SODEC — Film Production Aid (Quebec production companies)

Program Description

SODEC's Production Aid program is Quebec's primary provincial grant for domestic film and television production companies, covering up to 65% of eligible production expenses to a maximum of $4,000,000 per project. Open to Quebec-incorporated production companies with demonstrated professional experience, the program supports feature fiction films, short films, documentaries, and animated works across three volets. At least 80% of total annual funds are allocated to French-language originals, with rolling intake windows multiple times per year.

Eligibility Requirements

• Quebec-based film and television production company, duly incorporated (sole proprietorships are ineligible)
• Administrators and producers must demonstrate relevant professional experience: volet 1 (feature fiction) requires one prior feature of equivalent budget when the total budget is under $3.5M, and two when $3.5M or more; volet 2 (short films) requires one relevant professional audiovisual work in the past 8 years; volet 3 (medium/feature documentaries) requires a prior relevant work in the past 8 years
• First-time applicants or experienced companies applying in a new production format must contact SODEC at least 1 month before the submission deadline to establish eligibility
• Applicant must hold all rights and options necessary for the project's development and production
• Projects must qualify as Quebec productions under SODEC's production standards
• Broadcasting companies licensed under the Broadcasting Act are excluded or have restricted eligibility
• Analysis fee per project and intake (paid via ACCEO Transphere pre-authorized debit; refundable if the project is refused at the eligibility stage): volet 1 $350 (budget ≤ $1.5M) or $1,000 (budget > $1.5M) plus taxes; volet 2 $50 plus taxes (≈$57.49 with taxes); volet 3 $250 plus taxes
• Volet 1 (≥$3.5M budget): a Québec distributor minimum-guarantee commitment is required before filing; volet 3 (documentaries): a broadcaster, Québec documentary distributor, or SODEC-recognized digital platform commitment is required before filing
• 2026-2027 rule: the project must have been developed only by Quebec company/companies (minority co-productions excepted)
• Timing rules: the production request must be filed before the first day of shooting; any SODEC development file for the same project must be closed first (closing elements due at least 4 weeks before the production filing date); a project refused twice may only be resubmitted on SODEC's invitation
• Volets 1 and 2: if a company (including related companies) files more than one fiction project in the same intake, at least half must be written or directed by women (a majority if an odd number of projects)
• Any non-French-language production must budget French subtitling or dubbing in its production budget or distribution agreements; if dubbing is used it must be performed in Quebec by Quebec-based performers