The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund (HDBIG) offers grants in Development and Production for feature or broadcast-length documentaries. Approximately four to 10 projects are awarded each year. All successful applications will be considered for the mentorship program. Select applicants will be invited to apply for short documentaries to The New York Times—Op-Docs under the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund banner.
Development Grant
HDBIG provides successful applicants with a development grant of up to $10,000 CDN which can reflect up to 100% of the development budget. Grant money must be spent in the region on development activities and pre-production.
NOTE
You always need a Film Business Plan to get funding from investors.
Production Grant
HDBIG provides successful applicants with a production grant of up to $40,000 CDN to maximum of 50% of the production budget. At the discretion of the selection committee, projects applying for the production grant may be awarded a completion grant instead. Completion grant recipients are not eligible for the mentorship program for that particular application round.
Short Documentary Grant
All eligible projects submitted to HDBIG will also be considered for The New York Times—Op-Docs short documentary, unless the applicant indicates otherwise. Op-Docs is a forum for short, opinionated documentaries, produced by independent filmmakers with wide creative latitude, covering current affairs, contemporary life and historical subjects. This does not affect your current or future application to HDBIG. It is possible to receive support from both Op-Docs and HDBIG or none.
