The following is the 2006 edition of Playback's annual digest of national funding and investment sources available for Canadian independent film and television program development, production and/or distribution.
Key: Certified Canadian means projects must be certifiably Canadian under the criteria set out by the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO) or broadcast regulatory body, the CRTC.

Astral Media The Harold Greenberg Fund/Le Fonds Harold Greenberg
Astral Media The Harold Greenberg Fund/Le Fonds Harold Greenberg is a national nonprofit private organization founded and supported by Astral Media's The Movie Network, Viewers Choice, Family Channel, Super Écran and Canal Indigo to fund the production and development of feature-length theatrically released movies and production of family television series, as well as special events, youth programming, musical programming and documentary programs.
English-language Program:
Sponsored by The Movie Network, Family Channel and Viewers Choice:
Script Development Program: Interest-free development loans, which are repayable on the first day of principal photography.
For the story optioning phase, the full amount of the option plus administrative costs of $2,500 can be advanced. Up to $18,000 can be advanced at the treatment to first-draft phase, up to $12,000 at the first- to second draft phase, and up to $10,000 at the second to final draft phase. At the senior project phase, up to $25,000 can be advanced for costs related to script polishing, packaging, workshopping and preliminary cast interest.
Deadlines: Story optioning phase: May 15, Aug. 14 and Nov. 13, 2006.
Script Development Program: April 6, July 6, Oct. 5, 2006.
Equity Investment Program: Equity investments of up to $200,000 in dramatic movies made for theatrical release and/or pay-TV, produced by Canadian production companies with a track record in producing theatrically released feature films.
Deadlines: None. Contact the office prior to submitting an equity application.
Family Film Program: This $5-million seven-year program helps independent producers develop high-quality Canadian feature films and produce feature films and television series for children, youth and family audiences. The program consists of two funding components:
* Script development funding is available for movies suitable for theatrical release and/or pay-TV and provides interest-free development loans repayable on the first day of principal photography. The amounts available are the same as outlined under the Script Development Program.
* Equity investment funding up to $200,000 for feature-length films and TV series (13 episodes), with consideration to a Family prelicence.
Deadlines:
* Script component: April 6, July 6, Oct. 5, 2006
* Equity component: None. Contact the office prior to submitting an equity application
Contact: English-language Program Office (416) 956-5431; hgfund@tv.astral.com
www.astralmedia.com
French-language programs:
Programs sponsored by Astral Media, Canal Indigo, Super Écran and Family Channel:
Film: Equity investment program for the production of French-language feature-length films for theatrical release and pay-per-view television: up to $100,000.
Equity investment program for script development of French-language feature films for theatrical release: 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000.
Story-optioning program for the purchase of copyright programs for subsequent screen adaptation for theatrical release: 50% of the cost of the option, to a maximum of $5,000.
Documentaries: Equity investment program for the production of French-language single or television series documentaries for first-window broadcast by private-sector French-language specialty channels: single documentary - 20% of budget, to a maximum of $100,000; series - 10% of budget, to a maximum of $100,000.
Drama programs for young audiences: Equity investment program for the production of single or TV series of youth-oriented dramas for first-window broadcast by private specialty channels: 10% of budget, to a maximum of $150,000.
Music programs: Investment program for the production of single or TV series of French-language music programs for first-window broadcast by private French-language specialty channels. Single or serial shows: 20% of budget, to a maximum of $50,000.
Special events: Equity investment program for the production of French-language special events such as sporting events, shows, concerts, and other special presentations that may be of interest to pay-per-view audiences: 50% of budget, to a maximum of $50,000.
Deadlines:
* Documentaries, music programs: April 19, 2006
* Film/production, special events: March 22, 2006
* Film/script development: June 14, 2006
* Drama programs for young audiences: April 20, 2006
Contact: French-language Program Office: Odile Methot (514) 939-5094; fax (514) 939-6585; info@lefonds.astral.com
www.astralmedia.com

Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund
With approximately $7 million from Bell ExpressVu, the Bell Fund encourages the linkages between Canadian broadcast and new media sectors and the production of interactive content. The pot is divided between English-language (two-thirds) and French-language (one-third) projects.
Production $$$: Grants provide a licence fee top-up of 75% of total Canadian broadcast licence fees (up to $75,000) in addition to a grant of 75% of the cost of production of the new media component (up to $250,000), as well as a bonus to match broadcaster cash investments in the new media project (up to $50,000).
Criteria: Projects must have a broadcast licence and include a new media component.
Eligible projects: The broadcast portion must be a drama, variety, documentary, children's, performing arts or educational program. The program must qualify under CAVCO guidelines at a minimum 8/10 on the point system. Industrial, corporate or primarily promotional new media projects do not qualify.
Development $$$: Grants of up to 75% of the cost of development to a maximum of $50,000 for the development of new media projects associated with television programs. Funding is provided by interest generated by an endowment from BCE-CTV benefits.
Other $$$: Bell Fund also provides grants to recognized trade organizations for special projects such as training programs, conferences and workshops targeted at industry professionals.
Deadlines: Feb. 1, May 1, Oct. 1, 2006
Contacts:
Toronto:
(416) 977-8154; bellfund@ipf.ca
www.bellfund.ca
Montreal:
(514) 845-4418; fondsbell@ipf.ca
www.fondsbell.ca

Bravo!FACT
(Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent)
Production $$$: Sponsored by specialty broadcaster Bravo!, this program provides producers, directors, artists and arts groups with up to 50% of the total production costs (to a maximum of $25,000 per short) in nonrefundable grants for short Canadian films (maximum length six minutes) for broadcast on CHUM television stations. The fund is 5% of Bravo!'s gross revenues from the previous year.
Although the fund provides exposure for the shorts produced on the national specialty channel through nonexclusive broadcast rights, applicants retain copyright of their production.
Eligible projects: Genres such as drama, spoken word, animation, dance and visual arts.
Deadlines: March 17, June 23, Sept. 22, Dec. 22, 2006
Contact: Judy Gladstone, executive director, (416) 591-7400, ext. 2738; bravofact@bravo.ca
www.bravofact.com

Canada Council for the Arts Grants to Film & Video Artists
This program assists Canadian artists working with film and video as means of artistic expression, providing them with opportunities for research, scriptwriting, creation and production of independent artworks using film and video.
Grants help support individual artists committed to the practice of film and video as independent artist-controlled art forms. Independent means that the applicant initiates and is the driving force behind the proposed project or program of work.
The applicant must be the director and must maintain complete creative and editorial control over the work.
Eligible projects: Auteur or avant-garde films and videos, single and multi-channel video art, art installations in which film and video play a key role. Innovative and personal storytelling practices, personal point-of-view documentaries and innovations in style, technique or process are a priority.
The following are not usually funded: projects involving commercial or journalistic approaches to film and video; conventional form of theatrical and television entertainment; and calling-card films.
Development $$$: Research and creation grants cover time and expenses related to a program of work that advances the individual creative expression of a film or video artist. Typically, these grants are used to support experimental processes and research in production. Maximum grants are $16,000 for emerging artists and $60,000 for mid-career and established artists.
Scriptwriting $$$: Scriptwriting grants cover the direct costs related to developing a documentary treatment or script. Typically, the activities supported by these grants include workshops with actors, research and subsistence fees. Maximum grants are $20,000, and this component is open to established and mid-career artists only.
Production $$$: Production grants cover the direct costs of production and post-production of an independent film or video artwork by emerging, mid-career and established film and video artists. Maximum grants are $16,000 for emerging artists and $60,000 for mid-career and established artists.
Deadlines: Oct. 1, 2006, March 1, 2007
Contacts:
* Josette Bélanger (all francophones) 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5252; josette.belanger@conseildesarts.ca
* Ian Reid (anglophone established and mid-career artists) 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5203; ian.reid@canadacouncil.ca
* Joanne Desroches (anglophone emerging artists) 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5254; joanne.desroches@canadacouncil.ca
Grants to New Media & Audio Artists: This program assists Canadian artists working with new media and audio as means of artistic expression, providing them with opportunities for research, production and residencies in the creation of independent new media and audio artworks.
Development $$$: Research grants cover time and expenses related to a program of work that advances the individual creative expression of a mid-career or established artist. Typically, these grants are used to support creative renewal, experimentation, professional development and research. Maximum grants are $20,000.
Production $$$: Production grants cover the direct costs of production and post-production of an independent new media or audio artwork by artists. Maximum grants for new media are $16,000 for emerging artists and $60,000 for mid-career and established artists.
Other $$$: New Media Residencies encourage creative collaborations and knowledge exchange between artists and other sectors of society that are working with new or emergent technologies, supporting projects that provide mutual benefit to artists and host organizations.
Research residencies pay the expenses of a program of work that advances a mid-career or established media artist's understanding and research in new media. The maximum grant is $30,000. Production residencies pay for the direct costs of production of an independent new media artwork. The maximum production residency grant is $60,000.
Deadlines: Oct. 1, 2006, March 1, 2007
Contact: Robin Dupuis, 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5253; robin.dupuis@canadacouncil.ca
Aboriginal Media Arts Program: This program offers grants to emerging, mid-career and established aboriginal artists to help them develop their career as media artists and produce independent media artworks (film, video, new media or audio).
The program offers two components: creative development grants and production grants.
Development $$$: Development grants cover the costs of research, scriptwriting and concept development. The amount of a grant for emerging artists ranges from $3,000 to $16,000. For mid-career and established artists the amount ranges from $3,000 to $20,000.
Production $$$: Production grants cover the costs of production and post-production. For emerging artists the amount of a grant is up to $16,000. The amount of a grant for mid-career and established artists is up to $60,000.
Deadlines: April 1, 2006
Contact: Ian Reid 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5203; ian.reid@canadacouncil.ca
Travel Grants to Media Artists: Travel grants are available to independent media artists to present their work at recognized festivals or exhibition venues, or to participate in workshops, residencies or other professional development opportunities.
Amounts of $500, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 may be requested, depending on the distance of the proposed travel.
Deadlines: Anytime
Contact: Joanne Desroches 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5254; joanne.desroches@canadacouncil.ca
www.canadacouncil.ca

Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO)
CAVCO co-administers the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) program and the Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) program with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit: The objective of the CPTC program is to encourage Canadian programming and to develop an active domestic production sector.
The CPTC is available at a rate of 25% of eligible salaries and wages incurred after 1994. Eligible salaries and wages qualifying for the credit may not exceed 60% of the cost of production, net of assistance. Therefore, the tax credit could provide assistance of up to 15% of the cost of production, net of assistance.
Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit: The PSTC is a tax credit equal to 16% of salaries and wages paid to Canadian residents or taxable Canadian corporations (for amounts paid to employees who are Canadian residents) for services provided to the production in Canada. This refundable tax credit has no cap on the amount that can be claimed and it is available to taxable Canadian corporations or foreign-owned corporations with permanent establishments in Canada that are taxable in Canada.
Contact: 1-888-433-2200; (613) 946-7600; fax (613) 946-7602; cavco@pch.gc.ca
www.pch.gc.ca/cavco

Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund
Development $$$: Up to a maximum of 49% of the development budget, or $10,000.
Production $$$: Up to 49% of a production's budget in the form of non-equity financial participation, to a maximum of $50,000.
Eligible projects: The fund is geared towards educational/informational projects and documentaries. Projects should be designed for use by educational, institutional, business or cultural groups or educational or specialty channels. There is a linguistic and regional quota system.
Deadline: March 16, 2006
Contact: Robin Jackson, executive director, (613) 729-1900; 1-888-386-5555; info@cifvf.ca
www.cifvf.ca

Canadian International Development Agency
Development Information Program: DIP's Mass Media Initiative provides financial support for communication projects such as television and radio productions, magazine features, newspaper articles and exhibits. MMI is mandated to promote public understanding of international development issues as well as the role that Canadians play in developing countries and countries in transition.
Proposals are submitted to the program under a request for proposals, which is issued at least once a year, usually in the fall.
Guidelines for submitting proposals are available on CIDA's website at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/mmi.
Development $$$: The program will consider funding research and development projects requesting between $5,000 to $15,000. Funding will not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
Production $$$: The program will consider proposals seeking funding from $5,000 to a maximum of $200,000, according to the availability of funds. Funding will not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
Contact: Patricia Dupuis (819) 953-2922; patricia_dupuis@acdi-cida.gc.ca
www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/mmi

Canadian Television Fund
A private, not-for-profit corporation, the Canadian Television Fund is responsible for funding contributed by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canadian cable industry, and the direct-to-home satellite industry by way of broadcast distribution undertakings.
The spirit and intent of the CTF is to support the production and broadcast of a specific type of culturally significant television and film production. These productions speak to Canadians about themselves, their culture, their issues, their concerns and their stories. The programs reflect the lives of Canadians across the country and reveal Canadians and their society to the viewer.
The CTF supports productions in English, French and aboriginal languages. CTF funding can be accessed through one of two streams:
Broadcaster Performance Envelope Stream: Supports documentary, children's and youth, variety and performing arts, and dramatic programming.
Special Initiatives Stream: Supports aboriginal-language productions, French-language productions outside Quebec, development financing and versioning assistance.
In addition, the CTF allocates funding to encourage production in the regions of Quebec through its Quebec Regional French-language Production Incentive.
All project file administration is done by Telefilm Canada on behalf of the CTF.
Eligible projects: The fund focuses its support on currently licensed projects intended primarily for Canadian audiences and seeks to encourage Canadian viewing of these productions.
These projects must be initiated by Canadian companies, under Canadian ownership, which exercise creative and financial control from development through production to distribution and exhibition.
For more information and funding guidelines, visit the CTF website.
www.CanadianTelevisionFund.ca

Cogeco Program Development Fund
Development $$$: The Cogeco Program Development Fund is administered by, and is a complement to, the Independent Production Fund. It provides development financing in the form of loans repayable on the first day of principal photography for dramatic series' bibles, treatments, first- and final-draft scripts.
Criteria: Applicant must be a Canadian independent producer with a minimum of two years production experience and one previous credit as a TV drama producer. A development commitment from a Canadian broadcaster is required.
Eligible projects: English- and French-language dramatic TV series, MOWs or miniseries.
Deadlines: March 1, July 1, Oct. 1, 2006
Production $$$: Equity investments for MOWs, miniseries or pilots for dramatic series.
Criteria: Projects must have a licence from a Canadian broadcaster. Producers must be independent and Canadian.
Eligible projects: English- and French-language dramatic TV series, MOWs or miniseries.
Deadlines: March 1, July 1, Oct. 1, 2006
Theatrical Feature Film Program Development $$$: Applicant must be a Canadian feature film production company with three theatrically released or broadcast productions in the last five years, including feature films, MOWs or miniseries.
Deadline: July 1, 2006
Criteria: Production companies with at least three theatrical feature films in development.
Contacts:
Toronto
(416) 977-8966; info@ipf.ca
Montreal:
(514) 845-4334; fipinfo@ipf.ca
www.ipf.ca

Corus Entertainment
Women's Programming Fund: $15 million is available over five years for the creation of high-quality programming of interest to women.
Development $$$: Total fund of $1.5 million, with up to $500,000 per project or series for any or all development phases.
Production $$$: A $13.5-million licence fee top-up fund, with up to $500,000 per project or $1.5 million per 13-part series.
Criteria: Programs must have a letter of intent or licence agreement from a Corus service, be of interest to women, and qualify as a Canadian production.
Eligible projects: Documentaries, dramas and comedies, music and dance, and variety programs.
Contact: Susan Makela (416) 530-5117; fax (416) 583-2953; susan.makela@corusent.com
Corus Made With Pay Development Fund: In 2003, Corus Entertainment, through Movie Central, launched this $1.5-million fund to assist in the production of dramatic movies and series. The fund is open to projects in the works for Canadian pay-TV or theatrical release - and replaces the company's previous $1-million script and development fund.
The fund also supports "made for pay" TV movies and series; offers increased support, on a per-project basis, for senior-level projects; and will back a slate of productions for companies that have three or more projects in active development.
Deadlines: Ongoing
Contact: Shelley Gillen, head of creative affairs, Movie Central, (604) 988-1602
Telelatino Fund: This is a $1.1-million licence fee top-up fund to support the development and production of high-quality programming of particular interest to Italian and Hispanic television audiences.
Criteria: Only programs that can demonstrate interest from Telelatino through a letter of intent or licence agreement will be considered; must qualify as a Canadian production.
Eligible projects: Documentaries, dramas and comedies, music and dance, variety and talk shows.
Deadline: Ongoing
Contact: Susan Makela (416) 530-5117; fax (416) 583-2953; susan.makela@corusent.com
Export Initiative:This $500,000 program for small and medium-sized Canadian companies aims to promote international sales of Canadian programming.
Travel Grants: Up to $2,000 per applicant per market is available to cover travel expenses to MIPTV, MIPCOM Jr./MIPCOM, with a maximum of two grants per company per year.
Advertising & Promotion Support: Up to $3,000 per initiative is available to cover the cost of advertising and/or marketing Canadian film or TV programs at MIPTV or MIPCOM, with a maximum of two grants per company per year.
Deadlines: Twice annually as posted on the Corus website
Contact: Susan Makela (416) 530-5117; fax (416) 583-2953; susan.makela@corusent.com
www.corusent.com/corporate/funds_initiatives

Feature Film Project
The FFP was established by the Canadian Film Centre in 1992 to oversee and provide 100% of the financing and mentorship needed for the successful development, production and marketing of low-budget dramatic feature films for first-time filmmakers.
Two budget levels are offered: ultra-low budget projects - up to $250,000; low-budget projects - up to $500,000.
Support and financing is provided in two stages - development and production.
Selected projects first go through a mentored development phase, addressing and workshopping all critical aspects of the project and its team.
In order to be considered for production financing, the creative team and project must have successfully completed the development stage. Full mentorship continues throughout the production and post-production process.
Eligible projects: Dramatic feature films not less than 75 minutes in length and intended for theatrical release. Only Canadian-owned and -controlled independent production companies qualify.
Deadline: April 28, 2006
Contact: (416) 445-2890; ffp@cdnfilmcentre.com
www.cfccreates.com

Foreign Affairs Canada
The Arts Promotion Division administers a grant program for the film and television production sector that aims to promote Canadian culture abroad. Financial assistance is available to directors and/or producers to participate in international festivals and certain preselected markets abroad.
The amount of funding generally covers the cost of return economy airfare and depends on the availability of funds.
Eligible projects: Applicant must be Canadian; production must be Canadian; film must be shown at one of the official sections of the festival.
Contact: Natalija Marjanovic, head, film and television, International Cultural Relations Division, (613) 992-5359; natalija.marjanovic@international.gc.ca
www.international.gc.ca/arts

Independent Production Fund
Production $$$: A private charitable foundation with a capital endowment of $35 million, the IPF has over $2 million per year for equity investment.
Criteria: Projects must have a licence from a Canadian private broadcaster. Producers must be independent and Canadian.
Eligible projects: Canadian one-hour dramatic TV series; and, children's drama series.
Other $$$: IPF also provides grants to recognized trade organizations for special projects such as training programs, conferences and workshops targeted at industry professionals.
Deadlines: March 15, May 1, Oct. 15, 2006
Contacts:
Toronto: (416) 977-8966;
info@ipf.ca
Montreal: (514) 845-4334;
fipinfo@ipf.ca
www.ipf.ca

National Film Board of Canada
The NFB English and French Program production centers across Canada work with independent filmmakers and coproducers from every region of the country.
The NFB also has special programs and initiatives to increase the representation of emerging, culturally diverse and aboriginal filmmakers.
In addition, the NFB offers technical support to independent filmmakers to complete their productions through the Filmmaker Assistance Program and its French equivalent, Aide au cinéma indépendant.
Production $$$: The NFB participates as a full producer or as a coproducer in the development and production of Canadian audiovisual works that are socially relevant and innovative. The NFB works with independent Canadian directors and coproducers as well as international partners. The board retains copyright ownership in proportion to its participation.
Acquisitions: The NFB also acquires independently produced product for Canadian and international distribution.
Eligible projects: Documentary and animation projects, as well as digital content and alternative drama.
Contacts:
English Program production centers:
* Pacific & Yukon Centre:
(604) 666-3838; pacific@nfb.ca
* North West Centre:
(780) 495-3013; northwest@nfb.ca
* Prairie Centre:
(204) 983-3160; prairie@nfb.ca
* Ontario Centre:
(416) 973-6856; ontario@nfb.ca
* Animation Studio:
(514) 283-9571; animationstudio@nfb.ca
* Quebec Centre:
(514) 496-2216; quebeccentre@nfb.ca
* Atlantic Centre:
(902) 426-7351; atlantic@nfb.ca
French Program production centres:
* Documentary Studio A:
(514) 283-9316; studioa@nfb.ca
* Documentary Studio B:
(514) 496-1171; studiob@nfb.ca
* Animation/Youth Studio:
(514) 283-9332; animationjeunesse@nfb.ca
* Quebec Regions:
(418) 649-6377; studioregionsduquebec@nfb.ca
* Acadia Studio:
(506) 851-6104; c.aube@nfb.ca
* Ontario & West Studio:
(416) 973-0907, (866) 663-7668; studioontarioetouest@nfb.ca
Assistance for independent filmmakers:
To receive filmmaker assistance program guidelines or to receive an application form, contact the NFB office nearest you.
If you live in Quebec, Contact: Pierre Lapointe, producer, ACIC-FAP, (514) 283-9628; p.lapointe@nfb.ca
Acquisitions: Joanne Leduc, head of business development, (514) 283-9438; j.leduc@nfb.ca
www.nfb.ca

NSI Drama Prize Program
Presented by CBC Television
Each year, the National Screen Institute-Canada selects up to five teams of aspiring filmmakers from across the country to receive a year of professional support and training while developing and producing a short film.
The teams receive $9,500 in cash support, over $16,000 in services and a world premiere screening at the NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival in Winnipeg.
Current award sponsors of this program are: CBC Television, Telefilm Canada, Rogers Telefund, Alliance Atlantis and Citytv Vancouver.
Eligible projects: Dramatic six- to 13-minute film projects from emerging professionals with less than two hours credit in their discipline.
Contact: Brandice Vivier-Burns, NSI Drama Prize program manager, (204) 956-7800; 1-800-952-9307; dramaprize@nsi-canada.ca
www.nsi-canada.ca/dramaprize

Program for Export Market Development for Trade Associations (PEMD-A Program)
Assistance is provided for generic international business development activities that benefit a particular industry sector. PEMD-A funds three types of international business promotion activities: direct contacts (trade shows, etc.), marketing tools (e.g. print materials that promote the export of the association's goods and services), and other marketing activities that promote relationship building, or improve access to foreign markets.
The association's proposed activities must be for the benefit of its members, relate to the generic export promotion of the sector's products or services, the improvement of market access or the development of market information/intelligence.
The selection process is conducted on an annual basis.
$$$: The annual contribution is a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $100,000.
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/pemd

Quebecor Fund/Fonds Quebecor
Production $$$: This $3.5-million annual fund supports the production of educational and educational/entertainment programs designed for multimedia and broadcast distribution, with emphasis on interactive and multimedia programs having an Internet component.
The fund makes non-recoupable grants in the form of a top-up contribution to Canadian educational programs with an existing broadcast licence.
The qualifying licence fee threshold is 15% of a program's multimedia and TV production budget and the contribution by Quebecor Fund is capped at $500,000 per project, or up to 35% of the combined budget.
Deadlines: April 1, Oct. 1, 2006
Contact: info@fondsquebecor.ca
www.quebecorfund.ca

Rogers Cable Network Fund
This fund provides about $5 million per year in equity financing to Canadian independent producers for TV programs with a one-year exclusive first window on an English-language Canadian cable channel.
Production $$$: The RCNF will invest up to 20% of the total production budget or final cost of eligible projects to a maximum of $300,000 per project.
Criteria: Projects must have an 8/10 Cancon point ranking from the CRTC, with the Canadian applicant holding copyright in the project, controlling the project and being based or operating in Canada.
Eligible projects: Eligible genres include drama, documentaries, children's, educational, instructional, performing arts and variety (news and sports are excluded). Programs must be 30 minutes or more, although a package of children's shorts equal to a half-hour of programming would also qualify.
Contact: Robin Mirsky Daniels (416) 935-2526
www.rogers.com

Rogers Documentary Fund
With $1.5 million a year, the core program supports a minimum of three documentaries a year (two English-language, one French-language) with a maximum contribution of $100,000. The balance of the fund is directed towards the top-up program, which has a maximum contribution of $50,000 per project.
Contact: Robin Mirsky Daniels (416) 935-2526
www.rogers.com

Rogers Telefund
Rogers Telefund is a revolving fund available for interim financing to Canadian producers with fully financed TV projects and a Canadian broadcaster attached. There are no minimum or maximum loan amounts or administration fees. Interest rates are favorable.
Contact: Robin Mirsky Daniels (416) 935-2526
www.rogers.com

Shaw Rocket Fund
The Shaw Rocket Fund is an independently governed national fund, projected at approximately $8 million annually. The fund seeks investment opportunities with Canadian independent producers of children's, youth and family programming for broadcast by conventional, specialty and pay-TV networks.
Current Shaw Rocket Fund contributors are Shaw Communications, Star Choice Television Network, EastLink Cablesystems, Shaw Pay Per View, a division of Shaw Cablesystems GP, and Delta Cable Communications.
Production $$$: Shaw Rocket Fund provides financing of up to 15% of the production budget, with a historical average of $250,000 (for 13 episodes or MOWs) for productions with budgets over $1.6 million.
Eligible projects: Productions must be of high quality, have a broadcast licence, meet a minimum of 8/10 Cancon certification points, and be primarily targeted to children's, youth or family audiences. Funding is not intended to support projects that are primarily targeted at a general audience, even though the program may be suitable for family viewing.
Contact: Agnes Augustin, Executive Director; agnes@rocketfund.ca
www.rocketfund.ca

Telefilm Canada
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian audiovisual industry. With the objective of building larger audiences for Canadian cultural products, the corporation acts as a partner to the private sector through investments in diverse productions with wide appeal.
Telefilm administers an annual budget totalling $241 million, which enables it to act as a key financing, strategic and promotional partner on the national and international scenes.
The following is a summary of the major funds and programs offered.
(*The figures indicated refer to the 2005/06 fiscal.)
Canada Feature Film Fund
(Approximately $94 million, which includes the $15 million of the Canadian Television Fund)
Telefilm Canada administers the Canada Feature Film Fund, which includes the following components:
Development, Production and Marketing Programs; Screenwriting Assistance Program; Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program; and complementary activities including, Canada Showcase (financial support to Canadian film festivals); International Festivals and Markets; Versioning and Alternative Distribution, which provides financial support to initiatives dedicated to increasing awareness and accessibility to Canadian films.
The overall goal of the CFFF is to increase Canadian audiences in theaters for Canadian feature films.
Canadian Television Fund
($272 million a year)
The Canadian Television Fund was created in 1996 to support the production and broadcast of high-quality, distinctively Canadian television programs.
As of April 1, 2006, there is a new collaboration between Telefilm Canada and the CTF.
Governance of the fund now falls under the responsibility of the CTF board, which consists of representatives from both the private and public sectors; public sector representation comes from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the board of Telefilm. Telefilm is solely responsible for the administration and delivery of CTF programs.
(For more information, see separate CTF listing, p. 22.)
Canada New Media Fund
($14 million)
The Canada New Media Fund, launched in 2001, provides support for the market research, prototyping, product development, and marketing and distribution of Canadian new media products, as well as sectoral support for professional development, and participation at festivals and markets.
Versioning Assistance Fund
($2.5 million)
One of the primary goals of this initiative is to increase the availability of feature films and television programs for Canadians in English, French and aboriginal languages.
The fund comprises two distinct programs:
a) Television Versioning Program
b) Feature Film Versioning Program
Official coproductions
Telefilm administers, on behalf of the federal government, all international agreements governing official coproductions. In this capacity, the corporation's role is twofold:
It receives and evaluates all Canadian applications, in order to recommend to the Canadian government whether official coproduction status should be granted; and it receives and evaluates applications for financial assistance under the Canada/France minitreaties.
These coproduction agreements signed between Canada and other countries enable Canadian and foreign producers to pool their resources in order to coproduce films and television programs that enjoy national production status in each of the countries involved. At present, Canadian producers may create joint works with their counterparts in more than 50 countries.
For detailed information concerning the various coproduction agreements, consult Telefilm's website.
Loan Guarantee Program
This program is designed to provide Canadian financial institutions with loan guarantees and expert appraisal of loan applications submitted by Canadian production, distribution and foreign sales companies.
Telefilm will use its industry expertise to complement the financial expertise of the banking institutions by supplying an evaluation of the risks associated with each project and of the borrower's ability to repay the loan. The Loan Guarantee Program is intended primarily for companies or projects that otherwise would be unable to obtain loans in the private sector.
Deadlines: Check the website for up-to-the-minute information.
Contacts:
* Montreal (head office and Quebec region):
(514) 283-6363 or 1-800-567-0890
* Toronto (Ontario and Nunavut regions):
(416) 973-6436 or 1-800-463-4607
* Vancouver: (Western region)
(604) 666-1566 or 1-800-663-7771
* Halifax (Atlantic region)
(902) 426-8425 or 1-800-565-1773
www.telefilm.gc.ca
www.canadiantelevisionfund.ca

TELUS Innovation Fund
Created by the Canadian Film Centre, with funding from the TELUS Foundation, TIF invests in innovative, high-quality projects that place Canadian ideas, talent, and media at the forefront of the future of entertainment
Funding is provided in the form of a recoupable advance towards the production of innovative film, television, new media, or cross-platform content projects that explore new ways of approaching entertainment and storytelling.
$$$: TIF supports three projects per year, to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
Criteria: Projects must break new ground in the entertainment industry and be content-based with a narrative focus, including documentaries. Projects falling under the categories of news, reporting and actualities, or sports do not qualify. Film/video and television/broadcast projects must achieve 8/10 for Canadian-content certification, and TV/broadcast projects must have a licence fee. Projects must be completed within 18 months from receiving funding.
Contact: (416) 445-1446 x555; fax (416) 445-9481; telus@cdnfilmcentre.com
www.cfccreates.com