Strategic program review
In 2024, Telefilm launched a three-year strategic plan, with one priority being a strategic review of its programs.
Guided by its key commitments and by ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders, Telefilm undertook this review to strengthen cohesion and adopt a more audience-focused approach, in order to invest with impact.
The strategic orientation framework provides the roadmap for this work, while establishing clear, data-driven outcomes and indicators that will be publicly reported to measure results.
List of programs currently in review
Marketing
Feature films
Development
Feature films
Production
Feature films
Theatrical Documentary
Feature films
Talent to Watch
Feature films
Discover our continuum
Telefilm’s continuum shows all the key touchpoints across a film’s lifecycle.
At each stage, the programs support the screen industry through targeted investments and tailored initiatives, while keeping audiences at the centre of our approach.
Our Guiding Principles
These objectives and key commitments set the foundation for strategic orientation framework. They outline the main priorities and help guide decisions as programs are reviewed and updated.
Objectives
- Reach and engage audiences by supporting creators through a cohesive framework that helps them bring their stories to life and build connections, regardless of career stage or ambition.
- Elevate Canadian and Indigenous cinema
Our Commitments
- Official languages and Official language minority communities (OLMC)
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)
- Indigenous reconciliation
- Sustainability
- Regional representation
Measurable Indicators
Approach and intended results
Measuring Program Performance
Previously, Telefilm measured the performance of its programs in three ways: what programs deliver, how they are implemented, and how funds are used.
As part of the Strategic Program Review, program performance will be measured through clear strategic outcomes, tracking whether those results are delivered, and identifying any gaps and opportunities to work with partners to improve outcomes. Existing indicators were updated and, in some cases, simplified to place greater emphasis on results. New indicators were also added to track the effectiveness of how the program review is being implemented.
Placing Results at the Centre
Going forward, greater attention is given to results, including progress on official languages, gender parity, equity, diversity and inclusion, regional representation, Indigenous content funding, and sustainability initiatives. This approach makes it possible to better understand the concrete impact of Telefilm’s programs on the industry.
Measuring Broader Impact
New indicators also make it possible to assess broader impact, including audience engagement, critical recognition, national growth, and international expansion. This approach helps ensure that Telefilm’s programs continue to evolve in order to better support the industry and help elevate Canadian and Indigenous cinema.
Strategic Outcomes
The developed indicators provide a new framework to measure the success of the review. They guide how programs are assessed and ensure that each program’s objectives connect to these strategic outcomes.
- Canadian audiences increasingly engage with Canadian and Indigenous cinema.
- International audiences show growing engagement with Canadian and Indigenous cinema.
- Canadian and Indigenous cinema continues to generate greater economic benefits for the national economy.
- Canada further strengthens and expands its role as a key player on the global stage.
Learn more about our strategic framework
To guide the program review, the strategic orientation framework is structured around two key focus areas that shape how programs are assessed and adjusted.
For each focus area, specific indicators have been identified to consistently measure progress and results. Developed through conversations with the Canadian audiovisual industry and international partners, this approach ensures programs remain responsive, flexible, and aligned with the industry’s ambitions, across all experiences and career paths.
Audience Engagement
Public mobilization
- Box Office & Festival Attendance
- Viewer Engagement (Broadcast/Platforms)
- Gross sales
- Audience Engagement & Sentiment
Recognition
- Critical Reception
- Media Coverage
- Festival Selections
- Awards
Industry Growth
National Growth
- Economic Impacts
- Revenues & Financial Sustainability
- Career & Company Growth
Global Expansion
- International Interest
- Revenues & Investments
- Partnerships & Coproduction recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Telefilm Canada’s Strategic Program Review – Strategic Orientation Framework