FAQ - Submissions
Sections
General
Q: IS THERE SUCH THING AS A "FACTOR GRANT SPECIALIST"?
A: There is no such thing as a "FACTOR Grant Specialist". There are professional grant writers within the music industry however none of them can guarantee you FACTOR funding. Be wary of any individual who claims they can gurantee you funding because they have a track record with FACTOR. FACTOR is not affiliated with any one studio, producer, label or grant writer.
Q: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO GET AN ANSWER ABOUT MY SUBMISSION?
A: After the deadline all submissions are processed and the applications are verified to ensure they meet the program criteria. For sound recording programs, your application will be sent to a province within Canada for the genre specific juries to take place. Afterwards, they are sent back to the FACTOR office and a "Super Jury" is arranged for the applications that made it through the genre specific juries. A Super Jury also takes place in a selected Canadian province. As there are generally over 700 sound recording applications per deadline, this is a very time consuming process and takes approximately 3 months from the deadline. For other Programs, the time line is:
4-6 weeks - Domestic and International Tours, Direct Board Sound Recordings & Marketing, Domestic & International Showcases, Video, Label Manager, Collective Initiatives
6-8 weeks - Songwriters Workshop, Domestic & International Business Development, Marketing & promo for FACTOR Supported Sound Recordings
Q: IS MY APPLICATION ELIGIBLE IF MY PACKAGE IS POST-MARKED ON THE DEADLINE DAY?
A: No. If you have chosen to mail in your application, all applications must be received in FACTOR’s office by 5 p.m. EST the day of the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
Q: CAN I FAX MY APPLICATION TO FACTOR?
A: No. Faxed applications are not considered eligible.
Q: DO I NEED TO WAIT FOR AN ANSWER TO MY APPLICATION BEFORE I START MY RECORDING OR BEGIN INCURRING OTHER COSTS?
A: No. All applications are marked with the date received. Expenses incurred from that date forward are considered as eligible expenses. If you are counting on FACTOR support to fund the recording, you should wait for a response to your submission.
Q: I MISSED THE LAST DEADLINE BUT MY TOUR/ SHOWCASE/ RECORDING STARTS BEFORE THE NEXT DEADLINE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
A: Send your application in to FACTOR right away. All applications are marked with the date received and any expenses incurred after that date would be considered as eligible expenses. Your application would then be held and processed at the next published deadline date. NOTE: This does not apply if your application is received after the last published deadline for the current fiscal year. For more information on this, please call FACTOR and ask to speak with someone in the Submissions Department.
Q: I CAN'T DOWNLOAD YOUR APPLICATION. HOW CAN I GET ONE SENT TO ME?
A: Call or e-mail the FACTOR offices and request an application for any program (
general.info@factor.ca or 416-696-2215 ). We will mail the application to you right away. If you live or will be in the Toronto area, you may come to our office and pick one up. If you are outside of Toronto, you may pick up applications at your respective Provincial Music Industry Association (for a list, please see the Regional Affiliates section on our website to find your representative).
Q: I'M ANXIOUS TO KNOW THE RESULTS OF MY SUBMISSION. IS IT OK TO CALL YOU?
A: All applicants are contacted with the results of their submission. Please only contact us if the processing time-line indicated on the application form has expired. You may check our website under "Approvals" as it is updated once applications are approved. A letter will also be sent to you once we know the results.
Q: I HAVE BEEN TURNED DOWN FOR FUNDING THROUGH ONE OF YOUR PROGRAMS. CAN I SUBMIT THE SAME MATERIALS, FOR THE SAME PROGRAM BUT FOR THE NEXT DEADLINE DATE?
A: This is dependent on the program. For Sound Recordings, you may supply the same materials to the next deadline. For all other programs, please contact us before resubmitting.
Q: DOES FACTOR HAVE A 1-800 NUMBER?
A: We do not have a toll free number but will be glad to call you back and answer any questions regarding our programs. If you are looking to get in touch with us outside of regular business hours we may be reached 24 hours a day by leaving a message for us via voicemail, email or fax. Whenever possible, please clearly label any correspondence you send to us with your name and file number.
Q: DOES FACTOR SUPPORT OTHER STYLES OF MUSIC OR IS THIS JUST FOR MAINSTREAM MUSIC?
A: FACTOR supports all genres of music. However, we cannot support French language music (see Language section).
Q: I PERFORM GOSPEL MUSIC BUT IT IS NOT LISTED AS A GENRE ON THE APPLICATION FORM. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
A: “Gospel” music refers to the lyrical content, not the style of music. Please choose the genre that best describes the musical portion of your compositions. For example you may perform Country Gospel (country) or R&B Gospel (Urban).
Q: CAN FACTOR HELP ME GET DISTRIBUTION FOR MY CD?
A: FACTOR can provide you with a list of names and numbers of all FACTOR’s recognized distribution companies but it is up to you to contact them if you would like more information about the services they provide.
Q: CAN I SEND YOU A COPY OF MY CD TO LISTEN TO SO YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK?
A: FACTOR does not accept unsolicited CD’s without an accompanying application. All sound recording submissions are judged by genre specific jurors qualified to evaluate your submission and not by the FACTOR staff. FACTOR staff do not listen to the music submitted with the application.
Q: HOW MANY GRANTS CAN AN ARTIST RECEIVE FROM FACTOR?
A: Each program has its own limitations on funding. Some are capped at dollar maximums per fiscal year, while others have maximum grants per artist in the lifetime of the program. Check the guidelines of each program for details.
Q: HOW MANY APPLICATIONS CAN BE APPROVED FOR ONE OF YOUR PROGRAMS?
A: There is currently no limit to the amount of applications that are approved for any one program . We do however have to take into consideration the viability of the submission and the limited funds we have available to all programs.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I SUPPLY TO FACTOR AS PROOF OF CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP?
A: Proof of Canadian citizenship may be provided by enclosing a clear photocopy of your Canadian birth certificate, your valid Canadian passport, or your Canadian citizenship card. For landed immigrants, we require a copy of the landing documentation as well as proof of residency during the six months prior to the application submission. Proof of residency may be supplied by enclosing photocopies of monthly bills/statements that indicate the date, your name and your Canadian address. Failure to provide proof of Canadian citizenship will result in FACTOR withholding payment on any approved project.
Q: I HAVE APPLIED TO ANOTHER FUNDING ORGANIZATION FOR MY PROJECT. CAN I ALSO APPLY TO FACTOR FOR THE SAME PROJECT?
A: Yes. Providing that you meet all of the eligibility criteria, you may apply to both. FACTOR’s contribution to the project combined with any other funding cannot exceed 100% of the cash expenditure indicated on the submitted budget.
Q: ARE THERE ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OTHER THAN FACTOR THAT PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ARTISTS?
A: Other sources of funding usually depend on the genre of your music and your geographical location. Contact your Provincial Music Association for more details.
For more information on other areas of funding, please refer to the industry links section of our website.
Here are some funding organizations that may assist you:
VideoFACT - http://www.muchmusic.com/videofact
PromoFACT - http://www.muchmusic.com/videofact
SOCAN - http://www.socanfoundation.ca/
Radio Starmaker Fund - http://www.radiostarmakerfund.com/
Canada Arts Council - http://www.canadacouncil.ca/
Eligibility
Q: I HAVE LICENSED MY ALBUM TO A RECORD COMPANY IN THE UNITED STATES. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FACTOR SUPPORT?
A: As long as the ownership of the master recording remains Canadian you would be eligible for FACTOR support.
Q: I HAVE SIGNED TO A LABEL IN THE UNITED STATES. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FACTOR SUPPORT?
A: If you are signed to a U.S. label the ownership of the master recording is now held by a non-Canadian. The only FACTOR program that you are now eligible for is the International Tour Support Program.
Q: IF ONE MEMBER OF THE BAND IS NOT A CANADIAN CITIZEN OR LANDED IMMIGRANT, ARE WE STILL ELIGIBLE FOR YOUR PROGRAMS?
A: You may still be eligible for the programs, however all costs relating to that individual cannot be claimed on your budget. It is also mandatory to disclose this and similar information within your submission.
Q: WHAT DOES FACTOR CONSIDER A COMMERCIAL RELEASE?
A: A commercially released album is for sale through different mediums. It must be manufactured, and contain bar code information. If it is available for public purchase, it is considered released. Please contact FACTOR if you have any additional questions regarding this.
Sound Recordings
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FACTOR LOAN AND THE INDEPENDENT RECORDING LOAN PROGRAM?
A: The FACTOR Loan requires the artist to have a fully executed distribution deal with a FACTOR recognized distributor at the time of applying. You must submit proof of your signed distribution deal with your application at the time of applying (please see the information section within the application for eligible distribution criteria). Applicants may also apply to this program if a sales level of a min. 2000 units on their most recent release has been achieved. For this, proof of the units sold must be provided in place of the distribution deal. Please read through the eligibility requirements for all mandatory accompanying information or proof of online distribution with your application (please see the information section in the application for eligible distribution criteria). Also the demo must contain 3 songs.
The Independent Loan is for the artist(s) who do not have a distribution deal (with a FACTOR recognized distributor) in place or have not sold 2000 units of their most recent release at the time of application. Please read through the eligibility criteria for all mandatory accompanying information.at the time of application. Only the band (if registered) or a member of the band may apply for this loan.
Q: HOW ARE THE INDEPENDENT AND FACTOR LOANS PAID BACK?
A: Over a two year period, $0.50 from each album sold must be paid back to FACTOR. If the loan has not been repaid in the two year period the outstanding amount becomes forgiven.
Q: I AM APPLYING TO THE INDEPENDENT RECORDING LOAN PROGRAM. DOES THIS MEAN I CANNOT LOOK FOR DISTRIBUTION AFTER THE RECORDING IS COMPLETED?
A: You may look for, or accept a distribution agreement for your recording at any time. The criteria to apply for the Independent Loan are specific to what your situation is at the time of application to FACTOR.
Q: CAN SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE APPLICANT BE THE CONTACT PERSON?
A: Yes. Whoever is the best choice to handle all aspects of your application may be the contact person. Please note this person should be available during business hours, and should have the appropriate contact number on the form.
Q: WHAT IS EXPECTED TO BE IN MY MARKETING PLAN?
A: Keep in mind that it is your marketing plan. Your marketing plan should be realistic and specific to your release; the genre of music, the demographics of your target market, your financial means, and your geographical location. Your plan should include information on your release, distribution, promotional and touring plans. Indicate how you intend to sell your CD to the buying public and how you plan to reach your specific target market. Be detailed in your plan. For example, to say that you will achieve radio air play is not enough. Outline the steps you will be taking to accomplish this. For FACTOR's purposes, the marketing plan should be kept to 1-2 pages in length.
Q: MY MUSIC IS MULTI-GENRE. WHAT CATEGORY OF MUSIC DO I CHOOSE?
A: The decision of music style is your choice. Some things to keep in mind while choosing the category are: Where would my product be racked in a music store?
Which musical professionals do I want adjudicating my submission? The genre you pick will decide what jury you are assessed in.
If you feel it requires clarification, you may also write an open letter to the jury explaining why you have picked that specific genre.
Q: HOW GOOD DOES MY SUBMITTED DEMO HAVE TO BE?
A: The only acceptable format is mp3. Your demo must be clear enough for the jury to listen to. There is a section on the application available for indicating changes to the demo submitted. If there are drastic changes indicated in this portion it may be difficult for the jury to picture the sound that you are attempting to create. For instance, drastic melody or genre style changes.
You want to put your best forward. The jurors will be assessing based on vocals, music, arrangement, instrumentation, lyrics and performance.
Q: HOW ARE THE FACTOR JURORS CHOSEN?
A: The FACTOR jurors are volunteers. All of the jurors are music industry professionals specializing in a specific genre of music. They may include producers, broadcasters, managers, label owners/representatives, artists/songwriters, media, and retailers. All potential jurors must apply through submitting a Juror Accreditation form as found on our website. Please visit our "FACTOR Juries" link on the left for more information.
Studios and Producers
Q: IS THERE A LIST OF RECOGNIZED STUDIOS THAT I MUST USE FOR MY PROJECTS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FACTOR SUPPORT?
A: No. Any studio you chose is eligible, including home studios provided they are Canadian owned and controlled. There may, however, be caps on the cost of the studio or the amount of studio time that FACTOR would recognize for a sound recording project.
Q: I AM STARTING UP MY OWN STUDIO. DOES FACTOR PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PURCHASING EQUIPMENT?
A: No, FACTOR does not have any programs to assist with such costs. You may contact Human Resources Development Canada for information on their small business start-up programs or see
http://www.grants-loans.org . This website tracks government programs available across Canada for small business funding and provides advice on eligibility for funding and how to apply for it.
Q: I AM A PRODUCER. ARE THERE ANY PROGRAMS FOR PRODUCERS OR PRODUCTION STUDIOS?
A: No. There are no programs currently available for producers, however producers fees are an eligible expense. Production costs including studio hourly costs, rentals, and engineering are included in our applications that the applicant fills out.
Q: AS A PRODUCER, CAN I APPLY ON BEHALF OF THE ARTISTS I'M WORKING WITH?
A: As the producer you may be listed as the contact person on the application but, as per the program guidelines, the artist or artist owned label must be the applicant.
Tours and Showcases
Q: PREVIOUSLY, YOU HAD RECOGNIZED AND NON-RECOGNIZED SHOWCASES. DO MY SHOWCASES STILL NEED TO BE RECOGNIZED?
A: No. Any showcase may be eligible for showcase support. The Board looks at showcases based on the strategic merits of the showcase. Please make sure you include this information in your application as it will only help your chances of receiving funding.
Q: WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM RATE FACTOR WOULD RECOGNIZE FOR A PERFORMING ARTIST, HIRED MUSICIAN OR ROAD CREW?
A: FACTOR does not publish the maximum recognized rates for the artist(s) and hired individuals. For hired professionals, simply put in the amount that is charged for the service. If a portion of the fee is donated, be sure to include the full cost of his/her service (cash and donated) under the rate. For an artist who would like to donate the cost of their performance, indicate a reasonable amount in the donated services column (if applicable). If the amounts of fees claimed are above the amount recognized by FACTOR then your budget will be adjusted to reflect the internal caps in place. This will not affect your submission proposal.
Q: WHAT IS A SHORTFALL?
A: The amount of money that you will be losing on the tour, or showcase.
Q: DOES EACH SHOW DATE ON A TOUR HAVE TO GENERATE INCOME?
A: No. Up to 25% of the tour dates may be for promotional performances.
Q: I WILL BE SELLING MERCHANDISE AS WELL AS GIVING SOME MERCH AWAY TO PROMOTERS, INDUSTRY CONTACTS AND FANS. DO I CLAIM ALL MERCHANDISE IN THE MERCHANDISE EXPENSES SECTION?
A: No. All merchandise you expect to sell at your show/tour must be claimed as a merchandise expense. When you are claiming costs in this section, please indicate how much the merchandise costs you. When claiming merchandise revenue, calculate the amount of merchandise you are bringing at the cost you are selling it. Any merchandise that is a give-away should be claimed as an Advertising and Promotion expense.
Q: HOW DO I CALCULATE MY MERCHANDISE INCOME IF I HAVEN'T SOLD ANY YET?
A: Your budget is a projection of what you may realistically spend on your tour/showcase. All merchandise claimed as an expense must be claimed as sold. Your merchandise income should be the total of all merchandise claimed in the expense section. Merchandise income is how much you will receive from the selling of merchandise. For example, if you are claiming 10 CD’s at $2.50 cost in the expense section, you must claim those 10 CD’s in the Merchandise Income section for the price in which you are selling them, i.e. $10 per CD which would equal $100 in revenue ($10/CD x 10 CD's = $100)
Domestic and International Business Development Support
Q: ARE COSTS OF PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS THAT MY COMPANY IS GIVING AWAY CONSIDERED AN ELIGIBLE EXPENSE?
A: Yes, but only if attending a conference.
Q: ARE TRADE SHOW BOOTHS AN ELIGIBLE EXPENSE?
A: Only when using the Canada Stand at Midem, Popkomm, SXSW and Womex.
Q: WHY DO I NEED TO SUBMIT PROOF OF QUALIFYING IF I ALREADY PROVED THAT I DID LAST YEAR?
A: With your first application each fiscal year, you need to show that you still qualify for this program. As the criteria are based on albums or titles released and their release dates, it is important for FACTOR to see that you still qualify. Please do not forget to include this with your first application. If you do not, your application will be deemed ineligible.
Language
Q: MY LYRICS ARE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH. AM I STILL ELIGIBLE FOR YOUR PROGRAMS?
A: FACTOR can support a recording in any language with the exception of French. If you are applying to the sound recording program please include a copy of English translated lyrics with your application.
Q: THE LYRICS TO MY SONGS ARE IN FRENCH. IS THAT OK?
A: No. FACTOR supports sound recordings in any language other than French. For French-language recordings please contact MusicAction in Montreal at 514-861-8444. MusicAction administers funds on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Music Fund for francophone artists.
Q: A PORTION OF MY LYRICS ARE IN FRENCH. CAN I APPLY TO FACTOR?
A: If a minimal amount of the lyrics contain French language you may be eligible for the programs. Please contact the FACTOR Submissions Department for further information.
Budget
Q: WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR?
A: The administrative fee is to cover any administrative expenses incurred to the borrower, such as long distance calls, photocopying, faxing, postage, etc. The administration fee should cover those expenses incurred and their time while corresponding with FACTOR for the duration of an approved project. If you have claimed any administrative costs in your budget, you are not then eligible for the administration fee.
Q: WHAT IS A DONATED SERVICE?
A: Where applicable, FACTOR recognizes fair market value of services an artist may receive for free or as a bartered exchange. This market value may be added as a "Donated Service" within the budget of select programs and can represent the applicants' contribution to the project.
- For the Demo Program and Video Program FACTOR will provide funding up to 75% of the total eligible budget. FACTOR expects you to provide investment to the project as well. However, we are aware that you may not have the cash for all expenses therefore, we allow for the remaining 25% to be claimed as donated services.
- For the Domestic & International Showcase Support Programs as well as Domestic & International Tours, FACTOR will provide funding up to 50% of the total eligible budget. FACTOR expects you to provide investment to the project as well. However, we are aware that you may not have the cash for all expenses therefore, we allow for the remaining 50% to be claimed as donated services.