Greenlight AB: Short Film Production - Call for Proposals

Edmonton Screen supports independent filmmakers across Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

This call for proposals is a continuation of our Greenlight Alberta program, a specialized training initiative designed to equip the region’s below-the-line workforce with industry-ready, practical skills. Greenlight Alberta develops local crew talent across three distinct phases:

  1. Comprehensive online industry master certification training.
  2. Bespoke, localized in-person advanced training labs.
  3. Real-world, paid on-set experience (The Final Phase).

By integrating funded film productions with Greenlight Alberta’s program framework, this call directly fulfills that third critical pillar. This initiative lowers financial barriers for independent regional creators while providing vital, paid on-set career placements for local crew members poised to enter the commercial workforce. Our first group of participants have been trained as Assistant Directors, Production Coordinators and Production Assistants.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Status: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident operating as an independent creator, or a Canadian-controlled production corporation.
  • Regional Focus: The applicant’s primary residence or head office must be located in Northern Alberta (with a focus on the Edmonton area).
  • Project Role: The applicant should be the film Producer or Director.

Projects

Projects submitted to the program must meet the following criteria:

  • Format: Scripted or documentary short films with a running time of approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Project Stage: Project must be at the production stage. Principal photography must not begin before funding is approved.
  • Regional Filming Requirement: Principal photography (production) must take place within Northern Alberta.
  • Ineligible Projects: Student films, music videos, commercials, and corporate/industrial videos are strictly ineligible.
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Proposal Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated based on:

  • Creative Excellence: Originality of the script, strength of the director's vision, and artistic merit.
  • Project Viability: Feasibility of the budget and shooting schedule relative to the scope of the script.
  • Community Impact: Opportunities provided to local cast, utilization of Northern Alberta locations, and the integration of the mandatory crew pool.

Terms of Funding and Program Benefits

Financial Contribution

  • Selected projects will receive a non-repayable grant of up to $50,000 to be used strictly for eligible production and post-production costs.
  • There is no minimum budget floor required. The grant may cover 100% of the project's budget.
  • Financing from other sources is permitted and total project budget may exceed $50,000.

Mandatory Crew Hiring & Vetted Pool

  • As a strict condition of funding, successful applicants must utilize this project as a practical training ground for Greenlight Alberta certified students. This structure operates on a Department Head & Mentee model:
    • The Filmmaker’s Responsibility: The production team must independently hire and pay their own qualified, experienced Heads of Department (e.g., Key AD, Production Manager, or Key PA). These department heads must agree to provide hands-on oversight, guidance, and mentorship to the student crew members throughout the production.
    • The Program's Assignment: The program will assign certified students from the Greenlight Alberta training pool to fill specific crew placements on your set as outlined below.
  • Productions are required to accommodate and embed approximately 15-20 student placements into the following roles:
    • Assistant Directors (ADs) or equivalent (total of 18 available) Mentored by your Key 1st AD
    • Production Coordinators (total of 12 available) Mentored by your Production Manager/Producer
    • Production Assistants (PAs) (total of 8 available) Mentored by your Key PA or Coordinator
  • Crew Compensation & Budget Note: All crew costs—including the student placement positions assigned by the program—must be accounted for in the project budget and paid out of project funds. While specific day rates are not mandated by the program, but all crew wages must comply with Alberta Employment Standards and cannot fall below the provincial minimum wage.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

  • Edmonton Screen will not retain any share of copyright, ownership, or distribution rights of the completed film. 100% of the intellectual property remains with the filmmaker.
  • Successful applicants are required to provide a prominent on-screen credit to Edmonton Screen as a funder in the front and/or end rollers of the film.

Timeline

Program Timelines

  • Early June: Program Announcement & Guidelines Released.
  • June 15: Call for Proposals Opens.
  • July 5: Application Deadline & Committee Review.
  • July 20: Selected Projects Announced.

Recommended Production Timelines

  • August (Pre-Production): Casting, crew selection, location scouting, etc.
  • September - October (Production): Principal photography.
  • November (Post-Production): Editing, sound design, and color grading.

Final films to be delivered by end of December 2026.

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How to Apply

Applications open June 15.

All applications must be submitted digitally through our online portal during the active June application window. Submissions must include:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Finished Script / Screenplay
  • Director’s Vision & Visual Lookbook
  • Comprehensive Production Budget (inclusive of all crew requirements and wages at or above Alberta minimum wage)
  • Production Timeline