Theatrical documentary program
Last Update: January 24, 2025
QC, Canada
Funding for feature-length documentary projects
Theatrical documentary program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $400,000 to $500,000
- Up to 49% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 19, 2024
- Closing date : April 11, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Grant Providers
- Telefilm Canada
- Government of Canada
Status
Closed
Overview of the Theatrical documentary program program
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
Financing 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.
Eligible projects & activities
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 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
Eligibility criteria of the Theatrical documentary program program
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.
Who is eligible?
Canadian audiovisual production companies that:- Have their head office in Canada.- Carry out their activities in Canada.
Who is not eligible
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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
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.
Eligibility criteria of the Theatrical documentary program program
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.
How to apply to the Theatrical documentary program program
1
Preparation of documents
- Carefully read the essential information guide and the program guidelines.
- Gather all the required documents listed in the corresponding section of the program.
- Develop a public engagement and discoverability plan.
- Complete the standard budget template and prepare the production sustainability plan.
- Ensure that your project meets the Canadian content requirements.
2
Creation of an account on Dialogue
Create an account or log in to the online platform Dialogue from Telefilm Canada.
3
Submission of the request
- Carefully fill out the online application form on Dialogue.
- Upload all required documents through the platform before the deadline set.
- Ensure that all information is complete and accurate before submitting.
4
Confirmation of receipt
- Receive a submission confirmation from Telefilm Canada.
- Keep this confirmation for your records and potential follow-up.
Additional information
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.
Contact Telefilm Canada
coordination@telefilm.ca
438-806-4865
Apply to this program
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Support for tourism projects in La Jacques-Cartier region
Grant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
Supporting cultural initiatives in MRC de L'Islet
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Support for cultural and heritage projects in Portneuf
Tax CreditsOpen
Laval, Quebec
Property tax credit for non-residential construction or renovations
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Support program for heritage property restoration in Portneuf
Grant and FundingClosed
Charlevoix-Est, Quebec
Charlevoix-Est Cultural Development Project Grant Opportunity
Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon
Quebec, Canada
Financial support for young Quebec artisan businesses for their development
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Supports new uses and pilot projects in religious heritage
Grant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
Support for business growth in rural La Matapédia
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Quebec, Canada
Loans to develop Quebec tourist attractions