TORONTO – Established to support Alberta’s independent production community, the CanWest Alberta Fund (CAF) will offer $10.5 million over the next seven years to finance the production of drama, documentaries, reality and lifestyle programming by Alberta producers.
CAF will provide equity investments of up to $300,000 per project for productions that are licensed by any Canadian broadcaster, says the press release, a significant new source of financing for the Alberta production community.
"This important benefits package comes as a result of the recent CRTC decision supporting the extension of CanWest’s Red Deer station signal throughout Alberta, opening new doors to the production community in this vibrant region."
Jane Bisbee has been appointed Managing Director of the CAF, bringing an extensive background as a consultant to Alberta film and television production companies, in addition to her role as former Arts and Cultural Industries Development Officer for the province of Alberta.
Applications will be evaluated by a range of industry professionals, with a Selection Committee of industry representatives making the funding decisions.
The CAF is administered as a Program of the Independent Production Fund which manages various private Funds for television production. Application deadlines are October 15, March 15 and May 1. Guidelines for the Fund are available at www.ipf.ca – CanWest Alberta Fund Program.
The first deadline for application is October 15, 2007.
