Manitoba Film & Music (MFM) is pleased to announce the following updates to its film programs for the upcoming fiscal year (April 1, 2026-March 31, 2027).
ALL PROGRAMS
Priority on Manitoba-Owned Productions: MFM’s Audit Guidelines will clarify that priority will be given to projects with meaningful Manitoba ownership and participation.
Evaluation Criteria: Program guidelines will provide a list of criteria which MFM takes into consideration when evaluating an application for funding.
Project Outcomes: MFM will formalize the collection of information on cultural, economic, and industry outcomes of funded projects.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy and Declaration: A new corporate AI policy and mandatory declaration of use will be implemented for all film and music programs. Please refer to the full AI policy.
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION FUND and TELEVISION AND WEB-BASED PRODUCTION FUND
New Recoupment Policy: A detailed standard recoupment policy will be included in the program guidelines.
Key standard recoupment policy changes include:
· 100% of confirmed value of the federal and provincial tax credits included in the approved financing structure may recoup pro rata and pari passu with equity participants.
· Manitoba producers may retain excess tax credits at final reporting.
· In most cases, MFM’s participation in recoupment and profit sharing will continue for seven (7) years from the date of the first exploitation report for the project.
Application Streamlining:
Key changes to application documentation requirements include the following:
· Complete chain-of-title documentation is only required to proceed to a funding agreement. Only proof of project ownership will be required at the time of the application.
· Revenue projections will only be required to proceed to a funding agreement and only where there is a distributor or sales agent attached.
· Resumes will be limited to only key creative roles unless specifically requested.
Reduced Reporting Requirements:
Key changes to MFM’s reporting documentation requirements include the following:
· The standard production drawdown schedule will advance 80% of the investment at the time of signing the agreement and the end of principal photography drawdown will be eliminated. (Previously, 70% of MFM’s investment was advanced at the time of signing).
· Notarized affidavits are no longer required. A signed producer declaration will be accepted instead.
Marketing and Distribution Elements: Program guidelines will provide a list of criteria which MFM takes into consideration when evaluating marketing and distribution plans.
Community Engagement Plan: For projects involving underrepresented communities, an outline will be required detailing how collaboration and community participation will occur.
Sustainability Plan: A brief sustainability plan will be required to support MFM’s tracking of environmentally responsible production practices. No evaluation-weighting will be applied during the initial implementation period.
GRANT PROGRAM FOR EMERGING TALENT AND MICRO-BUDGET PRODUCTION
Marketing and Distribution Elements: Program guidelines will provide a list of criteria which MFM takes into consideration when evaluating marketing and distribution plans.
Reduced Reporting Requirements:
Key changes to MFM’s reporting documentation requirements include the following:
· The standard production drawdown schedule will advance 80% of the investment at the time of signing the agreement and the end of principal photography drawdown will be eliminated. (Previously, 70% of MFM’s contribution was advanced at the time of signing)
PITCH READINESS PROGRAM FOR MULTI-EPISODE PRODUCTIONS, FEATURE FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND, and TELEVISION AND WEB-BASED DEVELOPMENT FUND
Pitch Readiness Supporting Document Changes:
· Pitch plan and marketplace readiness plan combined into one document.
· Funding plan no longer required.
Reduced Reporting Requirements:
Key changes to MFM’s reporting documentation requirements include the following:
· Affidavit requirements have been eliminated.
· Full receipt submissions are no longer required.
FEATURE FILM MARKETING FUND
Reduced Reporting Requirements:
Key changes to MFM’s reporting documentation requirements include the following:
· Affidavit requirements have been eliminated.
· Full receipt submissions are no longer required.
Applications must be made using our SmartSimple online portal and applicants must first register with the system. Please note that it can take up to three business days for an applicant’s user access to be authorized by staff, and up to three additional business days for the applicant’s profile to be completed and approved. Applicants must complete both steps before they can apply.
Please refer to the full program guidelines for each program.
Please reach out to film department staff if you have any questions.