Performance Envelope

The objective of the Performance Envelope Program is to encourage partnerships between broadcasters, television producers, and digital media producers to create convergent content that Canadian audiences can consume at any time and on the device of their choice. This program is part of the CMF’s Convergent Stream; so projects funded through this program must include content to be developed for distribution on at least two platforms, one of which must be television and the other, digital media. Through this program, the CMF allocates funding envelopes to English and French broadcasters in an amount that reflects their track record of supporting and airing Canadian programming. Broadcasters commit these funds to Canadian projects but the actual funding is paid directly to the producer. For further details, please consult the Performance Envelope Calculations appendix.

Performance Envelope commitments

In 2013-2014, Performance Envelope funds were fully committed. A total of 34 broadcast ownership groups and independent broadcasters received envelopes. The CMF promoted diversity through  a “new entrant” mechanism whereby 4 eligible independent broadcasters were allocated $50K each to allow them to meaningfully contribute to projects and begin earning credit toward building an envelope allocation in future years.  The performance envelope program’s funding to production budget ratio was 4.2 to 1, unchanged from last year. Declines seen in 2013-2014 as shown in the tables below reflect a change in emphasis on funding through other convergent programs. Many performance envelope projects utilized funds from the CDMI program to finance second screen components, consequently, 97.8% of 2013-2014 performance envelope funds were directed toward television projects.

Commitments 2013-2014

Commitments 2010-2011, 2011-2012, and 2012-2013

Performance Envelope broadcasters' use of genre allocations

The final percent share of Performance Envelope funding by genre can vary from the Board-approved shares set at the outset of the year since 50% of Performance Envelope allocations to broadcasters are deemed Flex amounts that can be directed to any of the 4 CMF-supported genres. Broadcaster ownership groups and individual broadcasters with total allocations of under $2.5M (both languages combined) were granted 100% genre flexibility.

The table below shows significant positive shifts in genre shares from original allocation to final commitments in English Variety and Performing Arts, French Children’s and Youth and French Drama. It should be noted that French Drama in 2013-2014 had the first increase in share of commitments since the start of CMF.  By contrast, notable negative shifts can be seen in English Documentary and Drama and French Documentary.

Genre shares of commitments 2013-2014