The CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators provides up to $30,000 in funding to support pre-development activities for scripted television projects led by Indigenous creators. The program is designed to facilitate the advancement of strong comedy or drama series concepts—covering activities such as script and story development, pitch preparation, and industry support—towards full production.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance of up to $30,000 per project, based on project needs.
Up to $500 available to support accessibility expenses on a case-by-case basis during the application stage.

Activities funded

Development of scripted television projects by Indigenous creators at the pre-development or early-development stage.
Conceptualization and creation of strong drama or comedy series proposals for television.
Professional development and industry training for Indigenous writers and producers working on screen-based content.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 29,000

Creating comedy pitch materials about urban Inuit youth experience

$ 28,700

Preparation of industry-standard pitch for Mohawk historical drama

$ 28,500

Story development for a Cree detective thriller television pilot

$ 29,500

Developing a scripted drama series based on Mi'kmaq legends

$ 29,800

Script development for a Dene science fiction television series

$ 27,000

Professional training workshops for Métis writers developing a mini-series

Eligibility

The company must be Indigenous-controlled, with a minimum of 51% ownership by First Nations, Inuit, or Métis persons who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The project must be under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons, with at least two of the three key creative roles (director, screenwriter, showrunner/creative producer) held by Indigenous individuals.
The company must be registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada and primarily engaged in producing or supporting screen-based content (TV, film, web, digital narrative content, XR).
The company must not be insolvent, bankrupt, or in the process of reorganization under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Who is eligible?

Indigenous-controlled companies engaged in screen-based content production
Companies producing or supporting TV, film, web, digital narrative content, and XR (VR, AR)

Who is not eligible

Companies that are not Indigenous-controlled (less than 51% ownership by First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents).
Businesses whose main activity is not the production or support of screen-based content (such as TV, film, web, digital narrative content, or XR).
Companies that are insolvent, bankrupt, or undergoing business reorganization under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Eligible expenses

Accessibility expenses during the application stages, including application writing and support, video or audio recording, equipment rentals, professional fees, and language interpretation/translation fees.
Final report submission support related to accessibility needs.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies with their head office registered in Canada.

Selection criteria

Vision and strength of the project idea.
Viability of the project and readiness, including scope and timeline.
Impact, particularly the advancement of the applicant’s career within Indigenous storytelling and contribution to the Indigenous Screen Sector.
Regional and intersectional representation.
Thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and clarity of the application, including representation of Indigenous languages and sustainable production practices.

How to apply

Review eligibility guidelines

Read the ISO General Funding Guidelines Policy
Consult the ISO Determining Indigenous Identity Guide
Review the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Program Guidelines

Confirm eligibility requirements

Verify that you or your company meet the Indigenous identity, ownership, and control requirements
Ensure the project is in the appropriate pre-development stage
Confirm all team members meet the eligibility criteria

Gather and complete application materials

Prepare all required application documents
Complete eligibility, applicant, and project information forms
Gather project proposal, bios, CVs, pitch document, and IP proof

Complete application in ISO portal

Access the ISO Apply portal
Fill in all required fields and upload supporting documents
Use the application checklist to verify completeness

Submit your application

Submit your application via the ISO Apply portal by the deadline
Ensure submission is before July 10, 2024, 5:00pm PST
Late applications are not accepted

Await results and respond to requests

Wait for eligibility review and funding decision
Respond promptly to any requests for missing information
Expect a notification of results 1-2 months after the deadline

Additional information

Funding received through this program is considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency for individual applicants.
Applicants may request an extension to submit their application if requested at least 10 business days in advance of the program deadline.
The ISO may provide up to $500 in accessibility funding to support applicants with barriers during the application process.
All recipients are required to acknowledge ISO support in project credits using a textual reference and bilingual animated logo.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators?

Who is eligible for the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators program?

To be eligible for the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators program, you must: Minimum 51% Indigenous ownership (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, Canadian citizens or permanent residents) Registered as a corporation with head office in Canada Project under financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of three key creative team members must be Indigenous