Talent to Watch Program
The Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s).
Offered by Telefilm Canada
Amount
Up to 100% of the project's financing; maximum contribution of $250,000 for fiction feature films and $150,000 for documentaries
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
The Talent to Watch Program has three streams:
- Industry Partner Stream: For projects that are recommended by a Designated Industry Partner.
- Festival Selection Stream: For emerging filmmakers who have directed a short film that was selected at a recognized film festival.
- Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream: All Key Members of the Creative Team must be:
- Indigenous;
- Black;
- People of Colour;
- Women;
- Gender-diverse individuals;
- 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals;
- Persons with disabilities; and/or
- Members of an Official Language Minority Community
Applications may be submitted by companies or individuals who meet the eligibility criteria indicated in the Program guidelines.
Key members of the creative teams of all submitted projects must be emerging talent.
About the funding
The Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s).
Telefilm's funding will be in the form of a non-repayable financial contribution. It must be used to cover direct expenses relating to the production and post-production of the project. The Mentorship Program fees will be covered by Telefilm. All contribution amounts are subject to the overall availability of funds and the number of projects supported.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission Festivals Program | Grant | Non-recoupable contribution of $5,000, which may be increased, in Telefilm’s discretion, to up to $15,000 | Open |
| Theatrical Documentary Program | Grant, Investment | Production Stage, Canadian budget less than $500,000: the lesser of 49% of eligible Canadian production costs or $175,000 | Closed between intakes |
| Access Support Fund | Grant | No fixed amount | Open |
| Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program | Grant, Loan | AAFC contribution normally not exceeding $1 million per project, generally not more than $5 million over 5 years for each applicant | Open |
