If experienced in one production format but seeking funding for another, also contact SODEC at least one month prior to establish eligibility.
- Assemble all required documents for opening or updating your master file.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Adhere to the general and specific conditions for the chosen funding stream (long films, short films, digital projects, documentary mediums/long films).
- Include all required documents such as the production budget, exploitation strategy, and necessary financial confirmations.
- Step 3: Submission via SOD@ccès
- Submit the application through the secure SOD@ccès portal.
- Ensure the application is complete with all required documentation as detailed on the SODEC website.
- Pay the relevant application fees based on the project's specifics.
- Step 4: Post-Submission
- Wait for SODEC to process and evaluate your submission.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or documents if required by SODEC during the review process.
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
SODEC Production Assistance Program 2024-2025
The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) offers selective financial assistance programs to support the production of various audiovisual projects including feature films, short films, and documentaries. The program aims to foster original, engaging, and diverse productions with significant potential for visibility in Quebec and internationally.
Overview of SODEC's Production Assistance Program
The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) implements the Production Assistance Program to bolster the creation of compelling audiovisual works within Quebec's vibrant cultural sector. Aimed at cultivating originality, engagement, and diversity, the program also aims to provide projects with significant outreach potential both within Quebec and on international platforms. This support is crucial for enhancing the local creative ecosystem and ensuring sustained growth in the cultural and entertainment industries.
Objectives of the Program
SODEC's Production Assistance Program is designed to: - Encourage the production of high-quality projects that are original, engaging, and span diverse genres. - Facilitate the realization of projects that are coherent artistically, financially, and in alignment with their intended audiences and distribution platforms. - Promote the continuity of experienced creative teams while fostering the emergence of new talent in the audiovisual industry. - Encourage the use of both conventional and digital tools for the exploitation of projects right from the financing stage.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility of Enterprises
To qualify for the Production Assistance Program, enterprises must: - Be Quebec-based production companies. - Contact SODEC at least one month before the application deadline if applying for the first time or if they are experienced in one production format but wish to apply for another. - Prove their eligibility before the application will be considered. - Show that their administrators and producers have relevant professional experience.
Eligibility of Projects
Projects must meet general eligibility criteria and specific criteria outlined in different program segments. The project must conform to Quebec production standards and not be retroactively funded. Additionally, the production company must demonstrate ownership of all production and exploitation rights.
Program Segments
Feature Films (Budget Below $3.5 Million)
Applicants must: - Have produced at least one feature-length fiction film or an equivalent audiovisual work in Quebec within the last eight years. - Ensure the film is accessible to Quebec audiences across multiple platforms. - Include a distribution strategy in their application that leverages both conventional and digital tools. The financial assistance for feature films under $3.5 million takes the form of an investment. The maximum investment from SODEC is up to 65% of the Quebec production budget.
Feature Films (Budget Above $3.5 Million)
Applicants must: - Have produced at least two feature-length fiction films or equivalent works in Quebec within the last eight years. - Secure a financial commitment from a Quebec-based distribution company before applying. - Include a comprehensive distribution strategy that ensures the film's presence in commercial theaters in Quebec. For feature films exceeding a $3.5 million budget, SODEC's investment can reach up to 65% of the Quebec production budget, capped at $4 million.
Short Films and Digital Narrative Projects
This segment supports: - Short fiction and documentary films. - Digital narrative projects designed for immersive technologies, including virtual, augmented, or mixed reality. Applicants must: - Submit their application before production begins. - Demonstrate having produced at least one relevant audiovisual work within the last eight years. - Ensure the language requirements for distribution in Quebec are met. SODEC's financial assistance for short films and digital projects is given as grants, with a maximum amount of $115,000.
Documentaries
This segment focuses on medium and feature-length documentaries that showcase original, engaging narratives with potential for significant outreach. Applicants must: - Demonstrate having produced a relevant documentary within the last eight years. - Obtain a distribution commitment from a recognized Quebec-based distributor or platform. Financial assistance for documentaries takes the form of investments. SODEC can fund up to 65% of the Quebec production budget, with a cap of $500,000.
Coproductions
For international or interprovincial coproductions, the Quebec part of the project must adhere to Quebec production standards. Coproductions must: - Have at least 50% of foreign financing confirmed. - Submit a detailed financial structure and budget. When coproducing with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the Quebec production company must own at least 51% of intellectual property rights. NFB’s contribution, along with its investment, must not exceed 49% of the total production budget.
Exclusions and Evaluation Process
The program excludes enterprises that are or have been holders of a broadcasting license under the Broadcasting Act. All projects are evaluated comparatively based on creativity, financial feasibility, and exploitation potential. SODEC may employ external committees or independent readers to assist in the evaluation process.
Financial Reporting and Legal Deposit
Enterprises receiving financial support must submit detailed financial reports within 90 days after the final production copy. They must also comply with legal deposit requirements by submitting a copy of the final production to the Cinémathèque québécoise within six months of its first public presentation.
Application Process and Fees
All applications must be submitted through SOD@ccès, the secure online submission portal. Detailed submission deadlines and required documentation are available on SODEC’s website. Application fees vary depending on the project type and budget. Overall, SODEC’s Production Assistance Program is a vital resource for Quebec-based audiovisual production companies, aimed at fostering a thriving and diverse cultural landscape. Through targeted funding and thorough vetting processes, SODEC ensures that supported projects not only represent high artistic standards but also have the potential to reach wide audiences both locally and globally.
