Theatrical documentary program
QC, Canada
Funding for feature-length documentary projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 19, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateApril 11, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Telefilm Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
If your original film targets Canadian theatrical audiences and demonstrates potential success at the box-office, you could get 49% of your production costs covered, up to $175,000. Projects in post-production can apply for additional funding up to $75,00
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Theatrical Documentary Program provides several financing modalities designed to support Canadian feature-length documentary projects at various budget levels. Depending on the stage and budget of the project, applicants can choose from a range of funding options.
- For projects with budgets under $2.5 million, minority coproductions, and postproduction applications: Choice between a non-repayable contribution or an equity investment repayable at a rate of 10% of the production revenues received by the applicant for a period of seven years from the project’s commercial exploitation start date.
- For all other projects: Choice between a repayable advance or a repayable equity investment, enabling flexibility depending on the applicant’s financial strategy.
- Projects funded through an equity investment will see Telefilm acquiring a proportionate share of the copyright.
- Telefilm’s financial support may not exceed 49% of eligible Canadian production costs or $175,000 for projects with a Canadian budget below $500,000, nor 35% or $500,000 for projects with budgets of $500,000 or more.
- Postproduction stage funding is capped at the lesser of 49% of eligible Canadian production costs or $75,000, ensuring targeted support for completion work.
- All projects must be encoded and made available in both official languages, be made available in video description, and on digital platforms no later than two years after their theatrical release.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Theatrical Documentary Program focuses on supporting Canadian audiovisual production companies in the production and post-production stages of their feature-length documentary projects. This includes initiatives that will engage audiences through various platforms and contribute to Canada's cultural legacy.
- Production of feature-length documentaries aimed at theatrical release.
- Post-production activities for feature-length documentary projects.
- Promotion and distribution planning for theatrical documentary releases.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 170,000
A feature-length documentary exploring the history of Indigenous languages in Canada
$ 58,800
Post-production of a documentary about the underground art scene
$ 88,200
Post-production of a documentary capturing the daily lives of Toronto's immigrant communities
$ 175,000
Documentary film on the impact of climate change on Canada's coastal regions
$ 147,000
Producing a documentary on the evolution of Canadian jazz music
$ 139,650
Production of a documentary on the socio-economic impacts of green energy in rural Canada
grant_single_labels|admissibility
An applicant must meet all the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Canadian-controlled corporation, as determined under sections 26 to 28 of the Investment Canada Act.
- Have its head office in Canada and carry out its activities in Canada.
- Operate as an audiovisual production company.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Canadian audiovisual production companies that:- Have their head office in Canada.- Carry out their activities in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain projects and companies that do not align with the program's objectives. Listed below are ineligible project types and restrictions related to the applicant's business activities.
- Projects done on contract for, or produced by, a government agency.
- Projects produced primarily for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
- Advertising projects.
- Student projects.
- Projects using film as a tool to record or document existing artworks.
- Conventional forms of television entertainment, such as pilots, movies-of-the-week, news reports.
- Projects not destined for a theatrical or festival audience.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Theatrical Documentary Program grant include: - Production costs - Post-production costs - Marketing and promotion expenses - Distribution expenses - Audience engagement activities - Travel costs related to the project - Insurance costs - Legal fees related to the project These are some of the eligible expenses that can be covered by the grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to Canadian audiovisual production companies with their head office in Canada. Eligible companies must carry out their activities within the Canadian territory.
- Companies with their head office located anywhere within Canada.
- Entities operating their audiovisual activities within the Canadian territory.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Theatrical Documentary Program are based on specific criteria focusing on creative elements, track record, project viability, and audience reach potential.
- Creative Elements: Evaluation of the project's originality, quality, and readiness based on the script, creative plan, director's vision, and community engagement plan.
- Track Record of Key Creative Personnel: Assessment of the producer's, director's, and screenwriter's industry experience, including past performance and relevant expertise.
- Project Viability: Consideration of the project's financial and creative feasibility and the level of market interest.
- Theatrical Potential, Cultural Impact, and Audience Reach Potential: Analysis of the promotional strategy and distribution team's track record, potential audience appeal, and cultural resonance.
- Diversity of Voices: Consideration of Telefilm's objective to foster diversity in storytelling by prioritizing projects with key creative personnel from underrepresented communities.
- Canadian Point of View: Preference for projects presenting a distinctly Canadian perspective.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Theatrical Documentary Program grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Read the latest Guidelines and Essential Information Guide available on the program's webpage to ensure your project meets all requirements.
- Check the List of Required Documents for the application.
- Ensure your project aligns with the program's objectives, such as cultural impact, diversity, and sustainability.
- Review the latest updates to understand any changes to the program structure or submission process.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
- Compile the necessary documents such as the Key Personnel Track Record, Declaration forms, and any required templates like the Standard Budget Template and Production Sustainability Plan Template.
- Ensure all documents are completed accurately and adhere to the program requirements.
- Step 3: Register on Dialogue
- If not already registered, create an account on Dialogue, Telefilm's online platform.
- Ensure your company's information is up-to-date and accurate on the platform.
- Step 4: Submit Application Online
- Access Dialogue and begin the online application process for the Theatrical Documentary Program.
- Fill out the application form and upload all required documents to the platform.
- Ensure that your application is complete and accurately reflects your project details.
- Step 5: Verify Application Submission
- Review your submission on Dialogue to ensure all materials have been uploaded correctly.
- Submit the application before the closing date, ensuring it is within operating hours (before 11:59 PM EDT on the deadline).
- Look out for confirmation of receipt from Telefilm to ensure your application has been successfully submitted.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- IT support for applications is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
- Applicants must submit applications through the Dialogue platform; incomplete applications will be given five business days to provide missing documentation.
- All projects must be released in theaters in Canada within one year of completion, supported by a marketing plan, unless otherwise agreed by Telefilm.
- The program prioritizes a diversity of voices and projects that present Canadian points of view.
- Encoding, subtitling, or dubbing costs must be included in production budgets, and producers are responsible for ensuring both official language versions are produced.
- Projects funded must be made available on digital platforms no later than two years after their theatrical release.
- Telefilm offers an Indigenous Stream dedicated to projects created, owned, and controlled by Indigenous filmmakers, offering additional funding for remote location shoots or capacity-building programs.
grant_single_labels|contact
coordination@telefilm.ca
438-806-4865
Apply to this program
Supporting Canadian Theatrical Documentaries
The Theatrical Documentary Program offers crucial financing to Canadian audiovisual production companies for feature-length documentaries in both production and post-production stages. This initiative, aimed at theatrical audiences, seeks to enrich the cultural landscape by supporting documentaries that are culturally impactful and internationally engaging.
Insights into the Theatrical Documentary Program from Telefilm Canada
The Theatrical Documentary Program, managed by Telefilm Canada under the Canada Feature Film Fund (CFFF), is a pivotal financial support mechanism for the creation and completion of feature-length documentaries. This program is specifically designed for Canadian audiovisual production companies, with an emphasis on supporting projects that will significantly contribute to the Canadian cultural narrative and reach audiences both domestically and internationally through theatrical releases, festivals, and community screenings.
The program underscores the importance of Canadian cultural production by offering funding that supports the development, production, and post-production phases of documentaries that reflect diverse perspectives and voices. It aims to foster the production of high-quality documentaries that challenge artistic norms, engage audiences with compelling storytelling, and enhance Canada's film industry on both national and global stages.
Eligible applicants for this program must be Canadian audiovisual production companies, controlled and operating primarily in Canada, where key creative personnel, such as producers, directors, and writers, hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. This ensures that the cultural content and benefits remain largely within the Canadian framework. Furthermore, the program mandates compliance with minimum requirements like theatrical distribution within a year of project completion, ensuring that documentaries funded reach a broad audience.
The program also includes a significant consideration for projects with intercultural dimensions and those promoting Indigenous filmmaking voices. The Indigenous Stream specifically reserves funds for projects that are led by Indigenous creators, echoing Telefilm Canada’s commitment to narrative sovereignty and cultural authenticity.
The evaluation of projects for funding is conducted through advisory committees that assess submissions on criteria like creative potential, fiscal viability, and cultural impact. This rigorous process ensures that selected projects are not only artistically and culturally significant but also feasible in terms of production and market potential.
Funding from this program can serve as either a non-repayable contribution or a repayable equity investment, tailored to suit the financial needs and objectives of each project. This flexibility is crucial in providing each production with the best chance for commercial and critical success while encouraging diverse financial models and partnerships.
Moreover, Telefilm Canada prioritizes equity and diversity in storytelling, supporting projects that display a broad spectrum of voices, including those from underrepresented communities like Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour, as well as individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, and those from gender-diverse and disability-inclusive backgrounds. This focus on inclusivity ensures that Telefilm’s funding reflects the rich tapestry of Canadian society and projects vibrantly authentic narratives.
Overall, the Theatrical Documentary Program is not just a financial resource but also a catalyst for creative expression and cultural dialogue. By investing in groundbreaking Canadian documentaries, Telefilm Canada plays a critical role in nurturing film projects that resonate with wide audiences while fortifying the artistic leadership and innovation of Canadian filmmakers.
