Development Program
Summary
| Project type | Feature-length film (75 minutes or longer) |
| Project stage | First, Second, Third or Subsequent Draft Script, or Packaging |
| Who can apply | Canadian feature film production companies |
| How to apply | Dialogue |
Program Overview
The Development Program finances Canadian feature films at the development stage through four different streams:
- Prequalified Stream
- General Stream
- Indigenous Stream
- Stream for Black People and People of Colour
In addition to these streams, additional funding mechanisms have been put in place to amplify projects that meet Telefilm’s strategic objectives:
- Animation Initiative: Selective funding granting an additional funding amount to animation projects submitted in the Prequalified or Selective streams.
- Springboard Initiative: Support for projects that were unsuccessful under the Production Program but that were ranked highly or that meet Telefilm’s strategic objectives.
Who can apply
Canadian feature film production companies who:
- Have their head office in Canada.
- Carry out their activities in Canada.
- Meet the eligibility criteria listed in the Guidelines.
Guidelines and Important Documents
Please review the documents for full program details and eligibility criteria.
June 9, 2026 to date
June 9, 2026 to date
June 9, 2026 to date
June 9, 2026 to date
June 9, 2026 to date
June 9, 2026 to date
June 9, 2026 to date
Key dates
IT support is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.
| All streams. |
Opening August 31, 2026 8:00 AM EDT |
Closing September 11, 2026 11:59 PM EDT |
Notification to production companies eligible to the Prequalified Stream
All production companies eligible to the Prequalified Stream will be notified of their eligibility and the maximum amount of funding to which they are eligible via Dialogue mid-July 2026.
Latest updates
Get the latest program updates straight to your inbox.
June 9, 2025
This program has been updated as part of Telefilm’s Strategic Program Review. For more information on changes to the program, please read our Industry Advisory.
Apply for funding
Please read our How to apply page for more information on the application process.
Applications must be submitted through Dialogue.
Application documents
At Application
Resources
Minimal Requirements – Performance Score (coming soon)
Templates
At Final Reporting
Templates
Business policies
Past Guidelines
July 7, 2025 to June 9, 2026
July 4, 2024 to July 6, 2025
September 1, 2023 to June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023 to September 1, 2023
June 23, 2022 to June, 14 2023
August 6, 2020 to June 16, 2021
August 1st, 2019 to August 6, 2020
July 4, 2017 to July 31, 2019
Contact Us
Please read the guidelines and all supporting documents carefully prior to your enquiry.
| For questions regarding the application process or funding program requirements | Phone: 438-806-4865 Toll free: 1-800-567-0890 Email: coordination@telefilm.ca |
| For questions regarding the Stream for Black People and People of Colour | Marjan Alizadeh Keramati Phone: 647-475-4912 Toll free: 1-800-567-0890 Email: Marjan.Alizadeh@telefilm.ca |
| For any questions regarding the Indigenous Stream | Shelley MacDougall Phone : 902 334-1368 Toll free: 1 800 567-0890 Email: shelley.macdougall@telefilm.ca |
| For any questions regarding the Filmography | Email: coordination@telefilm.ca |