Creative BC and CBC Launch Digital Production Fund

On June 25, CBC and Creative BC announced the launch of a new Digital Production Fund. The joint fund will support the creation of short-form digital content from emerging BC producers and creators. With each organization contributing $150,000, the total amount allocated to the fund is $300,000. 

The representation of diverse talent is a core objective of the program. Preference will be given to female, Indigenous, and visible minority creators, as well as creators with a disability, though applications are welcome from those who do not fall into these categories as well. The fund aims for at least 50% of successful projects to come from female creators, in an industry still dominated by men. This commitment will "make space to showcase stories and develop talent that reflects a truly diverse British Columbia," said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC. 

Successful applicants will have their projects shared with a national audience on CBC's digital platforms, including the CBC TV app and cbc.ca/watch.

“The Digital Production Fund will open doors for women and other underrepresented storytellers who often struggle to get financing and recognition for their work," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. "I’m glad our government’s funding will support these storytellers to hone their skills, create engaging new digital content and share it with CBC’s growing online audience.”

To be eligible for the CBC + Creative BC Digital Production Fund, projects must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must live in BC and be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and be an eligible BC company;
• Projects must have a minimum budget of $15,000 up to a maximum of $50,000; and
• Funding is limited to genres that qualify for British Columbia’s domestic motion picture tax credits.

Application submissions will open on July 3 and remain open until all funding has been allocated or until December 1, 2018. Qualified projects will be reviewed by CBC for assessment on a first come, first served basis

For more information on the CBC + Creative BC Digital Production Fund, visit creativebc.com and cbc.ca/creativebcfund.