The Black Screen Office Fund (BSOF), launching in 2025, will make a difference! We’re thrilled to introduce this new initiative dedicated to boosting high-volume scripted productions by Black Canadian creators. But BSOF won’t just be about funding—it will provide the training and support necessary to produce high-quality, commercially successful content in both English and French. Let’s dive into what will make BSOF a game-changer for Black-owned production companies.

Who Can Apply? First off, who will be eligible? BSOF funding will be available to Black-owned production companies, specifically those with at least 60% Black ownership. This will ensure our support reaches the right hands, empowering Black creators at the helm of their projects.

The Three Phases of Funding BSOF will offer funding across three key phases: pre-development, development, and production. Each phase will be designed to provide not just financial support but also the training needed to maximize these opportunities.

Independent Governance BSOF will operate independently from the Black Screen Office and will be governed by a separate board of directors (a blend of BSO and Independent board directors). This structure will ensure dedicated oversight and specialized support, aligning with the CRTC’s CIPF criteria, allowing us access to mandated contributions to Canadian programming.

Platform and Community Support We will be working with streamers who will have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to empowering Black Canadian talent and open doors for our creators to broader audiences and greater opportunities.

Fund Design What will make BSOF strong is its well-designed plan that combines funding with hands-on training and robust industry connections. Our sister organization, the Black Screen Office, has successfully managed impactful programs like the Rogers-BSO Script Development Fund, the BSO Mid-Career Accelerator, and the Black Creators Festival Initiative. Drawing on this experience, BSOF aims to create even more opportunities for Black Canadian creators through its comprehensive approach.

Join the Conversation We’re excited about the potential of BSOF to transform the screen industry and uplift Black Canadian talent. We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the BSOF initiative? How can we further support Black creators in our industry? Join the discussion in our online community and let’s work together to drive a more inclusive and dynamic screen industry.