CMF, Independent Production Fund approve 33 projects for $1M in development funding
Toronto and Montreal, April 16, 2024 – The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and the Independent Production Fund (IPF) have approved financing for 33 scripted short form series as part of the 2024 IPF-CMF Short Form Series Development Program. These series are being developed for exploitation primarily on digital platforms and channels. 22 of the approved series are in English and 11 are in French.
The IPF-CMF Short Form Series Development Program is designed to support the development of high quality, Canadian, original, scripted short-form series. In addition to the combined investment of approximately $1M, the IPF and the CMF will provide consultation advisory services for the producers of the successful projects.
A record 218 eligible projects were submitted—167 English-language, 51 French-language. Applications were received from 10 provinces including 16 from official language minority communities (OLMCs).
Over 45 analysts from across the country evaluated and rated the applications providing a wide range of perspectives. Evaluators looked for originality, authenticity, quality of written creative materials, the experience of the team, the expertise of the story editor, the proposed budget, and the overall potential for success.
The 33 successful applications represent all major genres, including children’s live action, animation, comedy, drama, horror, mystery/thriller, science-fiction and fantasy and come from a broad diversity of creators and producers.
“This was a history book kind of year for IPF,” declared Emilia King, Chair, Independent Production Fund. The Development Program received its highest ever number of applications with representation from all 10 provinces, and a strong showing of stories with BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ led teams and characters. There were so many original and exciting ideas, and the competition was steep. Congratulations to all those who applied. To our successful applicants—what a privilege it is to play a role in your creative journeys and we can’t wait to see how these stories develop!”
"The CMF is delighted to once again partner with the Independent Production Fund to support the development of 33 outstanding projects from across the country," added Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. "My congratulations to the funded creators and their teams—I look forward to seeing your stories on platforms everywhere."
Discover the selected projects
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances, and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice, and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors. Visit our website for more information.
About the Independent Production Fund
Since its inception, the IPF has invested Since inception the IPF has invested $90,340,514 in 1,142 projects: 90 Short Form Series Development projects, 179 Short Form Series Productions, 323 TV Productions, and over 550 Professional Development projects. The IPF is incorporated as a charitable foundation with an endowment valued at approximately $40M. It uses the interest generated by the endowment and return on its project investments for its annual operations and project funding. The IPF Board of Directors is composed of representatives from the industry and makes all final funding decisions. For information visit the Independent Production Fund’s website.
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