A quick look at the funding options for Canadian short films reveals a few important deadlines zooming up on the calendar. So...in the spirit of better competition makes for better films, we decided to list all the funding options for everyone.
National Funding Options
Canada Council
Grants to Film and Video Artists: Research/Creation Grants, Production Grants and Scriptwriting Grants
Upcoming Deadline: October 1
The lowdown: Funding for research, script and production depending on experience level, $1,000 to $60,000 available.
National Film Board of Canada
Three options, 100% NFB, Co-production and International Co-production, as well, Filmmakers Assistance Program (finishing funds)
Upcoming Deadline: No deadline, apply any time
The Lowdown: Worth it if you can get it.
Bravo Fact
Great track record for funding shorts that get programmed in major festivals
Upcoming Deadline: September 4 and December 18
The Lowdown: Looking for new projects, not works in progress. Famous for supporting shorts about dance, but open to all.
NSI-Drama Prize
Best, user friendly short film training program in the the country.
Upcoming deadline: Fall 2009
The Lowdown: works with director/producer teams to develop not just the project but partnerships that will prepare you for the next step in your career.
CFC Shorts Program
Intense, 5 month training program at the Canadian Film Centre
Upcoming deadline: unknown, check website for updates
The Lowdown: You have to pay a $5,500 tuition, but if they love your project, they'll get it made.
International Funding Options
Atom.com (US)
The lowdown: they welcome filmmakers or comedians to pitch an idea at any stage in the development process, or link finished shorts to the "Atom Uploads" page. This is a direct portal for most filmmakers/comedians to put up stuff they've created. This way, the Atom folk get to know you and see how well your stuff does on the site. Finally, they have an "upload showdown" frequently, and the winners receive a $500 license fee and a chance to be on Atom TV (which airs on Comedy Central in the US.)
Regional Funding Options
Sodec
Quebec provincial agency supports french AND english short film productions as long as a producer is a Quebec resident. All info en francais.
Deadline: September 25, 2009 for the Young Creator Program, there’s an information session on September 8 at SODEC and October 2, 2008 for the more “experience” (over 35) producer.
More Sodec Links, and another. Note: Sodec's Alain Rondeau will be at the Atlantic Film Festival, Sept 17 - 20...if you have a project that meets his criteria, introduce yourself.
Quebec provincial agency supports french AND english short film productions as long as a producer is a Quebec resident. All info en francais.
Deadline: September 25, 2009 for the Young Creator Program, there’s an information session on September 8 at SODEC and October 2, 2008 for the more “experience” (over 35) producer.
More Sodec Links, and another. Note: Sodec's Alain Rondeau will be at the Atlantic Film Festival, Sept 17 - 20...if you have a project that meets his criteria, introduce yourself.
British Columbia Film MMPIA
Up to $100,000 in cash and services to one lucky BC based short film
Deadline: September 25
CBC Atlantic Short Film Face Off
TV Viewing Audience chooses favorite short in the region
Deadline: Spring 2010
PEI Short Film Program
Up to $10,000 towards a PEI based short film production
Deadline: May 2010
Yukon Artists in Residence program
Looking for visual artists to study up north at the Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture
Deadline: see website
If The Shorts Report missed anyone, comment us...we take critism well.
Up to $100,000 in cash and services to one lucky BC based short film
Deadline: September 25
CBC Atlantic Short Film Face Off
TV Viewing Audience chooses favorite short in the region
Deadline: Spring 2010
PEI Short Film Program
Up to $10,000 towards a PEI based short film production
Deadline: May 2010
Yukon Artists in Residence program
Looking for visual artists to study up north at the Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture
Deadline: see website
If The Shorts Report missed anyone, comment us...we take critism well.