Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators Reaches 4th Year

The Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators in association with ISO is returning for its fourth consecutive year.

This program offers a unique opportunity for two emerging creators to work closely with CBC and APTN executives to help move their projects into development and ultimately, into the production phase. The application period will open on June 26, 2025 and close on July 24, 2025.

Commitment To Indigenous Storytellers

Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Screen Office Kerry Swanson had this to say.

“The Indigenous Screen Office is pleased to support this program for a fourth consecutive year. Reaffirming our commitment to emerging Indigenous storytellers in the scripted series space. This initiative builds on our strong relationship with CBC and APTN, and offers an expedited pathway to getting Indigenous projects greenlit by the broadcasters,.C/Radio-Canada and APTN will contribute to the work of their Memorandum of Understanding, which works to increase awareness and connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through the creation of Indigenous content and storytelling.

A Responsibility and A Privilege

“Supporting emerging Indigenous creators is both a responsibility and a privilege,” said Adam Garnet Jones, APTN’s Director of TV Content and Special events. “Through this program, we’re helping to nurture a new generation of storytellers whose voices are vital to the future of Canadian media. At APTN, we’re committed to creating pathways for Indigenous perspectives to flourish on screen and to ensuring that those stories are developed with care, authenticity and vision.”

Funding will be distributed based on project needs, to a maximum of $30,000. The ISO Program Manager will conduct an initial eligibility review. The deadline to apply for the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators is July 24, 2025 at 5 p.m. PT. 

“The Early Stage Scripted Development Program continues to provide emerging Indigenous creators with the tools and support they need to build careers in this country’s screen industry, and we are honoured to once again partner with the ISO and APTN to help nurture their voices and stories,” said Lea Marin, Director of Development, Drama, CBC.

The Early Stage Scripted Development Program will begin in September 2025. Creators will be provided with custom-tailored training and support in areas such as:

• Development of bible, character/story arcs, and scripts;
• Building broadcaster relationships;
• Industry standards and practices re: development;
• Building a team;
• Pitching the project;
• Budgeting;
• Broadcast requirements.

Please submit application and program inquiries by email to funding@iso-bea.ca. For more information please consult the ISO website.

SOURCE: aptn.ca