The following is the 2006 edition of Playback's annual digest of provincial funding and investment sources available for Canadian independent film and television program development, production and/or distribution.

ALBERTA

Alberta Cultural Industries Association Loan Guarantee
The Alberta Cultural Industries Association provides guarantees for corporate development loans by Alberta-owned and -operated production companies. Guarantees cannot exceed $250,000.
Deadline: None. Applications accepted throughout the year.
Contact: (780) 498-5536

Alberta Film Development Program
Alberta has recently revised the Alberta Film Development Program, offering a more flexible program able to accommodate a broad range of needs for both local and guest producers. It is easy to understand, simple to apply and highly competitive.
The level of contribution increases with Albertan ownership and the employment of Albertans in key creative positions.
Details of the new guidelines will be available on the Alberta Film website after April 1, 2006.
Contact: (780) 422-8584; 1-888-813-1738
www.albertafilm.ca

Alberta Foundation for the Arts
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts is the provincial agency that provides financial support to Alberta's artists and cultural organizations.
Project Grants Film and Video: This grant program supports the development of individual Alberta artists, or an ensemble of artists and organizations, in film and video by assisting with projects in one or any combination of the following categories:
* Production or post-production.
* Training and/or career development.
* Travel and/or marketing.
* Research or development.
Deadlines: Inquire for details.
Contact: (780) 427-6315
www.affta.ab.ca

TELUS Television Development Fund
The TELUS Television Development Fund was created by TELUS and is delivered by the Alberta Cultural Industries Association with three goals in mind: to contribute to the development of high-quality Canadian television programming; to encourage the creation of high-quality Alberta-made programs suitable for the conventional broadcast television market in Canada; and to encourage the growth and development of Alberta producers working in the Canadian conventional broadcast television market.
The fund will provide interest-free loans up to $10,000 per project to Alberta-based producers. The fund will not consider applications for equity investments or grants. These loans will normally be repayable on the first day of principal photography of the project, or on the date when the property is sold or assigned to a third party.
Allowable costs include: writer's fees, office costs, story editor fees, union benefits, travel expenses, legal fees, research expenses, marketing costs, producer's fees (capped at 15%) and producer overhead (capped at 15%).
Best bets: Preference will be given to the development of the following program categories: drama, music and variety, children's, comedy, documentary, and stories specific to Alberta.
Eligibility: Applicants must be Alberta residents and derive their primary source of income from the independent film and video industry by writing, developing or producing television projects. A production company must be incorporated in Alberta or federally and registered in Alberta. The head office or principal place of business must be located in Alberta, and at least 51% ownership must be held by Alberta residents.
Deadlines: June 30, Oct. 30, 2006
Contact: (780) 498-5536

BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia Arts Council Project Assistance for Media Artists Program
Development $$$: Eligible development costs cannot exceed 10% of award.
Production $$$: Up to $25,000 is available for artists with a minimum of five years experience and an accumulated body of work in their field. Less experienced artists are eligible for a maximum of $10,000. Support is capped at 50% of the budget.
Post $$$: Funding of up to 50% of the post-production budget is available.
Criteria: Applicants must be independent filmmakers, video or new media artists who reside in B.C. (one year required) and have completed at least one prior professional production. Applicants must have final editorial authority over the project.
Eligible projects: Innovative, experimental and non-industrial film, video and new media projects. Animation, documentary, experimental and drama qualify.
Ineligible projects are those intended exclusively for theatrical release or primetime TV, industrial promotions or sponsored works.
Deadlines: April 30, Oct. 31, 2006
Contact: Walter Quan (250) 356-1728; walter.quan@gov.bc.ca
www.bcartscouncil.ca

British Columbia Film
*Note: B.C. Film's program slate is subject to change. Check the website at www.bcfilm.bc.ca for up-to-date information.
Development
Project Development Fund: Provides "market-triggered" development financing for individual B.C.-based projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
Slate Development Fund: Offers a financing envelope for the development and marketing activities of a slate of projects.
International treaty coproductions and interprovincial coproductions are encouraged and are eligible, provided the project meets program guidelines.
Skills Development
Professional Internship Program: Supports the skills development of resident B.C. filmmakers in the areas of producing and television story editing through matching salary funding under the guidance of a veteran mentor.
Kick Start: In partnership with the Directors Guild of Canada ¬- B.C., offers funding annually for five emerging directors to produce a calling-card short film (see separate Kick Start listing).
Scholarship Program: Provides assistance to B.C. filmmakers chosen to attend professional skills development opportunities at the National Screen Institute-Canada or Canadian Film Centre.
Marketing opportunities
Passport to Markets Program: Supports B.C. film and television production companies, or sales agent/distributors on a case-by-case basis, to attend international markets, coproduction conferences/exchanges and a limited number of film festivals.
Canada Pavilion: Partners with Telefilm Canada and other provincial and federal agencies to offer cost-shared business centers at select international markets.
Tools of the Trade: A series of market-oriented sessions designed to bring the international marketplace to B.C. and raise the profile of the provincial film and television industry.
Contact: Lodi Butler, director, development initiatives and partnerships, (604) 736-7997, ext.102; bcf@bcfilm.bc.ca
www.bcfilm.bc.ca

Equity Capital Program
B.C. residents who invest in a Venture Capital Corporation that invests in eligible small-business ventures, including ongoing B.C. indigenous film production, can garner a 30% tax credit. A total of $5 million can be invested in one company. Investors must be B.C. residents or taxable corporations.
Contact: Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development,
ecp@tbc.gov.bc.ca
www.equitycapital.gov.bc.ca

Film Incentive BC
FIBC is an economic initiative of corporate refundable tax credits to encourage film and television production in British Columbia.
* The Basic Credit is 30% of qualified B.C. labor expenditures.
* The Regional Credit is 12.5% of qualified B.C. labor expenditures pro-rated by the number of days of principal photography in British Columbia outside of the designated Vancouver area to the total days of principal photography in B.C. This tax credit must be accessed in conjunction with the Basic Credit.
* The Training Credit is 30% of the amount paid to a B.C.-based individual registered in an approved training program. The tax credit is capped at 3% of the corporation's qualified B.C. labor expenditure and must be accessed in conjunction with the Basic Credit.
* The Digital Animation or Visual Effects (DAVE) tax credit is 15% of the B.C. labor expenditures directly attributable to digital animation or visual effects activities. This tax credit must be accessed in conjunction with the Basic Credit.
Criteria: The corporation claiming the tax credit must be B.C.-controlled and have controlling ownership of the copyright in the production. The production must achieve a minimum of 6/10 Canadian-content points. At least 75% of principal photography must be shot in B.C. and at least 75% of total production costs and 75% of post-production costs must be paid to B.C.-based individuals or companies for goods or services provided in British Columbia.
The Regional Credit is for productions that shoot a minimum of five days in B.C. outside of the designated Vancouver area, representing more than 50% of principal photography days in B.C.
Trainees must be registered in an approved training program for the Training Credit.
Special rules apply for treaty coproductions, interprovincial coproductions and documentaries.
Contact: Robert Wong, director, Tax Credit Program, (604) 736-7997, ext.104; bcf@bcfilm.bc.ca
www.bcfilm.bc.ca
Kick Start
Sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada, B.C. District Council, and British Columbia Film, Kick Start is designed for emerging filmmakers from B.C. The program assists five winning directors each year with the production of a 10-minute dramatic film or video.
Each recipient receives financial support in the amount of $20,000, plus post-production assistance from Rainmaker Digital Pictures, Post Modern Sound, Sharpe Sound and Finale Editworks. Projects are completed under the guidance of an experienced industry mentor.
Criteria: Applicants must be either a graduate from a post-secondary institution or a recognized film school, or possess equivalent experience in the film industry. Projects must be completed within a year and have a maximum cash budget of $50,000.
Deadline: Sept. 8, 2006
Contact: Jason Cameron, DGC B.C. District Council, (604) 688-2976; jcameron@dgcbc.com
www.dgcbc.com

OMNI Television Documentary Fund
As part of its acquisition of OMNI TV in Vancouver, Victoria and Winnipeg, Rogers Broadcasting committed at least $950,000 in benefits to assist independent producers in both British Columbia and Manitoba to develop and produce religious and faith-based documentaries.
The benefits package will be spent over seven years, with a maximum of $250,000 spent each year.
Eligible projects: Multi-faith stories, biographies and documentaries reflecting religious, spiritual, ethical and/or moral values that are either 30 or 60 minutes in length. Series of more than one 30- or 60-minute episode will also be considered. The program must qualify as "Canadian" and the producer must be a Canadian independent producer based in B.C. or Manitoba.
Deadlines: Dec. 15, Aug. 15
Contact: (416) 260-0047; 1-888-260-0047
www.omnibc.ca/info/funds/

Production Services Tax Credit
The PSTC is an economic initiative of corporate refundable tax credits to encourage film and television production in British Columbia.
* The Basic PSTC is 18% of accredited B.C. labor expenditures.
* The Regional PSTC is 6% of accredited B.C. labor expenditures prorated by the number of days of principal photography in British Columbia outside of the designated Vancouver area to the total days of principal photography in B.C. This tax credit must be accessed in conjunction with the Basic PSTC.
* The Digital Animation or Visual Effects tax credit is 15% of the accredited B.C. labor expenditures directly attributable to digital animation or visual effects activities. This tax credit must be accessed in conjunction with the Basic PSTC.
There is no limit on the amount of the PSTC that can be claimed with respect to production, and there is no limit on the amount of the PSTC that a corporation or corporation group can claim.
Criteria: The corporation must have a permanent establishment in B.C. and must either own the copyright in the production or be contracted directly with the copyright owner of the production to provide production services.
Minimum budget levels: For episodic television:
* Episodes that are less than a half-hour - $100,000 per episode.
* Episodes that are greater than a half-hour - $200,000 per episode.
* Where episodes are all or substantially all animated and are less than a half-hour ¬- $0.
* All other cases - $1 million.
Contact: Robert Wong, director, Tax Credit Program, (604) 736-7997, ext.104; bcf@bcfilm.bc.ca
www.bcfilm.bc.ca

MANITOBA

Manitoba Arts Council
The Manitoba Arts Council is an arm's-length agency of the provincial government dedicated to artistic excellence. The council uses peer assessment as the cornerstone of the granting process.
Development $$$: The Film/Video Script Development Grant offers up to $6,000 to aid in the research/creation of scripts or may be used as a living allowance (up to $1,500 per month).
Production $$$: The Film/Video Project Grant offers up to $6,000 for a range of development- and production-related costs.
The Film/Video Production Grant offers up to $20,000, which may be applied to any aspect of production or post-production.
Travel/PD $$$: The Travel/PD Grant offers a grant of up to $1,500 to assist with activities of short duration that contribute to professional, artistic development.
Criteria: The main criterion used to award grants is artistic merit. Applicant must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and have been a Manitoba resident for at least 12 months prior to the deadline date to which they submit an application. They must also be fully independent creator/directors having full control over all aspects of the creation/production of the work for which they are seeking a grant.
Only Manitoba directors and writers are eligible to apply.
Eligible projects: Dramas, documentaries, animation and experimental films and videos.
Ineligible are TV pilots, instructional, promotional and industrial films and music videos.
Best bets: Artistic and innovative projects without an educational or commercial motivation.
Contact: Marian Butler, program consultant, visual arts/film/video, (204) 945-0399; 1-866-994-2787 (in Manitoba); mbutler@artscouncil.mb.ca
www.artscouncil.mb.ca

Manitoba Film and Sound Recording Development Corporation
Development $$$: Through the Market Driven Development Financing Program, a development loan is committed according to the following phases:
1. Concept to fully developed treatment: up to 50% of approved eligible costs, capped at $5,000 for television and $7,500 for feature film.
2. Treatment to first-draft screenplay: up to 50% of approved eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 for television and $12,000 for feature film.
3. First-draft screenplay to final-draft screenplay: up to 50% of approved eligible costs, dependent upon amount accessed in other phases as total development financing. Has maximums based on project genre category and length.
Total development financing for television cannot exceed $25,000 for one project, $30,000 for two projects, and $40,000 for three projects or more.
Total development financing for feature films cannot exceed $35,000 for one project, $40,000 for two projects, and $45,000 for three projects or more.
Criteria: Applicants must have confirmed funding in place from a third-party source and a broadcaster's cash commitment of 20% of the budget for the development of the project for TV or a strong letter of interest from a distributor for feature film. When the writer is part of the production company applying, they must defer 50% of the writer's fee until the first day of principal photography. Where there is a cash contribution from a third-party broadcaster or distributor, no writer deferral is required.
Production $$$: Under the Production Financing Program, MF&S will assist in the financing of fully developed features and TV programs through equity investments. Investment in any production will not normally exceed the lesser of 20% of the total production budget, or 30% of the portion of the Manitoba expenditure of the budget. Dramatic series are capped at $750,000 (depending on number of episodes), theatrical features and MOWs at $400,000, and docs at $100,000.
Eligible projects: Drama, children's programming, docs, animation and variety.
Deadlines: TV production financing - April 3, 2006; feature film production financing - none, submissions may be made throughout the year
The Low Budget Feature Film Development Financing Program: This program is designed to assist eligible applicants with the development of viable low-budget dramatic feature film projects, which demonstrate script excellence, risk-taking and a unique cinematic voice. Funding decisions will be based on a subjective assessment and will be assessed by an independent jury.
Total development financing in the form of a recoupable loan shall not exceed $25,000.
The three identified phases for which funding is available are:
* Treatment to first draft: 100% of approved eligible expenses up to $10,000.
* First to second draft: up to 75% of approved eligible expenses up to $7,500.
* Final draft and packaging: up to 50% of approved eligible expenses, depending on amount accessed in other phases.
Opps for outside producers: Applicants must be Manitoba residents or companies with a head office in Manitoba. Domestic and foreign coproductions qualify provided the Manitoba producer has an equitable share in corporate control, copyright, management and creative decision-making proportionate to the number of partners.
Contact: Dani Jubinville (204) 947-2040; dani@mbfilmsound.mb.ca
www.mbfilmsound.mb.ca

Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit
The MFVPTC provides production companies with a 45% base tax credit on eligible Manitoba labor expenditures plus two bonuses of 5% each (tax credit rate can reach 55%).
Criteria: Applicants must have a permanent establishment in Manitoba, be incorporated in Canada, and be a taxable Canadian corporation that primarily carries on the business of film and video production. A minimum 25% of the corporation's employee salaries and wages must be paid to eligible Manitoba employees for work performed in Manitoba.
Frequent-filming bonus: The frequent-filming bonus increases the tax credit by 5% on the third film shot within a two-year period. Keep the 5% bonus on subsequent projects by maintaining production activity so that there are always three films in any two-year period.
Rural and northern bonus: Qualify for the 5% rural bonus when at least 50% of the Manitoba production days take place at least 35 kilometers from Winnipeg's center.
Deeming: When there is no willing, available, and qualified Manitoban to fill a position, a non-resident's salary may qualify for the tax credit as long as the non-resident supervises the training of at least one Manitoban. Eligible non-resident salaries are capped at 20% of total eligible Manitoba expenditures if at least two Manitoba residents are trained per non-resident, and capped at 10% if one Manitoba resident is trained per non-resident.
Eligible projects: Fully financed TV movies, docs, features, dramatic series, animation, children's programming, music programming, informational series, variety, multimedia, digital and CD-ROM productions.
Opps for outside producers: Coproductions qualify. There are no Canada or Manitoba content requirements. No copyright ownership is required.
Contact: Sebastien Nasse (204) 947-2040; sebastien@mbfilmsound.mb.ca
www.mbfilmsound.mb.ca

OMNI Television Documentary Fund
As part of its acquisition of OMNI TV in Vancouver, Victoria and Winnipeg, Rogers Broadcasting committed at least $950,000 in benefits to assist independent producers in both British Columbia and Manitoba to develop and produce religious and faith-based documentaries.
The benefits package will be spent over seven years, with a maximum of $250,000 spent each year.
Eligible projects: Multi-faith stories, biographies and documentaries reflecting religious, spiritual, ethical and/or moral values that are either 30 or 60 minutes in length. Series of more than one 30- or 60-minute episode will also be considered. The program must qualify as "Canadian" and the producer must be a Canadian independent producer based in B.C. or Manitoba.
Deadlines: Dec. 15, Aug. 15
Contact: (416) 260-0047; 1-888-260-0047
www.omnibc.ca/info/funds/

NEW BRUNSWICK

New Brunswick Film
Development $$$: Non-interest-bearing development loans up to 40% of approved budget, capped at $35,000 for features, miniseries and MOWs, and $20,000 for other projects.
Eligibility: New Brunswick producers or New Brunswick producers working on a coproduction project.
Production $$$: NB Film makes equity investments in projects with sufficient recoupment and profit potential and remaining financing in place.
NB Film's participation is capped at $300,000 for dramatic series and features; $300,000 for TV miniseries and MOWs; $150,000 for doc features; and $100,000 for docs 60 minutes and under, in projects with a significant benefit to the province's film industry.
Opps for outside producers: Coproductions between indigenous producers and out-of-province or international partners are supported as long as they meet New Brunswick requirements.
Contact: Ghislain Labbe (506) 869-6875; nbfilm@gnb.ca
www.nbfilm.com

New Brunswick Labour Incentive Film Tax Credit
The tax credit can equal up to 40% of wages paid to New Brunswick residents. Salaries in excess of 50% of total production costs are not eligible. Under certain conditions, NB Film will waiver non-New Brunswick residents when qualified New Brunswick residents are not available, and these employees would be eligible for the tax credit. The project must pay at least 25% of salaries to New Brunswick residents.
Contact: Ghislain Labbe (506) 869-6875; nbfilm@gnb.ca
www.nbfilm.com

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Video Industry Tax Credit
The Film and Video Tax Credit is a fully refundable corporate income tax credit administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation for the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Finance. The program encourages the development, training and hiring of Newfoundland film personnel in all disciplines.
The tax credit provides incentives to the private film and television production industry to create economic growth in the province. The credit is based on a calculation of eligible labor limited to the lesser of 25% of the total eligible budget or 40% of the total eligible labor expenditures.
Criteria: At least 25% of the total salaries and wages must be paid in Newfoundland and Labrador to eligible employees.
Contact: Chris Bonnell, executive director (acting), 1-877-738-3456; fax (709) 739-1680; chris@nlfdc.ca
www.nlfdc.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation
Equity Investment Program: The NLFDC will provide production assistance in the form of equity investment to eligible producers for the financing of productions. For the purposes of these guidelines, equity investment means a financial contribution by the NLFDC, to be repaid from earned revenue resulting from the production.
The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure maximum employment and growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador film and video industry. The NLFDC will normally provide a maximum of 20% contribution of the overall costs of the project. Money may be used at the scriptwriting level, through production, post-production, distribution and marketing.
Criteria: Only incorporated Newfoundland and Labrador film and video production companies may apply. Individuals, non-incorporated groups or licensed broadcasters are not eligible.
Opps for outside producers: For interprovincial and foreign coproductions, Newfoundland and Labrador-based producers must hold majority interest in the project, which must have sufficient Canadian content to be certifiable.
Development Program (an element of the EIP): The NLFDC will provide a loan to qualified applicants to support the essential process of development which takes an idea through the stages of research, writing, market analysis and costing. Support for the development of a project does not, in any way, guarantee funding by the NLFDC in later stages of the project.
Contact: Chris Bonnell, executive director (acting), 1-877-738-3456; fax (709) 739-1680; chris@nlfdc.ca
www.nlfdc.ca

NOVA SCOTIA

Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation
Development $$$: Interest-free loans of up to one-third of the total development budget expended in Nova Scotia to a limit of $15,000, which must be repaid in full on the first day of principal photography or the transfer of the project to a third party. The development loan may be rolled into an equity investment.
Criteria: With the exception of feature film projects, the NSFDC requires financial commitments from broadcasters.
Production $$$: Equity investments based on that portion of the production budget expended in Nova Scotia, capped at $250,000.
Criteria: The NSFDC requires commitments from distributors for the theatrical release of feature films and financial commitments from broadcasters for television projects.
Eligible projects: TV series, specials, and feature films.
Opps for outside producers: Coproductions are eligible, but applicants must be Nova Scotia-based production companies or residents of Nova Scotia for the previous 12 months.
Other $$$: The New Media Program provides financial assistance through equity investments for interactive productions that are related to a television or feature film project.
The Feature Film Distribution Assistance Program provides a recoupable advance to assist with the theatrical release costs of a Nova Scotia-produced feature film.
Deadlines: February, May, September 2006 (subject to change)
Contact: Linda Wood (902) 424-7181
www.film.ns.ca

Nova Scotia Film Industry Tax Credit
A fully refundable corporate income tax credit of 35% for productions shooting in downtown Halifax and 40% for areas 30 kilometers or more from the city core. The tax credit is the same for both domestic and service projects.
An additional 5% frequent-filming bonus is offered to companies on the third film that commences principal photography within a two-year period.
Foreign productions are eligible, but the applying producer must have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia.
Contact: Shelley Creighton (902) 424-7177; creighsi@gov.ns.ca
www.film.ns.ca

ONTARIO

CJOH-TV/CTV Television Development Fund
Development $$$: An annual budget of $50,000 is administered for concept and script development. Up to $5,000 is available in interest-free loans, repayable on the first day of principal photography. If the project does not go into production, the loan is not repayable.
CJOH-TV acquires the right to consider further development or production of the project for six months from delivery of final material.
Criteria: Applicants must be Ottawa-based production companies or indie producers, writers or directors working in the CJOH broadcast area (eastern Ontario, but excluding western Quebec).
Eligible projects: All programming for TV.
Best bets: Preference is given to concepts that lend themselves to local production, with emphasis on the children's, drama and variety categories.
Other $$$: Grants are available for professional development activities.
Deadlines: Quarterly - Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1, Nov. 1, 2006. Submit anytime.
Contact: Maggie Ker (613) 274-4414; mker@ctv.ca; ctvottawa@ctv.ca

Director Advisor Program
(a program of the Directors Guild of Canada - Ontario)
Development $$$: The Directors Guild of Canada - Ontario, provides up to $50,000 per year for the Director Advisor Program, administered by the Cogeco Program Development Fund. Ontario-based producers may apply for funding in the form of non-repayable grants, up to a maximum of $5,000, for a director advisor to work with the screenwriter on script development.
Deadlines: March 1, July 1, Oct. 1, 2006
Criteria: Projects must have a development commitment from a Canadian broadcaster and intend to shoot their project in Ontario. Producers must be independent and Canadian, and the selected director advisor must be a member, in good standing, with the DGC.
Eligible projects: Dramatic TV series, MOWs or miniseries
Contact: (416) 977-8966; info@ipf.ca
www.ipf.ca

OMNI Television
As part of the licensing approval process for OMNI.2, Rogers Media Television made a $50-million commitment to finance the independent production of ethnic/third-language documentary and drama programming, and to support multilingual/multicultural public service projects. Within this commitment, OMNI Television has dedicated $32.5 million to fund the independent production of ethnic/third-language documentary and drama programs over a seven-year period (2009).
Eligible projects: Programs must:
* Qualify as Canadian in accordance with CRTC regulations.
* Be produced in a language other than English, French or an aboriginal language (special consideration and additional funding will be given to programs that also propose additional audio track[s] in English or French).
* Be either 30 or 60 minutes in length. Series of more than one 30- or 60-minute episode will also be considered. (Programs of any shorter or longer length will still be considered on an exceptional basis).
* Fit the CRTC definition of an "ethnic program."
Deadlines: No deadlines; review periods are throughout the year.
Contact: 1-888-260-0047
www.omnitv.ca

Ontario Arts Council
Grants to Media Artists: Mid-Career and Established: Production grants are available for independent Ontario artists using film or video as a form of creative expression. This program does not fund commercial film or television projects.
Eligibility: This program is open to Ontario-based professional media artists who have completed at least two independent works. Projects with budgets of $300,000 or less, in the following categories, are eligible: documentary, drama, experimental, animation, dance film/video, media art installation, new media and any fusion of the above forms.
Deadlines: April 18, Oct. 2, 2006
Grants to Media Artists: Emerging: Production grants up to $5,000 are available for first-time and emerging Ontario film or video artists undertaking original projects. This program does not fund commercial film or television projects.
Eligibility: Independent projects initiated by the applicant, where the applicant (director) has creative and editorial control. The project budget must not exceed $75,000.
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2006
For more information, and to download guidelines and application forms, visit the OAC website.
Contact: Mark Haslam, media and visual arts officer, (416) 969-7453, 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7453, mhaslam@arts.on.ca
www.arts.on.ca

Ontario Media Development Corporation
The Ontario Media Development Corporation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, provides a wide range of programs and services to stimulate the growth of the province's film and television, interactive digital media, music, and book and magazine publishing industries. OMDC's mandate is to build innovation, capacity and competitiveness in Ontario by working with the cultural media industries to maximize opportunities.
Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit: OFTTC is a refundable tax credit available to eligible Ontario-based, Canadian-controlled corporations of 30% of qualified Ontario labor expenditures on or after Jan. 1, 2005 for eligible Canadian film and television productions.
Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit: OCASE is a refundable tax credit to Ontario-based, Canadian- and foreign-controlled corporations of 20% of qualifying Ontario labor expenditures for computer animation and digital visual effects created in Ontario for eligible film and television productions.
Ontario Production Services Tax Credit: OPSTC is a refundable tax credit to eligible Ontario-based, Canadian- and foreign-controlled corporations of 18% of qualified Ontario labor expenditures on or after Jan. 1, 2005 for eligible film and television productions.
OMDC also administers the Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit, the Ontario Sound Recording Tax Credit and the Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit.
Industry initiatives help entrepreneurs in Ontario's cultural media industries solidify and expand their businesses by providing professional development, product innovation, and domestic and international market opportunities. For the latest initiatives available to Ontario's content producers, go to OMDC's website.
Contact: (416) 314-6858; fax (416) 314-6876; mail@omdc.on.ca
www.omdc.on.ca
SUN TV Funds
SUN TV commissions original programs from independent producers, in a variety of genres, from two funds totaling $15.4 million.
New Voices Fund: Supports the development and licensing of culturally diverse programming produced in English, targeted to second- and third-generation Canadian viewers.
Priority Program Fund: Supports the development and licensing of programs that meet CRTC priority programming criteria.
Eligible projects: Ontario-based producers with culturally diverse, upbeat and entertaining concepts for viewers 25 to 54, that can harness the cross-platform marketing synergy of SUN Media (Toronto Sun, 24 Hours, Canoe).
SUN TV is open to interprovincial copros and shared windows with other broadcasters, and is currently looking for low-budget general-entertainment programming (variety, performance, lifestyle and reality series).
Guidelines and submission forms are available on the SUN TV website.
Deadlines: Proposals are accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Contact: Derek Luis, executive director, independent production; derek.luis@suntv.canoe.ca; submissions: submissions@suntv.canoe.ca
www.suntv.canoe.ca

Toronto Arts Council Grants to Media Artists Program
Production and post $$$: Two levels of grants are available for independent film- and video-makers who are residents of the City of Toronto: level-one grants are for emerging artists and are a maximum of $4,000; level-two grants are for mid-career and senior artists and are a maximum of $10,000.
Criteria: Artists must retain full copyright, financial and creative control over projects, and the total budget (including development and post) must not exceed $200,000.
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2006
Contact: Bill Huffman (416) 392-6802 ext. 208; bill@torontoartscouncil.org
www.torontoartscouncil.org

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Technology PEI
Technology PEI provides assistance and related services programs to private-sector film and television companies offering sustainable job and wealth creation opportunities in Prince Edward Island. The agency delivers a number of programs designed to assist in the funding of new film and television projects and to provide support to producers and filmmakers. These include:
Innovation & Development Tax Credit: The IDTC provides a rebate of 52.5% against eligible P.E.I. labor expenditures to qualifying producers of eligible film and television productions. Corporations must be at least 51% owned by a Prince Edward Island resident and have a permanent establishment in the province.
Development Loan Program: Where a broadcaster has made a financial commitment to the development process, Technology PEI may support the process of project development by providing a non-interest-bearing loan for up to one-third of the proposed development budget to a maximum of $25,000.
Short Film Program: Technology PEI provides financial assistance to new P.E.I. filmmakers in order to produce a short film. The grant may be up to 25% of total costs of production to a maximum of $10,000.
Marketing Assistance Program: Financial assistance is available to producers to assist in research, market investigation, advertising and promotion, audience development, market participation and festival attendance. Assistance levels vary according to the type of activity, ranging from 25% to 40% of expenditures to a maximum of $16,000.
Atlantic Canada Film Partners Program: As a member of the Atlantic Canada Film Partners Program, Technology PEI has funds available to producers and filmmakers for market travel, promotion and professional development assistance.
Other $$$: Technology PEI may also provide assistance with information technology needs assessments and implementation, professional services and other areas to qualifying film, television and new media companies.
Contact: Business Investment Division - Film, Television & New Media (902) 368-5336; 1-800-563-3734, ext 5; ndroberts@gov.pe.ca
www.techpei.com

QUEBEC

Fonds d'investissement de la culture et des communications
Sponsored by Fonds de solidarite FTQ and SODEC, this $30-million venture-capital fund invests in capital stock and makes syndicated investments and quasi-equity investments in certified Quebec companies in the cultural industries sectors. Maximum investment is $2 million. Following an agreement with its partners, the capitalization of this fund will reach up to $60 million.
Eligible projects: Projects from TV and multimedia production and distribution companies.
Contact: Maurice Prud'homme, CEO (514)394-0700; infoweb@ficc.qc.ca
www.ficc.qc.ca

La Financière des entreprises culturelles (FIDEC)
FIDEC is a limited partnership sponsored by public and private funds with a capital of $45 million. FIDEC has been established to make available financing adapted to various segments of the cultural sector, including film and television production.
$$$: FIDEC provides gap financing generally covering up to a maximum of 20% of the production's financial structure to a maximum of $5 million per project. Financing is evaluated according to the sales potential of the product on international markets.
Criteria: Quebec and foreign companies engaged in strategic alliances with a Quebec company or which maintain a stable place of business in Quebec and whose projects generate significant economic spin-off in Quebec.
Other $$$: Acquisition of rights to a maximum of $2 million per project and a maximum of 10% of the capital committed by FIDEC in respect to a given company.
Contact: Pierre Leblanc, general manager, (514) 940-2200; 1-877-613-3312; fax (514) 940-1528; pleblanc@fidecinvest.com
www.fidecinvest.com

Quebec Refundable Tax Credit Program
A content tax credit, administered by SODEC, which covers 29.16% of eligible manpower costs incurred by a qualified Quebec company and paid to an individual or company established in Quebec.
$$$: The credit is capped at 14.58% of a production's budget, 19.68% in the case of eligible French-language feature films and single documentaries, 19.68% for large-format films, and 24.28% in the case of regional productions (in Quebec but out of the Montreal region) produced by eligible outside-Montreal producers.
The credit in all content categories is capped at $2,187,500 per production.
Criteria: Quebec residents must control companies. The producer (in title) must be a Quebec resident. Certification for a production of over 75 minutes stipulates that at least 75% of production expenditures, excluding key creative personnel fees and financing costs, and at least 75% of post-production expenditures, are spent in Quebec. A point system also applies to these productions.
Productions of less than 75 minutes qualify if a minimum 75% of production costs, excluding financing costs, are incurred in Quebec. SODEC guarantees loans to producers of up to 90% of the anticipated credit.
Eligible projects: Features, MOWs, documentaries and documentary series, children's, live-action, animated, and certain variety, cultural talk shows and magazine programs.
Feature films (excluding coproductions) must either:
* Obtain a minimum of 6/10 points based on the scale for creative staff according to which points are awarded regarding individuals who resided in Quebec on Dec. 31 of the year preceding the year during which an application for an advance ruling is filed with SODEC regarding the production; or
* Obtain a minimum of 7/10 points based on the scale for creative staff according to which a minimum of five points is awarded regarding individuals who resided in Quebec on Dec. 31 of the year preceding the year during which an application for an advance ruling is filed with SODEC regarding the production.
A maximum of two points is awarded to an individual who was a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident on Dec. 31 of the year preceding the year during which an application for an advance ruling is filed with SODEC regarding the production.
The producer must be a Quebec resident on Dec. 31 of the year preceding the year during which an application for an advance ruling is filed with SODEC regarding the production.
Opps for outside producers: Coproductions qualify if a minimum of 75% of production costs (of the Quebec portion of the budget) is spent in Quebec. The basic credit is calculated on the Quebec portion of the budget.
Refundable Tax Credit for Film and Television Production Services: The tax credit is equivalent to 20% of eligible labor costs incurred in respect to eligible productions for services rendered in Quebec and paid to taxpayers residing in Quebec. A 20% enhancement is granted for animation and special effects.
Special Effects & CGI Top-up: An additional credit may be added to both the Quebec-content and production services credits for special effects-related and CGI-related costs incurred in Quebec. The CGI top-up is scaled in a manner that maximizes the credit for Quebec-content productions at 20% of the budget, and 40% of labor expenses related to eligible activities for service productions.
Contact: Stéphane Cardin, general director, tax credit programs, (514) 841-2200; 1-800-363-0401
www.sodec.gouv.qc.ca

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles-Quebec (SODEC)
SODEC has $26 million available annually through a series of investment and grant programs.
Development $$$: SODEC has $2.4 million in support available annually at the screenwriting stage.
Production $$$: $19.5 million in support is available annually at the production phase.
Other $$$: $2.9 million is allotted annually to support exhibitors, festivals and other Quebec film events, distribution of foreign films in theaters with limited exhibition, corporate loans and export assistance.
Eligible projects: Short and feature fiction and POV docs.
In addition, $1.6 million in support is available annually through SODEC's Young Creators program (ages 18 to 35).
Eligible projects: Short, medium and feature fiction and POV docs.
Contact: Alain Rondeau (514) 841-2200; 1-800-363-0401
www.sodec.gouv.qc.ca

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan Arts Board Individual Assistance Grant Program
Development/Production/Post $$$: Creation/Production Grants "A" - $20,000, "B" - $12,000, "C" - $4,000. Applicants may apply for development, preproduction, production or post-production expenses as individual projects. Applicants are eligible for only one grant in a 12-month period and cannot have more than one active grant at a time with the arts board.
Other $$$: Professional development grants to a maximum of $10,000 at the "A" level. Research grants to a maximum of $5,000 at the "A" level. Travel assistance can also be applied for under this program.
Criteria: Applicants must be Saskatchewan residents who have lived in the province for a minimum of one year and have artistic and editorial control over the proposed project.
Eligible projects: All productions except pilots for commercial or educational television, instructional and promotional projects, corporate or industrial projects, projects commissioned by educational institutions or social affairs agencies. Producers are ordinarily ineligible.
Deadlines: March 15, Oct. 1, 2006.
Contact: Doug Townsend, visual and media arts consultant, (306) 787-4056; 1-800-667-7526 (Saskatchewan only); doug@artsboard.sk.ca
www.artsboard.sk.ca

CTV Saskatchewan Program Development Fund
Development $$$: With an annual budget of $50,000, CTV Saskatchewan administers interest-free loans, usually to a maximum of $8,000, toward the development of program concepts and scripts from Saskatchewan-based producers. Loans are repayable only upon the property going into production. CTV Saskatchewan takes an option on the project with a first right of refusal to license the project.
Criteria: Development budget, synopsis and producer must be attached to the project.
Eligible projects: Entertainment, dramatic and documentary programs suitable for TV broadcast.
Deadlines: Aug. 31, Nov. 30, Feb. 28, May 31
Contact: (306) 665-9291; fax (306) 665-0450

Saskatchewan Film & Video Development Corporation (SaskFilm)
SaskFilm stimulates and fosters the development and growth of Saskatchewan's film, television and interactive industry through a number of programs.
Development loans: Dramatic projects, depending on which phase the producer is applying for and what genre the project is, can apply for a maximum of between $3,000 and $20,000 (but not more than 40% of the approved budget). Non-dramatic projects can apply for a maximum of $7,000 or $10,000 for series (but not more than 40% of the approved budget).
Best bets: Saskatchewan-based producers with demonstrated capabilities to undertake the project as proposed; projects with significant marketplace interest; and projects that are designed for export.
Deadline: None; ongoing throughout fiscal year.
MAX Equity Investment Program: SaskFilm may provide equity investments in eligible dramatic projects where there is significant benefit to the province's film and television industry and where the potential of recoupment and profits are sufficiently high as demonstrated in the application.
This is a competitive program open to Saskatchewan-based producers that will provide equity investment in support of eligible production costs to a maximum of the lessor of 15% of the approved budget, or $75,000.
Deadlines: Check the website periodically for updates.
Filmmakers Program: This initiative provides financial assistance to the province's filmmakers for the production of films or videos in any genre, including experimental, art films, documentary or drama.
SaskFilm may provide up to 40% of the approved budget to a maximum of $15,000. Financing will be a non-interest-bearing loan, with a life span of three years, at which point the filmmaker may apply for forbearance of the loan, if required.
Projects will be assessed on the significance of their cultural and artistic merit; the opportunity for professional development and employment they provide to the creators; and the extent to which they advance the filmmaker's career.
Deadlines: Oct. 1 and March 1 of each year.
Documentary Fund: A competitive program that provides equity investment in support of eligible production costs to a maximum of the lesser of 15% of the approved budget or $20,000 for a single production or a maximum of the lesser of 15% or $40,000 for a series of a minimum of three episodes.
The fund supports Saskatchewan-based documentary productions that result in significant benefit to the provincial film and video industry.
Deadline: Check the website periodically for updates.
Writer in Residence Program: Aims to help Saskatchewan writers develop their craft, as well as increase industry accessibility for Saskatchewan screenplays.
A maximum of five screenplays will be selected to undergo a process of ongoing script consultation with a writer in residence. Successful applicants are given preset timelines to complete a full screenplay, rewrite and polish.
Deadline: Check the website periodically for updates.
Market Travel Assistance Program: SaskFilm may provide financial assistance to Saskatchewan-based producers to travel to approved program markets. Up to 50% of the approved travel budget to the following maximums is provided: travel within Saskatchewan, $250; travel within Canada, $1,500; travel within the U.S., $2,000; travel outside North America, $3,000.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to event.
Festival/Competition Travel Assistance Program: Saskatchewan residents who are nominated for awards or whose film or television production is invited to compete or screen at major industry events can receive up to 50% of the approved travel budget, to a total maximum of $1,000 per event.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to event.
Opps for outside producers: Coproductions from outside the province may be considered if there is a qualified Saskatchewan coproducer who is sharing in the financial and creative risks and rewards. Priority is given to coproductions in which the Saskatchewan producer plays a central creative and business role throughout the project.
Contacts:
* Rhonda Slugoski, program coordinator, (306) 798-3317;
rhonda@saskfilm.com
* Karen Henders, program officer, (306) 798-3317;
kphenders@saskfilm.com
www.saskfilm.com

Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit
Production $$$: In late 2005, this program underwent significant changes and now offers tax credits of up to 55% per project. The base tax credit will now rebate 45% of the total wages of all Saskatchewan and deemed labor (labor is capped at 50% of the production budget). Twenty-five percent of a production's total labor costs can be eligible for deeming.
The tax credit can be paid on deemed labor being approved non-Saskatchewan labor. Deemed labor can include both below-the-line positions and above-the-line positions, such as producers, directors, writers and talent.
In addition, the program provides for a bonus of 5% of total Saskatchewan expenditures for productions based 40 kilometers outside the province's two major cities (Regina and Saskatoon). The enhanced program also offers an additional 5% tax rebate for visiting and local producers who hire Saskatchewan residents in 6/10 in specified positions ranging from production coordinator to production designer.
Eligible projects: Drama, variety, animation, children's, music, educational, informational series, or documentary projects intended for television, cinema, videotape, digital, CD-ROM, multimedia and non-theatrical production.
Criteria: Must have a permanent establishment in Saskatchewan. Must pay at least 25% of its salaries and wages to Saskatchewan resident employees. Cannot be a shareholder in a Canadian broadcaster or specialty channel. Cannot be controlled by a corporation based outside Saskatchewan.
Opps for outside producers: An out-of-province company would co-venture with a Saskatchewan production company in one of two ways:
* Form a single-purpose company headquartered in Saskatchewan for the sole purpose of producing the project. This single-purpose entity would not have to share in copyright ownership, but would have to meet all requirements as set out for production company eligibility above, and the Saskatchewan partner would have at least 50% control of the entity.
* Set up a coproduction between an eligible Saskatchewan-based company and an out-of-province company or companies. In this case, the Saskatchewan-based company must be the entity applying for and receiving the credit.
There are no copyright requirements, no Canadian- or Saskatchewan-content requirements, and no corporate or project caps.
Contact: Susanne Bell, acting CEO and film commissioner, (306) 798-3457; fax (306) 798-7768;
bell@saskfilm.com
www.saskfilm.com

YUKON

Yukon Film & Sound Commission
The Yukon Film & Sound Commission has three funds aimed at encouraging the growth and development of the Yukon film industry.
Film Development Fund: This fund can provide up to 50% of the Yukon expenditures to a maximum of $35,000, or 33% of the total project expenses, whichever is less. This includes the following four phases: concept to fully developed script; treatment to first-draft script; first-draft to final-draft screenplay; polish/rewrites and preproduction expenses.
An additional $10,000 may be awarded for costs associated with training and mentoring a Yukon screenwriter.
The total contribution may not exceed 75% of the total project costs.
Criteria: Applicants must be Yukon residents or Yukon-registered corporations (majority owned by Yukon residents) whose primary business is film production. Applicants must own 51% of the project, and must have a broadcast development agreement with a licensed broadcaster or a distribution arrangement.
Broadcasters and distributors are not eligible.
Deadlines: None. Applications accepted throughout the year.
Film Production Fund: This fund offers a maximum project contribution of $500,000.
For productions controlled by a Yukon resident or corporation, the contribution will be based on 30% of Yukon expenditures, or 30% of total production costs, whichever is less.
For coproductions, the contribution will be based on 30% of Yukon expenditures, or 20% of total production costs, whichever is less.
Criteria: The applicant must be a Yukon-registered corporation (at least 51% owned by Yukon residents) whose primary business is film production, and must own controlling interest in the project. In the case of coproductions, the coproduction company must be registered in the Yukon.
Deadlines: None. Applications accepted throughout the year.
Yukon Filmmakers Fund: This fund was launched in 1999 to assist Yukon film and video professionals develop viable careers and to support the training and development of the Yukon film industry.
$$$: Up to $5,000 to cover costs from development to final edit.
Criteria: Applicant must be a Yukon resident or corporation and must retain 100% copyright in the production.
Deadlines: June 1, Dec. 1, 2006
Contact: Iris Merritt (867) 667 5400; iris.merritt@gov.yk.ca
www.reelyukon.com

Yukon Film Location Incentive Fund
Production $$$: The Yukon Film Location Incentive is a fund-based subsidy offering a labor rebate of up to 35% of wages paid to eligible Yukon labor, capped at 50% of total Yukon expenditures. Yukon labor must equal or exceed 25% of the total person days on the Yukon portion of the production.
Opps for outside producers: The company does not have to be registered in the Yukon. Since this is a rebate program, it pays much more quickly than conventional refundable tax credits.
Eligibility: Projects must be a dramatic TV program, feature film or documentary with a broadcast licence.
Yukon Travel Rebate: Dramatic TV productions and feature films can apply for up to 50% of travel costs between Vancouver and Whitehorse, according to the following formula: multiply $2,000 by the number of days the production is in the Yukon to a maximum of $15,000, or 15% of total Yukon expenditures (other than subsidized labor), whichever is less. The travel portion of this rebate also applies to commercials.
Eligibility: As above.
Contact: Iris Merritt (867) 667-5400; info@reelyukon.com
www.reelyukon.com