Students at Convocation

Are you an alum of a CapU School of Motion Picture Arts (SMPA) program looking to finance production of your first feature film project?

You can apply for support from CapU to endorse you for Telefilm Canada’s annual Talent to Watch program. CapU Bosa Centre for Film and Animation is a proud industry partner of the program, which invests $3.45 million in 17 new feature film projects each year!

Get started: Apply for CapU endorsement

First step, apply to CapU Bosa for Film and Animation, a Telefilm Industry Partner Representative, to seek endorsement for your project and have it submitted as a competitor in the Talent to Watch program.

Here’s how:

Mid-December

Submit your completed feature script for initial review to alumniSMPA@capilanou.ca

Mid-February

Submit your full Telefilm application package (pitch video, script, synopsis, treatment, budget, production plan, etc.) ready for review and faculty feedback.

 

A letter of intent elaborating on why you have chosen to go with CapU as an industry partner is welcomed and encouraged as part of your submission.

Mid-March

A volunteer faculty management team will select which projects will move forward for endorsement.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Review the guidelines thoroughly before applying.
  • Ensure your script meets eligibility criteria (length, genre, format, etc.).
  • Be realistic with your budget, make sure it aligns with the program’s scope.
  • Assemble a diverse team across creative roles.
  • Work with an eligible producer who can carry the project forward.

Newly graduating students are eligible to apply; however, competitive applicants should be able to demonstrate prior filmmaking experience, preferably through a completed short film that has screened at a festival or otherwise shown evidence of artistic promise. The proposed Talent to Watch project should build clearly on the applicant’s existing body of work and reflect a logical next step in their filmmaking trajectory. CapU Bosa Centre for Film and Animation will prioritize submissions from alumni who have completed their studies within the last five years.

Next steps: Apply through the Telefilm Canada Talent to Watch program

Once your project has been accepted for endorsement from CapU, you can then apply for the competition through the official Telefilm Canada Process.

Here are the key steps and considerations for applying:

  1. Review the program guidelines & eligibility:
  1. Select the appropriate application stream:
  • Industry Partner Stream (projects recommended by a designated partner)
  • Festival Selection Stream (for filmmakers whose short film was selected at a recognized festival)
  • Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream (for under-represented creators)
  1. Prepare the required documents:
  • Completed script (for fiction) or treatment/creative materials (for documentary)
  • Presentation video (maximum five minutes) and previous work sample (one minute)
  • Synopsis (maximum 750 words)
  • Director’s vision (maximum three pages)
  • Production budget and financing plan
  • Production schedule (pre-production to release)
  1. Submit through the online portal (Dialogue):
  • All applications must be submitted online through Telefilm’s Dialogue portal.
  • Ensure all required documents are uploaded at submission.
  1. Meet deadlines and internal timelines:
  • Check official Telefilm deadlines.
  1. After submission:
  • Telefilm reviews submissions and will notify applicants through email or the Dialogue portal.
  • Successful applicants will enter into a funding contract and mentorship program.

Other important information