Telefilm Canada more than doubles its commitment to support emerging talent

• 50 films to be funded, with more diverse opportunities Canada-wide
• Automatic financing for second features; help for short filmmakers graduating to feature films

Toronto, November 27, 2017 – Important changes to the successful Talent Fund-supported Micro-Budget Production Program will be announced tomorrow during Telefilm Canada’s Annual Public Assembly in Ryerson University. Telefilm is accelerating its commitment to promoting and nurturing Canadian creators from all regions, building on the critical success of the five-year-old Talent Fund-supported Micro-Budget program.

Key aspects announced:

• Micro-Budget Production Program becomes Talent to Watch Program
• 50 projects will now be supported each year, helping more talent kick-start their careers and marking Telefilm Canada’s 50th anniversary. This represents more than double the number of projects.
• New designated partners will be added to better reach creators from all regions and encourage diverse participation.
• Mentorship will be fostered, whereby previous recipients will advise and guide new recipients with the aim of increasing success.
• Establish an automatic stream for successful short filmmakers. Short film directors who have won a prize at select international festivals will now have access to automatic funding for the production of their first feature via the Talent to Watch Program.
• Establish an automatic second feature financing for filmmakers who produce internationally-recognized first features.

“These are bold moves for the organization, but they are absolutely necessary for the longevity and vitality of our industry,” said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “Since its inception, this program has helped launch the next generation of talented creators from coast to coast. And what undiscovered talent they have turned out to be! To date, the program has supported 73 projects and garnered some 90 awards. Unveiling Canadian talent to the world year after year: that’s our ambition.”

“This is exceptional news for emerging talent, offering even more opportunities for creators to tell their stories,” said Hartley T. Richardson, Chair of the Talent Fund. “Since its launch, the Talent Fund has received strong support from notable Canadian corporations, including its principal partners Bell Media and Corus Entertainment. This program expansion is the perfect opportunity for the Fund to attract more partners to be part of this amazing mission and share our passion: support the discovery and career progression of emerging Canadian talent,” Richardson added.

About Telefilm Canada — Inspired by talent. Viewed everywhere.
Celebrating 50 years in 2017, Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual treaty coproductions to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2013, the Talent Fund accepts private donations to principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

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Media enquiries:

Andréane Leblanc

Advisor, Public Relations – French Market
Telefilm Canada
(514) 283-0838, ext. 2065 or 1 800 567-0890
andreane.leblanc@telefilm.ca