For features, the minimum spend in Onondaga County is $1,500,000. For pilots and episodic TV, the minimum spend is $1,000,000, and for commercials, the minimum spend is $400,000.

Projects must perform 70% of principal production in Onondaga County, according to the proposed production schedule and verified by deliverable requirements, including production reports and call-sheets.

Qualifying projects must have already secured a Certificate of Conditional Eligibility from the NYS Film Tax Credit office.

Projects must demonstrate that the project has secured all financing necessary to guarantee completion prior to receipt of any supplemental incentives or publicly derived support.

Projects must remain in good standing with CNY Arts and Onondaga County throughout the application and production processes and adhere to all relevant guidelines, regulations, and commitments.

Projects must adhere to New York State COVID-19 Media Production Guidelines and all relevant federal safety guidance.

D.E.A.R. (Diversity, Equity, and Representation) Bonus:  a bump of up to 5% for productions that are found to qualify for diversity enhancement support. The precise bonus amount will be decided by review of the panel and Innovation Group of CNY Arts. The requirements include but are not limited to: having diversity among your creative above-the-line talents; having creative elements of your project express minority stories and voices; employing students; and employing veterans.

A $200 fee is assessed for projects that proceed to the application stage. 

Funding determination is a competitive process. An independent panel of industry experts will review each application on the basis of creative merit, anticipated local economic impact, and general viability. Productions are prohibited from contacting panelists at any time.

Applicants must first submit an intent to apply in order to ensure they meet all criteria. Once this is approve, they can submit a complete application, which must be received by the 1st of the month preceding the start of principal photography.

Residency forms are required for local hires to qualify.

There is a limit of two approved projects per year from individual producers, principal financiers, or production entities.