Standards for Industry Research Partners
Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund jointly developed these standards, however, each
acts independently in selecting research projects it will support and partner with.
Requests for research funding should include:
1. Reasons why the research matters, such as:
Benefits for Canada’s audiovisual or digital media industry
A goal clearly differentiated from other studies
Expected results the industry can put to practical use
Discussion of market intelligence that is currently lacking
A new perspective or benefit in cases where other research has already covered
the matter
2. Scope, including regions covered. Pan-Canadian studies are preferred, but regional
projects should also apply.
3. Methodology
We will evaluate the proposed methodology and refuse projects that do not meet basic
research standards. For example:
Surveys: Samples should be representative of the population under study (size,
demographics, other characteristics).
Focus groups: Conclusions must be general. Small samples cannot statistically
characterize a larger community.
Interviews: Must be identified as such, with no statistical inferences to the overall
population.
Literature reviews: Sources should be respected and diverse.
4. Research firms and consultants
Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund seek diversity in funded research, meaning
it is expected in firms retained for those mandates. When choosing research specialists,
consider:
Independent research firms or consultants that use a neutral approach
Proven capacities to uphold research standards along with expertise in the
specific field, including proper terminology and sources
For Pan-Canadian studies, established abilities to research in both languages
Evaluation of prior studies and the resulting satisfaction level
How data will be collected, stored and shared
Who will own the intellectual property
5. Format
Shorter presentations or white papers are preferred to long-form studies
Available in both official languages
Describe the proposed visual design and graphics
The legal disclaimer that limits the responsibility of funding partners is mandatory and
should be placed at the beginning of the final document.
6. Budget
A breakdown of contributions from other public and private partners
Allocation of contributed financing for comparison to standard industry research
costs
Translation fees
7. Project Management and Timeline that tracks responsibility for tasks, including:
Making changes
Submitting reports
Report design
Acting as a spokesperson