For Ontario-based film and television companies, owning your intellectual property (IP) can turn a single project into a lasting business. The Ontario Creates Intellectual Property Fund – Linear Content Stream helps producers develop, finance, and keep ownership of original linear content, such as TV series and feature-length documentaries. The program’s main goal is to keep valuable content IP in Ontario and make local production companies stronger.
The IP Fund – Linear Content Stream is an important program for Ontario’s screen industry. It supports companies creating and owning linear content—projects made for traditional, scheduled viewing like TV or broadcast documentaries.
Eligible linear projects include:
These projects must be made for linear distribution, such as conventional television or similar platforms.
The fund is designed for Ontario-based production companies that:
Applicants must be the rights holders or lead producers, not service-only companies.
The IP Fund stands out because it helps companies grow long-term value from their IP, not just cover production costs.
Supports IP Ownership
Funding is only given to Ontario companies that keep ownership or significant control of the content IP. This lets you earn future revenue from licensing, distribution, and selling different formats.
Flexible Funding Uses
Funding can support different stages of your project’s life cycle, such as development or production. The main focus must be creating and growing IP.
Encourages Market-Ready Projects
Projects are judged on creative ideas and business potential. Ontario Creates looks for projects with a clear audience and a plan to reach them.
Funding amounts are set for each project. They depend on your project’s budget, scope, and the program’s annual guidelines. The maximum contribution is up to $300,000 per project or up to $600,000 per company per year. The exact amount is decided during the review process.
Ontario Creates runs scheduled application intakes. Guidelines are posted on their website ahead of time.
Review timelines can change depending on the intake and number of applications. Decisions take time, so plan several months ahead. Before you apply, you can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to check which Ontario and media-specific funding programs fit your project.
Ontario Creates funding is often used with other Canadian film and TV funding sources.
You can combine (“stack”) these funds, but each program has its own rules for eligible costs and repayment. Ontario Creates expects you to show a clear financing plan that explains how all funding sources work together without claiming the same expenses twice.
Not having clear IP ownership
If your company does not keep meaningful control of the IP, your application will likely be rejected. Giving away too many rights in distribution deals can also hurt your chances.
Mixing up linear and interactive content
Web-first, interactive, or game-based projects usually do not qualify for the Linear Content Stream.
Weak market plan
Even strong creative ideas need a clear audience and distribution plan. Projects without a market strategy often score lower.
Underestimating timelines
Ontario Creates decisions take time. If you apply too late, your financing plan may be delayed.
Q: What is the Ontario Creates IP Fund – Linear Content Stream?
It is a funding program that supports the creation and ownership of original linear film and television content by Ontario-based companies. The goal is to build long-term IP value in the province.
Q: Who can apply for the Linear Content Stream?
Applicants are usually Ontario-based production companies that own or control the rights to the project. The company must be the lead producer or rights holder.
Q: How much funding can a project receive?
Funding can be up to $300,000 per project and up to $600,000 per company per year, depending on project scope and annual guidelines.
Q: Is Ontario Creates funding repayable?
In some cases, funding may need to be repaid based on project revenues and how well the IP does. The funding agreement explains the terms.
Q: Can this funding be combined with CMF or Telefilm?
Yes. The IP Fund is often used with CMF, Telefilm Canada, and tax credits, as long as all program rules are followed and costs are not duplicated.
If your company is building original film or television IP in Ontario, the Ontario Creates Intellectual Property Fund – Linear Content Stream could be a key part of your financing plan. GrantHub tracks active Ontario Creates programs and other funding across Canada, so you can find opportunities that match your business before starting an application.
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