News
March 15, 2022
March 15 FilmOntario Update
Updated Short-Term Compensation Fund GuidelinesAs previously announced, the Short-Term Compensation Fund (STCF) for Canadian Audiovisual Productions has been extended to March 31, 2023. There have been some changes to the program, which began accepting applications for coverage on March 4.
Producers who have already applied to the STCF for a project that begins shooting before March 31, 2022 and extends beyond that date must reapply with a new, complete application for the portion of the filming that takes place after that date.
The updated guidelines and the required forms can be found on the Telefilm website.
Updates from Canada Revenue Agency
As of March 1, 2022, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is reverting to their pre-Covid requirement that applicants to the film and media tax credits submit their certificates (e.g., Certificate of Eligibility, Letter of Completion) as part of their tax credit applications.
They have also introduced an option for applicants using the My Business Account service to voluntarily submit certain documents electronically in a secure manner.
The updates can be found on the newly created What’s new – Film and media tax credits page.
Continued Lifting of Restrictions
As of March 1, 2022, Ontario has officially moved to the Roadmap Exit Step of the Covid reopening plan. The province also announced that masking mandates will be lifted in most public places effective March 21, 2022. Exceptions include health care and long-term care homes, as well as public transit. The City of Toronto has confirmed that it will follow the provincial guidelines; as always, check with whatever municipality you are filming in to make sure you are following the appropriate guidance.
Please note, the provincial guidance also specifically includes authority for individual organizations to keep health and safety requirements in place. Productions may also be required to have Covid-specific health and safety plans in place in order to meet their obligations for insurance, financing and/or collective agreements.
The Section 21 Guidelines continue to represent the best practices for the industry for the purposes of health and safety, having been developed with the industry, revised when needed, and endorsed by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Our industry has been a leader in keeping workers safe throughout the pandemic, thanks to all of you. Let’s continue to look out for one another as we make some of the best screen-based content in the world.
Welcome Aeon Studio Group
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, Aeon Studio Group. Aeon operates Bayfront Studios in Hamilton, which includes a 27,000 square foot main stage, with an additional 40,000 square feet of additional production space, offices, outdoor space and a paint shop.
It is always a pleasure to welcome new members to FilmOntario and strengthen our collective voice. If you know someone who benefits from our work and is not yet a member, please reach out to them to join us in our work on behalf of our industry.
And remember, it’s always better to do business with another FilmOntario member!
Industry Deadlines
March 17 – First deadline this year for the Ontario Creates Film Fund – Production. The Film Fund provides support to Ontario producers for feature film projects with development and production financing. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the updated guidelines. Additional deadlines this year will be July 14 and November 17.
March 25 – Early-bird deadline for submissions to the 47th annual Toronto International Film Festival. The standard deadline is May 13 for short films, and May 20 for features, Primetime and Wavelengths. This year’s Festival runs from September 8-18, 2022. Submit early and save!
April 11 – Application deadline for the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition. This program provides eligible Ontario companies with support for early-stage activities that will assist them in moving toward the production of a market-ready content project (concept development) or support for the creation of a market-ready content project that will be released to end users (production). Potential applicants are encouraged to check the website for full guidelines and information session details. There will be a second deadline on August 29, 2022.
April 25 – Application deadline for the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Global Market Development. This program provides eligible Ontario companies with funding to participate in international activities that support company growth and produce measurable business and market development results. Primary activities supported include targeted sales trips and attendance at international market events. There will be an information session held on April 12.
April 26 – Application deadline for the Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund: Film and Television. This program provides eligible Ontario companies with funding to participate in international activities that support company growth. The primary activities supported include targeted sales trips and attendance at international market events. Information sessions will be held on April 5 and April 7.
Reminders for Members
Don’t forget to send Cynthia a copy of your logo or photo that represents your company to be featured in our member directory on the new website.
The Filming Is Good Business Campaign has started, with a new business featured every week on the FilmOntario Twitter feed. If you have a favourite location or business that you think should be highlighted in this campaign, it’s not too late to let me know!
Ontario Green Screen is asking producers and decision-makers to sign our EV/Hybrid vehicle pledge, intended to demonstrate to rental companies that there is significant interest from the industry in switching to electric and hybrid vehicles and encouraging them to increase their supply. Please take a moment to review and sign the pledge today.
News to Share?
If there are any updates or announcements you would like to share with your fellow FilmOntario members, please don’t hesitate to let me know at clynch@filmontario.ca and I will include them in the next member update.