FAQ: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund

The Fund encourages projects to apply when the development stage is complete with a confirmed market partner in place. It is acceptable if the project has not officially begun principal photography.

The ideal project is at a stage of production, whether it is prepping or shooting. We may consider projects that have an assembly of scenes in place, but the project needs to demonstrate a reasonable amount of outstanding shooting that is required to complete the film. Projects in late rough cut, fine cut or completed stage will not be considered.

You can expect notification between three to four months after submission.

A senior producer is an experienced producer who meets the Fund’s eligibility requirements, who can serve as a mentor and vouch for the applicant.

The senior producer agrees to executive produce and oversee the project, and confirms their support in a written letter by them, on their letterhead with a signature.

Yes, a senior producer can support one emerging producer, and also apply to the same fund as the main producer of their own project. This may be a mitigating factor in the selection committee’s decisions.

Films that were acquired in the market by a third party, and either released: theatrically, or by broadcast, or online platforms/VOD.

No. Film festivals are not commercial screenings, and therefore are not an eligible exhibition for this criteria.

No, as long as the project fulfills all other requirements as an eligible Canadian production. The project should eventually be made available to Canadian audiences.

No, a sales agent is not an eligible primary market partner. To be eligible, the primary market partner must be able to exhibit the project commercially within one year.

These include partners like iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, broadcast VOD, or any online distributor who purchases a license/rights to the project, in their given territory.

The Fund will not consider projects that are seeking funding for development, expenses incurred prior to applying, and expenses solely used for final post-production. The project should be going into production, or in production.

Combined deferrals should not exceed 10 percent of the dev budget total. The gap should be covered by the production company (if there are no other investors).