Telefilm Canada announces key changes to its Production Program for 2025-2026

Press Release

Oct. 31, 2024

Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce a series of updates to its Production Program for 2025-2026, aimed at streamlining processes, improving efficiency and strengthening sustainability within the Canadian audiovisual industry. These updates are aligned with the objectives of Telefilm’s 2024-2027 strategic plan, focused on maximizing impact through the simplification and harmonization of its programs and supporting a more sustainable industry.

Program updates:

1. Framework for minority co-productions: New funding approach for minority co-productions with a Canadian share of 30% or less, with specific submission dates and a simplified evaluation process focused on project viability.

2. Simplified recoupment structures: We are simplifying our recoupment language to only look at the amount of Telefilm financing when determining the form of Telefilm’s participation and recoupment.

3. Expanded carbon footprint reporting requirement: In response to our sustainability goals, we have expanded the carbon footprint reporting requirement to all financed productions with budgets over $500,000 (excluding post-production applications).

4. Simplified application process: A reduction in the number of required documents and new templates will simplify the application process for applicants.

5. Alignment with SODEC’s decision dates for French-language projects: French-language projects will have the choice of submitting either in late Fall or early Summer, for both low and big budgets. Decision dates will thus be aligned, as best as possible, with those of SODEC.

6. Refined evaluation criteria: The updated criteria clarify the pre-selection process and specify that applicants’ history in meeting their contractual obligations towards Telefilm is taken into account when assessing their track record.

7. Flexibility for Indigenous projects: Telefilm will explore greater flexibility for projects involving international Indigenous creative talent by gathering industry feedback to define future guidelines.

More details on the Production Program are available here.

“The changes we are making to the program reflect our commitment to proactively respond to the realities of our ever-changing Canadian film industry,” says Francesca Accinelli, Senior Vice President, Program Strategy and Industry Development, Telefilm Canada. “By aligning our processes with the needs and priorities of the industry, we are supporting Canadian and Indigenous cinema that shines both at home and abroad. These updates ensure greater transparency, simplify and strengthen our support for our creators.”

These changes, developed in consultation with the industry, demonstrate Telefilm’s commitment to supporting Canadian and Indigenous creators with flexible and transparent programs.

About Telefilm Canada

As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on X at x.com/Telefilm_Canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

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Media contact

Joyce Richards
Advisor, Public Relations
Telefilm Canada
Joyce.Richards@telefilm.ca

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