FAQs: CrossCurrents Canada Doc Fund

My production is stalled because of COVID-19 disruptions. How do you take this into consideration in the application?

We understand that many productions have stalled due to COVID-19. As long as the production is eligible for the CrossCurrents Canada Doc Fund, we will consider all applications equally knowing that it’s unclear when it will be safe again to resume production. It takes approximately 3–4 months after the application deadline to make a decision so, while we are optimistic that the environment will be more welcoming to productions by then, we will be flexible if there are further delays. If you have any questions about this, please reach out directly at [email protected].

If I am a recipient of the fund, does that mean I lose any film rights?

Hot Docs has no creative control and ownership of the film from the Canadian rightsholder. Successful applicants will be asked to provide proof of chain of title, and incorporation documents of the Canadian company that holds the majority rights to the film.

How does the CrossCurrents Doc Fund articulate Indigenous, Francophone, Deaf, disability, racialized and/or persons of colour?

In the spirit of inclusivity, Hot Docs does not define these terms but rather looks to applicants to self-identify why they are a good fit for the fund. The CrossCurrents Canada Doc Fund, under the aegis of the Canadian Storytellers Project, has strategic measures for filmmakers from these specific designated groups that have been underserved or experience barriers within the Canadian arts sector. Hot Docs and the Canadian Storytellers Project acknowledges that there are other population groups in Canada that face barriers. However, we believe that the priority groups identified above are the appropriate ones to focus on at this time.

What is Netflix’s involvement in the project? Are there any additional requirements associated with Netflix?

Netflix is invited to evaluate the project briefs and participate in the selection committee meetings. However, there are no contractual obligations or relationships between Netflix and recipients of the CrossCurrents Canada Doc Fund.

What is considered as a professional credit?

Professional credits include any commercial (distributed theatrically, on broadcast, DVD or via viable/curated digital platforms like iTunes, Netflix, Hulu) or festival-run short, feature-length or series project (fiction or documentary) where you held the role as director.

What information should I include in my budget?

You can check out our Budgeting for Emerging Filmmakers publication to see standard line items in a budget. We expect a detailed industry standard development or production budget for the project, including the top sheet.

I am in development and have not yet shot any footage that can be cut into a trailer. What kind of supporting footage should I be submitting?

If you have not entered production yet, we recommend cutting together a short audio-visual piece that conveys the tone, message, or style of your project.

Can I apply for post-production funds?

At the discretion of the selection committee, projects applying to the production fund category may be awarded a post-production grant in lieu of a production grant. Post-production grants may be awarded to projects at the end of their production or post-production process. Post-production grants are cash grants only, and do not qualify for the Doc Accelerator fellowship programs.

When will I know if my application is successful?

All applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by our staff via email approximately four months after the application deadline. The length of the evaluation period will be determined by the volume of submissions received. A public announcement of all successful projects will be made shortly thereafter.