Manitoba Music: Predevelopment Program for Documentary Productions
$25,000.00
Loan
Description:
In recognition of the need to stimulate the creation and development of innovative and marketable documentary projects and of the significant costs of taking those projects to the marketplace, this pilot program will provide financial support to Manitoba producers developing linear documentary productions. This program allows companies to pre-develop one or more projects that have not yet received support from a broadcaster, distributor, or development financing, with the intent to encourage broadcaster or distributor financial support in the subsequent stages of development and production.
Comments on Funding:
The funding contribution from MFM will be offered in the form of a recoupable advance that must be repaid on the first day of principal photography of the production. Eligible Production Companies may receive up to $25,000 per project not to exceed 75% of the eligible predevelopment budget.
Applications are closed. Stay tuned for future intake announcements
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
1. be incorporated in Manitoba or federally;
2. be Canadian-owned – as defined in the Investment Canada Act Canada) and is Canadian-controlled as determined for the purposes of sections 26 to 28 of the Investment Canada Act;
3. be in good standing with MFM and the CMF at time of application submission;
4. be a resident Manitoba producer, defined as a producer who operates a production company in Manitoba that is majority owned and controlled by Manitoba residents. Further details on applicant eligibility requirements are found in MFM’s Audit Guidelines;
5. have a minimum of two years of production experience as a producer and have previously produced at least one project (minimum 30 minutes in broadcast length), which has been either screened by a major network or distributed by a recognized distributor;
6. have proof of ownership in the underlying property and the necessary, corresponding current rights or options to develop, produce and exploit the production throughout the world.
To be eligible for financial support, the project must:
1. be a documentary production as defined by the CMF’s Appendix A – Definitions & Essential Requirements.;
2. be either a feature film, one-off (min. 30-minute length), series or miniseries;
3. be in early concept/development stages without the financial participation of a broadcaster or distributor;
4. be a new project that has not previously received funding from MFM or the CMF;
5. be primarily intended for broadcast or distribution;
Application Steps:
To apply for this program, eligible applicants must submit through Manitoba Film & Music’s new online application portal: https://www.mbfilmmusic.ca/apply
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
1. Detailed story outline and predevelopment project description.
2. Detailed predevelopment budget (locked, signed and dated).
3. Signed commitment letter(s) for the balance of the predevelopment funding (if applicable);
4. Predevelopment schedule.
5. Detailed cast & crew list (if applicable – for example if a proof of concept is identified as a deliverable).
6. Resumes for key creative positions.
7. Pitch plan (an outline of the strategy and scope of the pitch to national and international broadcasters and distributors – identify those that will be targeted).
8. Marketplace readiness plan indicating target audience and market potential.
9. Complete chain of title documentation.
10. Additional documents may be required. Check the Program Contact for the full list of required documentation.
Other Things to Note:
About the author
Maurice
