Alberta Media Fund — Project Script Development Grant
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for Alberta producers like you. It offers up to $55,000 per project to help cover expenses related to developing professional-quality, commercial-ready scripts and projects. This funding can be used at various stages of production, including pre-development, first draft, and final draft.
Why apply? This grant can significantly reduce your financial burden, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content. The funds can be used for a variety of expenses such as option fees for literary material, writer and producer fees, research or travel expenses, and script consulting. What’s in it for you? By securing this grant, you can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of your business, making it easier to attract more projects and clients. The application process is straightforward, and if your business meets the criteria, you have a strong chance of qualifying.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Option fees for literary material
- Writer and producer fees
- Series proposals
- Research or travel expenses
- Script consulting and editing fees
- Corporate overhead and legal fees
- Screen-play workshopping
- Demo reel and pitching material
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used to support the development of professional quality, commercial-ready projects and scripts that are at least 30 minutes in broadcast length.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Capital items
- Expenses incurred prior to application submission
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be incorporated in Alberta.
- Must be in good standing with the Corporate Registry.
- Must be in good standing with the Alberta Media Fund.
- Projects must be new productions.
Projects must be at least 30 broadcast minutes in length.
Disqualifications:
- News, current events, or public affairs programming.
- Talk shows.
- Productions related to games or contests.
- Sports events or activities.
- Productions that solicit funds.
- Reality TV.
- Pornography or adult entertainment.
- Advertising.
- Productions for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
- Console or online video games.
- Software programming platforms.
- Video distribution platforms or aggregators.
Description
This program provides your business with up to $55,000 per project or $70,000 total if you have multiple film or television projects that are 30 minutes or longer.
You can use this money to cover various expenses related to developing professional-quality, commercial-ready scripts and projects. Eligible expenses include:
- Fees for writers and producers
- Option fees for literary material
- Research or travel expenses
- Script consulting and editing fees
- Corporate overhead and legal fees
- Screen-play workshopping
- Demo reel and pitching material
This funding helps you focus on creating high-quality content without worrying about the financial burden. It supports the growth and sustainability of your business in Alberta's screen-based production industry.
Program Steps
Review the Guidelines: Read the current Project Script Development Grant Guidelines to understand the requirements.
Create an Online Profile: If you are a new applicant, request access to set up an online profile. Complete the Front Office Registration form, download it, and email it to [email protected]. You will receive your login credentials via email.
Complete the Application: Log in to the Online Grant Application System to start your application. Use the GATE Application Tips and Guide for assistance.
Prepare the Required Documentation: Gather the necessary documents. These include:
- Proof of incorporation in Alberta
- Proof of good standing with the Corporate Registry
- Proof of good standing with the Alberta Media Fund
- Project proposal
- Budget breakdown
- Writer and producer agreements
- Any additional documents specified in the guidelines
Submit Your Application: Ensure your application and all supporting documents are submitted through the Online Grant Application System by 11:59 pm on the deadline date. If the deadline falls on a statutory holiday or weekend, it will be extended to the next working day at 11:59 pm. Faxed, mailed, late, or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Await Assessment: Your application will be assessed and scored using the Panel Assessment Form. You will be notified in writing of the result.
Reporting: If approved, submit a report within 60 days after project completion. The report must include:
- A complete and accurate financial report
- A copy of the work produced
Return of Funds: If reporting requirements are not met, funds must be returned.