Brief Information
The Elevation Program is a production funding initiative designed to support film and television producers in Edmonton who are ready to take the next major step in their careers. Managed by Edmonton Screen, the program provides financial support and mentorship opportunities to help producers scale their projects and expand the local film industry.
Through the Elevation Program, selected projects can receive up to 10% of their production budget (maximum $100,000). The initiative aims to strengthen Edmonton’s creative industry by encouraging ambitious productions and increasing economic activity within the region.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
- Notification Date: April 30, 2026
- Next Intake: September 14 – October 5, 2026
- Location / Type: Edmonton, Canada (production-based funding)
- Funding Amount: Up to 10% of production budget (maximum $100,000)
- Organizer: Edmonton Screen
- Funding Type: Grant or equity investment depending on project budget
- Target Group: Film and television producers in the Edmonton region
Table of Contents
Overview
The Elevation Program was developed by Edmonton Screen to help local producers capitalize on unique opportunities that can significantly advance their careers. The program supports projects that represent a meaningful step forward in a producer’s professional journey and that contribute to the long-term growth of the regional film and television industry.
Many producers reach a stage where they have experience but require financial backing and industry support to produce larger or more complex projects. The Elevation Program addresses this need by offering targeted production funding alongside mentorship opportunities. This combination allows producers not only to complete their projects but also to gain valuable industry exposure, expand their networks, and strengthen their professional skills.
Projects funded through the program must demonstrate a clear connection to the Edmonton region. In particular, they should generate economic activity and increase the number of opportunities for local film professionals. By supporting ambitious productions, the Elevation Program helps build a stronger local crew base and improves the overall quality of productions in the region.
Another major objective of the Elevation Program is to encourage producers to “level up” in their careers. This progression could involve producing a first feature-length film, launching a new television series, experimenting with new formats or genres, or significantly increasing the scale or budget of a project. These milestones represent important steps in a producer’s career development and help strengthen the regional creative economy.
Beyond individual career growth, the Elevation Program emphasizes sustained industry impact. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their project will benefit Edmonton’s film community in the long term. This includes creating employment opportunities for local crew members, improving technical expertise within the industry, and attracting future productions to the region.
For more information about the regional film industry and production support initiatives, you may also explore the official Edmonton Screen website:
https://www.edmontonscreen.com/
Eligibility
To apply for the Elevation Program, applicants must meet specific requirements related to residency, professional standing, and project eligibility.
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have lived in the Edmonton region for at least six months prior to applying
- Be in good standing with the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Screen
- Be eligible to work in Canada
- Be prepared to create a single-purpose production company if selected
Project Eligibility
Projects must:
- Have a production budget greater than $100,000
- Spend a substantial portion of the budget on businesses and contractors within the Edmonton region
- Be new productions (previously completed projects are not eligible)
- Follow Canadian legal standards and not contain prohibited or unlawful content
Eligible production formats include:
- Feature-length films
- Television series
- Mini-series
- Pilot episodes
- Web series (minimum 22 minutes total duration)
- Reality or contest shows
- Movie-of-the-week productions
Projects may also be service productions or co-productions, provided they meet the program’s criteria.
Application Details
Applicants can submit only one project per intake period for the Elevation Program. However, if the project is unsuccessful, it may be resubmitted in future rounds—up to three times in total.
The application process requires producers to submit detailed information about their professional background, previous work, and the proposed project.
Required Information
Applicants must provide:
Producer Information
- Name and contact details
- Website or portfolio
- IMDB profile (if available)
Project Details
- Project title
- Logline and synopsis
- Production format and model
- Language(s) used in the production
- Production schedule and timeline
- Intellectual property ownership information
Strategic Impact
- Career impact of the project
- Local industry impact on the Edmonton film sector
Required Documents
- Production budget topsheet (PDF)
- Producer résumé (PDF)
Optional materials such as pitch decks, scripts, or director’s vision documents may also be submitted to strengthen the application.
Applications are assessed based on several criteria, including:
- Alignment with program objectives
- Producer readiness
- Project readiness
- Overall quality of the application
Funding & Benefits
The Elevation Program offers substantial financial and professional benefits to successful applicants.
Funding
- Up to 10% of the production budget
- Maximum funding amount: $100,000
Funding structure depends on the size of the production:
- Projects under $500,000: funding provided as a grant
- Projects above $500,000: funding provided as an equity investment
Equity investments include provisions for recoupment and return on rights.
Additional Benefits
Participants in the Elevation Program may also receive:
- Industry mentorship supported by Edmonton Screen
- Increased industry exposure and networking opportunities
- Support in scaling their production capacity
- Access to Edmonton’s growing creative ecosystem
These benefits help ensure that funded projects not only succeed individually but also contribute to the long-term growth of the region’s film and television sector.
FAQ
1. How much funding can I receive from the Elevation Program?
Approved applicants can receive up to 10% of their production budget, with a maximum funding amount of $100,000.
2. Can I apply more than once?
Yes. If your project is not selected in one intake, you may resubmit it in future rounds up to three times.
3. What types of productions are eligible?
Eligible productions include feature films, TV series, mini-series, pilots, web series, and reality shows.
4. When can production begin?
Principal photography may start up to 120 days before the application period opens or up to 120 days after signing the funding agreement.
Official Link
To learn more about the Elevation Program and submit your application, visit the official page below:
Apply here:
https://www.edmontonscreen.com/programs/elevation
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