Creative BC and the Canadian Media Producers Association, BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC) have partnered to launch a pilot program that will help B.C.-based prodcos with the optioning of pre-existing intellectual property.

The IP BC Pilot Program is now open and will deliver up to $25,000 in grants from a program budget of $200,000 to B.C.-based prodcos for pre-development support, with the cost of IP acquisition as the only eligible program expense.

Those chosen will receive advances of up to 80% of the IP’s optioning cost with an additional 10% if the IP originates in B.C., “in which case up to 90% of the cost will be recoverable through the pilot,” according to a news release.

The program seeks to help B.C.-based producers adapt existing IP into film and television projects, including fiction, documentary and animated series, as well as one-off programs for TV and streaming platforms. Feature films for theatrical distribution also qualify. Examples of pre-existing IP include novels, creative non-fiction books, comics, podcasts, songs, magazine articles, video games and stage plays.

The program also aims to help the companies improve their competitive position when it comes to developing, producing, and selling Canadian-owned screen-based content in domestic and international markets.

Applicant eligibility includes: being B.C.-based, or headquartered in B.C.; having optioning contracts that were negotiated after Sept. 1 (retrospective applications for IP negotiated prior to Sept. 1 will not be allowed); being incorporated for at least one year and having the appropriate experience to bring the project to screen.

Other rules include: the key personnel involved in the pre-development process must be tax-paying residents in B.C. for the preceding year; the applicant company and key personnel must be in good standing with Creative BC; the applicant company must have no corporate connection to the owner of the IP; and their eligible projects must be new and at the predevelopment stage with no previous Creative BC funding.

No market trigger is required to apply, and no other funding sources are required to be committed at the time of application.

Applicants must also adhere to the Indigenous Screen Office’s protocols for working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, cultures, concepts, and stories. They are also encouraged to apply guidance from the Black Screen Office’s Being Seen study regarding commissioning, creating and assessing authentic content, as well as take the Climate and Sustainable Production training course offered through Reel Green.

Projects will be evaluated by an advisory panel established by the Creative BC and CMPA-BC. The review and analysis of each application will be based on viability and market potential, commitment from the IP holder, program eligibility, and creative evaluation (where applicable).

Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC (pictured right), said in a statement that the program represents “a new opportunity for B.C. production companies to access support that will help secure original intellectual property for adaptation to the screen. By working in integrity with the Indigenous Screen Office’s protocols and the Black Screen Office’s Being Seen study, B.C. producers will be well-positioned to ensure an authentic approach to content creation and respectful storytelling practices.”

Tracey Friesen, managing VP of CMPA-BC (pictured left), added that “starting development with a compelling creative work already in hand gives B.C. film and television producers a competitive edge, placing them much closer to a greenlight.”

Images courtesy of CMPA-BC and Creative BC