CMF, Independent Production Fund renew Short Form Series Development Program

Toronto, February 3, 2025 — The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and the Independent Production Fund (IPF) today announced the renewal of the IPF-CMF Short Form Series Development Program, a collaboration that has successfully supported Canadian creators since 2020. With a total budget of $600,000, the program encourages the creation of high-quality, original, Canadian scripted short-form series. The maximum funding available for each successful project is $30,000. 

To be eligible for funding, projects must, among other criteria, be new and original, and be conceived as scripted, episodic short-form dramatic content with episodic running times that are less than 20 minutes.  

The Program may support costs associated with the following roles or activities: 

  • Screenwriter(s) 
  • Story editor/development executive  
  • Production manager (preparation of a budget and schedule) 
  • Marketing/promotion or audience engagement professional 
  • Printing and graphic designer for concept or pitch materials 
  • Professional fees—research, legal, accounting 
  • Travel 
  • Producer fees 
  • Production expenses to produce proof-of-concept content 

Read the detailed Program Guidelines for more information 

Applicants must apply for funding before March 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee overseen by the IPF with final decisions made by representatives from the IPF and the CMF. Funding recipients will be notified in April 2025. 

Apply for funding 

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 voices, 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  
Established in 1991, the Independent Production Fund supports Canadian creators, writers, and producers of narrative television series. In 2010, the IPF expanded its mandate to include production financing for narrative short form series. In 2020, the IPF expanded again with funding and support for the development of narrative short form series. Since its inception, the IPF has invested more than $80 million in more than 500 projects.  

Media contacts  

Maxime Ruel   
Senior Manager, Communications, CMF  
[email protected]

Mark Shapland  
Associate Manager & Climate Lens Facilitator, IPF  
[email protected]