Production Program

The Canada Feature Film Fund’s Production Program is available to Canadian production companies looking to finance their feature film projects in the production and post-production stages.

A new Production program
This program was modified as part of Telefilm’s initiative to redesign and optimize its programs, following multiple consultations with the industry. You will find below an overview of key changes.

Telefilm Canada wants to propel the Canadian audiovisual industry to new levels of success through effective and efficient funding and by actively promoting Canadian content and talent, at home and abroad. Our program redesign initiative is a key step to achieving this goal.

Please note that following the recent industry consultations, the guidelines for the English and French markets were combined into one document, while taking into account the particularities of each market.

Overview of key changes

• Main production programs regrouped into one program (with the exception of Mini-Treaties, Telefilm’s Micro-Budget Production and Theatrical Documentary programs).
• More tailored approach that addresses the needs and strengths of the different types of production companies
• Simplified and clarified program guidelines which state, among other things, that feature films in Aboriginal languages are eligible
• No more application dates for French-language productions
• More streamlined process with faster turnaround for decision-making
• Success score¹ and market interest² integrated into evaluation criteria
• Post-production funding now eligible for consideration
• Mandatory use of eTelefilm for application and submission of all documentation required during the cycle
• A commitment from an eligible Canadian distribution company is only required if the project is budgeted at more than $2.5 million

¹A “success score” is attributed to each feature film in a client’s portfolio, measuring its commercial (box office and other sales) and cultural (nominations and awards) success, and is used to establish the quantitative part of the track record of a production company or creative team.

²Market Interest is defined as arms length monies used in the financing of the production of the film from the following entities:

• domestic and/or international distributors or sales agents recognized by Telefilm as having a track record in theatrical distribution;
• Canadian and/or international broadcasters providing broadcast license fees;
• recognized lenders providing gap financing; and
• private for-profit financiers.

Transition measures for Performance Envelopes

As a transition measure, companies will be considered for a 2013-2014 performance envelope using the same rules, criteria and calculation methods specified in the 2012-2013 CFFF production guidelines (please see below). However, beginning in 2014-2015, Telefilm will change the way that performance envelopes are managed. These changes will be announced during the 2012-2013 fiscal year, and detailed in the CFFF production guidelines for 2014-2015.

Those companies that qualify for a 2013-2014 performance envelope must nevertheless meet the funding requirements under these guidelines.

Guidelines

2013-14 Production Program for English-language and French-language productions

2012-13 Production Program for English-language productions

2012-13 Production Program for French-language productions

2011-12 Production Program for English-language productions

2011-12 Development and Production Programs for French-language productions

Business Policies

Consult the business policies related to Canada Feature Film Fund

Forms

Submit and track your application online using eTelefilm

List of Required Documents

Declaration of email address

Filmography for Producer, Director or Screenwriter

Declaration of Related-party Transactions

Declaration of Related-Party Transactions at Final Costs

Affidavit – Canadian Content

Affidavit - Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information Affidavit

Application Dates

Applications to the Production program must be submitted via eTelefilm. Using eTelefilm is also mandatory for the submission of all documentation required during the cycle. If you do not yet have an eTelefilm account, please visit www.telefilm.ca/en/extranet to register.

Note that all funds assigned to French-language projects with budgets over $1.5 million have now been allocated. A new opening date for next Fall will be announced in the coming months.

April 4, 2013 - Opening date for English-language productions with budgets of $2.5 million and less for fiscal 2013-2014. English-language projects with budgets of over $2.5 million can be submitted at any time.
Region(s) : Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, West
Language(s) : English

May 3, 2013 - Opening date for new French-language production applications with budgets of $1.5 million and less.
Region(s) : Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, West
Language(s) : French

Useful Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Production Budget Template

Standard Budget Template for Greenlight Funding

Breakdown of expenditures incurred outside the co-producing countries

Affidavit Form for Final Costs Less Than $200,000

Explanation of Cost Report Variances – Template

Exploitation Report (Standard Form)

Short Exploitation Report (Standard Form)

Telefilm Canada's Success Index: List of festivals and events

Development and Other Production Challenges: A Producer's Handbook

General guide to Telefilm’s expectation of market interest and level of financial participation based on recent past Telefilm financing amounts