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Filmmaker’s Grant
The Filmmaker’s Grant program supports emerging Saskatchewan filmmakers with mentorship and production funds to produce content under 10 minutes intended to build the filmmakers’ professional portfolio.
Deadlines & Processing Time
- Opening date: November 18, 2025
- Deadline: January 21, 2026
All deadlines close at 4:00 PM Saskatchewan time. If a deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend, applications will be accepted until 4:00 PM the following business day.
Application processing time: Applicants can expect to receive results approximately 10 weeks from the deadline date.
Results will be delivered via e-mail and will be available in GMS
Grant Overview
Filmmakers (writer, producer, or director) must be the grant applicant. If applying for Book to Screen Adaption or Music Video, the filmmakers are responsible for finding a Saskatchewan publisher or musician collaborator.
Short-form Content:
- Filmmaker must have rights to produce the content.
Book to Screen Adaptations:
- Filmmakers working with an eligible Saskatchewan Book Publisher or Self-Published Author can apply for an additional $5,000, to be allocated to expenses related to optioning the intellectual property of the project, as well as the screen adaptation writing expenses.
- A letter of support for the project from the publisher must be included in the application.
- A formal option agreement demonstrating that the filmmaker/producer has the right to produce and distribute the content is only required if a grant is awarded.
Music Videos:
- For musicians, the program’s objective is to promote an upcoming single through the production of a music video.
- For filmmakers (director or producer, or an individual acting as both), the program’s objective is to create capacity development opportunities, as selected applicants will gain experience managing production and working with clients.
- Both parties (musicians and filmmakers) will have a completed music video to add to their professional portfolio. However, the musicians will maintain ownership of the finished project.
- A letter of support for the project from the musician must be included in the application. Musicians must be a signatory on the funding agreement should a grant be awarded.
Filmmakers will be paired with a mentor throughout the production process who will advise and work with the teams to finalize video treatment (shot list or storyboard etc.), production budget, production schedule, production agreements, rough cut, and fine cut.
Our Investment
Creative Saskatchewan may provide up to 100% of the approved budget to a maximum of:
- $7,500 for a Music Video
- $25,000 for Short-Form Content
- $30,000 for Book to Screen adaption, of which $5,000 to assist with option and adaption to screenwriting expenses.
Project financing must be used to cover direct expenses related to the production and post-production of the project.
Please note that in 2023-24, this program had an approval rate of 9% (3 out of 33 applications were approved).
If you still need to finance the remaining 50%+ of your project budget that Creative Saskatchewan does not cover, some options include:
- Booking a consultation with our Film Analyst to discuss industry-specific funding options.
- Exploring Creative Saskatchewan’s Additional Funding Resources page.
- Reaching out to your corresponding industry association and other local economic development organizations here.
Are you Eligible?
- Important details that apply to all Creative Saskatchewan grants.
- The official guidelines supersede all information contained elsewhere on this website, delivered to applicants by Program Advisors, or otherwise made publicly available.
Please note that if ineligible expenses (outlined in the Guidelines above) exceed 50% of the project budget, the application will be deemed ineligible.
Activities that receive funding from SK Arts or SaskCulture are not eligible for support through Creative Saskatchewan investment programs.
Application Tips & Process
We strongly encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the program deadline. Allow yourself time to:
- Read the General Guidelines and the Guidelines specific to the program that you’re applying for.
- Book a consultation with a Film Analyst if you need any support or have a draft ready for review
- Make any necessary edits and conduct a final proof
- Submit your final application
You’ll be asked these questions as part of the online Grant Management System application process, pay close attention to the maximum number of points available!
Tip – Grant writing webinars are available on our YouTube channel
Our Film Department is happy to walk you through eligibility criteria, tips for success, and best practices.
What's new for 2025?
- Please note that the budget templates in our Grant Management System are updated every year. Do not re-use templates from a previous application. If you are unsure, please contact a Film Analyst.
- The following addition was made under Project Eligibility Requirements:
- Producer/Director fees cannot exceed 15% of the total budget.
- Please note that the General Guidelines have been updated for 2025-26.
- In addition to the acknowledgement requirements for all grant recipients listed in the General Guidelines, successful recipients of Creative Saskatchewan’s Filmmaker’s Grant must include Creative Saskatchewan’s logo in the credits and on any physical copies of the project.
When can I expect payment?
There are three stages to our payment process. The stage in which your application is in will determine the approximate date of your payment:
Step 1: Invoice Submission & Coding
- Estimated timeframe: within 1 week of receipt
Step 2: Approval Process
- Estimated timeframe: 1-5 business days (varies based on approvers’ availability)
Step 3: Payment Processing
- Estimated timeframe: 3-5 business days after approval
Please note that this is simply a summary. We follow a strict multi-step process to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standard financial best practices.
If you have questions regarding your payment status, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Accountant via our Staff Directory.
When can I apply again?
Anytime! Applicants do not need to wait until one grant is completed before starting another application.
Can I apply for funding from more than one program at once?
Yes! Applicants do not need to wait until one grant is completed before starting another application.
How long does it take to submit an application?
The time it takes to fill out a strong application varies from person to person and often depends on project complexity or the amount of detail included.
For this reason, we strongly encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the program deadline. Allow yourself time to:
- Read the General Guidelines and the Guidelines specific to the program that you’re applying for.
- Book a consultation with a Film Analyst if you need any support or have a draft ready for review
- Make any necessary edits and conduct a final proof
- Submit your final application
How much detail should I include in my timeline?
We just need to know your key milestones and deliverables here – details can be fleshed out in the project plan section of your application!
John Hopkins Regina Soundstage
- Our state of the art facility is here to meet all your production needs!
Locations Gallery
- Saskatchewan’s weather, skies, and communities are as varied as its grasslands, forests, rivers, and lakes. Take a look at our location gallery or flip through our Saskatchewan Look Book for your next production!
Per Diem, Mileage & Exchange Rates
For information on per diem, mileage, exchange rates, accommodations, and currency conversion requirements, please click here.
Looking for a collaborator?
Fill out this form and we will be in touch with any appropriate matches.
Looking for a Saskatchewan musician?
SaskMusic has an excellent digital, searchable directory here. You can find hundreds of groups, duos, and solo artists of all genres!
Remember, to be eligible for this program, they must meet the following criteria:
- Musicians must be Saskatchewan-based
- Musicians can be at any level in their career
- Musicians must have a new song that they plan to release in the next six months
- The filmmaker must not have produced a music video with the musician in the past
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