[1]Toronto – The Canadian Television Fund [1] (CTF) today announced that the Digital Media Program has been renewed and has been increased from $2 million to $10 million dollars for 2009-2010. Guidelines for this program, which outline the application process, program changes, criteria, and deadlines, are now available on the CTF website [2].
“The tremendous demand for the Digital Media Pilot Program demonstrates that there is a strong need for this type of funding and that the industry is transitioning quickly to leverage digital extensions of traditional television programming,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the CTF. “The support provided by CTF funding is critical for producers as they complement their shows with webisodes, mobisodes, games, and other digital products.”
The following are a few highlights:
- the amount of funding available in 2009-2010 is $10 million;
- funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis;
- the program will feature multiple opening dates with graduated allocations;
- three applications per applicant will be permitted;
- the maximum contribution is the lesser of $200,000 or 50% of eligible expenses;
- 10% of the French-language allocation will be set aside for French-language producers outside Quebec;
- expenses incurred before April 1, 2009 will not be eligible.
Fostering the growth of television production in Canada through financial investment and industry research, the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) supports the development of Canadian talent, programs and audiences. Since 1995, the CTF has contributed to the creation of over 27,000 hours of Canadian programming and has infused over $2.7B into the industry, triggering the production of over $9B of Canadian programming. CTF-supported productions have cultivated thousands of jobs in the Canadian television sector.