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Cultural Supports Program — Film and Television Stream

Up to $2,000,000
Type
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Application Difficulty
MEDIUM
Application DeadlineJanuary 31, 2022
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

Imagine having up to 50% of your production costs covered, with a maximum of $2 million. That's what this program offers. It's a golden opportunity for your production company to bring your creative projects to life. The funding can be used for labor, goods, services, and post-production expenses, as long as they're spent in Northern Ontario. This isn't just about financial support; it's about making your mark in the film and TV industry while boosting the local economy.

What's in it for you? By participating, your business gains financial backing and a chance to showcase Northern Ontario's unique culture and stories. This program is designed to help you create quality media projects that highlight the region's talent. It's a win-win for your company and the community. Plus, the funding is structured to match your production budget, ensuring you get the support you need.

Qualifying is straightforward if your project aligns with the program's goals. With four application rounds throughout the year, there's flexibility in timing. This program is a fantastic way to elevate your business and contribute to the vibrant film and TV industry in Northern Ontario.

Financing Details

Financing Type: The program offers a conditional contribution, which means you receive funding that covers up to 50% of eligible production costs, up to a maximum of $2 million. This is based on the total production budget and the level of spending within Northern Ontario.

Repayment and Interest Rates: Since this is a contribution and not a loan, there is no repayment required as long as the conditions of the funding are met. This includes adhering to the budget and spending guidelines specified by the program.

Eligible Expenses: Funds can be used towards various production costs incurred in Northern Ontario, including labor costs, production goods and services, and post-production expenses. It's important that these expenditures contribute directly to the film and television production activities in the region.

Ineligible Uses of Funds: The funds cannot be used for costs incurred outside of Northern Ontario, nor for operational expenses of the media company. Additionally, brokerage of goods and services from outside Northern Ontario by intermediaries is not covered.

Fees: There are no application or processing fees associated with this program, making it financially accessible for qualified production companies aiming to enhance the film and television industry in Northern Ontario.

Qualifications

  • The business must be a production company.
  • The production company must be a Canadian corporation.
  • The production company must be Canadian controlled.
  • The company must own all, or a majority, of the rights necessary to exploit and produce the production.
  • Applicants must receive a producer credit on the project.
  • The project must have secured a written commitment letter from a qualified and experienced distributor or broadcaster.
  • The project must have evidence of the availability of all other project financing with terms and conditions satisfactory to the NOHFC.
  • The production must be set in Northern Ontario.
  • The production must showcase Northern Ontario culture, geography, stories, and talent.
  • The production must meet appropriate quality-acceptance standards for broadcast and distribution.
  • The production must not contain excessive violence, sexually explicit content, or encourage hatred, intolerance, violence, or criminal activity.
  • The production must not be unscripted media content, such as reality TV, live sports, news, or improvisational comedy.
  • The production must not be advertisements, partisan content, fundraising videos, or industry videos not meant for broader consumption.
  • Costs must be spent in Northern Ontario, including labour costs, production goods and services, and post-production costs.
  • Only rentals from vendors located in Northern Ontario are eligible costs.
  • Only the labour costs of individuals whose primary residence is in Northern Ontario are eligible costs.
  • The project must have a detailed marketing and distribution plan.
  • The project must have national and international revenue projections.
  • The project must have a detailed cast and crew list.
  • The project must provide evidence of a complete and clear chain of title, including a complete description of the production's development history and all third-party agreements.

Description

This program offers a great chance for your business to shine in the film and television industry. You can receive up to 50% of your production costs covered, with a maximum of $2 million. The exact amount depends on your total production budget. This support is designed to help you create quality media projects that highlight Northern Ontario's unique culture and stories.

The funding can be used for a variety of production costs. This includes labor, goods, services, and post-production expenses, as long as they are spent in Northern Ontario. It's a fantastic way to bring your creative vision to life while contributing to the local economy.

This opportunity is all about boosting the film and TV industry in Northern Ontario. By participating, your business not only benefits financially but also plays a part in showcasing the region's talent and stories. It's a win-win for your company and the community.

Program Steps

  1. Prepare Your Project Proposal
    Outline your project, including its cultural significance and how it showcases Northern Ontario.

  2. Gather Required Documentation
    Collect the following documents for your application:

    • Script or screenplay
    • Project synopsis
    • Production schedule
    • Signed and dated production budget
    • Projected Northern Ontario expenditures (formatted like the production budget)
    • Copies of applications or commitment letters from all other sources of production financing
    • Written commitment letter(s) from a distributor or broadcaster
    • Detailed marketing and distribution plan
    • National and international revenue projections
    • Detailed cast and crew list
    • Evidence of a complete and clear chain of title, including a description of the production's development history and all third-party agreements
  3. Secure Other Financing
    Ensure that you have evidence of the availability of all other project financing with terms satisfactory to the NOHFC.

  4. Obtain a Distribution Commitment
    Get a written commitment letter from a qualified distributor or broadcaster, as required by the NOHFC.

  5. Submit Your Application
    Complete your application and submit it during one of the four intake rounds:

    • Round 1: February 1 - April 30
    • Round 2: May 1 - July 31
    • Round 3: August 1 - October 31
    • Round 4: November 1 - January 31
  6. Await Review and Decision
    After submission, your application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility by NOHFC staff.

  7. Follow Up
    Stay in touch with NOHFC for any updates or additional information they may require.

Visit Program Website