Independent filmmmakers in the Maritimes may just get the break they’ve been looking for, now that Telefilm Canada’s Atlantic office has created the Emerging Filmmakers Program. The new program for filmmakers in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will provide investments of up to $15,000 (to a maximum of 49% of the budget) for production or preproduction of new projects.

Ann Bernier, project and client relations co-ordinator says, ‘There’s a big gap out there between those projects that fall under the television fund or film guidelines and the funding for five-minute shorts. It is very difficult to fund projects under $1 million.’

She says in the last couple of years, Telefilm’s Atlantic office had an informal program which funded independent filmmakers’ projects up to $15,000, usually with assistance of about $5,000 to $10,000

‘Now that’s been formalized with this program,’ says Bernier.

While Bernier estimates there will be approximately four projects funded per year, the budget for the program is still to be finalized. Last year, her office received between six and 12 applications, but that number may go up now that the program has been formalized. Last year, Telefilm’s Atlantic office funded the multiple award-winning film When Ponds Freeze Over by Mary Lewis.

The Emerging Filmmakers Program is modeled after Vancouver’s Kickstart program. The first deadline for the Emerging Filmmakers Program is May 15.