Home Production

No two films are alike. Each has a unique creative stamp and, along with it, a particular set of financing and business issues the producer has to navigate. Most intermediate feature films fall in the budget range of $1- to $3-million, and unless you have a very rich uncle, you will need to approach a number of funding sources to build a financing package that covers your production budget. Producers who are fairly new to the feature-film business also need to surround themselves with experienced people who can guide them through any complex funding, legal or cashflow situations that arise.

Getting Started Financing your first feature film isn’t easy. You have to believe that you can find a way to break into the marketplace, and sell that belief to potential funders. They will also be impressed if you can show them a list of experienced people who have signed on to turn your creative vision into reality. Producing a $1 Million to $3 Million Canadian Feature Film Your Core Business Team Funding Sources Funding for feature films in Canada ranges from government agency grants and forgivable loans to tax credit incentives and private equity investing. Production Funding in Canada Direct Federal Funding Indirect Federal Funding Provincial Tax Credits and Incentives Canadian Private Sector Funding International Treaty Co-Productions Special Opportunities for Canada's Culturally Diverse Communities Financing Plans Typical financing scenarios piece together public and private equity investments, tax credits, and maybe a broadcast pre-sale or a distribution advance. The Financing Plan Distribution Advances and Broadcast License Fees Equity Investments Tax Credits and Deferrals Cashflow and Reporting When your production cashflow needs and the dates for incoming funding don’t coincide, you may need interim financing to bridge the time lag. Interim Financing: What, Where and How Preparing Cost Reports Reporting to Investors