Bravo announced today the addition of funding for short-form documentary films to its bravoFACT (Foundation to Assist Talent) program. Canada’s largest funder of short-form scripted film and video content, bravoFACT will now fund short documentaries with grants up to $50,000 via bravoFACTUAL. The first deadline for bravoFACTUAL submissions is October 31, 2024. The announcement comes as nine bravoFACT-funded short films screen at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, including Wakening, which opened the festival before last night’s world premiere of The Fifth Estate at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre.
Also announced today is the addition of a consultant to each fund. For the first time, grant recipients have access to a consultant, who provides mentorship, guidance, and consultation throughout the production of each recipient’s short. Award-winning journalist and industry veteran Robert (Bob) Culbert was announced as consultant for bravoFACTUAL, and respected film critic, media personality, and author Richard Crouse was named consultant for bravoFACT. In addition to mentoring grant recipients, both consultants join senior Bravo executives and chair Michael Levine in embracing bravoFACT’s goal to increase public recognition and appreciation of Canadian talent.
“We are thrilled to expand the scope of bravoFACT to include a fund supporting short-form documentaries,” said Catherine MacLeod, Senior Vice President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. “With the addition of the new fund, and of Bob and Richard, bravoFACT solidifies its position as a key incubator of emerging talent in Canada.”
Award-winning print media and television journalist Bob Culbert is currently the head of independent production company Culbert Productions and Consulting. After a distinguished, nearly 30-year career with the CBC, Culbert joined CTV from 2024-2009 as Vice-President of Documentaries. In 2024, he was named to Playback magazine’s Hall Of Fame for his contributions to broadcast journalism and documentary production in Canada.
Media personality Richard Crouse is a regular film critic for CTV's Canada AM and CTV News Channel. The former Reel to Real and In Short host can now be heard on his syndicated radio show Entertainment Extra on Bell Media’s News Talk1010 and via his two weekly columns for Metro News. Crouse is also the author of six books on pop culture history, including the best-selling The 100 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen.