TORONTO – Knowing creators, whose jobs have all but stopped during the coronavirus pandemic, need immediate support the CBC today launched the Creative Relief Fund.
The unprecedented new fund will provide $2 million in development and production funding “for a diverse range of innovative, original Canadian storytelling, including scripted comedies and dramas, unscripted entertainment, kids and young adult programming, podcasts, play adaptations and short documentaries,” the public broadcaster announced today.
Applications will be accepted here until April 24th.
“In this time of challenge and change, we are working as quickly as we can to provide much-needed support to Canadian creators with this initiative that will immediately open up new funding across a range of storytelling,” said Barbara Williams, executive vice-president. “As we all look for programming to inspire, entertain and connect us during this period of physical distancing, we want to recognize the incredibly important role our artistic and creative communities serve and provide them with funding to innovate and tell their stories in entirely new ways.”
The fund spans three different streams which are to reflect contemporary Canada and follow the recommended local and national Covid-19 safety guidelines, too.
Innovation Stream
Looking for big, bold ideas that take creative risks with projects to be considered for multiple development and production opportunities on all platforms. Both established and emerging creators are invited to apply but applicants must have one television, audio or digital credit, or be partnered with an experienced existing production company.
Genres include scripted – comedy and drama; unscripted – factual entertainment; kids and tweens; youth and young adult; podcasts – multiple genres.
Playwright Pilot Stream
Open to playwrights with at least one produced play to submit either new concepts or existing plays for adaptation on all platforms. The CBC is looking for concepts that are a natural fit for either limited or ongoing series in the comedy or drama genres, episodic or serialized, and will fund the writing of a pilot script with an intended broadcast duration of either 30 or 60 minutes.
Short Docs Stream
Here, documentary filmmakers from across Canada can showcase their unique perspectives on what’s happening in the world during this time of Covid-19. Productions must be produced and delivered within three months or less, with filmmakers adhering to all local and national Covid-19 safety guidelines. CBC Short Docs is looking for standalone, immersive documentaries under 40 minutes in length, intended for a digital audience.
