Regional Programming Development Fund
Overview
Do you have an idea for a documentary, comedy or music program? Your local CBC station can provide content creators with ready access to the network and support for development of new programs via the Regional Programming Development Fund (RPDF).
Regional funding for program development was launched in 2001 as the TransCanada fund (TCF). In 2006 the fund was renamed the Regional Programming Development Fund (RPDF).The purpose of the fund is to create non-news local programming that is entertaining and innovative.
The Fund values regional content, collaboration with independent producers, diversity of voices (especially Aboriginal), points of view and emerging on-screen talent. The Regional Programming Development Fund is ideal for music, documentaries, and comedy relevant to local audiences. Multiplatform extensions are highly encouraged.
In 2010/11, content produced through the Fund aired regionally in prime-time on Saturdays throughout the summer. A 'best of' selection of this content is now airing nationally on Absolutely Canadian. http://www.cbc.ca/absolutelycanadian/
While the focus is on creating content for the above slots, RPDF funds may also be used for script development, training, and pilots.
Please speak to regional program development staff in your area. They maintain close working relationships with national creative heads, and can assist in the review, development, and production of projects.
FAQ
Do you have a question about the Regional Programming Development Fund? We've answered the most common queries in our list of Frequently Asked Questions below. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for, please use the contact section.
Can independent producers based in Toronto apply to the RPDF for development funding?
Yes. Each of the CBC regions has access to the Fund. Ontario is divided into two regions: inside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and outside the GTA.
What program genres can access the fund?
The RPDF supports the development and production of documentary, comedy, and music programs. While the Fund does not support online projects exclusively, online components of the above genres will bolster a project's chances of being funded.
What aspects of development are supported by the fund?
The RPDF supports proposal and script development, talent development, story editing, developmental shooting for documentaries. Producers are expected and encouraged to seek production funds from various sources, including provincial tax credits.
Where do I send my proposal?
Proposals should be submitted to your local program development office. Your local programmers work closely with network department heads to ensure projects put into development meet CBC's standards and priorities.
What should I include in my proposal?
Your initial development proposal should include:
• A clear and concise overview outlining your project. This overview should specify the program genre, format and target demographic. Who is the audience for this?
• A clear overview of the creative approach you would bring to the project. Be sure to address not just what the show is about, but what it would look like and what makes it unique in terms of approach, format, tone and POV. This overview should be between 2-5 pages.
• A development plan. What will be accomplished during the development period?
• A development budget and financing scenario and bios of the key creative team. Full resumes are not needed at this stage, but we do need to see what kind of creative team is being assembled around this project and what kind of experience and expertise they bring.
Before submitting your proposal, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the CBC schedule.
Programs that are innovative, contemporary and relevant, with a clear narrative and storyline and a strong appeal to audiences will have the greatest chance of success. Be sure to consult the genres eligible for RPDF funding in the Overview section of this website.
How are proposals evaluated?
Proposals are evaluated on the basis of their originality of subject or treatment, clarity of approach and focus, audience appeal, credentials of the production team and financial viability. Projects that cannot be supported by this fund may be forwarded to network departments with recommendations from local program staff.
What if I've never produced anything for television before?
If you and your team don't have a television track record, then your first step is to partner with a production company that does.
What is the fund deadline this year?
The fund is available for submission on a year-round basis.
It generally takes 8-10 weeks to review and respond to your proposal, but staff will respond sooner if possible. If you are planning to apply to other funding agencies with a commitment from CBC, please apply to CBC at least three months in advance of that deadline. Keep in mind that CBC receives hundreds of television proposals from across the country and the development process is very competitive.
To find out more, please get in touch with the appropriate regional contact.
Regional Contacts
Alberta
Steve Glassman
Area Executive Producer, Program Development
TEL: (780) 468-7506
E-mail: steve.glassman@cbc.ca
British Columbia
Sheila Peacock
Producer, Specials, New Program & Talent Development
TEL: (604) 662-6095
E-mail: sheila.peacock@cbc.ca
Manitoba
Cecil Rosner
Managing Editor of English Radio & Television
E-mail: cecil.rosner@cbc.ca
Maritimes
Peter Hall
Executive Producer of Programming, CBC Maritimes
TEL: (902) 420-4364
E-mail: peter.hall@cbc.ca
Newfoundland/Labrador
Denise Wilson
Managing Director
TEL:(709) 576-5001
E-mail: denise.wilson@cbc.ca
Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon
Janice Stein
Managing Director
TEL: (867) 920-5444
E-mail: janice.stein@cbc.ca
Ontario (Outside GTA)
Adele Cardamone-Martel
Executive Producer, A&E New Program Development
Ottawa
TEL: (613) 288-6403
E-mail: adele.cardamone-martel@cbc.ca
Ontario (Inside GTA)
Susan Marjetti
Managing Director
TEL: (416) 205-5791
E-mail: susan.marjetti@cbc.ca
Quebec
Carrie Haber
Producer, Television
TEL: (514) 597-4742
E-mail: carrie.haber@cbc.ca
Saskatchewan
John Agnew
Managing Director
TEL: (306) 347-9743
E-mail: john.agnew@cbc.ca
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