Telefilm Canada announces changes to its Development Program and an opening date of July 2, 2015

Montreal, June 23, 2015 – Telefilm Canada wishes to inform all interested applicants that the Development program will opens its doors on July 2nd and that the updated guidelines and FAQs are now available on its website.

Telefilm has introduced several changes with a view to enhancing the turnaround time for decisions, the efficiency of our tools, the transparency in the decision-making process and allowing for better planning for clients.

Changes to the program

• Program funding for the most part will now be attributed automatically based on the total score that each applicant has attained.
• The total score will be based on the number of Canadian films the applicant has produced that were theatrically released in Canada in the last five years and the overall success of the film(s).
• In the case of co-productions, Telefilm will now pro-rate each Film’s score by the agreed upon share. For further details please consult the Program Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions.
• Funding for targeted group projects will not be attributed automatically, but, rather, will be subject to a selective decision making process as specified in the Program Guidelines.
• In order to address historical regional access, a regional bonus will be applied to any applicant that meets the criteria specified in the Frequently Asked Questions. 
• Production companies can now access the total score assigned to their company via eTelefilm.  As of July 2nd, 2015 the allocated funding amounts will also be available, and clients will be able to submit their application until the closing date of October 30th, 2015.
• Clients that are eligible to apply to the development program, but have not achieved a score, will be able to apply to a selective decision making round that will take place in the fall. The opening date for this round will be November 2nd, 2015 and it will close on November 13th, 2015. This round will ensure that the Program’s objectives such as a diversity of genres, regions and viewpoints are met.

Visit the Telefilm Canada Development Program page for more information.