Key Dates:
Applications open July 15, 2025
Applications close August 8, 2025
About the Program
The IPF Pre-Application Training Program for Prairie Producers is a national initiative led by the Whistler Film Festival’s Talent Lab, in partnership with the Independent Production Fund (IPF), On Screen Manitoba, Creative Saskatchewan and SaskScreen.
This intensive, online training and mentorship program supports up to four independent producers each from Manitoba and Saskatchewan in preparing strong applications to the IPF’s Short Form Series Development Program.
Through weekly workshops and tailored guidance, prairie-based producers and writers will gain key insights to strengthen their project development and increase their chances of securing funding. The program is part of the IPF’s commitment to improving regional representation and ensuring equitable access to development support across Canada.
Le programme est ouvert aux candidatures francophones.
For full program details and eligibility, visit: Whistler Film Festival Talent Program page.
Program Schedule: IPF Pre-Application Training Program for Prairie Producers
July 15, 2025: Call for applications opens
Date TBD: Program online Q&A session on Zoom (recording from Northern Producers Lab will be available)
August 8, 2025: Application deadline at 11:59 p.m. PT
September 9 – November 25, 2025: Online workshop sessions (13 sessions over 13 weeks)
September 9 – 30, 2025: Story editors and/or development executives identified and matched
December 2025: Application materials reviewed and critiqued; feedback provided
January – February 2026: Participants finalize their application materials
March 1, 2026: Deadline to submit to the IPF Short Form Series Development Program
Who can apply?
Priaire producers who intend to apply for the IPF Short Form Series Development program
Applicants must be 18 years or over, be a full-time resident of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status
Feedback on applications is only given to the accepted participants
Applicants must be able to commit to attending workshop sessions
Creative Saskatchewan, On Screen Manitoba and Whistler Film Festival Society value fair and just treatment of all community members through the creation of opportunities and the removal of barriers to address historical and current disadvantages for underrepresented and marginalized groups. Female over 45 years old, racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply. Self-identification is a necessary and important step to ensure a robust and inclusive environment.
There is no application fee for this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what stage should projects be in development?
Submitted projects are expected to be in the early stages of development, ie. treatment stage.
How long and detailed should the application materials plans be?
Just early stages as we will be bringing experts to help you with this.
Do we accept late applications?
Late applications will NOT be accepted.
Can I email you my material?
No, we will only accept applications that have gone through our online application process.
If I am successful and get into the program can I change my project partway through?
No, we are accepting the producers for the program based on the projects applied with.
Who will be evaluating the projects and producers being submitted?
We have a jury of key industry decision-makers helping us with our decision.
Is the program open to people outside of Manitoba and Saskatchewan?
No. The program is only open to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents over the age of 18 who currently reside full-time in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Do applicants get feedback?
No, feedback is provided only for final participants who make it into the program.
Can you apply for this program with more than one producer attached?
It can be a co-produced project, but only one of the producers can attend the training.
Is it ok if the producer and/or their script participated in other WFF Talent Programs before?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it.
Can you apply to more than one WFF Talent Program?
Yes.