Alberta Film Development Program (AFDP)

The Alberta Film Development Program (AFDP) provides assistance to motion picture production done in Alberta. Assistance is provided to partially reimburse expenses incurred in the course of producing a motion picture in Alberta.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered eligible for funding all projects must be supported by a broadcast license or a distribution agreement (in the case of theatrical releases) of fair market value.

A broadcast license includes all of the following:

• A commitment by a licensed broadcaster (this includes all private, public, and
  educational broadcasters and all specialty, pay and pay-per-view broadcasters)
  to participate financially in the production
• A commitment to broadcast the program within two years of its completion
• Participation by the broadcaster in the form of a cash contribution

Theatrical distributors must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial stability and expertise to arrange for distributions in all markets for which they have acquired rights.

Recipients of AFDP funding must be incorporated in Alberta.

The amount spent in Alberta for the project must be greater than $25,000 (before GST).

The maximum funding available to any project is $1.5 million.

Except with the prior approval of AED, which may be granted at the discretion of AED solely for time-sensitive events, principal photography must not have commenced prior to AFDP submission.

Applicants must provide written evidence of 65% confirmed financing at the time of submission.

Grants must be used for the purposes described in the Application approved by AED.

Applications that are deemed complete will be handled on a first in, first out basis.

Summary

For the purposes of the AFDP, motion picture productions are classified into three types:
• Majority (51% or more) Albertan ownership of production
• Equal or minority (10% to 50%) Albertan ownership of production
• Nominal or no (0 to 10%) Albertan ownership of production

The Program is now accessible through three distinct funding streams. In essence, the AFDP will contribute between 14 and 23 percent of all eligible expenses incurred in Alberta. That's the equivalent of between a 25 and 42 percent labour tax credit. The level of contribution increases with Albertan ownership and the employment of Albertan key creative personnel.

Eligible costs generally include all expenditures where the cost is incurred in Alberta and the value of the consumption of the goods or services is realized in Alberta. For example, for travel booked through an Alberta travel agency, only the travel agent fee, travel within Alberta, and airport improvement taxes on Alberta airports are eligible costs. In the cases of insurance, interim financing costs and film stock, an amount proportionate to the Alberta shoot will be permitted.

A list of eligible expense items is available. If an applicant has expenses not explicitly identified as eligible, they should apply for an advance ruling. Only those expenses identified in the list of eligible expense items or that have been approved in an advanced ruling will be considered in funding calculations.

Costs must be consistent and competitive with industry standards.

For guidelines and submission information visit: www.alberta-canada.com/aed/afdp.cfm 

• Alberta Film
• Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit

Alberta Contact(s):
Alberta Film Development Program
Office of the Assistant Deputy Minister
Alberta Economic Development
6th Floor
Commerce Place
10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4L6
Telephone: (780) 427-6601
Fax: (780) 422-0626