Marketing, Promotion and Distribution program

Indigenous-owned production companies:
$50,000.00 for Features and TV Series
$25,000.00 for Short films, Web Series, and Interactive and Immersive projects

• Funding requests cannot exceed a maximum of 5% of the total budget. This does not apply to budgets $200,000.00 or under;
• For projects under $200,000.00, the amount awarded will be based on the applicant’s ability to provide a rationale for funding;
• A maximum 10% of the total budget, including all proposed or confirmed financing, can be allocated towards producer fees;
• Recipients may receive less than the request amount.

All applicants to ISO programs must confirm they have read the General Funding Guidelines prior to submitting an application.

Indigenous Identity and Project Ownership

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous storytelling and Indigenous companies and organizations that are controlled by Indigenous people, who have decision-making authority and creative control.

For the purposes of ISO programs, “Indigenous” is defined as status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. All applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

Please consult the Building Trust and Accountability: Report on Eligibility in the Indigenous Screen Sector which informs the ISO in regards to Indigenous identity, relationality, and access to funding programs. We also encourage applicants to consult the ISO’s working document on identity: ISO Policies and Processes for Eligibility in Relation to Indigenous Identity.

Applicants to ISO Funding Programs:

• Must own, control, or have optioned 100% of the project copyright, except for international treaty co-productions;
• Must not receive funding from other ISO programs for the same project activities or initiative. For example, funding for trainees cannot be included in another application to ISO Funding Programs;
• Must be able to accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant;
• Must show proof that the Indigenous creatives have final decision making authority in the case of co-writing/directing;
• If you are an emerging filmmaker, during the application process you must have a minimum of one (1) previous credit in the key role you hold in the project: director, writer, or producer and be able to demonstrate your ability to accomplish this project;
• Applicants whose project includes the hiring, selecting and/or engaging of Indigenous employees, trainees, mentees or other, must adhere to the ISO Policies and Processes for Eligibility in Relation to Indigenous Identity;
• Must not be in a state of bankruptcy within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada);
• Applicants must adhere to the AI (Artificial Intelligence) guide in the General Funding Guidelines;
• Must be in good standing with ISO, with no outstanding final reports, defaults or pending complaints or investigations.

Companies

• Indigenous-controlled: minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis who is/are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three key members of the creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/lead producer) must be Indigenous;
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
• Main activity of the company is the production or support of screen-based content, including TV, film, web, digital narrative content, and XR (VR, AR);
• Is not insolvent or bankrupt, or in the course of the reorganization of its business within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

This funding is intended to support projects to ensure their success in accessing markets and audiences. Applications to this program must:

• Have been previously awarded through an Indigenous Peer Assessment panel by Telefilm or CMF, government arts grants, or previously funded by the ISO. The ISO will consider projects that have obtained national broadcaster or other public funding in lieu of Indigenous peer assessed projects, on a case by case basis. Please contact funding@iso-bea.ca to speak with the Program Manager;
• ISO prioritizes projects that have been funded in the ISO Production Program or Finishing Fund Program.

Applicants may apply to this program to support relevant and related project travel:

• Travel support is capped at a maximum of three (3) Indigenous project owners and/or key creatives;
• Travel support is capped at a maximum of one (1) international or national premiere or event;
• Applicants applying exclusively for travel costs should refer to the Travel Program;
• If a trip has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, the Applicant must return the portion of the unused funding to the ISO, with proof of payment for costs incurred prior to the trip. Funds can only be used for the trip(s) specified in the application, and you can not reassign funds to another trip.
• Applicants applying for international markets attendance must have meetings scheduled and an activity plan detailing their full schedule;
• Applicants must provide a detailed budget breakdown for all travel costs within the budget notes;
  Supporting documentation i.e. quotes/estimates are required for travel costs.

• Hiring of publicists, community liaisons, and social media coordination/ management;
• Advertising and publicity costs and fees;
• Networking and participation at film or media arts festivals;
• Community screenings and tours, including alternative distribution strategies and local marketing strategies;
• Marketing, publicity, and/or impact strategies that increase audience reach;
• Production of a new trailer and marketing/promotional materials;
• Translation and language support;
• Fees and honorariums for community engagement, consultants/advisors, facilitators, mentors, or knowledge keepers;
• Master copies and some screening formats (such as Digital Cinema Package);
• Registration fees for festival submissions and markets;
• Accessibility costs, including “relaxed” screenings.

• Recoupable expenses (incurred or paid costs);
• Travel costs covered in other budgets submitted to ISO Funding Programs;
• Reimbursements for travel that has occurred before the submission date.

Please refer to Page 18 and 19 of the General Funding Guidelines for further information about ineligible activities.

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Program Coordinator and Program Manager. This review is intended to confirm the eligibility of an application and the application’s readiness to move forward to assessment.

The ISO Funding team will reach out if additional information is needed to confirm eligibility and readiness, and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 business days) to submit any outstanding documents.

Ineligible or incomplete applications can be withdrawn at any time in the process. Applicants will be notified by the ISO when the application is withdrawn. If an applicant is unable or does not submit the required information within the specific time frame then the project will be deemed ineligible for funding.

Applications must be submitted in the ISO Portal.

Details for each requirement can be found in the program in the ISO Portal, as well as in the Application Requirements Checklist.

• Eligibility
• Applicant Information – Company
• Project Information
• Project Proposal
• Marketing Promotion Distribution Strategy
• Work Schedule (template provided)
• Training Plan (if applicable)
• Budget Top Sheet, Financial Structure and ISO Budget template (provided)
• Contracts/work quotes (if applicable)
• Support Materials
• Bios and CVs of lead roles
• IP Agreement
• Transportation and Accommodation References (if applicable)
• Community Engagement Plan (optional)
• Voluntary Personal Data (optional)
• ISO Declaration

Applicants are encouraged to review the Application Requirements Checklist prior to submitting an application to this program.

Applications must be completed in the ISO Portal and submitted by the first deadline on: August 13th, 2025 at 5pm PST, or by the second deadline on: November 7th, 2025 at 5pm PST. The portal will close on the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time. Please refer to the ‘Requesting an Extension” section for information on receiving an extension.

Funding decision notifications can be expected 2-3 months following the closing. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December.

The ISO’s funding priorities across all programs, as further defined in the General Funding Guidelines, are as follows:

• Provide support to authentic Indigenous storytellers;
• Strive to support Indigenous storytelling where it is happening across regions;
• Create paid employment and career development opportunities for Indigenous people;
• Encourage environmental responsibility and sustainable production practices in development, production and distribution of their projects.

Please refer to Page 6 and 7 of the General Funding Guidelines for further details.

The ISO Internal Assessment process will consist of two (2) Program Managers and two (2) members of the funding team. The applications will be scored based on ISO assessment criteria and will be either recommended or not recommended for funding. The Program Manager will make the final recommendations to the Director of Funding based on the team’s internal assessment, program priorities and budget, and will receive final approval from the CEO.

ISO staff will internally assess each application in line with the program focus and the assessment criteria as follows:

• Relationality and Context:
  • The person and people leading the project or telling the story are well placed to do so;
  • The team’s processes are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, understanding and interpretations of Indigenous expressions, cultures, languages and/or realities;
  • Cultural protocols, and a community engagement plan (where applicable), have been addressed in the process and planning.
• Storytelling and Approach:
  • The storytelling is interesting, creative, and has the potential to engage diverse audiences;
  • Creative elements can include, but are not limited to, the subject matter, themes, issues and narrative;
  • Respect, care and thoughtfulness are demonstrated in the approach.
• Feasibility
  • The team demonstrates the capacity, knowledge and expertise to be successful and complete the project deliverables as proposed. Any gaps in their experience are addressed by bringing in collaborators;
  • The budget is in line with the proposed project activities/deliverables and costs are explained via budget notes, quotes, etc;
  • The overall project plan is sound and has a clear vision and timeline to move forward.
• Impact
  • The project has potential to advance Indigenous storytelling, cultural life in the community and contribute to the Indigenous Screen Sector.
  • The deliverables are aligned with the applicant’s goals and moving the project towards distribution. The project has potential in reaching and impacting audiences.

The ISO also considers the following key points during assessment and allocation of funding:

• Availability of funds;
• ISO mandate and 3-year strategic plan;
• Thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and clarity of application.

The Marketing, Promotion and Distribution Program has two deadlines of: August 13th, 2025 at 5:00pm PST, and November 7th, 2025 at 5:00pm PST, at which time the ISO will:

• Close the program in the ISO Portal;
• Update the website, and announce the closure on social media and via the ISO newsletter.

Please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure if you require a downloaded copy of your application. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO’s fiscal year is from April 1st to March 31st.

Applicants may request an extension to submit their application. Requests must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance of program deadlines to determine eligibility. Extensions to submit applications, if approved, are limited to 5 business days after the deadline. Extension requests must include a rationale and be emailed to: funding@iso-bea.ca.

The ISO acknowledges that within the screen industry, numerous individuals require assistance beyond the conventional support offered. The ISO will provide monetary support of up to $500.00 CAD on a case-by-case basis to address accessibility expenses during the application stages. Applicants will be asked to provide a detailed invoice and rationale included with their request.

These expenses include but are not limited to;

• Application writing and support;
• Video or audio recording;
• Equipment rentals;
• Professional fees;
• Language interpretation/translation fees;
• Final report submission support.

If you have barriers to access including but not limited to language, internet or physical barriers, please contact the ISO to discuss accommodations and support at funding@iso-bea.ca.

Responsible: The adoption of AI must be ethically responsible and carefully considered. This includes safeguarding intellectual property, privacy, and data, while being vigilant about potential bias and discrimination.

Collaborative: AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Its implementation should foster collaboration between humans and technology.

Transparent: The use of AI must be transparent and accountable. Clear and relevant contextual information about its application and usage should be provided to ensure understanding and trust.

Please see Page 24 of the General Funding Guidelines for more information.

If at any time, an Applicant, as required or requested by the ISO, provides false information or omits or misrepresents material information in connection with an application, including with respect to Indigenous identity, such provision of false information, omission or misrepresentation will be considered an event of default and the ISO may exercise the following contractual rights:

• Termination of any contracts, including any remedies thereunder;
• Denial of eligibility for existing and future funding;
• Repayment of any funds already advanced; and
• Civil and potential criminal prosecution, in the case of fraud.

These measures may be imposed not only on the Applicant but also on related, associated and affiliated companies and individuals that are parties to the application. Any Applicant receiving approval for funding will be required to sign a legally enforceable agreement, which includes provisions concerning misrepresentations, defaults, and related matters.

All signatories of ISO Contribution Agreements must be Indigenous. Companies, collectives and non-profits with Indigenous and non-Indigenous owners, board members, and collective members must ensure the Indigenous representatives sign all contracts.

Funding must be deposited into an account belonging to the Applicant. If Applicants wish to update their company or Applicant information, they have 5 business days after their successful notice to update their information, by notifying funding@iso-bea.ca.

Please see Page 31 of the General Funding Guidelines for an example of an ISO Contribution Agreement.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Any material changes to a project and its budget must be approved by ISO before funding can be transferred to different project activities. The final report template and requirements are made available through the application portal.

Requests for extensions to submit final reports are submitted via ISO Portal and can be found in each program application.

Applicants with outstanding final reports in any ISO program will not be eligible for further funding or opportunities until the report is submitted and approved. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to keep track of final report deadlines.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with a textual reference and a bilingual animated logo in the credit sequence, or appropriate placement in the completed work, where applicable. ISO logos are available for download on the ISO website.

When sharing information about ISO funded projects or opportunities, Applicants are required to tag ISO on any social media posts related to this funding, and include the ISO logo when applicable:

• Facebook: @ISO.BEA
• Instagram: @indigenousscreen
• Threads: @indigenousscreen
• LinkedIn: @indigenous-screen-office
• Bluesky: @iso-bea.bsky.social
• X (Twitter): @screen_office

Questions are encouraged at least two weeks prior to submission or the application closing date and may be directed at any time to funding@iso-bea.ca.

What is the demand for this program?

We encourage you to start your application early to ensure your eligibility and that you have adequate time or resources to make a complete application.

What happens to my in-progress application if the program closes before I submit?

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the Guidelines.

What is the maximum amount of funding I can request in this program?

$25,000 for Short films and Web Series’, and $50,000.00 for Feature films and TV Series’. A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

When should I apply for this program funding?

Applicants should apply to this program once they have completed a rough cut of their project and before the marketing, promotion, distribution costs that require support have been incurred. Applicants with a strong rationale for support are encouraged to apply.

Is there accessibility support in completing this program application?

Yes, the ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying for funding. Requests for application support are encouraged at least two weeks prior to the application due date. If you have barriers to access including but not limited to language, internet or physical barriers, please contact the ISO to discuss accommodations and support at funding@iso-bea.ca.

What if my company has already received previous ISO funding for the same project?

If the main applicant(s) currently has an ISO supported application from another program for the same project that has not yet been reported on, the applicant will be required to first submit a final report on the previous application.

The project I am applying with has already been funded in a previous round of ISO Marketing Promotion Distribution. Can I apply again to this program?

Unfortunately, projects that have already received ISO Marketing, Promotion, Distribution funding are not eligible to apply again.

I’m not sure my project is a good fit for this program.

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca