Vancouver: Funding agency British Columbia Film has released its program guidelines and application forms for development and production financing for fiscal 2001/02.

Among the changes to the recoupable Television and Film Financing Program is an increase to $300,000 per project in maximum production financing for feature films, and the creation of two new envelopes, one for low-budget feature films and another for long-form documentaries.

Similarly, production financing for dramatic or animated television series has been broken out into two sub-categories, one for a first season, and one for second and subsequent seasons. The maximum investment for a first season of a series is set at $300,000, while subsequent seasons may still apply for up to $200,000.

The changes reflect the growing diversity of the industry, says B.C. Film CEO Rob Egan. "With the announcement of Telefilm’s new feature film fund we recognized that there is a demand for greater support for B.C.’s feature filmmakers," he says. "However, we have not lost sight of the needs of B.C.’s television or documentary producers. We believe the new funding categories and higher maximums will encourage strength and growth within all sectors of B.C.’s independent film and television industry."

Applications are due March 30.

Last year B.C. Film supported 34 projects in production and 54 projects in development. *

-www.bcfilm.bc.ca/programs/index.html