Production program

Recipients may receive less than the request amount as recommended by peer assessment and decided by the ISO.

Indigenous individuals, sole proprietors, collectives and community groups can apply for up to one of the following amounts:

• Up to $75,000.00 for any project.

Indigenous-owned production companies can apply for up to one of the following contribution amounts:

• Up to $150,000.00 for Webseries and *Animated short projects;
• Up to $250,000 maximum for a project with a budget under 2 million – not including ISO funding request;
  • Must provide the latest version of script for a feature or scripts for 2 episodes of a series
• Up to $500,000 for a project with a budget over $2 million – not including ISO funding request;
  • Must provide writers and directors agreements or proof of majority Indigenous leads on the project or each episode;
  • Latest version of script(s) for a series or feature.
• Projects that are awarded $250,000.00 and above will be subject to a hold-back of 3% of total funding, and the final amount will be provided to the Applicant following the the completion of the project and provision of a final cost report, a schedule of ISO expenditures or audited financial statements, and a final report. All ISO funding over $250,000.00 must be approved by the ISO Board of Directors;
• A maximum 20% of the total budget, including all proposed or confirmed financing, can be allocated towards producer fees combined with corporate overhead;
• Recipients may receive less than the request amount as recommended by peer assessment and approved by the ISO.

For BC based applicants:

• Up to $20,000 for a project with demonstrated sustainability practices built into the production phase. Applicants should use the following Reel Green resources to help plan and execute their sustainable best practices and to support your application request. The Reel Green at Creative BC toolkits help productions think sustainably about their carbon footprint, waste, and energy sources. Click the links below and scroll down to access these resources:
  • The Carbon Calculator will help develop budgets and will assist with reporting your production’s environmental impact;
  • The Circular Economy toolkit provides tips on reducing consumption;
  • The Clean Energy toolkit helps guide towards cleaner energy options. They also provide a list of green vendors who have shown a commitment to environmental stewardship while serving the film industry.

All applicants to ISO programs must confirm they have read the ISO 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, the Indigenous applicant must own 51% of the project copyright);
• 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 power 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.

Individuals and Sole Proprietors

• Are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person residing in Canada and who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• Working in screen-based content, including TV, film, and web, gaming, apps, and XR (VR, AR);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of the applicant; two of the three key members of the creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/lead producer) must be Indigenous;
• Is not in a state of bankruptcy within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Individual Applicants:
Please be advised the Canada Revenue Agency considers this funding as taxable income.

Sole Proprietors:
If you are applying as a sole proprietor, you may apply under your business name (when applicable) for the funding to be deposited to your business bank account. Please keep all expense receipts related to this funding to offset your tax obligations. Funds will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

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 (for TV series projects, this requirement will apply to every episode);
• 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);

First Nation, Inuit or Métis Collectives

• Indigenous-led (if two members, both must be Indigenous, if more than two, the majority of the collective/group must be persons who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis), by citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
• Provide a collective agreement, signed by all members;
• Two or more artists working together under a group name with a bank account held in that name;
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons, two of the key members of the creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/lead producer) must be Indigenous;
• Main activity of the collective/group is the production or support of screen-based content, including TV, film, web, digital narrative content, and XR (VR, AR).

First Nation, Inuit or Métis Band Office or Registered community or Settlement

• Must currently be recognized as an Indigenous nation/established community;
• 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 and are permanent residents of Canada;
• Must demonstrate capacity for undertaking a screen-based project, community interest, and support.

The Production program provides support for projects that are:

• A feature-length film of at least 44 minutes, a television series of at least 22 minutes per episode, a short film, or a web-series intended for theatrical release, television broadcast, VOD or streaming services in Canada within 24 months of completion;
• Upon completion, projects must be either:
  • A certified by the Canadian audio-visual Certification Office (CAVCO) as a “Canadian film or video production” with a minimum of 6 out of 10 points; or
  • A recognized as an audiovisual treaty coproduction by the Minister of Canadian Heritage (refer to Telefilm’s guidelines on Audiovisual Treaty Coproductions).
• Principal photography cannot be completed before the ISO Production Program deadline;
• If the main applicant/project leads or the company currently has 2 (two) ISO Production Program supported projects that are not yet complete or reported on, the applicant:
  • will be required to submit an interim report for the other active production project applications;
  • submit proof of 60% minimum confirmed financing from a national funder or broadcaster for this project application.
• Applicants cannot have more than 3 projects in Production with the ISO (including applicants that co-own other projects).

• Costs associated with the production phase of screen-based content including equipment rentals, studio rentals, production office, on-set costs and fees;
• Hiring of key creatives, cast, crew, technical expertise, publicists, cultural advisors/knowledge carriers, community liaisons, or specialized talent;
• Accessibility costs during production and post production;
• Translation and language support;
• Fees and honorariums for community engagement consultants/advisors, facilitators, mentors, or knowledge keepers;
• Trainee and mentorship positions during production (except if applying to other funded training programs);
• Production of promotional materials i.e. trailers;
• Producer fees and corporate overhead 20% of the total budget;
• Contingency costs – maximum of 5% of total budget;
• Some equipment purchases (must include detail costs);
• May include costs related to a previously produced pilot where a series is produced from that pilot.
• *Sustainability costs during production – must complete the Sustainability Questionnaire in the application.

Please note, additional costs may be eligible for funding via this funding program. If you are unsure if your proposed costs are eligible, please contact [email protected].

• Retakes or pick-ups do not count as principal photography;
• Development or Production costs that have already been incurred or paid;
• Cash prizes and awards.

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 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.

Applicants must supply the following information in the portal: ISO Portal.

Details for each requirement can be found in the program application, as well as in the Application Requirements checklist.

• Eligibility Form
• Applicant Information Form – Individual, Collective, Company, or Community
• Project Information Form
• Project Proposal, including a festival and online release strategy and/or broadcast/theatrical release plan
• Production Schedule
• Training Plan (if applicable); including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted
• Budget and Financial Structure (Templates included)
• Letters of Support (including signed writers and directors agreements) and other funding contracts)
• Key Creative agreements (if applicable)
• Creative Materials
• Script or Shooting Script (latest versions) and a detailed outline for documentaries
• Bios and CVs
• Chain of Title and IP Agreement
• Community Engagement Plan (if applicable)
• Sustainability Questionnaire (For BC applicants only)
• Required Data
• 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 October 10, 2025 at 5pm PST on the closing date. The portal will close at 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 notifications can be expected 2-3 months following the program 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 the exploitation of their projects.

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

This program will be assessed through a peer review process made up of Indigenous individuals representing different nations, a range of industry practices, and regions of Canada. All final funding decisions will be made by ISO on the basis of the peer assessment recommendations.

The assessment criteria will be based on:

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 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 community and contributes 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 or impacting audiences.

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

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

The 2025-26 Production Program has a deadline of October 10, 2025 at 5:00pm PST, at which time the ISO will:

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

Please contact [email protected] 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 in advance of program deadlines to determine eligibility. Requests for extensions can be emailed to [email protected] with a rationale at least 10 business days prior to the deadline. If granted, extensions will be limited to 5 business days after the funding program deadline. Decisions on extension requests cannot be appealed.

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 on a case-by-case basis to address accessibility expenses during the application stages. Applicants will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire and provide a detailed invoice 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 [email protected].

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;
• 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 10 business days after their successful notice to update their information, by notifying [email protected].

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.

All applicants are contracted on a two year term in this program. 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 at Logos and Brand Guidelines page .

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 [email protected].

Is there another opening date in this fiscal year for this program funding?

No, this is the final opening for Production funding for short and feature films, and TV and web series for 2025-26.

What is the demand for this program?

There is a high demand in the Production program and it can be competitive. 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?

$75,000 maximum for a project - Individuals, Sole Proprietors, Collectives or Community groups; $250,000 maximum for a project with a budget under $2 million (not including ISO contribution) or $500,000 for a project with a budget over $2 million (not including ISO contribution) - Companies; $150,000 maximum for a project - Web Series, Animated shorts; $75,000 maximum for one project - Short Films (under 40 minutes); *Sustainability top-up funding in partnership with Creative BC of up to $20,000.00 for BC based projects.

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 [email protected].

I am an emerging creator, am I eligible for this program?

If you are an emerging filmmaker, during the application process you must have a minimum of one (1) previous credit in the key creative role. Applicants must also be an Indigenous-controlled and registered corporation.

Can I submit multiple applications to this program?

Yes, however, If the main applicant(s)/company currently has 2 (two) ISO Production Program supported projects that are not yet complete or reported on, the applicant will be required to first submit any overdue reports or an interim report and proof of a percentage of confirmed financing from a national funder or broadcaster.

The project I am applying with has already been funded in a previous round of ISO Production funding. Can I apply to this program?

Yes, applications to this program that have already received previous ISO production phase funding may be eligible in this program for further funding up to a total maximum of $750,000 (from all ISO Production Programs), given all other eligibility requirements are met.

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

Reach out to [email protected]!