Here’s the 1994 roundup of investment and finance sources available provincially.

A few programs (having run their term) expired this year, such as the Small Business Development Corp. Program and the CanWest Drama Fund, so we’ve included some additional types of resources available at the local level (see the Saskatchewan listing for examples of local broadcaster support, and the Ontario listing for various levels of arts council grants).

Overall, it’s business as usual at the funding agencies, although often on a slightly reduced scale. These programs are available to producers based in the funding province; when a fund is available to producers in more than one province it is listed under the province in which it is based.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation

about $1 million a year in funding is available to film and tv projects, either through equity investment in a production or development loans. Projects eligible for support are features, series, miniseries, tv specials, documentaries and non-theatrical programs for non-commercial broadcast settings.

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation can pitch in up to $25,000 in interest-free development loans, and up to one-third of production financing (through equity investment), with varying maximum dollar amounts depending on the project genre. The production funding cap is currently $200,000 per project. Investment is tied to the participation of Nova Scotians and a project’s economic and cultural contribution to the province.

An investment rebate program has also been proposed, but has not yet been approved.

Contact: Roman Bittman, president of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation, at (902) 424-7177

Quebec

Societe generale des industries culturelles Quebec (SOGIC)

with a pot of $10 million, the Societe generale des industries culturelles provides funding to Quebec film and tv producers and distributors through subsidies, loans and equity investment. About 60% of its production budget of approximately $6.5 million goes to features. Approximately $1 million is set aside as development funds and $2.5 million goes towards distribution and special projects.

Development funds of up to 50% of the budget support optioning, scriptwriting and rewriting, as well as coproduction financing. Production funds for tv projects are limited to the amount paid by a broadcaster for a licence fee. The ceiling for a feature film is 60% of the budget, up to $600,000, and the producer must have a director attached to the project as well as a financial commitment from a distributor who will distribute the film in Quebec. However, short films or documentaries that do not have a distributor or broadcaster are still eligible for funding consideration.

Approximately $1 million a year is available to invest in television programs which have broadcaster commitments. In addition there is an annual special fund of $2 million available for variety/magazine programs, because those programs are not eligible for the provincial tax credit. A maximum of 20% of sogic funds can be committed annually to original non-French language productions.

Contact: Andre Theberge, sogic director of film operations, at (514) 873-7768

Quebec Refundable Production Tax Credit

certified Quebec film or tv productions are eligible for a refundable production tax credit amounting to a maximum of 18% of the overall budget. sogic may step in to interim finance the tax credit portion of a production’s financing. The tax credit is limited across the industry to $30 million a year.

Contact: Andre Veronneau (sogic) (514) 873-7768

Societe des placements dans l’entreprise quebecoise (SPEQ)

a speq is a private company incorporated under the Quebec Companies Act and registered with the Societe de developpement industriel du Quebec. The advantage of the speq investment mechanism is that it provides an incentive to investors and allows companies to raise funds from the private sector. It invests in small- to mid-sized private Quebec-based companies, acquiring minority interests. speq shareholders receive a tax deduction that equals 125% of their speq investments (the deduction cannot exceed 20% of the declared net income, however, the deduction may be spread over five years).

Film and television production companies may qualify for speq investment. The maximum investment through speq in one company is $2.5 million and the speq must buy less than 50% of the company. Five years after the establishment of a speq, investors can sell their shares but are not compelled to do so. The company cannot distribute any dividends or major shareholder withdrawals during the first two years of a speq.

Contact: M. Claire Iskander, Business Development Department at the sdi (514) 873-4375

Ontario

Mid-Canada Television Funds

baton Broadcasting has a $100,000 annual development fund and a $400,000 annual production fund intended to produce 13 half-hour pilots for primetime broadcast by mctv.

MCTV Development Fund: Those living in the mctv coverage areas are eligible to apply for interest-free development loans (repayable when shooting commences) in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $7,000 per project.

Showcase Fund: Eligible production-ready projects may receive a production loan of about $31,000. mctv airs the finished pilots in primetime, and holds rights to the pilot, including the option to carry the project on into series production.

Contact: Larry Gavin (613) 228-2476

NCTI Program Development Fund

the Nation’s Capital Television Incorporated Program Development Fund, also established by Baton Broadcasting and operational for at least four more years (to the next licence renewal), makes tv development loans of up to $5,000 available to applicants based in the cjoh-tv broadcast area (Ottawa). Preference is given to concepts which lend themselves to local production. cjoh has first right of refusal to further develop/produce the project

ncti also supports tv-related professional development events in Ottawa by providing grants to participating individuals and associations.

Contact: David Samuel (613) 224-1313

Ontario Arts Council

don’t forget to check out the provincial arts councils. The Ontario Arts Council’s Film/Photography/Video Office administers the Film Grants, Video Grants and First Projects: Film and Video programs.

The Film Grants program assists indie Ontario-resident filmmakers (with at least one film under their belt) to produce drama, documentary, animation or experimental film for which the applicant has total artistic and editorial control and retains copyright – budgets must not exceed $500,000. The maximum production grant is $40,000; deadlines are April 1 and Nov. 1.

Similar eligibility requirements and grant levels apply to the Video Grants program; its application deadlines are Feb. 1 and Aug. 15.

The maximum grant for the First Projects program for first-time filmmakers is $5,000 and the next deadline is slated for March 1, 1995.

Contact: David Craig, film, photography, video officer 1-800-387-0058 or (416) 961-1660

Ontario Film Development Corporation (OFDC)

the agency’s priority is to finance the development of Canadian-certified feature films and tv programs; consideration is given to a project’s cultural relevance and originality. Projects that have secured private sector investment, support from a broadcaster/distributor and with commercial viability are given preference.

Ontario-based applicants may apply to the Ontario Film Development Corporation for loans from its project development or screenplay development program or seek equity investment or loans from the agency’s production financing program.

Screenplay Development: Individual resident Ontario screenwriters may apply for loans of $12,500 (includes payment to a story consultant) for the development of theatrical features from the treatment stage through two drafts.

Project Development: Application may be made for interest-free loans to a maximum of $35,000 ($50,000 for features), for the development of (in order of preference) feature films slated for theatrical release in Ontario and worldwide, tv movies, miniseries, specials, tv docs/miniseries.

Production Financing: The agency advances equity investment or loans in the following types of productions: up to $750,000 for theatrical features with an emphasis on drama budgeted under the $1.5 million mark; up to $250,000 for tv movies; up to one-third of the total production financing of dramatic miniseries, to a ceiling of $250,000; up to one-third of the total production financing of hour-long drama, performing arts, documentary and animated programming; and documentary miniseries to a ceiling of $125,000.

The Non-Theatrical Film Fund: Non-equity grants are available for the development and production of educational projects with a ‘unique approach’ and ‘Canadian viewpoint.’ The fund is also intended to increase the audience for these projects through marketing initiatives, and to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the non-theatrical producer.

Maximums per project are $30,000 for production, $6,000 for development and $5,000 for marketing; $5,000 is also available for French versioning.

Special Projects: This program offers financing for professional development and festival travel. Ontario-based non-profit organizations may apply for assistance for seminars, workshops, publications, job training and special events. Ontario-based filmmakers may apply for travel grants to festivals to which their production has been invited – up to 50% of allowable expenses to a maximum of $2,500 may be provided for a film.

Ontario Film Investment Program (OFIP): ofip offers Ontario investors a cash rebate of up to 25% of their investment in high-level Cancon projects independently produced in the province.

The rebate for an eligible tv production is between 15% and 20%, and between 20% to 25% on features.

Sales and Distribution: Loans are available to Canadian-controlled Ontario-based theatrical distributors to a max of 50% (up to $25,000) of the costs relating to the theatrical release and exhibition of Canadian features. Export Marketing Assistance is available, including up to 50% (to a maximum of $5,000 per company) for participation in international trade shows. And under the Repertory Cinema Exhibition Program, on a project-by-project basis, eligible theater and film societies may apply for grants to cover up to 100% of costs associated with promoting their exhibition of eligible Canadian films.

Contact: William L. Mustos, ofdc acting ceo, at (416) 314-6858

Toronto Arts Council

local arts councils are another potential source of revenue for smaller (local) projects. Under the Toronto Arts Council’s Grants to Visual Artists program (deadline usually Sept. 27), Toronto independent film and videomakers can apply for production grants. The maximum grant is $12,000. Applicants must have total financial and creative control over the project, and the budget must exceed $10,000.

Contact: Nalo Hopkinson (416) 392-6800

The View From Here

this tvontario 13-part, one-hour strand of commissioned public affairs documentaries is open to Canadian indie producers (with preference given to Ontario producers) with docs in the $250,000 to $500,000 budget range. Licence fees range from $50,000 to $70,000. At the discretion of commissioning editor Rudy Buttignol, development funds may be advanced to producers, as a portion of the prebuy licence fee.

Contact: Cornelia Principe for guidelines on submitting proposals at (416) 484-2600 ext. 2540

Manitoba

Manitoba Cultural Industries Development Office (CIDO)

approximately $1.5 million is available annually for equity investment in film and television productions from the Manitoba Cultural Industries Development Office. Experienced Manitoba resident producers with projects that have a national distributor/ broadcaster, with principal photography to take place in Manitoba, are eligible. cido also contributes to development and marketing.

cido invests up to 20% of the budget of a feature film, to a maximum of $400,000. On a movie-of-the-week, it would normally invest approximately $350,000 or 20%, whichever is less. On a half-hour program, cido would invest up to 20% of the budget. If cido is to invest in coproductions, 50% of the creative corporate control and copyright must rest with the Manitoba producers. Manitoba content points to do with crewing must be satisfied.

The ceiling on development participation to a final draft is 50% of a budget, up to $25,000. On the marketing front, up to 50% of costs, to a maximum of $15,000 (for feature films) may be provided.

Contact: Carole Vivier, cido general manager, at (204) 947-2040

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Communication Network (SCN)

the province’s educational broadcaster, which has no in-house production, spent over $600,000 last year on Saskatchewan independent production. While there isn’t a specific funding program – no fixed portion of the programming budget is allocated to development loans as opposed to prelicencing or acquisitions – Saskatchewan Community Network works with the local production community by participating in production funding at the development (with an option to participate further with the project) and production stages.

As scn programming decisions are influenced by constituency need, proposals should come with local support attached. Unless there is a significant Saskatchewan spin, out of-province proposals are unlikely to trigger development assistance.

Contact: scn at (306) 787-2390

Saskatchewan Television Network Development Fund

administered from cfqc-tv Saskatoon, this is another Baton Broadcasting fund designed to foster local tv production. Established in 1991 and operational to 1996, the stn fund will commit $250,000 toward developing Saskatchewan producers’ tv projects over its five-year term. The average development loan is between $4,000 to $5,000. Applicants must present a development budget, synopsis and have a producer attached to the project. The station has first right of refusal.

Contact: Bill Stevenson (306) 665-8600

SaskFILM

the Saskfilm development fund provides three phases of development loans for both television and feature film projects: up to $5,000 for concept/treatment; up to $15,000 ($20,000 for a feature or series) for a first draft dramatic script; and up to $15,000 ($25,000 for a feature or series) for a final draft script. Marketing and financing plans are a must at all stages, and participation from other parties, including broadcasters and/or distributors, is required after the first phase.

Saskatchewan resident producers are eligible for Saskfilm funding. Coproductions are also eligible as long as a Saskatchewan resident producer has a minimum 25% equity share.

Saskfilm’s production investment fund can invest up to 15% of a production budget, to a ceiling of $300,000 per project, in qualifying productions. It also has the ability to do a certain amount of bridge and interim financing.

The total budget for Saskfilm’s operations and funding, including its locations service, is $1.5 million a year.

Contact: Saskfilm general manager Mark Prasuhn at (306) 347-3456

Alberta

Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation

with a fund of $10 million, the Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation provides development loans and equity investment in production. It can fund up to 60% of development budgets and up to 60% of preproduction budgets (to a ceiling of $200,000), excluding producers’ fees. At most, the ampdc can participate in 25% of the production budget, up to a maximum of $500,000.

The ampdc offers interim financing loans of up to $200,000; business proposals are expected from applicants.

Contact: ampdc general manager Garry Toth at (403) 424-8915

Canada-Alberta Agreement on the Cultural Industries

the cultural mandate of the $7 million Canada-Alberta Agreement on the Cultural Industries (each government contributes $3.5 million over a period of four years) includes investment in Alberta’s film and video industry: by improving the capitalization of companies; extending marketing/distribution networks; and providing professional development opportunities.

Funding is in the form of non-repayable contributions, which normally do not exceed $250,000. No applications will be accepted after Feb. 1, 1996.

Contact: For eligibility and proposal guidelines contact the Canada/Alberta Cultural Industries Agreement Office (403) 423-3676/fax (403) 422-0140

Vencap Equities Alberta

this private-sector but publicly-traded venture investment company raised funds from Albertans through the equities markets. It also received a $200 million loan from the Alberta government, making it Vencap’s banker. All investments are based on profit potential. Investments must be of benefit to Alberta or to Albertans, even if those investments take place outside the province.

Rather than investing in individual productions, venture capital is typically used to help build a company within an industry. Therefore on the film side, Vencap would be investing in an ongoing company with more than one production in mind.

Contact: Dave Stitt at (403) 420-1171

British Columbia

British Columbia Film Fund

about $5 million is available annually to assist in the development, production and marketing of feature films, tv series, joint ventures and coproductions (including interprovincial), through equity financing and/or recoupable advances bearing no interest. There are virtually no administrative charges.

The fund can be approached at any stage and can be accessed by writers, production companies or distributors.

Contact: Wayne Sterloff, president and ceo of British Columbia Film, at (604) 736-7997

B.C. Trade – Export Loan Guarantee Program

this program, run by a provincial crown corporation called B.C. Trade, provides loan guarantees to banks interested in giving theatrical or television producers interim financing for foreign, domestic or u.s. presales. The fund does not disperse monies but provides up to $2.5 million per project in guarantees. It does not tie the guarantees to projects qualifying for Canadian content status and is more concerned with commercial viability. To be eligible, 90% of the production’s below-the-line costs have to be spent in b.c.

Contact: Trevor Gibbs, director of export finance, at (604) 844-1906

Equity Capital Program (VCCs)

a 30% tax credit is offered to individuals who invest in a Venture Capital Corporation, registered under this program of the British Columbia government. vccs invest in eligible small-business ventures and b.c. indigenous film production is among them.

Investors must be at arm’s length from the small business and the vcc can acquire a maximum of 50% of a company. A total of $5 million can be invested in any one company under this program. Film production companies Westcom Entertainment Group, Cine-Vu and the North American Group have set up vccs.

Contact: Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture at (604) 387-0225 or 1-800-665-6597

Kick Start

this competitive program offering assistance to first-time filmmakers, administered by the Directors Guild of Canada b.c. district council in conjunction with Telefilm, is reviewed annually.

The competition awards up to $10,000 per short film or video project and is restricted to Western Canadian (b.c., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon and Northwest Territories) film grads, or applicants with equivalent experience. The maximum budget for eligible projects is $20,000. The competition closing date is May 27, 1994.

Contact: Colleen MacDonald at Telefilm Canada’s Vancouver office (604) 666-1566 or 1-800-663-7771 or David Carter, executive director, dgc, Vancouver (604) 688-2976

Knowledge Network Production Fund

the province of b.c. provided its educational broadcaster with $100,000 to assist b.c. producers. The Knowledge Network Production Fund is allocated in the form of higher-than-average prelicence fees (up to $15,000 per project), predominately for 30- and 60-minute adult documentaries. Projects must already be developed.

Contact: Michelle Paris, co-ordinator production development, at (604) 431-3312

Next Wave

this developmental annual competition program run by National Film Board Pacific Centre and British Columbia Film, offers novice b.c. production teams a chance to produce their first (low-budget) dramatic feature film. The agencies will provide cash, facilities and services up to 100% of the approved budget to a max of $200,000. The deadline is usually March 31.

Contact: (604) 666-3838

Westcom Venture Capital Corporation

vancouver-based Westcom Venture Capital Corporation invests up to $5 million annually in independent film and television production companies based in b.c., on behalf of the companies in the WIC Western International Communications group, through funds administered by Westcom Entertainment Group. To qualify, at least 80% of the production budget must be spent in b.c.

Contact: Dale A. Andrews, executive vice-president of the Westcom Entertainment Group, at (604) 687-2844