The following is the 2007 edition of Playback's annual digest of provincial funding and investment sources available for Canadian independent film and television program development, production and/or distribution.

ALBERTA


ALBERTA CULTURAL INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION LOAN GUARANTEE
The Alberta Cultural Industries Association provides guarantees for corporate development loans by Alberta-owned and -operated production companies. Guarantees cannot exceed $250,000.
Deadline: None. Applications accepted throughout the year.
Contact: (780) 498-5536
www.bookpublishers.ab.ca/cigf

ALBERTA FILM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Alberta has revised the Alberta Film Development Program, offering a more flexible program able to accommodate a broad range of needs for both local and guest producers. It is easy to understand, simple to apply, highly competitive and 100% bankable with most financial institutions.
The level of contribution increases with Albertan ownership and the employment of Albertans in key creative positions.
The production grant ranges from 14% to 23% of all eligible Alberta expenditures (equivalent to a 25% to 42% labor tax credit). This contribution can be applied to all post-production and computer graphics activities.
Details of the new guidelines are available on the Alberta Film website.
Contact: Dan Chugg, Alberta Film Commissioner (780) 422-8584;
1-888-813-1738
www.albertafilm.ca

ALBERTA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts is the provincial agency that provides financial support to Alberta's artists and cultural organizations.
Project Grants Film and Video: This grant program supports the development of individual Alberta artists, or an ensemble of artists and organizations, in film and video by assisting with projects in one or any combination of the following categories:
• Production or post-production.
• Training and/or career development.
• Travel and/or marketing.
• Research or development.
Deadlines: Inquire for details.
Contact: (780) 427-6315
www.affta.ab.ca

TELUS TELEVISION DEVELOPMENT FUND
The TELUS Television Development Fund was created by TELUS and is delivered by the Alberta Cultural Industries Association with three goals in mind: to contribute to the development of high-quality Canadian television programming; to encourage the creation of high-quality Alberta-made programs suitable for the conventional broadcast television market in Canada; and to encourage the growth and development of Alberta producers working in the Canadian conventional broadcast television market.
The fund will provide interest-free loans up to $10,000 per project to Alberta-based producers. The fund will not consider applications for equity investments or grants. These loans will normally be repayable on the first day of principal photography of the project, or on the date when the property is sold or assigned to a third party.
Allowable costs include: writer's fees, office costs, story editor fees, union benefits, travel expenses, legal fees, research expenses, marketing costs, producer's fees (capped at 15%) and producer overhead (capped at 15%).
Best bets: Preference will be given to the development of the following program categories: drama, music and variety, children's, comedy, documentary, and stories specific to Alberta.
Eligibility: Applicants must be Alberta residents and derive their primary source of income from the independent film and video industry by writing, developing or producing television projects. A production company must be incorporated in Alberta or federally and registered in Alberta. The head office or principal place of business must be located in Alberta, and at least 51% ownership must be held by Alberta residents.
Deadlines: June 30, Oct. 30, 2007
Contact: (780) 498-5536


BRITISH COLUMBIA


BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTS COUNCIL PROJECT ASSISTANCE FOR MEDIA ARTISTS PROGRAM
Development $$$: Eligible development costs cannot exceed 10% of award.
Production $$$: Up to $25,000 is available for artists with a minimum of five years experience and an accumulated body of work in their field. Less experienced artists are eligible for a maximum of $10,000. Support is capped at 50% of the budget.
Post $$$: Funding of up to 50% of the post-production budget is available.
Criteria: Applicants must be independent filmmakers, video or new media artists who reside in B.C. (one year required) and have completed at least one prior professional production. Applicants must have final editorial authority over the project.
Eligible projects: Innovative, experimental and non-industrial film, video and new media projects. Animation, documentary, experimental and drama qualify.
Ineligible projects are those intended exclusively for theatrical release or primetime TV, industrial promotions or sponsored works.
Deadlines: April 30, Oct. 31, 2007