Telefilm Canada renews its Micro-Budget Production Program and adds a new component for Aboriginal projects.
Telefilm Canada continues to support emerging feature film talent through its Micro-Budget Production Program for a second year. Through this Program, Telefilm will support between eight to ten projects through the Main Component, and up to three projects in the new Aboriginal component.
This Program also seeks to stimulate the use of digital distribution platforms and increase audience access to the works of new Canadian talent. The Program also aims to increase support and visibility for Aboriginal creators through the Aboriginal component.
“Emerging creative talents deserves to be supported, and our Micro-Budget Production Program allows them to build their experience” stated Carolle Brabant, Executive Director at Telefilm Canada. “This fiscal, TFC supported two research studies that focused on Aboriginal creators in the audio-visual industry, the new Aboriginal component of the Program is a testimony that we are committed to apply what we have learned and generate ideas to better support Aboriginal creators.”
Adam Beach, one of the programs new partners writes: “It has always been a dream of mine to bring Hollywood North to my people. Through the Adam Beach Film Institute, they will be able to realize the power of feature film. We applaud the Telefilm Micro-Budget Program that will help support our creators. It is truly a good day.”
Changes and Improvements:
- A new Aboriginal component
PARTNERSHIPS:
- Main Component: Increased number of partners for a total of 28 from across the country
- Aboriginal Component: Six partners from across the country
Maxime Desmons, a successful applicant of the Program from 2012-2013 states: “The Telefilm Canada micro-Budget program is without a doubt, modest in size, but big in inspiration. It allowed me to write, direct & produce my first feature while granting me full control. It is an excellent way to launch a career, get exposure in the industry and reach audiences.”
For its first year, the Program received 24 applications from across the country. Out of those, eight finalists were selected to receive financial support to produce, distribute and promote a feature-length film for release to the general public.
Importance of Partnerships:
Charles Falzon, Chair of RTA School of Media at Ryerson University, a partner of the Program, told us: “It’s admirable for Telefilm to initiate a program that puts real resources into the hands of creative innovators. Financing is the hardest thing to get and it often sidetracks the real initiative and passion.”
The new Aboriginal component of the program has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of new partners: Adam Beach Film Institute (MB); Bosa Centre for Film & Animation Capilano University (BC); National Screen Institute (MB); Nunavut Film Development Corp. (NU); OCAD University (ON), and Wapikoni Mobile (QC).
Telefilm is pleased to have the support of imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival as a promotional partner. imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the largest Aboriginal film festival in Canada. In addition, Telefilm welcomes Terres en Vues (QC) as a promotional partner. They are the driving force behind the First Peoples’ Festival in Montreal.
Technicolor, a company at the forefront of digital innovation and worldwide leader in the media sector, will continue its partnership with Telefilm as a supporter of the Micro-Budget Production Program.
To learn more about the Program, we invite you to read the Guidelines and FAQ available on Telefilm’s website.