Questions and Answers

Questions & Answers

British Columbia Film Programs

Q. What are the different roles played by British Columbia Film and the BC Film Commission?

A. In the province of British Columbia, programs relating to the film and television sector are delivered by two distinct organizations. British Columbia Film is a non-profit society that provides a range of programs to assist with project financing, marketing and professional skills development, and also administers the provincial tax credit programs. The BC Film Commission, a branch of the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, is responsible for overseeing all production activity in British Columbia and markets the province as a film location. Questions regarding production services, including locations, permits, crews, or a list of productions currently shooting in BC, should be directed to the BC Film Commission.

Q. Do you provide funding for short films?

A. British Columbia Film partners with the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia (DGC-BC) to offer Kick Start, an annual short film initiative for emerging directors. More information on this program can be found at http://www.bcfilm.bc.ca/kickstart.php. Project financing provided through British Columbia Film is available only to projects that are at least a broadcast ½ hour in length. Contact our office for a list of potential short film financing sources.

Project Development

Q. What is a development advance?

A. A development advance is a cash contribution from a television broadcaster or theatrical distributor towards the costs of fully developing a film or television project. For example, development advances are provided to complete drafts of a screenplay, develop a television series bible, conduct research or create a detailed treatment for a documentary. Generally, the advance grants the broadcaster or distributor first rights to pre-license the completed project for broadcast or distribution in a pre-determined territory (normally Canada).

Q. What is development?

A. The work necessary - which may include acquiring the property, writing script drafts, budgeting, packaging of stars, director and other creative personnel - to get a project to the point where it is ready to receive production financing.

Q. What kind of development financing is available from BRITISH COLUMBIA FILM?

A. British Columbia Film currently offers development financing through the Slate Development Fund (SDF) and the Project Development Fund (PDF). SDF, designed for established production companies with a proven track record, provides financing for the development and marketing of a slate of projects. PDF is market-driven and provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Companies who have received a development commitment from a broadcaster or distributor may apply to British Columbia Film to match up to 50% of the market support.

Production Financing

Q. What is a broadcast or distribution commitment?

A. A television broadcast licence is a broadcaster's cash contribution to a production in order to acquire the rights to air the program on their station during a specified period (called a window). The dollar value of licence fees vary depending on the size of the broadcaster and the rights associated with airing the program (exclusive vs. non-exclusive, first window vs. second etc). A theatrical distribution commitment is a distributor's cash contribution to a feature film production in order to acquire the rights to release the film in commercial theatres and exploit other revenue markets (namely television and video sales). Cash amounts vary depending on how much the distributor anticipates the film will return at the box office and in tv & video sales. It is recommended you contact an entertainment lawyer with any questions you may have before you finalize a distribution agreement.

Q. What is completion and completion financing?

A. Many lower budget features are shot but do not have the funds to complete the film in the format required for a commercial release. Some agencies offer completion financing to enable these lower budget films to be finished (including "blow up" to 35mm) and subsequently released.

Q. What is Production?

A. Production is the period of time during which the project is being put on film or videotape. There is also pre-production - all aspects of preparation for production that take place after production financing has been confirmed but before shooting begins - and post-production - the work done on the film after principal photography is completed; generally the editing, sound, music, mixing, and final lab work leading to the final answer print.

Non-Resident Producers or Companies

Q. Does British Columbia Film offer production or completion financing?

A. At this time, British Columbia Film does not provide production or completion financing. The Society offers development, marketing and professional skills development programs. Follow the program tabs above for further information.

Q. Are non-BC resident individuals or companies eligible for British Columbia Film programs?

A. British Columbia Film programs require that the applicant is a resident of British Columbia, and/or that the applicant company is BC owned and controlled. However, as a Canadian or international producer, you can partner with BC resident filmmakers in an international treaty or interprovincial co-production, and access British Columbia Film funding. These projects are also eligible for the domestic tax incentive, Film Incentive BC (FIBC). A list of active British Columbia producers can be found in our "Industry Info" section. Please contact our office with any questions regarding eligibility and co-production. Any company interested in shooting their project in British Columbia can access the Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC), which is a labour based tax incentive that offers refundable tax credits based on eligible BC labour costs. More information on the PSTC can be found in the "Tax Credits" section of the website.

Q. What is an International Treaty or Interprovincial Co-Production?

A. An International Treaty Co-Production is a production that is jointly produced by two or more production companies under the terms of a co-production treaty entered into between Canada and another country. Telefilm Canada is the certifying authority for Treaty Co-Productions. Contact them for further information and guidelines. An Interprovincial Co-Production is a production that is jointly produced by two or more production companies from different provincial jurisdictions. International Treaty and Interprovincial Co-Productions allow the joint production companies to capitalize on funding and other location services available in both jurisdictions. For more information, contact Telefilm Canada.

Getting Started in the Industry

Q. How can I find work in the film industry?

A. First you will need to determine which area of the industry interests you most. If you want to work on a film set, or be an actor, it is important to contact the union associated with that particular area of interest. Download our industry information guide for contact information, or contact the BC Institute of Film Professionals (BCIFP). The BCIFP acts as a liaison and training resource for people interested in working as crew members in the film industry. If you want to write, direct or produce, it is recommended you meet with other people who are working in the industry. Contact the major industry organizations like the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, DGC-BC, Canadian Independent Film & Television Producers Association (CFTPA), Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC), Praxis or Women in Film & Video Vancouver (WIFVV). These organizations offer great networking opportunities through a variety of seminars and career workshops designed to get you started and excited about your new career. You may want to consider programs offered through training institutions like the Canadian Film Centre, or the National Screen Institute. In addition, mentorship programs are offered by British Columbia Film, the CFTPA, and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.

Q. How do I get my first project made?

A. You will need to secure financing in order to pay for your equipment and crews. Download our resource guide for a list of broadcasters, distributors and funding agencies. You should also consult The CFTPA Guide or Reel West Digest for more complete listings. If you have never produced before, it is highly recommended that you enlist the help of an Executive Producer. Download our producer's list, or look through The CFTPA Guide or Reel West Digest for names of active producers. Contact them and see if they are interested in you or your project. Learn from someone who has been there, and you can avoid many of the pitfalls associated with a first project.

Q. What are other potential funding sources in Canada?

A. There are a number of public and private financing agencies in Canada. Contact British Columbia Film for the "Quest for Cash" handout, or consult The CFTPA Guide or Reel West Digest for more complete listings.