Telefilm Canada reopens the Production Program for fiscal 2023-2024 

Telefilm Canada is reopening the Production Program for fiscal 2023-2024 with key dates and updated Guidelines, Essential Information Guide and Evaluation Grid now available on the Program webpage. 

The Production Program supports Canadian audiovisual production companies that are looking to finance Canadian feature-length films at the production or post-production stage.  

Changes to the program are made in alignment with Telefilm’s strategic objectives to evolve and optimize its funding approach as part of Telefilm’s ongoing modernization efforts. 

Key dates: 

From November 28 to December 9, 2022: All production projects with budgets of $3.5 million or more (including Minority and Majority Co-productions, and Postproduction applications) 

From January 23, 2023 to February 6, 2023: All production projects with budgets of less than $3.5 million (including Minority and Majority Co-productions, and Postproduction applications) 

From March 27, 2023 to June 30, 2023: Second opening date for production projects with budgets of $3.5 million or more and a confirmed funding structure of 50% or more – subject to availability of funds.  

From March 27, 2023 to June 30, 2023: Second opening date for Minority co-productions and postproduction applications – subject to availability of funds. 

Important changes: 

• Limitation on number of applications for the same project: Starting in fiscal 2023-2024, if a project is refused three (3) times by Telefilm under this Program, it cannot be submitted again. Further, a project may only be submitted once during the same fiscal year except when the total budget of the project is $3.5 million or more and 50% of its funding structure is already confirmed. 
• Additional requirements in terms of relevant producing experience: producers of eligible projects must have relevant experience in the audiovisual industry, i.e., they must have already produced at least one short film that has been screened at an eligible festival, or one hour of television and received a producer or co-producer credit, or have equivalent production experience. 
• Changes to Funding Terms and Recoupment Policy: For projects budgeted at less than $2.5 million where Telefilm’s financial participation is more than $500,000, applicants must choose between a recoupable advance and a recoupable equity investment.  

Please read through the updated Guidelines, Essential Information Guide and supporting documents before applying to the Production Program.