Deadline: 16-Jul-2026
Creative Saskatchewan is inviting applications for the SaskTel Max Equity Fund, a competitive funding program that provides equity investment support for eligible film, television, and audiovisual productions in Saskatchewan. The fund is designed to strengthen the province’s screen industry by supporting commercially viable projects that deliver economic, cultural, and employment benefits.
Through equity investment, the program helps Saskatchewan-based independent producers advance high-quality productions with strong market potential while contributing to the growth of the province’s creative economy and screen-based sector.
About the Fund
The SaskTel Max Equity Fund supports independent audiovisual productions that demonstrate commercial viability and the potential to generate returns on investment.
The program focuses on:
- Film production
- Television production
- Audiovisual content creation
- Independent production projects
- Commercially viable screen-based content
- Economic development within Saskatchewan
- Cultural storytelling and creative expression
- Employment generation in the screen industry
- Industry growth and sustainability
The fund seeks to invest in projects that can contribute to both the creative and economic success of Saskatchewan’s audiovisual sector.
Funding Information
Support is provided in the form of equity investment rather than a grant.
Key funding details include:
- Investment of up to 20% of the approved cash budget
- Funding awarded through a competitive assessment process
- Investment amounts determined based on project strength and evaluation results
- Support for eligible audiovisual productions meeting program requirements
Funding decisions are based on the overall quality and competitiveness of applications received.
Eligible Applicants
The fund is available to:
- Saskatchewan-based independent producers
- Eligible production companies operating in Saskatchewan
- Producers undertaking qualifying audiovisual productions
Applicants must meet all program requirements established by Creative Saskatchewan.
Eligible Projects
The program supports productions that demonstrate strong commercial and industry potential.
Examples may include:
- Feature films
- Television productions
- Documentary projects
- Scripted content
- Screen-based media productions
- Other eligible audiovisual projects
Projects should align with program objectives and demonstrate a realistic pathway toward production and market success.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process.
Key assessment factors include:
- Probability of recoupment
- Profit potential
- Commercial viability
- Economic benefits to Saskatchewan
- Cultural benefits to Saskatchewan
- Employment opportunities created
- Overall project quality
- Contribution to the provincial screen industry
Projects that demonstrate strong potential across these areas may receive higher consideration during the evaluation process.
Economic Impact
The fund is intended to support productions that generate meaningful economic activity within Saskatchewan.
Potential economic benefits include:
- Job creation
- Industry development
- Increased production spending
- Growth of local creative businesses
- Expansion of the screen production sector
- Attraction of industry investment
The program contributes to strengthening Saskatchewan’s position as a destination for film and television production.
Cultural Impact
In addition to economic outcomes, the fund supports projects that contribute to Saskatchewan’s cultural landscape.
Desired cultural benefits include:
- Promotion of Saskatchewan stories and perspectives
- Support for local creative talent
- Increased visibility of Saskatchewan’s screen industry
- Development of original Canadian content
- Strengthening of cultural identity through audiovisual media
Projects that create lasting cultural value are encouraged.
Employment Opportunities
Employment generation is an important consideration in the assessment process.
Supported productions may contribute to:
- Opportunities for producers and directors
- Employment for writers and creative professionals
- Technical crew positions
- Production and post-production jobs
- Skills development within the screen sector
- Career growth for Saskatchewan industry professionals
The fund aims to support sustainable employment within the province’s creative industries.
Why This Fund Matters
The screen industry plays a significant role in economic growth, cultural development, and creative innovation. By investing in commercially viable productions, the SaskTel Max Equity Fund helps Saskatchewan-based producers bring projects to market while supporting local talent and industry development.
The program encourages the creation of high-quality content that can generate financial returns, create employment opportunities, and showcase Saskatchewan’s creative capacity to wider audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the SaskTel Max Equity Fund?
- Eligible Saskatchewan-based independent producers and production companies may apply, subject to program requirements.
What type of support does the program provide?
- The fund provides equity investment rather than grant funding.
How much funding is available?
- Projects may receive an investment of up to 20% of the approved cash budget.
What types of projects are supported?
- Eligible film, television, and audiovisual productions that meet program criteria.
How are applications evaluated?
- Applications are assessed based on recoupment potential, profit potential, commercial viability, economic benefits, cultural benefits, employment creation, and overall project quality.
Is funding guaranteed for eligible applicants?
- No. The program is competitive, and funding decisions are based on the strength of applications received.
What is the main objective of the fund?
- To support commercially viable audiovisual productions that contribute to Saskatchewan’s creative economy, culture, and screen industry growth.
Conclusion
The SaskTel Max Equity Fund provides Saskatchewan-based independent producers with valuable equity investment support for film, television, and audiovisual productions. By investing in projects with strong commercial, cultural, and economic potential, the program helps strengthen Saskatchewan’s screen industry, create employment opportunities, and support the development of high-quality content that contributes to the province’s creative and economic success.
For more information, visit Creative Saskatchewan.
