Purpose

The Cogeco Program Development Fund was established to encourage the development of new scripts by Canadian writers for dramatic television series, to be produced by independent Canadian producers, primarily for private sector broadcasters, in English or French, or preferably in both languages.
The Fund is a private non-profit corporation with a capital endowment of five million dollars contributed by Cogeco Inc. It is administered by a six-member Board of Directors.

The annual revenues generated by the Cogeco Fund (interest, loan repayment and other) are awarded in the form of advances to independent producers for one of the following stages of development:
bible for the series and treatment of the first episode
first draft scripts for a minimum of three episodes
final draft scripts for a minimum of three episodes

Applicant and Project Eligibility
To be eligible for support, an applicant must be a Canadian independent producer with a minimum of two years' production experience and have produced at least one broadcast Canadian television drama.
Projects must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the ''Guidelines" brochure.

Evaluation Process
Financial support is provided in the form of advances which are subject to certain conditions set by contract.

Deadline Dates for Applications: February 1, April 1, July 15 and October 15
The Cogeco Fund uses the administrative services of the Independent Production Fund which analyses the applications for funding. A jury, independent of Cogeco Inc., selects the projects which will receive funding.

Members of the Board of Directors
Henri Audet President of the Board of Directors, COGECO INC.	President
Louis Audet President and Chief Executive Officer, COGECO INC.	Vice-president
Pierre Gagne Vice-president Finance, COGECO INC.	Treasurer
Yves Mayrand Vice-president, Legal Affairs COGECO INC.	Secretary
Peter Mortimer President Independent Production Fund	Board Member and member of the jury
Robert Roy Vice-president Independent Production Fund	Board Member and member of the jury
Consultants
Andra Sheffer Executive Director, Independent Production Fund, Toronto
Claire Dion Associate Director, Independent Production Fund, Montreal