Sound Design Program
Last Update: August 12, 2025
ON, Canada
Mentorship for Indigenous audio professionals in film and television
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : March 21, 2024
- Closing date : April 15, 2024
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Sound Design Program offers a 12-week paid mentorship at $22 per hour, with up to $500 in additional accessibility funding, aiming to support Indigenous creatives in Ontario in developing professional skills in sound design and audio post-production for film and television. Eligible activities include hands-on experience in sound editing, sound design, mixing, dialogue editing, ADR recording, Foley, and engagement with industry professionals.
Financing terms and conditions
- The successful applicant will receive an hourly wage of $22 per hour for the duration of the 12-week placement.
- Up to $500 CAD in additional funding is available to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of the project, application, or final report.
- Costs associated with required software subscriptions during the program will be paid for.
Activities funded
- Participation in a 12-week mentorship program focused on sound design and audio post production for film and television.
- Gaining hands-on experience as a sound editor and sound designer on various projects.
- Developing skills in sound editing for sound effects and dialogue under professional guidance.
- Assisting in audio post-production processes such as mixing, foley, spotting sessions, and ADR recording.
- Building industry relationships and acquiring foundational experience for a career in audio post production.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 8,500
Gaining experience editing dialogue tracks for independent documentary film
$ 7,300
Mentorship in sound effects design for environmental documentary broadcast
$ 7,900
Hands-on training in foley recording for children’s animation series
$ 8,450
Developing surround sound skills for feature-length film using Pro Tools
$ 8,700
Sound mixing mentorship for Indigenous drama series post production
$ 9,000
Mentorship in ADR and voice-over editing for web series production
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) individual residing in Ontario.
- The applicant must be working in the field of audio, with demonstrated experience in sound design for film and media projects preferred.
- The applicant must be competent in working with Pro Tools on a Mac-based system, and possess the required equipment (Pro Tools Studio updated within the last year, Mac computer, quality headphones).
- The applicant must have sufficient skills and interest in sound design and audio post production for film and television.
- The applicant must confirm they have read the program's General Funding Guidelines and Determining Indigenous Identity Guide prior to applying.
Who is eligible?
- Companies or individuals in the audio post production sector for film and television
- Organizations or professionals working in sound design for media projects
- Entities involved in music production seeking to transition into sound design or audio post production
Who is not eligible
- Companies or organizations not controlled by Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) individuals are not eligible.
- Businesses or individuals who do not reside in Ontario.
Eligible expenses
- Hourly wage for the program participant during the 12-week mentorship.
- Costs associated with software subscriptions required during the program.
- Up to $500 CAD for accessibility-related expenses directly incurred during the application, project completion, and final reporting stages (excluding equipment purchases).
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario, Canada
Selection criteria
- Initial assessment of the eligibility and completeness of the submitted documents.
- Review by an evaluation committee composed of representatives from ISO and program partners.
How to apply
1
Review funding guidelines
- Read the ISO General Funding Guidelines Policy
- Ensure understanding of program policies and funding rules
2
Consult Indigenous identity guide
- Read the ISO Determining Indigenous Identity Guide
- Verify eligibility regarding Indigenous identity
3
Prepare application documents
- Prepare your CV and bio
- Write an expression of interest responding to required questions
- Gather links to examples of your work, if available
4
Submit your application
- Complete and submit the application form
- Attach all required documents
- Request accessibility support if needed
5
Eligibility and documentation review
- ISO Program Manager reviews eligibility and documentation
- Address any requests for missing information within 10 days if notified
6
Await assessment results
- Wait for review committee assessment and notification of results
Additional information
- Accessibility funding of up to $500 CAD is available to support additional costs related to accessibility during application, project execution, or final reporting.
- A final report must be submitted within three months following the completion of the program to maintain eligibility for future funding.
- Recipients must acknowledge the Indigenous Screen Office's support with textual reference and/or logo in the completed work or project credits.
- Any misrepresentation or omission of information may result in denial of current and future funding, contract termination, and possible legal action.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Sound Design Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Sound Design Program. 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 Sound Design Program?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Sound Design Program?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Sound Design Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Sound Design Program?
Who is eligible for the Sound Design Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Sound Design Program?
Where is the Sound Design Program available?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Sound Design Program program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Sound Design Program program?
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