Development Program
Summary
Project type
Feature-length film (75 minutes or longer)
Project stage
First, Second, Third or Subsequent Draft Script, or Packaging
Who can apply
Canadian feature film production companies
How to apply
Dialogue
Program Overview
The Development Program finances Canadian feature films at the development stage.
The Development Program has four streams:
- Prequalified Stream
- General Stream
- Indigenous Stream
- Stream for Black People and People of Colour
Since the summer of 2024, Telefilm has launched a pilot initiative called the Springboard Initiative by which projects that were unsuccessful under the Production Program but that were ranked highly may be invited to apply for development funding under this Program to strengthen their project. In 2025-2026, additional support will be provided to selected animation projects previously funded by Telefilm through the Development program. Details on this initiative are available below.
Who Can Apply
Canadian feature film production companies who:
- Have their head office in Canada.
- Carry out their activities in Canada.
Guidelines and Important Documents
Please review the documents for full program details and eligibility criteria.
Key Dates
IT support is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
| All streams. |
Opening September 04, 2025 8:00 AM EDT |
Closing September 25, 2025 11:59 PM EDT |
Latest updates
Get the latest program updates straight to your inbox.
July 16, 2025
The following document has been added:
- Development Program Checklists
July 7, 2025
The following document has been added:
- Pilot Animation Initiative
The following documents have been updated:
- Guidelines
- Essential Information Guide
- List of required documents – Prequalified Stream and Springboard Initiative
- List of required documents – Selective streams
- Summary of the Performance Ratio Calculation and Access to the Prequalified Stream
- Minimum Performance Ratio Requirements – Prequalified Stream
- Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience
- Production Sustainability Plan Template
July 13, 2024
The following document has been updated:
- Declaration of Canadian Status of Corporation and Corporate Information
August 29, 2024
The following documents have been updated:
- List of Required Docs for Prequalified and Springboard
- List of required documents – Selective streams
- Declaration Form Regarding the Producer’s Previous Experience
July 4, 2024
The following documents have been updated:
- Guidelines
June 20, 2024
The following documents have been updated:
- Guidelines
- Essential Information Guide
- List of required documents – Prequalified Stream and Springboard Initiative
- List of required documents – Selective streams
- Summary of the Performance Ratio Calculation and Access to the Prequalified Stream
- Minimum Performance Ratio Requirements – Prequalified Stream
Apply for funding
Please read our How to apply page for more information on the application process.
Applications must be submitted through Dialogue.
Application documents
At Application
Resources
Templates
At Final Reporting
Templates
Business policies
Past Guidelines
Contact
For questions regarding the application process or funding program requirements
Phone: 438-806-4865
Toll free: 1-800-567-0890
Email: coordination@telefilm.ca
For questions regarding the Stream for Black People and People of Colour
Brigitte Leblanc-Fortin
Phone: 438-469-1146
Toll free: 1-800-567-0890
Email: brigitte.leblanc-fortin@telefilm.ca
For any questions regarding the Indigenous Stream
Indigenous Feature Film Executive – to be announced
Email: pf_fp@telefilm.ca
For any questions regarding the Filmography
Email: coordination@telefilm.ca