So you’re an indie filmmaker, and you keep wondering “How do I get money for my movie?”

Well you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to show you all the places you can get film funding, along with the specific deadlines, and exact links for where to apply to your investors, below.

Sometimes you’ve pitched investors and you don’t get a reply back, but here’s what you can do.

But for non-investment money, grants are great way to get funding.

I’ve bolded anything that has to do with how much money you can get, in case you’re starving artist eyes just want to skim. It’s okay, my starving artist eyes do the exact same thing. I will also arrange this list by what I feel like you’re most likely to get accepted into. By the way, don’t get confused like I did when they call things a “funding program.” It doesn’t mean it’s a course you enrol in, or a dot-exe file; it’s just their term for “funding.”

If you’d like to get instant access to a Film Funding Cheat Sheet for USA / Canada / UK / Australia / Asia, then be sure to enter your email.

In case it’s not obvious, for pretty much everything below, you have to be a Canadian citizen (and sometimes even better, a permanent resident).

Plus all of your crew should be from Ontario, and most of the film should be shot in Toronto. If you have the budget to go abroad and shoot, then this blog isn’t for you. You can close now if you’re expecting tips on getting Gates and Melinda-type funding. This blog is for the micro-filmmaker, trying to break-in, who wants a micro-budget with a micro-crew. I have something else that’s micro but I’m promised surgery, along with a lot of patience from the ladies, will help. Um, that’s for another blog…

Okay, now that I’ve reset your brain…

I will only state non-obvious eligibility criteria. For example, I won’t tell you that you can’t get funding if you’re trying to do a News Show, or a pornography. But what about a News Show pornography? Well, the Japanese have that market cornered; they’re great people.

Organizations

Canadian Film Centre

Telefilm Canada Micro-Budget Production Program (link)

Perfect program for newcomers. They actually make it so that you can’t join unless you’re new. How nice is that? I wish niceness like that existed more. Like me. I’m that nice. I’m a lovely man. Heroic even. It feels amazing to be so magnanimous and humble. *sigh* #amazingpeopleproblems

Eligibility

The producer and director have not produced and/or directed a feature length film (75 minutes or more), but have produced and/or directed at least one short film (30 minutes or less). That’s great news for all of you neophytes.

Funding

Unstated but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something along the lines of 100% up to $25,000. That’s just a wild guess though, don’t quote me on that.

Deadline

The deadline passes on Jan. 25th, 2019

CFC Features (link)*DEFUNCT*

If you are a writer, director or producer with a feature film in the low-budget realm, then our Bayview friends here can help you out.

Eligibility

Must be no less than 85 minutes in length (approximately 80 to 120 pages), which is standard. The hardest part about this is that you must be “intended” for theatrical release. I guess that’s a loophole, where even if it doesn’t get on the screen, you can at least say “hey… I intended for it to be at Cineplex…” E for effort, people. E for effort.

Short Dramatic Film Program (link)

You have to have taken a program by them before, so I don’t recommend this one. Unless you have had the privilege of getting your work funded with them previously, of course. In which case, if you, you lucky son of a…

Eligibility

This program is only open to directors upon completion of the Cineplex Entertainment Film Program Directors’ Lab.

Funding

Unstated, but likely 100% for some micro-budget.

Deadline

January – May,  2019.

How-To Apply

There’s no PDF or online portal that I could find, so either visit the website or email them directly at filmandtv@cfccreates.com. You can also contact Erica Proudlock for further directions at eproudlock@cfccreates.com.

Telefilm Canada Feature Comedy Exchange (link)

It touts itself as a “high-level cross-border project and business accelerator for established producers and their feature comedy properties… building traction for comedy projects by offering producers and their teams access to respected creative counsel as well as financing and packaging expertise from key decision-makers and comedy experts.” Yea, nothing says ‘comedy’ like that paragraph…

Eligibility

No less than 85 minutes, (120 pages) intended for theatrical release. There’s that word again; intended.

Funding

CFC Features can provide up to 100% of the production financing to a maximum of $600,000.

Deadline

Applications are currently closed.

Cable Development Fund (link)

Eligibility

You may apply only twice to the same project. Guideline here.

Funding

A cash equity investment of up to 20% of the total budget to a maximum of $500,000.

Deadline

TBA

How-To Apply

Submit your application to: RogersGroupofFunds@rci.rogers.com

Documentary Fund (link)

With $2 million a year (in total funding… don’t get excited) the Rogers Documentary Fund is one of the largest organizations that provide grants to French- and English-language documentaries.

Eligibility

If you’re doing a mini-series then no more than five episodes. Else, there’s no special restriction. Full guidelines here.

Funding

Projects will be selected 10 to 12 weeks after each deadline. Up to $75,000.

Deadline

TBD

How-To Apply

Submit your application to: RogersGroupofFunds@rci.rogers.com

Shaw Rocket Fund (link)

This one is strictly for kids content. I find it unlikely that your film is geared towards children but in the small chance that it is, the Shaw Rocket Fund has a great history of funding small projects for corporate video production. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you should even just (as a creative exercise) write a  teleplay or short script for something where children are the audience, and apply. If you’re planning on doing that and want help, leave a comment below and people will see how they can help you out.

Eligibility

Must be targeted at a children’s, youth or family audience. Shaw Rocket Fund investment is intended to support programs that are primarily targeted for children. Also, you’ll need 8/10 CRTC points. There’s a full list of guidelines on this PDF.

Funding

This is for television, and the maximum you can apply for is about $19,000 per episode.

Deadline

April 24, 2019

How-To Apply

Fill out this nicely designed form. Seriously, it’s probably the best looking application form in terms of how simple it looks and the color choice.

Telefilm (link)

Ah Telefilm, the ever present Telefilm. This is the big daddy when it comes to funding. They’re usually known for funding documentaries but I have chosen the one program that will be of the most benefit to you; the “Micro-budget Production Program.”

Eligibility

Telefilm asks you to submit a whole package which includes things like a small trailer, a video of your crew explaining your vision, a breakdown of how you expect to promote your work, etc. Full guideline is here. The thing is, this is probably the best thing to create even if you don’t get picked for funding simply because all of the stuff needed for your package is actually just really good to have. It will help you solidify your vision, and help you pitch for other funding opportunities. Oh and PS, you must be a feature film to be eligible. Don’t let that discourage you from creating that document though.

Funding

100% of the financing to a maximum amount of $120,000. The caveat is, your total budget must not exceed $250,000. If it does, then what the hell are you doing here? Go read some other blogs. I wanna help the little people. Not midgets. I mean, I do want to help midgets too, I’m not gonna be like “‘Do you need funding?’ – ‘Yes’ ‘Great, are you a midget?’ ‘I don’t see how that’s…’ Are you?’ ‘Well technically yea but-’ ‘Next!’” . Damn, I shouldn’t call them “midget.” But yea, I wanna help little people of all shapes and sizes. Yea, I’ll stick with that. Well not every shape. If you look like a trapezoid then I think that’s a little odd, and you’ll have to find your own funding elsewhere. Though if you look like a trapezoid, funding your film should be the least of your concerns.

Deadline

February 18-25 2019

How-To Apply

Visit this site and scroll down to where it says “apply online”. Fill out online applications.

Toronto Arts Council

Media Artists Program (link)

You can apply for grants through the Toronto Arts Council, which is big in the Toronto art scene (not just for films). They have two different “levels” depending on your experience.

Eligibility

Level One: This is for emerging artists in the early stages of their professional career. Artists in this category have produced a small body of work, and achieved some local recognition and/or have limited public screening and/or exhibition experience. Generally, they have had between 2 and 7 years of professional arts practice.

Level Two: This is for mid-career and established artists. Mid-career artists are past the early stages of their careers, and have produced a reasonable body of work and received recognition, exhibitions or screenings outside the local community. Generally, they have had between 8 and 14 years of professional arts practice.

Funding

Up to $12,000 for Level Two, and Up to $6,000 for Level One.

Deadline

October, 15, 2019.

How-To Apply

This is of those “yea man, we’re hip with technology yo” online application portals.

The Canada Council for the Arts Grants to Film & Video Artists

Travel Grants to Media Arts Professionals (link)

Oh the great Canada Council, don’t you just hear the Skyrim theme when you read their name?

This is for if you’re lucky enough to get your film into a festival and you have to travel to it. They can cover a lot of the costs, such as plane tickets, etc.

Eligibility

There really are no strange eligibility requirements, other than you have be considered an artist by your peers. In fact, they’re so lax that you don’t even have to be in Canada when you apply. The full guidelines are here.

Funding

Grants are available in fixed amounts of $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500. Special requirementsmust be met for grant amounts of $2,000 and $2,500.

Deadline

Any time before your departure date.

How-To Apply

You can apply online through their portal.

Visiting Foreign Artists Program (link)

If you are a foreign artist visiting and working in Canada, the Canadian Council for the Arts provides a number of opportunities for you. This is one of the only programs of funding available to you even if you’re not an Ontario resident.

Eligibility

You must be the recipient of at least one grant in the last three years from the Canadian Council for the Arts. You must be “recognized” as a professional in your discipline, with specialized training, recognition and a history of arts related publications; whatever that means. Full guidelines here.

Funding

Between $500 and $3,000, in fixed amounts, such as $750, $1000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500.

Deadline

Any time before departure date.

How-To Apply

They have an online application portal.

Grants to Film and Video Artists: Scriptwriting Grants, Production Grants and Research/Creation Grants (link)

Long name but great grant. Whatever stage you’re at in your production, one of these will probably apply to you. As for the “research” part, I’m unsure what you’d be researching, but if you have something then go ahead! Let me know about what you’re researching by contacting me, because I would definitely be interested in helping out. I love research. I’m a huge nerd.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet the definition of a professional artist as stipulated by the Canada Council. Read the full eligibility requirements here.

Funding

Grants range from $3,000 to $60,000. Amounts depend on the type of grant applied for.

Deadline

TBD

How-To Apply

Basically create an account on their website, and follow the steps provided.

Quebecor Fund (link)

Surprisingly, this is not just for francophones. Equally surprisingly, a francophone is not just this guy’s cell. Urgh. I know, I hate myself too.

Eligibility

Must have a legal personality operating in Quebec or Canada. The production of “high quality” content in French, English, and/or an aboriginal language. You have to sign a confidentiality agreement with them, so you should probably read it very carefully. Also, you gotta prove that you have acquired a broadcasting license and that your film will broadcast within 2 years of completion. Good luck.

Funding

The contribution is based on your budget. It is a guaranteed minimum of $200,000 as long as this contribution does not exceed 10% of the production budget.

Deadline

TBA

Hot Docs

Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund: Development (link)

They have this thing called the “Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund” which is actually for documentaries by African filmmakers. Not sure why it’s “blue” and not “black” and not sure why there is ice involved. How much more out of touch can you be with the sweltering heat of sub saharan Africa than blue ice. Anyway, grant money must be spent in the region on development activities and pre-production.

Eligibility

Must hold citizenship, primary residence and work primarily in Africa, as well as the production should be shot primarily in Africa. Secondly, this is for features only; no shorts.

Funding

From $3,000 to $10,000, to a maximum of 100% of your budget (whichever is lower).

Deadline

TBA

Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund: Production (link)

The grant can go towards costs that include those that are standard in the industry during production and post-production. So no HAARP-like weather control for your scenes, or pastrami insulated ceilings for your editing station. Yes, that’s the best un-standard example I could think of; don’t worry, I’ll hang myself soon enough.

Eligibility

Must hold citizenship, primary residence and work primarily in Africa, as well as the production should be shot primarily in Africa. Secondly, this is for features only; no shorts.

Funding

From $5,000 to $40,000, to a maximum of 50% of your budget (whichever is lower).

Deadline

TBA

How-To Apply

Visit their website and see if forms are available.

CrossCurrents Doc Fund (link)

This is an international production fund that fosters storytelling from within communities whose perspectives have been historically underrepresented or marginalized. So because of white guilt, politically correct world, this just means as long as your film is about not white people, then you’re okay. If it wasn’t obvious from the title, keep in mind that this is for documentaries only.

Eligibility

There are some weird ones so make sure to check out the guidelines for a complete list. Here are the ones that stand out: Must be 35 years of age or under, Low-budget films (i.e. under $25,000), and Short to mid-length works (i.e. 5-50 minutes)

Funding

Up to $10,000 for a maximum of 100% of your budget.

Deadline

TBA

How-To Apply

They are currently closed but save in your bookmark in case it comes back!

Liaison of Independent Filmmakers (LIFT)

There’s a company called the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers (LIFT) and they’re located at 1137 Dupont Street. That’s right downtown! Now while I disagree with using the word “liaison” because it reminds me of thickening a sauce, I heard they’re not that bad for brand new filmmakers. Though they also take seasoned directors. The plot thickens…

Eligibility

The funding is available only to members, and membership costs $80 to $150 a year depending on which type of member you are. You can apply here for membership. Full guideline for eligibility here.

Funding

Once you’re a member, you are able to request up to $2000.

Deadline

There’s no stated deadline.

How-To Apply

Basically you just have to fill out these three forms: Production Support, Extension Request, Final Report

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

This is a big deal, and one of the most complicated it seems. You must receive 10 points on the CAVCO scale. Isn’t it cool that like, 15 minutes ago, you had no clue what CAVCO meant, and now you know all about their scales? (PS: If you still don’t know what the CAVCO scale is, don’t fret, I will make a post about it fairly soon since it’s really important for another type of funding, called Tax Credits. Stay tuned young’ns.)

English POV (link)

This is for documentaries that are from an “English point-of-view,” so unless you speak another language this simply means, a documentary.

Eligibility

Must be under Canadian ownership and control (the same terms as the other streams). Your documentary should be from an English POV, as stated above. The full guidelines are here but that’s essentially it.

Funding

49% of Eligible Costs (comprised of up to 20% licence fee top-up and up to 29% equity investment) or$300,000.

Deadline

Passed. Keep checking site for 2019 deadline.

How-To Apply

There are a few docs that you’ll need to fill out. Use ctrl+f for “Supporting Documents” on this page. And if you’re on my nemesis the Mac, then you can hold down the command key and f yourself.

Development (link)

This is for developing your project, which means right now you should be in pre-development. You also must have your project on TV, as well as one other place, like the internet.

Eligibility

Your production must be geared towards children, and must be identifiably Canadian where relevant. Projects must involve some kind of Canadian character. Canadian creators must have significant and meaningful involvement.

Funding

For the Television Component of the project: 50% (or 75% for an English Regional Development Project) of the Eligible Costs in development, up to $200,000.

For the Digital Media Component of the project: 75% of the Eligible Costs in development, up to $50,000.

Deadline

Check site for listings of dates.

How-To Apply

On the site, select “How to Apply”. Listed are step-by-step guidelines.

Diverse Languages (link)

Languages other than English, Aboriginal, or French. Hey now you know what to do with that one quiet Asian friend you had. You know, the one that you used to only to talk to borrow a pencil during a test. Yea, call her up, I guarantee she speaks another language.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a for profit Canadian company, who abide by the regulations of the CMF.

Funding

A maximum of 20% of the eligibility costs, in the event of a “licence fee top-op.” The maximum contribution is 49% or $200,000: “whichever is less.” The policies must be followed to the letter, in order to qualify.

Deadline

Passed. Keep checking for the 2019 deadline.

How-To Apply

On the site, select “How to Apply”. Listed are step-by-step guidelines.

Francophone Minority (link)

The Francophone minority program provides a quintessentially Canadian treat for film makers living in communities outside Quebec, provided the film is primarily in French. It is an elite program with funding based on specific requirements.  Leave it to the Quebecers to make things inclusive…

Eligibility

Any program which deals in French language material for people in provinces or cities where French is them minority language.  Full guidelines here.

Funding

Funding is divided according to content, Drama: $1,500,000, Kids animation: $550,000, Documentary or one-off miniseries: $150,000, or $400,000, Performing arts: $500,000.

Deadline

TBD

How-To Apply

On the site, select “How to apply”. Listed are step-by-step guidelines.

Canadian Independent Film & Video Fund (link) *DEFUNCT

The Canadian Independent Film & Video Fund is a private sector funding body which supports non-theatrical film, videos and new media projects created by Canadian independent producers.  Keep in mind, just for the privilege of submitting an application, it will cost you $50. This is the only one of these organizations that has a cover charge.

There are two programs that are similar. The Development Financing, and the Production Financing.

Eligibility

Must be educational somehow. That is, has to do with education (from kindergarten to university level), libraries, business, health, community groups, cultural or social service.

Funding

Development Financing: The CIFVF allocates approximately 10% of its financial resources to development of eligible projects and may contribute up to 49% of the project’s development budget to a maximum of $10,000. Eligible costs may include personnel, travel, script development, financial packaging, market research, distribution planning and production budgeting.

Production Financing: The CIFVF may contribute up to 49% of an eligible project’s production budget to a maximum of $50,000, of which $2,500 can be allocated for marketing and distribution costs based on consultation with and input from a recognized Canadian non-theatrical distributor prior to the production’s completion and release.

Deadline

*NOTE: As far as we can tell, this is no longer in operation but we kept it here in case they open up again soon and so you can at least know about them for the future. Thanks to Steven Hunt for pointing this out!

How-To Apply

The application form isn’t a PDF but a word document for some reason. They also have a guide to applying. Just so you guys know, I have contacted them several times but no reply. I’m beginning to think they are defunct, but there’s a chance they will re-emerge, so I still included it here in case.

Short (Fiction and Non-Fiction) Program (link)

Eligibility

Credit to the Bell Fund must be made on the home page or opening screen credits. And just like the above, you have to have at least 10% contribution coming from a third party.

Deadline

April 1, 2019

Funding

Funding is available as a non-repayable grant of 75% of the costs of production up to a maximum of $150,000. Eligible costs shall include standard digital video production costs but not the costs of implementing the Discoverability Plan.

Astral Media The Harold Greenberg Fund

This is another interest free loan. I’m assuming you just want “free money” but if you have the business acumen and you’re able to take a loan and turn it into a profit, then by all means apply for this. Then again, if you don’t want another OSAP loan, then move on.

Shorts-to-Features Program (link)

I’m putting this here only because you should keep it in mind for the future. You very likely won’t even able to apply, let alone get in, because of the stringent terms.

Eligibility

This is for drama features and, only projects previously supported in development are eligible to apply. If that’s not hard enough, you have to have at least two long-form narrative credits as producer or executive producer prior. Full guidelines here.

Funding

An interest free loan of up to 10% of your work, for a maximum of $150,000.

Deadline

There are no deadlines for this program. Applications are accepted at any time throughout the year.

Other Organizations

I will be adding more to this doc in the next few days based on suggestions from the public, as well as a few others I have in my files I hadn’t had time to finish. Don’t worry, I’ll put them in with a little asterisk beside the title saying “just added” so you can easily skim and find the ones you missed. Oh, the things I do for you for you lovely people.

Unconventional Methods of Funding

Next week I will talk extensively about other unconventional and sometimes unintuitive methods, such as the mysterious “tax credits” and other untaught methods like product placement. Maybe I’ll throw in a little piece about Kickstarter, but that’s been done to death, and I want to just create content that’s relevant and quality filled for you guys.

Now here’s what I want from you… First, if you liked this article, share it with others who can benefit from it. Other filmmakers in Toronto.

Secondly, if you see someone in the comment section asking for help or clarification with something, and you know you can help, then help. I want our community to be strong and show the bond that I see when I’m on set with other Torontonians.

Third, signup below to get access to my Part 2 coming out next week, as well as my other posts such as:

• Making money on the side as a filmmaker in Toronto
• How to get my film screened in a “legit” theatre?
• Is it possible break even on my first film?

Here’s what I want from you.  Of the above three posts, which do you want to see most?  Email me articles@indiefilmTO.com, and let me know.  You’ll get exclusive access to the guide before it comes out.