AT A GLANCE
- Dates: November 27, 2026, November 28, 2026, Friday, December 4, 2026 (9:30am - 4:30pm)
- Fees: WIFT+ Toronto Members: $ 300 + hst | Non-members: $ 400 + hst
- Designed For: Emerging and experienced people looking to learn more about the process of co-productions both between countries and between provinces within Canada
- Eligibility: Open to all members and the public (members get a discounted rate)
- Deadline to register: Sunday, November 22, 2026 (11:59pm)
See below for all the details.
ABOUT
NEW!! This three day information series, supported by Neshama, has been developed to answer questions regarding the general process of co-productions. In this program, you'll learn the definition of a co-production and the different types that exist, how this type of project is developed, how financial versus creative partnerships work and other.
DATES
Registration and Scholarships Open: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Scholarship Deadline: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Program Runs:
Friday, November 27, 2026 (9:30am - 4:30pm)
Saturday, November 28, 2026 (9:30am - 4:30pm)
Friday, December 4, 2026 (9:30am - 4:30pm)
FEES
WIFT+ Toronto Members: $ 300 + hst
Non-members: $ 400 + hst
Two (2) scholarships are available to cover program fees for this program thanks to support from the Foundation for Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto. Scholarships are open to both WIFT+ Toronto members and non-members alike. The scholarship application deadline is November 15 (11:59pm EDT).
ELIGIBILITY
This program is designed for producers with at least 5 years experience in the industry who are ready to start developing a project for co-production. This is an introductory program to co-production essentials, however participants are expected to have industry experience so that they can get full advantage of the workshop.
As an introductory course designed to demystify topics for those who work in the screen-based industry, participants will be able to:
- Define different types of co-productions.
- Explain why producers pursue international partners.
- Identify basic structural requirements of Canadian treaty co-productions.
- Recognize financial and creative trade-offs.
- Understand key risks and practical implications.
Questions? For more information contact Jody Anderson, Programs and Special Event Coordinator, at janderson@wift.com.
LOCATION
This program will be held in person at:
The Centre for Social Innovation: 192 Spadina Avenue
SESSIONS & INSTRUCTOR
DAY 1 - Understanding Co-Productions
What Is a Co-Production?
- Definition of a co-production and developing a project for co-production
- Why producers pursue international partnerships
- Financial versus creative partnerships
- Official treaty co-productions, provincial co-productions, unofficial co-ventures and service productions
Why and When to Co-Produce
- Access to financing, tax credits and public funds
- Market access and domestic status
- Creative collaboration and risk-sharing
- When a co-production makes sense for a project - and when it may not
Introduction to Canadian Treaty Co-Productions
- The role of Telefilm Canada
- What makes a co-production official
- Overview of Canada's bilateral treaties
- Introduction to creative participation, financial participation and eligibility requirements
Structuring a Canadian Treaty Co-Production
- Creative and financial contribution requirements
- Point systems and creative participation
- Minimum financial participation thresholds
- Balancing contributions between partner countries
- General eligibility and approval considerations
DAY 2 - Financing a Co-Production
Financing Structures
- Splitting equity and financial participation between countries
- Combining tax credits, public funds, broadcaster presales and private equity
- Accessing funding in multiple territories
- Currency exchange considerations
- Recoupment waterfalls: a high-level introduction
Legal and Structural Basics
- Co-production agreements
- Ownership splits, intellectual property and copyright
- Chain of title
- Completion bonds and delivery requirements
- Key legal and regulatory considerations for film and television
Practical Production Implications
- Where principal photography takes place
- Labour, unions, immigration and visas
- Tax residency considerations
- Insurance and post-production requirements
- Managing different production practices across territories
DAY 3 - Applying the Model: Case Study and Co-Production Strategy
Creative and Cultural Considerations
- Shared creative control and decision-making
- Casting across territories
- Story settings and the creative rationale for international partnerships
- Language and cultural authenticity
- Balancing creative integrity with market demands
Distribution and Market Access
- Domestic status and market opportunities in partner territories
- Broadcasters, streamers and theatrical distributors
- International sales agents and festival strategies
- Markets such as the European Film Market and MIPCOM
- Aligning distribution strategy with financing and partner selection
Risks and Challenges
- Creative disagreements and governance
- Currency fluctuations and complex accounting
- Delays in funding approvals
- Political and regulatory changes
- Different production cultures and competing partner priorities
Integrated Case Study and Group Exercise
Participants work through a film project involving multiple countries, including treaty partners and at least one country without a relevant treaty.
- Assess whether a co-production is the right approach
- Identify potential partners and appropriate co-production structures
- Map possible financing sources and contributions
- Identify creative, legal and production considerations
- Consider distribution opportunities
- Identify risks and propose solutions
- Present a proposed co-production strategy