Who We Are
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.
What We Are Looking For
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.
Absolutely Canadian favours stories that:
- Reflect regional, local connections
- Originate in the province of production
- Diverse voices and points of view are a priority in front of and behind the camera. Our goal is to make sure all Canadians see themselves reflected in our programming, and connect with the many communities voices that make our country special
- Narrative sovereignty - stories are told by the people who experience them
- Original - stories that offer unique angles and perspectives on topics of current interest
- Contemporary - Reflective of Canadian communities looking toward a vision of Canada for the future that reflects the diversity of Canadas population
- Suitable for Family Primetime - Most Absolutely Canadian programs air in the family primetime timeslot (7pm) as well as daytime morning/afternoon. Content must be suitable for a general audience
- Multi-Platform - Multi-platform extensions of the projects are highly encouraged
What To Submit
What should I include in my proposal?
- A clear and concise overview outlining your project. This overview should specify the program genre, format and target demographic. Who is the audience for this?
- A clear overview of the creative approach you would bring to the project. Be sure to address not just what the show is about, but what it would look like and what makes it unique in terms of approach, format, tone and POV. Why are you the person to tell this story? This overview should be between 2-5 pages and should also include; logline, project description, main character descriptions, and a draft production schedule.
- A production plan and financing scenario (including eligible sources of funding) along with bios of the key creative team. Full resumes are not needed at this stage but we do need to see what kind of creative team is being assembled around this project and what kind of experience and expertise they bring to the project.
- This release form
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.
Where do I send my proposal?
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.
How are proposals evaluated?
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.
Who Is Eligible
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.
Ready to Submit?
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
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