SaskTel Max Equity Fund - Assessment Criteria

The Creative Saskatchewan SaskTel Max Equity Fund provides financial support to eligible Saskatchewan-based independent producers of audiovisual productions.

The Assessment Criteria was approved on April 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year. Any amendments made after the fact will be posted here:

• No amendments to date.

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1. Demonstrated probability of recoupment and profit potential

Potential points: 5

• Projected surplus of return on Creative Saskatchewan investment = 1 point
• The distributor attached has significant experience in this genre and/or broadcaster = 1 point
• The application includes a detailed marketing plan that provides evidence of the appeal of the project to the international market = 1 point
• The anticipated revenues coincide with current market projections = 1 point
• The application clearly defines the target audience and provides evidence of the appeal of the project to that audience = 1 point

2. Economic and cultural benefit to the province of Saskatchewan

Potential points: 7

• The project will be shot in Saskatchewan = 1 point
• The level of Saskatchewan spend:
  • 0 – 30% = 0 points
  • 31 – 45% = 1 point
  • 46 – 75% = 2 points
  • 76%+ = 3 points
• The director and/or writer is a Saskatchewan resident = 1 point
• Production will be released or versioned in French and/or a First Nations language = 1 point
• Post-production will primarily take place in Saskatchewan = 1 point

3. Job creation potential within Saskatchewan, including training and career laddering opportunities for the Saskatchewan freelance / self-employed community

Potential points: 8

• The quality of the training plan(s) that addresses the following:
  • Gender parity = 2 points
  • Diversity and inclusion plan = 2 points
  • Production’s Respectful Workplace Policies provides a workplace that is free from harassment and violence = 2 points
  • Career laddering opportunities = 2 points

4. The feasibility of the production budget

Potential points: 1

• The production budget is complete and reflects the industry standards = 1 point

5. Production financing including support from the marketplace and leverage of funds from the private sector and from outside Saskatchewan

Potential points: 6

• The level of financing confirmed:
  • 50 – 75% = 2 points
  • 76%+ = 3 points
• The level of non-Saskatchewan financing proposed:
  • 0 – 30% = 0 points
  • 31 – 45% = 1 point
  • 46 – 75% = 2 points
  • 76%+ = 3 points

6. Experience of producer, director, and key creative team

Potential points: 4

• The producer has lead-produced more than two projects of the same scope = 2 points
• The director has directed more than two projects of the same scope = 2 points

7. The quality and originality of the creative materials (the creative materials are suited to the commercial marketplace and how the creative is unique)

Potential points: 5

• The content is thoroughly presented with evidence that sufficient research has been undertaken = 2 points
• The application provides adequate information on how the creative will be implemented = 1 point
• The story is original OR if not, an original concept and approach to the creative has been described that will render the story unique = 2 points

Total /36