Telefilm Canada Launches Development Program for 2020-2021, including New Stream for Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities
Additional pool of funding will enhance access and opportunity for filmmakers
August 6, 2020, Toronto/Montréal – Telefilm Canada has announced the details and application dates for the 2020-2021 Development Program, including the newly-created Development Stream for Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities. This is an additional investment envelope of $500,000, designed to reduce barriers to accessing Telefilm’s development funding. To complement Telefilm’s existing Development streams, this new stream welcomes applications from both emerging and experienced companies that are majority-owned and controlled by persons who self-identify as Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities.
The Development Stream for Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities is one of the first initiatives to stem from Telefilm’s Equity and Representation Action Plan. The Action Plan was implemented to create a more equitable screen-based industry in Canada. This new Stream will begin accepting applications on October 5. Projects submitted to the Development Stream for Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities will be evaluated by an external jury having representation from Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities.
Telefilm also expanded the eligibility criteria to the Selective Stream of the Development Program, to allow flexibility to companies who historically have not had access to the program. Companies that have had a Canadian feature film which premiered at a qualifying film festival but did not have a theatrical release may now apply. Telefilm has also increased the number of projects per company that can be funded in the Selective Stream to up to two at $15,000 per title.
In order to be eligible under the Automatic Stream, applicants must now have a track record score that makes them eligible for a total allocation amount equal to or greater than $30,000. For more information regarding track score calculations, please refer to the program webpage.
Eligible applicants under the Automatic and Selective Streams will be notified of their status and eligible amount through the newsfeed of their Dialogue account by August 17. New clients are encouraged to contact their regional representative.
To contribute to a more representative portfolio, all companies applying to any of the development streams will have the opportunity to self-identify as being primarily controlled by Racialized Persons/Visible Minorities. Telefilm understands the importance of data collection and is continuing conversations with industry stakeholders on the next steps that will be taken. Further details to follow.
The Indigenous Development Stream remains in place with no changes.
Eligible filmmakers may choose to submit their projects under any one stream for which they qualify.
The Automatic, Selective and Indigenous Streams will begin accepting applications on August 24. Telefilm encourages applicants to file their application as soon as possible.
For further details, please refer to the program guidelines.