The Cogeco Program Development Fund has extended its funding of dramatic series for another year, to August 2010.

The fund, which until recently supported only MOWs, miniseries and dramatic pilots, was earlier this year broadened to include drama series, joining with the Independent Production Fund, which had been hit by a dramatic decrease in its endowment.

‘It was a temporary measure at the time, which has now been extended another year, as the same conditions continue to exist,’ says Andra Sheffer, executive director of both funds and the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund.

Since then, she says the Cogeco fund has put over $2 million into nine English-language series and $850,000 into six French shows

Also extended another year is Cogeco’s Pre-Development Program, which was launched last year and funds projects before they have a broadcaster commitment.

‘In challenging economic times, a new source of funding is good news for the industry. The Cogeco Fund and the Independent Production Fund are pleased to be able to adapt and respond to changing industry needs,’ says Shaffer.