Canwest, Hot Docs, Launch Canadian Documentary Production Funds

TORONTO, April 9: Canwest
is investing C$4 million in Canadian documentary production through the
Canwest-Hot Docs Funds, which were launched in partnership with the Canadian
docs festival Hot Docs.

The Funds aim to provide
financial support to independent Canadian filmmakers facing financing gaps at
critical stages in their projects, as well as increase the quantity and quality
of social, cultural and political one-off documentaries produced in the country
by Canadian-based production companies.

The Canwest-Hot Docs Funds
consist of a C$3-million completion fund and a C$1-million development fund.
Hot Docs will manage and disperse the Funds’ benefit monies over the next
seven-year period. The Canwest-Hot Docs Completion Fund is a grant program that
will provide financial support of up to C$100,000 (limited to a maximum of 20
percent of a project’s budget) for production companies to complete specific
projects. The Completion Fund is open to producers that have received broadcast
license from any Canadian broadcaster. The Canwest-Hot Docs Development Fund is
a loan program designed to help producers get specific projects developed,
researched, written and/or packaged and ready for market. The Fund will provide
no-interest loans ranging from C$10,000-C$15,000 in the early development
stage. Detailed guidelines for the Canwest-Hot Docs Funds will be available
June 1, and application deadlines are set for July 15 and October 15.

“Hot Docs is delighted to
be able to expand our support of Canadian documentary makers in this very
tangible and significant way,” said Chris McDonald, the executive director of
Hot Docs. “Canwest should be commended for its vision, leadership and
commitment in establishing these Funds, which will have an overwhelmingly
positive impact on the Canadian doc industry.”

—By Irene Lew