Are you a distribution company that’s acquired the exploitation rights to a Canadian feature film in selected territories? You might be eligible for financial support to promote your theatrical release! Through Telefilm’s Export Assistance Program, distribution companies operating abroad can receive up to $90,000 towards the marketing of their film.

Intrigued? We’ve got some fast, easy answers to your questions about this program, which aims to bring Canadian cinema, talent, and content international success and recognition.

1) You’ve acquired the exploitation rights to a great Canadian film! Is your film eligible to apply for this promotional funding?

Here’s a quick pop quiz. To qualify for Telefilm’s Export Assistance Program, your Canadian production(s) must be:

a) Market-ready
b) Features with a budget of less than or equal to $2.5M
c) Features that received production assistance from Telefilm Canada
d) All of the above

The answer–as you probably guessed–is all of the above! (List of this year’s qualified projects)

2) Precisely which costs can this financial support cover?

If your project is accepted, Telefilm’s contribution is meant exclusively for theatrical release and related promotional costs, which might include airfare for director and lead actors, subtitling, and other advertising and marketing costs. In other words, the promotional campaign for the theatrical release of the qualified productions. (List of eligible costs)

3) Let’s talk territories. To be eligible, exactly where in the world must you hold the qualified film’s exploitation rights (which need to include theatrical release rights)?

That’s an easy one! The territories include: Argentina, Australia, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.

4) Any other criteria you must meet to apply?

In addition, applicants to Telefilm’s Export Assistance Program must: specialize in distribution (sales agents excluded); commit to a theatrical release of the qualified Canadian production in one or more of the eligible territories; have developed a marketing plan; and possess the expertise to successfully carry it out.

5) Where, when, and how to apply?

Our Export Assistance Program operates on a first-come, first-served program that accepts applications until funds are exhausted.