“Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about.”
-Steven Spielberg

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) offers film development and production grants through its Feature Film Project (FPP) – a development plus production focused mentorship program for emerging Canadian dramatic feature filmmakers.

Established by the Canadian Film Centre in 1992, and acting as Executive Producer, the Feature Film Project is provides supervision and up to 100% of the necessary financing for the development, production, distribution and marketing of dramatic feature films.

The Feature Film Project is awards 2 different grants:

1. Ultra-low Budget HD Feature (projects that can completed with a budget of up to $250 000): For example, High definition (HD) digital format, minimal cast and crew (approx. 2 to 4 principal/lead actors, small/mobile crew),minimal lighting and special production requirements and a flexible schedule. Films must be shot and delivered in HD.

2. Low Budget Feature (projects that can be completed with a budget of up to $500,000): For example, 16mm or 35mm film OR high definition (HD) digital format, 8:1 shooting ratio, approx. 2 to 3 principal/lead actors and 2 to 3 support cast, approx 15 to 25 person crew, and a 15 to 20 day or ‘custom’ schedule. Films must be shot and delivered in HD.

Both programs follow a 2 phase pathway:

Phase 1 – Development: This phase involves an in-depth review of the project including script, story editing, Director’s goals, cast, Production Company, team capacity, post-production plans, distribution and marketing strategy.

Phase 2 – Production Financing: Select project that have successfully completed phase 1 move into phase 2 where they are given the required funds to achieve set goals and screen their film at the box office.

CFC Feature Film Project accepts applications 3 times a year.

Eligibility for Feature Film Project is competitive and the minimum requirements are dramatic feature film not less than 85 minutes in length that are intended for theatrical release and produced/owned by a Canadian company. Preference is given to projects where the writer, director and producer have not individually or as a group made more than one dramatic feature film.

The Canadian Film Centre was founded in 1988 since then it has become an industry leader in developing Canadian talent and pushing the boundaries of film through creative expression as well as the embracing of new technologies. Films from the Canadian Film Centre have shown at prestigious film festivals such as the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals. Equally impressive is that 25 Genie Award Nominations have been achieved for the cast and crew members working on FFP productions. A key mandate o the Canadian Film Centre is to provide 100% of the financing, creative, professional and administrative experience and mentorship necessary to ensure the successful development, production and marketing of Canadian theatrical feature films.

As an experienced Grant Writer and Consultant, I would be happy to answer any question regarding film funding – jorge@jorgeleclair.ca

Tweet This Post