Hot Docs Film Funds
Evalua on Criteria
Film fund applica ons are evaluated based on feasibility, produc on ability, crea ve merit, audience, and fit with mandate.
Criteria Descrip on
Feasibility This sec on evaluates overall the feasibility of those details, as well as
the grant’s total financial and professional impact on the project’s
realiza on. The applicant has provided sufficient details on the
project’s realiza on including budget, financing, schedule and scope.
Produc on Ability This sec on evaluates the commi ee’s confidence in the produc on
team’s overall ability to complete the film.
Crea ve Merit Hot Docs Funds aim to support unique visions and crea ve talent. This
sec on evaluates the strength, style and originality of the subject
ma er and the treatment.
Audience This sec on evaluates overall the project’s strategy to access
meaningful audience engagement.
Fit with Mandate This sec on evaluates overall adherence to the Fund’s aims and
mandate. The applicant has provided enough details as to whether
they meet the Fund’s s pulated eligibility criteria.
Ques ons to Consider
• Is the budget for the project reasonable? Does it meet
industry standards?
• Does the financing scenario demonstrate a strong plan for
the project to be financially realized?
• Are the melines in the schedule realis c for the project?
• Are there any addi onal challenges and risks with the
project? Have they been sufficiently addressed in the
applica on?
• What is the makeup of the crea ve team? Does the
filmmaker/producer team demonstrate the ability to
complete the film?
• Is the treatment well wri en? Is there a clear, delineated
storyline?
• Is the idea well-conceived?
• Is this an untold story? Is the access new or excep onal?
• Is there subject ma er compelling?
• Does the applica on demonstrate a crea ve risk?
Innova on in its aesthe c or crea ve approach to
storytelling?
• Is there a target audience for the project? Will the project
appeal to its target audience?
• Is there a reasonable strategy to build an audience?
• Does the applicant and the project meet the Fund’s
eligibility criteria?
• Does the applicant and the project adhere to the Fund’s
overall mandate?