Creative BC has launched a pilot program to support B.C.-based producers in the creation and promotion of new podcasts.

The Pilot Podcast Program launched Thursday (March 16) with a total budget of $100,000 and is separated into two streams.

The Podcast Pipeline stream is dedicated to the development of a fiction or non-fiction podcast, with a maximum allocation of $10,000 per project. The development support includes costs related to research, pre-interviews, outline drafts, and character building.

The second stream is Podcast Connect, which supports the production and/or promotion of a podcast. The production portion will support a prodco, non-profit organization, or registered society to create a podcast as a supplement to pre-existing content, including film and TV projects. The promotion element of the stream offers marketing support for existing podcasts.

Companies can apply for both the production and promotion portions of the stream, with a maximum allocation of $15,000.

The two streams have a maximum budget of $50,000 each. Selected applicants will receive a non-recoupable advance in two stages, with an initial 75% provided, followed by the remaining 25% once deliverables are received, according to program guidelines. The application deadline is April 30.

Eligible companies must be established in B.C. for at least one year and have “the appropriate experience to ultimately bring the project to fruition,” read the guidelines. Applications submitted will be evaluated on market potential and viability, as well as existing podcast subscribers, if applicable.

Creative BC launched another pilot program in October 2022 to help B.C. producers option existing IP for film and television projects.

Image: Unsplash