Projects move through the NFB from idea to screen. All projects & creators have access to first-rate technical, creative, production and programming services to support, guide and enhance their creative process.
Table of Contents
What Role Does the NFB Play in My Project?
The NFB serves as both producer and distributor on all of its projects. As a public producer, we are responsible for both producing and delivering meaningful, accessible content that connects with audiences across Canada and around the world.
Present regionally, NFB producers work closely with you throughout every stage of the creative process, from early development through production to final release. Our production culture is rooted in a unique blend of artistic ambition and commitment to ethical and accountable approaches to documentary.
Bolstering each project with creative internal and external collaborators, each team brings its own voice, aesthetic, and vision to every unique film. Our experienced production teams support and challenge directors by providing creative, logistical and strategic insight, infrastructure and experience to amplify your vision and bring it to life. We invest deeply in your intention, often shepherding projects over several years—from initial research to final launch and beyond.
For projects produced solely by the NFB, we retain 100% of the copyright and hold distribution rights to the completed work. As a national distributor with a vast audiovisual collection, we ensure continued visibility and access to our productions for generations to come. Our other models of collaboration include co-production, as well as the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) and special initiatives. Details for each can be found on their web pages.
Project Selection
1. Unit Selection
All submissions are reviewed by the executive producer and the producer in the designated unit, who apply the same slate and selection considerations and take into account the specific needs of the regions they work in. They decide whether a project advances from the submission to the investigate stage and then possibly into development. We do our best to notify filmmakers within 6 to 8 weeks of receiving their submission, but the timeline can vary depending on time of year and internal considerations.
If there is interest from the executive producer and the producer and enough capacity within the unit, the producer begins working with the filmmaker to further develop the concept. As development progresses, the producer presents the project to the director generals and collaborative department heads to ensure it is thoughtfully developed and strategically positioned for the next phase.
Because projects often span multiple years, the number and types of work selected vary annually. This allows for a personalized and flexible production environment.
2. Production Greenlight
Once a project is deemed ready by the producer, filmmaker, the exec producer and the wider production team, it is pitched to an internal committee. Final approval (the “greenlight”) is granted by our Director Generals of Programming:
Stéphanie L’Écuyer | Production
Anne-Claire Lefaivre | Audience Engagement
Before the pitch, the creative team meets with various departments across the NFB. These sessions not only help shape the production and marketing strategy, but they also introduce filmmakers to the broader network that will support the project throughout its journey.
Once a project is greenlit, it begins production!
Production
All our projects are produced with a full creative team combined of in-house crew and external hires. Your crew is built in development and follows the project through to completion, supporting filmmakers in realizing their creative vision while ensuring strong editorial, logistical, and financial oversight. They balance artistic ambition with production realities, fostering collaboration and innovation within our public, creator-driven filmmaking environment.
Launching Your Project
Marketing & Distribution at the NFB
The NFB supports every project from inception to release. Our in-house marketing, content services and distribution teams ensure all creative works find and engage the right audiences by developing strategies during production that are finalized when projects are ready to launch and go into the world. To tailor our approach, we’ve developed distinct distribution strategies that will be discussed with creators as early as the development stage to ensure we are aligned to maximize succesful engagement.
Publicists & communications
Every project has designated publicists that are experts in their regions, as well as wider communications team plays a key role in shaping how films and creators are seen and understood, crafting narratives that connect projects to audiences, media, and the broader cultural conversation. They lead press strategy, festival positioning, and outreach, ensuring each work reaches the right audiences while reinforcing the NFB’s public mandate and voice.