TELEFILM CANADA TALENT TO WATCH PROGRAM

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Telefilm Canada Talent to Watch program (formerly the Micro-Budget Production program), is intended to support emerging filmmakers seeking to produce, digitally distribute and promote their first feature-length films or other format of narrative-based audiovisual content made specifically for online distribution. 

Please note that Telefilm Canada has posted updated guidelines and program details for the 2019 Talent to Watch Program (formerly the Micro-Budget Production Program), which can be found here.

Telefilm Canada's support under this program will be provided through three separate streams: the Selective stream, the Fast Track stream, and the Festival Selection stream. Under the Selective stream, financing will be given to projects chosen among those recommended by designated industry partners, of which the CFC is one. Through the Selective Stream, CFC is able to recommend two feature films and one narrative web-based project from those submitted by CFC alumni who match the eligibility and project requirements listed below.

SELECTIVE STREAM - OVERVIEW OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• The key members of the creative team must be emerging talent:
  • Team members must already have produced, directed and/or written at least one short film (i.e. 30 minutes or less) but cannot have previously held the same key position on a feature length film.
  • Producers who have previously produced one feature film that has received funding under the Talent to Watch/Micro-Budget Production Program will also be considered as emerging talent.
• The director of the project must be a recent alumni (within last 5 years) of one of CFC's programs. The producer and writer may be non-alumni, provided they match the emerging talent criteria listed above.
• The key members must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

SELECTIVE STREAM - OVERVIEW OF PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

• Projects must be fictional or documentary audiovisual projects produced in English, French or an Indigenous language that are either:
  
  • Feature length films of 75 minutes or more; or
  • Any other type of narrative-based audiovisual content made in a format specifically designed for online audiences. These types of projects can be comprised of one or more segments which, in total, must be more than 10 minutes in length.
• All projects must be distributed on one or more digital platforms.
• All projects must be completed within 24 months of receipt of an invitation to apply from Telefilm.
• Budgets for feature films should be between $125,000 and $250,000. Telefilm's contribution through the program will be a maximum of $125,000 on chosen feature films.
• The average budget for narrative-based web projects will vary based on total duration of the project, but should generally not exceed $20,000 for a full 10 minute segment. For narrative-based web projects of 75 minutes and more in total length, Telefilm will contribute a maximum of $125,000. The contribution amount for narrative-based web projects that are under 75 minutes in total length will be prorated based on the total number of minutes of the project, each full 10-minute segment giving access to $15,000 for a maximum contribution of $105,000.

Please visit Telefilm Canada's Talent to Watch website for further information on the program, including guidelines and eligibility requirements.

CLICK HERE for Telefilm's Talent to Watch program guidelines.

CLICK HERE for Telefilm's Talent to Watch program FAQs.

IMPORTANT DATES

If you are a recent CFC alumni, match the requirements above, and are interested in applying through the CFC, please contact Nafisa Murji at nmurji@cfccreates.com by January 7, 2019 for further information. In your email, please indicate the type of project (fictional or documentary, feature film or other narrative-based audiovisual online project).

• CFC Application Deadline: January 25, 2019
  • Materials required for CFC's consideration will be project logline and synopsis, latest draft of script, director's statement, lookbook, overview of financing plan/budget, names of attached key creatives, and draft of project pitch video.
• CFC Supported Project Decision: February 1, 2019
• CFC Recommendations to Telefilm: between February 18-25, 2019. 
  • Please see page 5 of the Talent to Watch guidelines for a list of the elements that will be required for submission of recommended projects. 

For any additional questions concerning the Telefilm Canada Talent to Watch Program, please contact Nafisa Murji at nmurji@cfccreates.com.

The CFC is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process or have any questions regarding appropriate accommodations please contact Deborah Fallows, CHRO, at:dfallows@cfccreates.com.