Feature Film Production Fund
$400,000.00
Investment
Description:
The Manitoba Film & Music Feature Film Production Fund is designed to support the production of feature film projects that have an acceptable market trigger for distribution and sufficient third party financing to complete the project. This program assists in the production financing of fully developed feature film projects through equity investments.
Comments on Funding:
Funding will be offered in the form of an equity investment with the following caps:
For a scripted, fictional feature film (drama, comedy, or children’s production – live action or animation), the LESSER of the following three thresholds:
1. Up to $400,000; OR
2. Up to 10% of the total production budget; OR
3. Up to 15% of the portion of the budget to be paid to Manitoba residents and businesses (known as the “Manitoba expenditures”).
For a feature-length documentary, the LESSER of the following three thresholds:
1. Up to $200,000; OR
2. Up to 10% of the total production budget; OR
3. Up to 15% of the portion of the budget to be paid to Manitoba residents and businesses (known as the “Manitoba expenditures”).
Continuous Intake
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
1. be a resident Manitoba producer who operates a production company in Manitoba that is majority owned and controlled by Manitoba residents;
2. demonstrate the ability of the production team to successfully manage and complete the project (eg. track record based on previous productions of similar scope in terms of being on schedule and on budget);
3. have proof of ownership in the property and the necessary, corresponding current rights to produce and exploit the production (may be shared in the case of co-productions and co-ventures);
To be eligible for financial support, the project must:
a) be a feature-length fictional film or a feature-length documentary, as per industry standards;
b) be live-action or animation;
c) be primarily intended for theatrical release; in exceptional circumstances MFM will consider projects whose primary distribution strategy is web focused; however, the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that the market trigger is an industry-recognized web distributor and that the strategy for monetization is viable. Projects intended for an initial or primary television broadcast are not eligible; however, in the case of feature documentaries, if the financing structure includes a broadcast license together with a confirmed theatrical release, MFM may consider the project eligible at its own discretion;
d) have confirmed, verifiable financing of at least 75% of the total production budget at the time of application;
e) have verifiable pre-sales or distribution advances; MFM reserves the right to determine minimum levels of third party financing necessary for funding eligibility;
f) have a minimum guarantee or an advance from an acceptable, verifiable distributor OR, provided there is independent third party financing which is also at risk, a realistic and detailed marketing plan, the sufficiency of which is at the sole discretion of MFM.
Application Steps:
Applicants must submit through Manitoba Film & Music’s new online application portal: https://www.mbfilmmusic.ca/apply
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Detailed story outline and project description;
2. Final screenplay (A treatment will be accepted for documentary and variety productions);
3. Detailed budget (locked, signed and dated with no convergent elements included);
4. Detailed budget for convergent elements (locked, signed and dated – if applicable);
5. Evidence of broadcaster or distributor commitment (if applicable);
6. Signed commitment letter(s) from ALL financial participants (minimum 75% required to be reviewed);
7. Federal and provincial tax credit calculations including a detailed list of projected eligible
Manitoba expenditures (if applicable);
8. Production schedule;
9. Detailed cast & crew list (indicate Manitoba content points as applicable);
10. Resumes for key creative positions;
11. Detailed training plan (to support Manitoba Training Requirements);
12. Proposed recoupment schedule based on Manitoba Film & Music’s recoupment policy;
13. Detailed marketing and distribution plan, indicating target audience and market potential;
14. National and International revenue projections;
15. Complete chain of title documentation;
16. Co-production agreement between co-producers (if a co-production);
17. and more…
Other Things to Note:
Movies for television are not eligible.
About the author
Maurice
