SODEC — Production support

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is oriented towards supporting companies based in Quebec, Canada. The criteria for application focus heavily on the adherence to Quebec residency and business operations requirements.

• Enterprises must be Quebec-based with their principal establishment in the province.
• Individuals involved must be residents with their tax residency in Quebec.
• Specific conditions are set for Quebec-majority owned corporate structures.

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.