This program supports Canadian independent producers in creating high-quality, provocative, and original documentaries that reflect Canada’s excellence in documentary filmmaking. It aims to help filmmakers share their work with the widest possible audience, ensuring creative treatment of reality and a lasting cultural impact.

Benefits

• Grants of up to $100,000 per project in the form of non-recoupable advances.
• Access to $3.5 million in total annual funding for Canadian documentaries.
• Funding is available for documentaries licensed by national Canadian broadcasters, cable channels, or online platforms.
• Supports both English and French language productions, with resources allocated accordingly.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicant Eligibility:

• Open to Canadian independent producers, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and joint ventures.
• Official treaty co-productions and co-ventures are eligible.
• Applicants must have a commitment from a qualifying platform (broadcast, cable, or streaming) available to Canadian audiences.

Project Eligibility:

• Must achieve Canadian content status with a minimum of 6 out of 10 points per CAVCO/CRTC rules.
• Documentaries must be at least 30 minutes long and employ a creative approach to reality.
• Mini-series (up to 5 episodes) are eligible if linked by a central theme.
• Budgets must include closed captioning and described video.
• Theatrical releases are eligible if pre-sold to a national broadcaster or platform.
• Projects must not be delivered before the application deadline, but principal photography may commence earlier.

Application Requirements:

• Detailed industry-standard production budget and shooting schedule.
• Written platform commitment guaranteeing prime-time broadcast or online availability within two years.
• Detailed project synopsis and treatment describing the subject matter and creative approach.
• Resumes and background information for the producer and key creative team members.
• Proof of secured and committed financing.