The big news around Victoria, BC, is that CineVic is now a recommending partner for Telefilm Canada’s 2013 Micro-Budget Production Program.

The co-op joins 27 others across Canada that will write one letter of recommendation for a local micro-budget first feature that will then compete for a share of $1,000,000.

“This program targets emerging Canadian talent, supporting them in the production and promotion of their first feature-length film, with an emphasis on the use of digital platforms for marketing, distribution and audience engagement. Telefilm will support between eight to ten projects through the main component, and up to three projects in the Aboriginal component.  Support will be through a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $120,000 per project.”

Projects may be narrative, documentary or animation, with budgets of up to $250K.

Producers must not have previously produced and/or directed a feature film.

Producers of recommended projects must apply to Telefilm between January 6 and February 3, 2014. The films must be finished within a year.

Recommending partners will determine their own selection criteria and deadlines.

New this year: Telefilm is not requiring a script, only asking for a synopsis. (But of course, you better have a script or how else can you thoroughly break it down to make an accurate budget?)

My take: this is your golden opportunity! You’ve got a project and a team ready to go, so contact your local film school or co-op today!