Applications must be completed in the ISO portal iso-bea.smapply.io and submitted on the due date May 31, 2023 at 5pm PST. The portal will close at the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time.

Funding notifications can be expected 2-3 months following the due date.

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous storytelling and screen-based projects 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 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.

The Production Program funding supports projects:

• Intended for theatrical release, television broadcast or VOD streaming services in Canada within 24 months of completion
• That are upon completion 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
  • b) recognized as an audiovisual treaty coproduction by the Minister of Canadian Heritage (refer to Telefilm’s guidelines on Audiovisual Treaty Coproductions).
• Submitted before principal photography has completed (and ideally before it has commenced).
• In all Genres, *with the exception of Talk shows, live sports events, game shows, reality television, music videos and advertising.
• Led and produced by creators who are Indigenous and/or have engaged in meaningful research, collaboration, and cooperation with Indigenous communities impacted by their projects
• Of emerging and established filmmakers to support them in advancing their artistic career through ambitious and impactful films.
• Led by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, Gender-diverse identities and expressions, as well as People with Disabilities
• That have Regional representation outside the main production centres of Vancouver and Toronto and including those situated in rural areas, First Nations/Settlements/Communities or significantly feature Indigenous Languages;
• That promote sustainable production practices and that encourage environmental responsibility.

Applicants to this program must be:

Corporations:

• Are Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
  The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous
  persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous.
• Are registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
  Have letters of Incorporation, a shareholder registry, bios for each owner of the company and their individual percentage of ownership.
• 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).
• Are not insolvent or bankrupt, or in the course of the reorganization of its business within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada);
• **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 and proof of a percentage of confirmed financing from a national funder or broadcaster.

*Funds will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

• Can accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant.
• 100% of the copyright of the project must be owned, controlled, or optioned by the applicant
• Cannot 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;
• In the case of Co-writing/writing teams, the Indigenous writers must have final decision making power.
• Cannot have more than 2 projects in Production with ISO support at the same time (including Individual owners/Project leads in other funded projects) **unless the above company/ownership requirement is met.
• Must be in good standing with ISO.

Companies:
$Up to 250,000 maximum for a project with a budget of $1 to 2 million – not including ISO contribution.
$Up to 500,000 for a project with a budget over $2 million – not including ISO contribution.

Please Note:
*Projects that receive $250,000 and over from ISO will have a partial hold-back of 3% of ISO total funding, pending the completion of the project and an up to date cost report and schedule of ISO revenue and expenditures.
*Applicants may receive less than the request amount as determined by the assessment committee.
*A maximum 10% of the budget can be allocated for each of producer fees and overheads.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES include, but not limited to:

• Costs associated with the production phase of screen-based content including equipment rentals, studio rentals, production office, on-set costs and fees;
• Continuation of cultural and community engagement work;
• Engagement with experts, consultants, mentors, or knowledge keepers or other professional development in relation to the project;
• Hiring of key creatives, cast, crew, technical expertise, publicists, cultural advisors/knowledge carriers, community liaisons, or specialized talent.
• Trainee and mentorship positions during production (except if applying to ISO/Netflix Partnership program);
• Production of promotional materials;
• Contingency related costs (cap 5% of total budget)

Excluded activities include, but not limited to:

• Re-takes or pick-ups do not count as principal photography.
• Production costs that have already been incurred.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES include, but not limited to:

• Fees for Production ‘above and below the line’, mentors, trainees, advisors, and contractors engaged for consultation;
• Translation and language support;
• Accessibility costs during production and post production;
• Fees and honorariums for community engagement;
• Facilitator and consulting fees;
• Travel costs (must include detail in Production Schedule and budget notes) );
• Technology costs; some equipment purchases (must include detail in budget notes)
• Digital Media component expenses (must include detail in budget notes)

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for all owners, and their key roles in the project;
• Letters and or license agreements from all confirmed funding;
• A Community Engagement Plan (max 2 pages);
  and Letter(s) of Support for projects that intend to film in, collaborate with Indigenous communities or include collectively-held cultural knowledge Ie. this could be for Indigenous language inclusion, historical accuracy, cultural nuances outside of the storyteller’s experience.)
• For training costs: Applicants must submit a detailed training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and impact should be clearly articulated;
• Support material including combination of the following:
  • Documentaries – Links to production teaser, lookbook/pitch deck/visual treatment, demo reel/previous work of Key Creatives
  • Narrative Fiction – Links to a production teaser, demo reel, lookbook/pitch deck, and demo reel or previous work of Key Creatives;
• A Chain of Title and current IP agreement/contract to Produce the project in the name of the applicant (except for inter-provincial or international treaty co-productions);
• A detailed production schedule and list of collaborators involved;
• A completed script and a Story Outline; Or shooting script and an Outline for documentaries.
• An up to date Production budget, including a financial structure with confirmed/unconfirmed funding listed

The assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• 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.
• The following priorities will be considered as part of the assessment process:
  • Regional representation;
  • Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women, non-binary and 2SLGBQTIAP+;
  • Emerging voices;
  • Representation of Indigenous languages.
  • The background and experience of the key creative team (or potential, in the case of emerging applicants).
• The scoring criteria will be based on the:
  • Vision, clarity and strength of the project idea including the script and treatment;
  • Process used within the production and the viability of the project and readiness to proceed to production, including its leads, scope, timeline, budget and community engagement;
  • Impact, including the advancement of the applicant’s career in Indigenous storytelling and the enrichment of the cultural life of your community and contribution to the Indigenous screen sector.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying for funding, completing a project, and writing your final report. Requests for 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.

Support may include telephone or video application submission, language interpretation, or support worker assistance. Equipment purchases are not eligible for accessibility support.

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

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Story Fund Assistant and Program Manager. The ISO will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 days) to submit anything outstanding.

*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 at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as 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.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or 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 your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this funding:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

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

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal and submitted on September 27, 2023 at 5pm PST on the deadline date. The portal will close on the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time.

Funding notifications can be expected 3-4 months following the deadline. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December.

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous storytelling and screen-based projects 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 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.

This funding supports Productions:

• Intended for theatrical release, television broadcast or VOD streaming services in Canada within 24 months of completion
  (*exceptions allowed for projects under $250,000 total budget);
• Where principal photography has not been completed (and ideally before it has commenced) before application deadline;
• In all Genres, with the exception of talk shows, live sports events, game shows, shows with cash awards, reality television, music videos and advertising.

For projects with a budget of $250,000 or less, a robust festival and online release strategy will be required, however, applicants are encouraged to still pursue broadcast or distribution opportunities.

Applicants to this program must be one of the following:

Individuals (includes Sole Proprietors)

• Are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person residing in Canada and who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Working in screen-based content, including TV, film, and web, gaming, apps, and XR (VR, AR);
• Can deposit a cheque in the name of the applicant;
• 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/creative 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. Please keep all expense receipts related to this funding to offset your tax obligations. If you are incorporated as a sole proprietor, you must apply under your business name for the funding to be deposited to your corporate or business bank account. Funds will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

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.

Companies:

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, and who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada who have resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period);
• 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/creative producer) must be Indigenous.
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada; complete incorporation documents must be uploaded to ISO Apply;
  Bios for each owner of the company and their individual percentage of ownership must be provided;
• 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);
  Can deposit the cheque in the name of the applicant/the name of the company listed on the application.

First Nation, Inuit or Métis Collective or Ad Hoc Group

• 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 who have resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; Two of the key members of the creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/creative producer) must be Indigenous.
• Bios for each collective/group member must be provided as well as their individual percentage of ownership of and role in the project.
• 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/creative producer) must be Indigenous (and who is/are citizens or permanent residents of Canada who have resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Must demonstrate capacity for undertaking a screen-based project, community interest, and support;
• Can accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant.

• 100% of the copyright of the project must be owned, controlled, or optioned by the applicant; Production companies cannot 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 for the same roles on a project;
• Upon completion, projects are 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 b) recognized as an audiovisual treaty coproduction by the Minister of Canadian Heritage (refer to Telefilm’s guidelines on Audiovisual Treaty Coproductions);
• In the case of Co-writing or directing teams, the Indigenous creatives must have the final decision making power;
• *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, in order to be eligible the applicant will be required to submit an interim report and proof of a percentage of confirmed financing from a national funder or broadcaster;
• Projects must not have completed principal photography by the application deadline;
• Must be in good standing with ISO.

Individuals, Sole Proprietors, Collectives or Community groups
$75,000 maximum for a project.

Companies:
$250,000 maximum for a project with a budget under $2 million – not including ISO contribution.
$500,000 for a project with a budget over $2 million – not including ISO contribution.

Web Series, Animated shorts (under 40 minutes)
$150,000 maximum for a project.

Short Films (under 40 minutes)
$75,000 maximum for one project

Please Note:

*Applicants may receive less than the request amount as determined by the assessment committee.
*Projects that receive $250,000 and over from ISO will have a partial hold-back of 3% of ISO total funding, pending the completion of the project and an up to date cost report and schedule of ISO revenue and expenditures.
*A maximum 10% of the budget can be allocated for each of producer fees and overheads.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES include, but not limited to:

• Fees for Production ‘above and below the line’, mentors, trainees, advisors, and contractors engaged for consultation;
• Hiring of key creatives, cast, crew, technical expertise, publicists, cultural advisors/knowledge carriers, community liaisons, or specialized talent.
• Continuation of cultural and community engagement work;
• Engagement with experts, consultants, mentors, or knowledge keepers or other professional development in relation to the project;
• All costs associated with the production phase of screen-based content including equipment rentals, studio rentals, production office, on-set costs and fees;
• Translation and language support;
• Accessibility costs during production and post production;
• Fees and honorariums for community engagement;
• Travel costs (must include detail in Production Schedule and budget notes);
• Technology costs; some equipment purchases (must include detail in budget notes);
• Digital Media component expenses (must include detail in budget notes)Trainee and mentorship positions during production (except if applying to ISO/Netflix Partnership program);
• Production of promotional materials;
• Contingency related costs (cap 10% of total budget).

Ineligible expenses include, but not limited to:

• Re-takes or pick-ups do not count as principal photography.
• Production costs that have already been incurred.
• Cash prizes and awards.

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for all owners, and their key roles in the project; Bios and CV’s for the Key Creatives listed in the application;
• Letters and or license agreements from all confirmed funding;
• A Community Engagement Plan (max 2 pages);
  and Letter(s) of Support for projects that intend to film in, collaborate with Indigenous communities or significantly include collectively-held cultural knowledge; Ie. this could be for Indigenous language inclusion, historical accuracy, cultural nuances outside of the storyteller’s experience.)
• For training costs: Applicants must submit a detailed training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and impact should be clearly articulated;
• Support material including combination of the following:
  • Documentaries – links to production teaser, lookbook/pitch deck/visual treatment, demo reel/previous work of Key Creatives
  • Narrative Fiction – links to a production teaser, lookbook/pitch deck or bible, and demo reel or previous work of Key Creatives;
• A Chain of Title And current IP agreement/contract to Produce the project in the name of the applicant (except for inter-provincial or international treaty co-productions);
• A detailed production schedule;
• A completed script and a Story Outline, or shooting script and an Outline for documentaries;
• A final Production budget, including a financial structure with confirmed/unconfirmed funding listed (Productions with budgets under $250,000.00 must use the ISO budget template provided to list ISO funding related expenses, with budget notes);
• A festival and online release strategy and/or broadcast/theatrical release plan.

The ISO reserves the right to request additional information regarding the proposed Production Application.

The assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• 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.
• The following priorities will be considered as part of the assessment process including ISO’s strategic goals and funding availability:
  • Regional representation;
  • Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women, non-binary and 2SLGBQTIAP+;
  • Emerging voices;
  • Representation of Indigenous languages;
  • The background and experience of the key creative team (or potential, in the case of emerging applicants).
• The scoring criteria will be based on the:
  • Creative vision, clarity and strength of the project idea including the script and treatment;
  • Process used within the production and the viability of the project and readiness to proceed to production, including its leads, scope, timeline, budget and community engagement;
  • Impact, including the advancement of the applicant’s career in Indigenous storytelling and the enrichment of the cultural life of your community and contribution to the Indigenous screen sector.

The Production Program has a deadline of September 27, 2023 at 11:59pm PST, at which time the ISO will:

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

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO acknowledges that within the screen industry, numerous individuals require assistance beyond the conventional support offered by typical funding bodies. Consequently, 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.

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.

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

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Program Coordinator and Program Manager. The ISO will reach out if additional information is needed 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 at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as 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.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or 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 your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this funding:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

Questions are encouraged and may be directed at any time to funding@iso-bea.ca.

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 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 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 (under 40 minutes); $75,000 maximum for one project - Short Films (under 40 minutes).

What if I or my company already has 2 projects in Production that were supported by the ISO? A: If the main applicant(s)

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 submit an interim report and proof of a percentage of confirmed financing for the new project 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?

Unfortunately, applications to this program that have already received previous ISO production phase funding will not be eligible in this program.

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

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines

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

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca.

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal iso-bea.smapply.io and submitted on August 16, 2023  at 5pm PST. The portal will close at the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time.

• Funding notifications can be expected 3-4 months following the deadline;
• Administrative follow ups may be conducted via email for additional information on the application if required;
• Please note, applicants may receive less than the request amount.

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous storytelling and screen-based projects 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 residents of Canada and have spent 8 months out of the last year living in 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 must be able to accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant;
• 100% of the copyright of the project must be owned and controlled, or optioned by the applicant;
• Applicants cannot 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;
• In the case of Co-writing/writing teams, the Indigenous writers must have the final decision making power;
• Applicants cannot have more than 1 project or slate (2) in Development with ISO support at the same time (including Individual owners in other funded projects);
• Applicants can apply in a subsequent fiscal year if they successfully complete the development phase of their proposed project;
• Must be in good standing with ISO.

• Costs associated with the Development phase of screen-based content including research and script/project development for new works, and cultural and community engagement work;
• Accessibility costs during Development including necessary equipment;
• Fees for Indigenous project creator(s);
• Fees and honorariums for guests, Elders, translation and language support and community engagement;
• Legal fees such as licensing of existing IP (optioning; requires proof that the option is available to you);
• Translating existing Intellectual Property (IP) into new screen-based works;
• Engagement with industry experts, consultants, mentors or for project-related professional development;
• Fees for story editors, mentors, advisors, and contractors engaged for development work;
• Trainee and mentorship positions during Development (except if applying to ISO/Netflix Partnership program);
• Fees for the creation of pitch decks, storyboards, schematics, production bibles and proof of concept videos;
• Fees for Indigenous project creator(s).

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for the applicant, company owners, key creatives and collaborators in the project; ;
• Chain of Title and current IP agreement/contract to develop the project’s IP in the name of the applicant (except for inter-provincial or international treaty co-productions);
• Project description: Logline, synopsis, previous project work, outcomes and intended impact;
• A Development Schedule and list of collaborators involved;
• Budget with ISO costs separated forDevelopment activities (Please use the Template provided to list ISO funding related expenses).
• Confirmation letters or contracts for confirmed funding sources, when applicable;
• Support materials including: Links or uploads to work in progress, or related to the project ie. draft scripts, a story outline, character sketches/ lookbook, demo reels;
• A Community Engagement Plan (max 2 pages);

and Letter(s) of Support for projects that intend to film in, collaborate with Indigenous communities or include collectively-held cultural knowledge;;

• For training costs: Applicants must submit a training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and impact should be clearly articulated;

Applicants may not propose more than 2 trainees during Development.

Please note, details and specifics about these application requirements can be found in ISO Apply in the application under “Task Instructions”.

This program will be assessed by a peer review process made up of Indigenous industry professionals representing different nations and regions of Canada with relevant expertise and experiences. 

The evaluation criteria will differ for emerging applicants and applications within the ultra low total budget level, recognizing the different needs and ideal pathways for projects in those categories.

The following priorities may be considered as part of the assessment process:

• Regional representation;
• Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women, non-binary and 2SLGBQTIAP+ people;
• Emerging voices;
• Representation of Indigenous languages.
• The background and experience of the key creative team (or potential, in the case of emerging applicants).

The scoring criteria will be based on the:

• Vision, clarity and strength of the development project idea;
• Storytelling and creative content;
• Process used within the development phase and the viability of the project and readiness, including its leads, scope, timeline, budget and community engagement;
• Impact, including the advancement of the applicant’s career within Indigenous storytelling and possible enrichment of the cultural life of relational community(ies) or contribution to the Indigenous Screen Sector.

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying for, completing a project, and writing a final report. Requests for support are encouraged at least two weeks prior to the application deadline.

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.

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

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Story Fund Coordinator and Program Manager. The ISO will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 business days) to submit anything outstanding.

*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 at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as 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. 

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Final reports can be accessed via the ISO Apply portal. 

In the event that a project, which had initially found success or viability, becomes unfeasible, the applicant must promptly inform the ISO Program Manager. Given the unique evaluation process of this program, project substitution using the originally allocated funds is not permitted by the ISO. This non-compliance would lead to the forfeiture of funds.

Upon receiving notification from the applicant, the ISO will initiate measures to facilitate the timely return of allocated funds. Failure to inform the ISO or return the funds promptly may result in the applicant being considered in default.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or 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 your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this funding:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

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

When should I apply for this program funding?

Applicants should apply to this program once they have any initial research, permissions, an overview and synopsis and writers in place to continue or complete the Development stage of a project.

What is the demand for this program?

There is a high demand in the Development 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 is the maximum amount of funding I can request in this program?

Individuals/Sole Proprietors, Collectives and Groups: $20,000 for one (1) project; Companies: $40,000 for a slate of two (2) projects; OR, Up to $25,000 per project if it has confirmed funding from CMF or TELEFILM or a public broadcaster. *A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

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

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines. If you wish to access the application after the program has closed, please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure

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

If the main applicant(s)/company currently has an ISO supported Development application 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.

I am applying with a new project and have not completed a past project supported in Development from the ISO. Can I apply again to this program?

Applicants will be required to first submit a Final report on the previous application in order to be eligible to apply again.

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

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca.

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal iso-bea.smapply.io and submitted by November 1st, 2023 at 5pm EST. The portal will close at the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December.

• Funding notifications can be expected 3-4 months following the deadline;
• Administrative follow ups may be conducted via email for additional information on the application if required;
• Please note, applicants may receive less than the request amount.

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 residents of Canada and have spent 8 months out of the last year living in 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 must be screen-based as their primary focus and/or have a track record in production, podcasting, or creating digital content;
• Applicants must own 100% of the copyright of the project and it be controlled or optioned by the applicant;
• Production companies cannot receive funding from other ISO programs for the same training program or initiative. For example, funding for trainees cannot be included in another application to ISO Funding Programs;
• Applicants must be able to accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant;
• Applicants may only submit one application per fiscal year to the funding program;
• Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to successfully create audio projects, or have a track record of producing screen-based content;
• Applicants can apply in a subsequent fiscal year if they successfully complete the development phase of their proposed project;
• You must be in good standing with ISO.

Individuals (including sole proprietors):

• Are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person residing in Canada and who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Work in screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps, podcasts, and XR (VR, AR, MR);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Is not in a state of bankruptcy within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Individual Applicants (this includes sole proprietors):
Please be advised the Canada Revenue Agency considers this funding as taxable income. Please keep all expense receipts related to these funds to offset your tax obligations. If you are registered as a sole proprietor, you must apply under your business name for the funding to be deposited to your business bank account. The funding will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

Corporations:

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
• Letters of Incorporation, a shareholder registry, and bios for each owner of the company must be provided, as well as their individual percentage of ownership;
• Main activity of the company is the production or support of screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps and XR (VR, AR, MR);
• 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 Collective or Ad Hoc Group:

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% leadership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Bios for each owner of the collective must be provided as well as their individual role in the project;
• Main activity of the collective is the production or support of screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps, and XR (VR, AR).

First Nation, community or band office, Inuit community or Métis settlement:

• Must currently be recognized and established as an Indigenous nation or community;
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Must demonstrate capacity for undertaking a screen-based project and secured individuals working in production or support of screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps and XR (VR, AR).

• Salaries and wages for key creatives, mentors, trainees, advisors, and contractors engaged in the development and production of the podcast;
• Accessibility costs during production, post production and marketing/promotion and distribution;
• Fees and honorariums for guests, Elders, or community engagement;
• Facilitator and consulting fees;
• Technology costs, including purchasing of equipment and software, when applicable;
• Translation and language support;
• Travel costs for key creatives, trainees, or key collaborators related to the development or production of the podcast (please note, applications focused exclusively on travel should refer to the Travel Funding program);
• Gifts for Elders and community members;
• Marketing, promotion, and distribution costs.

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 funding@iso-bea.ca.

• Podcasts projects that include exclusively journalistic content;
• Promotional or sponsored content;
• Activities that are carried out to satisfy Post-Secondary Course Requirements of an educational institution;
• Activities proposed by someone under the age of majority in the respective province;
• Activities that are illegal according to the Criminal Code of Canada;
• Activities carried out by organizations that have not paid, or do not pay, fees or royalties to artists according to the standards of the arts practice or sector;
• Talk shows, live sports events, game shows, reality television, music videos and advertising;
• Activities and phases of a project that have been previously funded by the ISO.

Requirements for this program include:

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, including individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for the applicant, company owners, key creatives, and collaborators in the project;
• Project information including: scope of work, plan of execution and intended impact;
• Budget with ISO costs separated;
• Financial structure;
• Confirmation letters or contracts for confirmed funding sources, when applicable;
• Community engagement plan, when applicable (max 2 pages);
• Support materials including: a trailer, teaser, audio samples, previous episodes/audio works, podcast artwork, lookbook, etc.;
• A chain of title and current agreement/contract to produce the project’s IP in the name of the applicant;
• A detailed development or production timeline/schedule;
• Letters of support;
• A marketing/promotion and distribution plan and/or strategy;
• For applications including trainees in the proposal: Applicants must submit a detailed training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and impact should be clearly articulated. Applicants may not propose more than 4 trainees.

Please note, details and specifics about these application requirements can be found in ISO Apply in the application under “Task Instructions”.

This program will be assessed by the ISO team and an Indigenous audio storytelling consultant with relevant expertise and experiences.

The following priorities may be considered as part of the assessment process:

• Regional representation;
• Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women, non-binary and 2SLGBQTIAP+;
• Emerging voices;
• Representation of Indigenous languages.

The scoring criteria will be based on the following:

• Feasibility and execution of the project including the Applicant’s ability to complete the project as proposed based on professional experience, key creatives, scope of work and stated goals;
• Project impact, including marketing and promotion strategy, community engagement (as applicable), and audience engagement;
• Storytelling and creative content;
• Thoughtfulness and thoroughness of the application.

When a project is unsuccessful feedback can be provided, upon request.

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying for funding, completing a project, and writing your final report. Requests for 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.

Support may include telephone or video application submission, language interpretation, or support worker assistance. Equipment purchases are not eligible for accessibility support.

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

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Program Manager. The ISO program manager will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum of 10 business days) to submit anything outstanding.

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 at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as 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.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Final reports can be accessed via the ISO Apply portal.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or 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 your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this funding:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

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.

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

Yes – Applicants can apply at any level of experience, however the capacity and relevant experience to successfully complete the project should be demonstrated. Please review the “Funding Process and Priorities” section of the guidelines for further details.

Does this program support the development and production of a podcast?

Yes – Applicants can include some development activities in their application but their proposal should include the production of a finished podcast.

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

The maximum request amount is $30,000.00. A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

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

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines. If you wish to access the application after the program has closed, please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure.

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

If the main applicant(s)/company currently has an ISO supported project that is not yet complete or reported on from another program, the applicant will be required to submit a Final Report on the previous application with an updated budget.

Can I create a video to accompany my podcast via support of this program?

Yes – Applicants can include costs associated with video recording their podcast.

I’m not sure my project is a good fit for this program, or I have other questions.

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca.

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal iso-bea.smapply.io. We encourage prospective applicants to utilize the Application Checklist provided on the website.

Administrative follow ups may be conducted via email for additional information on the application if required. Projects will be assessed on a continual basis until funding for the program is depleted or until March 1, 2024.

Projects will be assessed as quickly as possible, with notifications provided within 1-3 months. Please expect delays for the holiday closure in December. Funding amounts may be lower than requested due to annual budget limitations.

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous storytelling and Indigenous companies 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 residents of Canada and have spent 8 months out of the last year living in 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.

Applicants to this program must be corporations that:

• Are Indigenous-controlled with a minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis who is/are citizens or permanent residents of Canada who have resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Are applying for a project that is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; Two of the members of the key creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous.
• Are registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
• Have letters of Incorporation, a shareholder registry, and bios for each owner of the company must be provided as well as their individual percentage of ownership.
• Are in the business of 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);
  Holds 100% of the copyright of the project; must be owned, controlled, or optioned by the applicant (except for inter-provincial or international treaty co-productions).

• The project has previously been awarded through an Indigenous Peer Assessment panel by either Telefilm or CMF, government Arts grants, or previously funded by the ISO; [Projects supported by a national broadcaster or other public funders may be considered. Please contact the Program Manager to discuss.]
• Production companies cannot receive funding from other ISO programs for the same initiative. For example, funding for trainees cannot be included in another application to ISO Funding Programs for the same roles on a project;
• The applicant can accept a direct deposit in the name of the company.
• Must be in good standing with ISO.

The maximum recommended amount in this program is $60,000 or $30,000.00 for Web Series’ projects. The ISO will provide funds until the available funding has been depleted. If your project requires funding above the recommended threshold, please contact us at funding@iso-bea.ca to set up a meeting.

*Note applicants may receive less than the request amount as determined by the internal review.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

ISO applicants to this program can access this funding for the following activities (but not limited to):

• Any Post-Production activities, not previously budgeted or under-funded in the original Post-Production budget (this needs to be clearly defined in the budget notes);
• Hiring of additional post-production creatives and technical expertise;
• Continuation of cultural and community engagement work;
• Engagement with experts, consultants, mentors, or knowledge keepers or other professional consultation in relation to the project

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

• Above the line and Post Production fees;
• Fees and honorariums for community engagement with experts, consultants/advisors, mentors, or knowledge keepers or others;
• Translation and language support;
• Accessibility costs during post-production;
• Technology and facility expenses related to the project; ;
• Special effects; and colour grading
• Online edit,title creation;
• Music composition; Sound editing and mixing;
• Voice-over work, versioning;
• Mastering, output time and materials;
• Master copies and some screening formats (such as DCP);
• Other associated project costs clearly identified with project description. Please speak with the Program Manager for any questions related to additional eligible expenses specific to your application.
• Travel costs (if applicable)

*Recoupable expenses (work that has already been completed) are not eligible for support within this program.

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for all owners, and key roles for all owners in the project;
• Project summary, description of previous relevant initiatives and outcomes;
• Rationale for the required support;
• Names, bios and roles listed for Key Creatives in phase;
• Confirmation letters or contracts for confirmed funding sources;
• Community engagement plans (when applicable), including information about existing community relationships, protocols, etc;
• For training costs: Applicants must submit a detailed training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and impact should be clearly articulated;
• A link to the rough cut (can be in an early stage of a film, or one (1) eps. for a series);
• An up to date Cost Report, financial structure, and post-production budget – must use the template provided separating out ISO expenditures;
• A detailed post-production schedule.

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support companies that are controlled by Indigenous people, who have decision-making authority and creative control. The ISO will consider the size of the contribution in relation to what has already been accomplished on the project, how the project activities align with the goals, budget, and project schedule. Funding is discretionary – that is, the ISO is guided by the criteria to decide where best to allocate the funding available. All projects are assessed on a first-come-first-served basis and until the fund is depleted at the end of each fiscal year.

ISO staff will assess each application in line with the program focus, the assessment criteria listed in our General Funding Guidelines and as follows:

• Regional and intersectional representation;
• Relationality and Context;
• Storytelling and Approach; Cultural Protocols, Respect and Care are demonstrated;
• Viability of the project including its leads, feasibility (scope, timeline, budget) and the overall potential impact.
• Availability of funds, ISO mandate, and strategic goals.
• Clear demonstration of additional need in Post Production.

Please note, the ISO may close the program without notice, when the funding allocation has been depleted for the fiscal year.

Once the funding has been depleted, the ISO will:

• Close the program in ISO Apply;
• Update the website, and announce the closure on social media;
• Send a notice via ISO Apply to all applicants with open applications that the program is now closed.

If applicants wish to access the application after the program has closed, please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying, completing a project, and writing your final report.

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.

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

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Story Fund Program Manager. The ISO program manager will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 business days) to submit anything outstanding.

*Ineligible or incomplete applications can be withdrawn at any time in the process. Applicants will be notified through the ISO Apply portal when the application is deemed Ineligible.

If at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as 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.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or 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 your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this contribution :

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

When should I apply for this program funding?

Applicants should apply to this program once they have completed principal photography of their project and before the post production costs that require support have been incurred. Applicants with a strong rationale for support are encouraged to apply.

What is the demand for this program?

There is an increasing demand in this program and 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 is the maximum amount of funding I can request in this program?

Up to $60,000.00 and to $30,000.00 for web series. A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

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

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines. If you wish to access the application after the program has closed, please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure.

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

If the main applicant(s)/company currently has an ISO supported project that is not yet complete or reported on from another program,, the applicant will be required to submit a Final report on the previous application first with a current budget.

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

Unfortunately, applications to this program that have already received previous ISO Finishing Funds will not be eligible to apply again.

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

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal iso-bea.smapply.io and submitted by November 1st, 2023 at 5pm EST. The portal will close at the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December.

• Funding notifications can be expected 3-4 months following the deadline;
• Administrative follow ups may be conducted via email for additional information on the application if required;
• Please note, applicants may receive less than the request amount.

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 residents of Canada and have spent 8 months out of the last year living in 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 must be screen-based as their primary focus and demonstrate the capacity to successfully create Interactive and/or Immersive projects, or have a track record of producing screen-based or digital content;
• Applicants must own 100% of the copyright of the project and it be controlled or optioned by the applicant (except for inter-provincial or international treaty co-productions);
• Production companies cannot receive funding from other ISO programs for the same training program or initiative. For example, funding for trainees cannot be included in another application to ISO Funding Programs;
• Applicants must be able to accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant;
• Applicants may only submit one application per fiscal year to the funding program;
• Applicants can apply in a subsequent fiscal year if they successfully complete the development phase of their proposed project;
• You must be in good standing with ISO;
• If you are an emerging creator, 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/creator, producer, and be able to demonstrate your ability to accomplish this project.

Individuals (including sole proprietors):

• Are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person residing in Canada and who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Work in screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps, podcasts, XR (VR, AR), etc.;
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Is not in a state of bankruptcy within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Individual Applicants (this includes sole proprietors):
Please be advised the Canada Revenue Agency considers this funding as taxable income. Please keep all expense receipts related to these funds to offset your tax obligations. If you are registered as a sole proprietor, you must apply under your business name for the funding to be deposited to your business bank account. The funding will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

Corporations:

• Are Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
• Letters of Incorporation, a shareholder registry, and bios for each owner of the company must be provided, as well as their individual percentage of ownership;
• Main activity of the company is the production or support of screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps and AR/VR/MR, etc.;
• 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 Collective or Ad Hoc Group:

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% leadership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Bios for each owner of the collective must be provided as well as their individual role in the project;
• Main activity of the collective is the production or support of screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps, and AR/VR/MR, etc.

First Nation, community or band office, Inuit community or Métis 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 members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Must demonstrate capacity for undertaking a screen-based project and secured individuals working in production or support of screen-based content, including digital narrative content, gaming, apps and AR/VR/MR.

• Salaries and wages for key creatives, mentors, trainees, advisors and contracts for project management, coding, design, system infrastructure, content development;
• Accessibility costs during production, post production and marketing/promotion and distribution;
• Fees and honorariums for guests, Elders, or community engagement;
• Facilitator and consulting fees;
• Technology costs, including purchasing of equipment, hardware and software, when applicable;
• Translation and language support;
• Travel costs for key creatives, trainees, or key collaborators related to the development or production of the project (please note, applications focused exclusively on travel should refer to the Travel Funding program);
• Gifts for Elders and community members;
• Marketing, promotion, and distribution costs.

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 funding@iso-bea.ca.

• Promotional or sponsored content;
• Activities that are carried out to satisfy Post-Secondary Course Requirements of an educational institution;
• Activities proposed by someone under the age of majority in the respective province;
• Activities that are illegal according to the Criminal Code of Canada;
• Activities carried out by organizations that have not paid, or do not pay, fees or royalties to artists according to the standards of the arts practice or sector;
• Talk shows, live sports events, game shows, reality television, music videos and advertising;
• Re-takes or pick-ups;
• Activities and phases of a project that have been previously funded by the ISO.

Requirements for this program include:

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, including individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for the applicant, company owners, key creatives, and collaborators in the project;
• Budget with ISO costs separated;
• Financial structure;
• Confirmation letters or contracts for confirmed funding sources (when applicable);
• Project information including: scope of work, plan of execution and intended impact;
• Community engagement plan, when applicable (max 2 pages);
• Support materials including but not limited to: link(s) to a project trailer/prototype video, sketches, demo reel, lookbook, previous work of key creatives, script, etc.;
• A chain of title and current agreement/contract to produce the project’s IP in the name of the applicant;
• A detailed development or production timeline/schedule;
• Letters of support;
• A marketing, promotion and distribution plan and/or strategy;
• For applications including trainees in the proposal: Applicants must submit a detailed training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and impact should be clearly articulated. Applicants may not propose more than 4 trainees.

Please note, details and specifics about these application requirements can be found in ISO Apply in the application under “Task Instructions”.

This program will be assessed by a peer review committee made up of Indigenous individuals representing different nations, a range of industry practices, and regions of Canada.

The following priorities may be considered as part of the assessment process:

• Regional representation;
• Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women, non-binary and 2SLGBQTIAP+;
• Emerging voices;
  Representation of Indigenous languages.

The scoring criteria will be based on the following:

• Feasibility and execution of the project including the Applicant’s ability to complete the project as proposed based on professional experience, key creatives, scope of work and stated goals;
• Project impact, including marketing/promotion and distribution strategy, community engagement (as applicable), and audience engagement;
• Storytelling and content;
• Thoughtfulness and thoroughness of the application.

When a project is unsuccessful feedback can be provided, upon request.

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying for funding, completing a project, and writing your final report. Requests for 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.

Support may include telephone or video application submission, language interpretation, or support worker assistance. Equipment purchases are not eligible for accessibility support.

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

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Program Manager. The ISO program manager will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 days) to submit anything outstanding.

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 at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as 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.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Final reports can be accessed via the ISO Apply portal.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or 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 your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this funding:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

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.

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

Yes – Applicants can apply at any level of experience, however if you are an emerging creator, during the application process you must have a minimum of one (1) previous credit in the key role you hold in the project. Please review the “Funding Process and Priorities” section of the guidelines for further details.

Does this program support the development and production of an Interactive and/or Immersive project?

Yes – Applicants can include some development activities in their application but their proposal should include the production of a finished project. Please reach out if your project includes a prototyping phase.

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

The maximum request amount is $100,000.00. A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

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

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines. If you wish to access the application after the program has closed, please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure.

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

If the main applicant(s)/company currently has an ISO supported project that is not yet complete or reported on from another program, the applicant will be required to submit a Final Report on the previous application with an updated budget.

Can I submit multiple applications?

Applicants may only submit one application to this program per fiscal year.

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

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca.