CBC Independent Producers

Absolutely Canadian is a national one-hour series showcasing documentaries and unscripted programs that tell unique stories from communities across Canada. All programs are produced locally and highlight the works of independent filmmakers in each region.

Projects from the Absolutely Canadian stream reflect all of CBCs regions and our countrys multicultural and multiracial reality.

The Absolutely Canadian programming stream provides independent filmmakers with access to funds and expert business mentoring as well as other resources to produce new documentary content.

Out of the pitches received, CBC creates up to six programs annually in each centre. Most of these programs are local and independently produced, while some are co-productions and some are CBC produced.

Content produced through the Absolutely Canadian program premieres in prime time on local CBC television stations in July through October, and also streams on CBC Gem. A selection of this content airs nationally on CBC TVs Absolutely Canadian on Saturdays daytime schedule during the Fall and Winter.

Here is our Gem stream.

Are you an independent filmmaker or content creator with an original standalone documentary or unscripted project?

Projects from the Absolutely Canadian stream reflect all of CBCs regions and our countrys multicultural and multiracial reality.

Absolutely Canadian programs favour unique storytelling projects from creators who are dedicated to their craft, and that are produced through an inclusive lens, demonstrating narrative sovereignty.

Programs that are innovative, contemporary, reflect CBCs commitment to diversity and narrative sovereignty, have a clear storyline along with strong audience appeal will have the greatest chance of success.

Programs that are innovative, contemporary, reflect CBCs commitment to diversity and narrative sovereignty, have a clear storyline along with strong audience appeal will have the greatest chance of success.

Absolutely Canadian CBC representatives are open to program pitches at any time and may use funds to develop, pre-license or acquire finished or partially-finished projects. CBC license fees vary per film. We encourage you to access other sources to help fund your film. (FAQ below)

How are proposals evaluated?

Proposals are evaluated on the basis of their originality of subject or treatment, clarity of approach and focus, commitment to diversity and narrative sovereignty, audience appeal, and financial viability.
 

What if Ive never produced anything for television or film before?

The Absolutely Canadian stream supports emerging filmmakers but we encourage you to include team members with production experience. Please visit CBCs Business & Rights site for more resources for emerging creators and information on how we interact with independent producers. You can also review the information listed in the section New to the Industry, including the CBC Region Producers Handbook and Guide.

What is the program deadline this year?

Submissions are accepted on a year-round basis.
 

When will I know if my proposal is successful?
 

It generally takes 8-10 weeks to review and respond to your proposal, but staff will respond sooner if possible. If you are planning to apply to other funding agencies with a commitment from CBC, please apply to CBC at least three months in advance of that deadline. Keep in mind that CBC receives hundreds of pitches from across the country and the Absolutely Canadian process is very competitive.
 

Proposals should be submitted to your regional program development office, along with this release form.

Your regional programmers work closely with network department heads to ensure projects put into development meet CBCs standards and priorities. See contact list below.

Before submitting your proposal, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the CBC schedule.

Programs that are innovative, contemporary and relevant with a clear narrative and storyline along with a strong appeal to audiences will have the greatest chance of success.

Proposals are evaluated on the basis of their originality of subject or treatment, clarity of approach and focus, audience appeal, credentials of the production team and financial viability. Projects that cannot be supported by this program may be forwarded to network departments with recommendations from local program staff.

Absolutely Canadian funding is intended for the pre-licence or acquisition of one-off programs for CBC TV and CBC Gem.

Network series, scripted long form programs and web-based series are currently not eligible for support with the Absolutely Canadian funding, but check under the tab Genres for information on who to contact at CBC for these ideas.

Absolutely Canadian documentaries run one broadcast hour, however shorter length films can be compiled into a one-hour program. Programs are intended primarily for television and CBC Gem on-demand streaming, however multi-platform extensions for projects are encouraged.

Projects must also meet CBCs commitment to diversity. By 2025, CBC/Radio-Canada aims to ensure that at least one of the key creatives in all scripted and factual commissioned programs will be held by a person from a diverse background. For the purposes of this commitment, members of visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ2+ community will be included. Key creatives include producer, director, writer, editor, DOP, showrunner and lead performer.

To find out more, please send your pitch along with a signed CBC release form to the appropriate contact in your province.

CBC Regional Representatives

Alberta & British Columbia

Sheila Peacock

CBC Executive in Charge of Independent Productions for BC and Alberta

email: sheila.peacock@cbc.ca

Manitoba & Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Northwest Territories & Yukon

Robin Summerfield

Senior Producer, CBC Manitoba

email: robin.summerfield@cbc.ca

Nova Scotia / New Brunswick / P.E.I./Newfoundland & Labrador

Natalie Dobbin

Senior Producer, CBC Atlantic

email: natalie.dobbin@cbc.ca

Ontario

Adele Cardamone-Martel

Executive Producer, CBC Ontario

email: adele.cardamone@cbc.ca

Quebec

Carrie Haber

Senior Producer, CBC Quebec

email: carrie.haber@cbc.ca