First Window Licensing
APTN often licenses programs that it has previously developed. If your project has been developed by APTN, it will be considered for licensing once your materials have been delivered. There is no need to wait for an RFP – contact the Executive in Charge of Development and Scripted Production, who will direct you on next steps.
Outside of this process, APTN accepts First Window Licence Proposals during our annual RFP process. Each RFP has a separate call for applications, requirements and deadline(s). Please note: the General Entertainment and Feature Documentary RFP is open year-round!
Open RFP’s
Who Can Submit a Pitch*
APTN can issue a commitment to either an individual producer or a production company. In order for proposals to be eligible for consideration, one of the following conditions must be met:
- A) If submitted by an individual**, they must be an Indigenous person, which is defined to include First Nations, Inuit or Métis individual who resides in Canada; (OR)
- B) If submitted by a company, it must be an Indigenous production company, which is defined as an incorporated Canadian production company that is owned no less than 51% by one or more Indigenous Persons.
*Applies to all development and First Window licenses only
**A producer applying as an individual should be aware that they may be required, by APTN or other funders such as CMF, to incorporate once full financing is obtained.
How to Submit
Each RFP will have a detailed request outlined with instructions and deadlines for submission.
Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted or considered and incomplete submissions will be automatically declined by APTN.
Along with all proposal submission requirements outlined in the RFP, all submissions must be accompanied by the following forms:
- APTN Proposal Submission Agreement
- Individual Declaration of Indigenous Descent (or)
- Production Company Declaration of Indigenous Descent
What to Expect
Producers can expect a response within 10 weeks. If your submission is not selected during the 10-week review period, you will be contacted by the executive in charge of the type of programming you’re creating. At that point, your submission will be deemed withdrawn and APTN will not have any rights or claims to it.