Program guidelines and application forms for development and production financing for the fiscal year 2001/2002, are now available from BC Film + Media. Recoupable development advances and production financing in the form of equity investments are available to British Columbia residents through the Television and Film Financing Program (TFFP).

Look for changes to the TFFP this year to include an increase to $300,000 per project in maximum production financing for feature films, and the creation of two new envelopes, one for low budget feature films and another for long form documentaries. Similarly, production financing for dramatic or animated television series has been broken out into two sub-categories, one for a first season, and one for second and subsequent seasons. The maximum investment for a first season of a series is set at $300,000, while subsequent seasons may still apply for up to $200,000. These changes are designed to reflect the growing diversity of the industry. "With the announcement of Telefilm's new feature film fund," states Rob Egan, President and CEO of BC Film + Media, "we recognized that there is a demand for greater support for B.C.'s feature filmmakers. However we have not lost sight of the needs of B.C.'s television or documentary producers. We believe the new funding categories and higher maximums will encourage strength and growth within all sectors of B.C.'s independent film and television industry."

Last year through the Television and Film Financing Program 34 projects received production financing, including 9 television series, 2 feature films and 16 documentaries. Also, 54 projects received development advances, 42 through market-triggered Development Program 'A', and 12 through the competitive feature film script program, Development Program 'B'.

Applications for production financing are being accepted between February 15th, 2001 and March 30th, 2001. If any producers wish to, they may book an appointment in advance to meet personally with a production analyst. The analysts will be accepting appointments on Wednesday mornings between 8:30am and 10:00am, beginning the week of February 12th, 2001 and continuing through to the end of the application period. Please refer to Appendix 'C' of the TFFP Guidelines for other programs' deadline dates.

BC Film + Media is a privately-administered, non-profit society established in 1987 by the provincial government with a mandate to expand and diversify the cultural industries of film and video in British Columbia. The Society gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture.