OTTAWA and MONTREAL — Canadian Heritage minister Steven Guilbeault announced in a tweet today the Short-Term Compensation Fund (STCF) for Canadian audiovisual productions has been extended until March 31, 2022 and it will now make up to $100 million in coverage available to the film and TV production industry.
This is a $50 million increase and the full release can be found here.
The STCF was launched in October 2020 as a temporary measure to minimize the consequences of the void created by the lack of insurance coverage for interruptions in filming and the shutdown of productions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the Canadian audiovisual production sector. Initially, the federal government made up to $50 million available through the fund, which is being administered by Telefilm Canada.
In a press release late this afternoon, Telefilm Canada issued an official statement from its executive director, Christa Dickenson, who thanked the heritage minister and the federal government for extending the fund.
“The Short-Term Compensation Fund (STCF) is vital to ensuring that Canadian film and television productions continue despite the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, the STCF has received 160 applications for projects in eight provinces and territories, and in both official languages. This represents more than $106 million total in requested coverage,” said Dickenson.
“Today’s announcement means that our talented creators and artisans can continue to do what they do best: bring Canadian stories to screens big and small for the world to enjoy.”
“Throughout the pandemic, Minister Guilbeault and the federal government have been strong allies for Canada’s film and television production industry. Today’s announcement will ensure that cameras remain rolling across the country and, with the continued execution of strict health and safety protocols, thousands working in film and TV will remain employed,” added a joint statement from the Canadian Media Producers Association and l’Association québécoise de la production médiatique.
Telefilm Canada will begin accepting applications again for pre-eligibility for the fund on March 4, 2021. The closing date is December 31, 2021.
Guidelines will be updated as necessary and available on Telefilm’s website in the coming days. Please click here.
