(Login Required)APTN has very specific requirements for programming; therefore programs must adhere to the criteria in our APTN Mission and Vision, Content Priorities and Eligibility and Rating Criteria. Furthermore, APTN requires that all 1st window proposals be received through the Request for Proposals and fit within the specified categories.
Content Priorities
- APTN seeks innovative documentary, children and youth, music, dance and variety, drama, lifestyle, reality, sports, interactive (new media platform) and talk-show proposals
- We aim to increase programming that originates in Aboriginal languages
- We currently broadcast programming in English (56%), French (16%) and Aboriginal languages (28%)
- Our program schedule must be 75% Canadian
- Our programming celebrates our rich heritage and shares our unique and diverse stories with all Canadians
- Our programming is geared towards all age groups and interests
- APTN will give a strong voice to our children and youth
- APTN will give a forum to Aboriginal artists and producers to exhibit their work, but we will not license more than two series or major productions from one production company within any single broadcast season
- APTN will reflect an appropriate balance among the needs of all Aboriginal people including First Nations, Inuit and Métis
- APTN will endeavor to be relevant to all regions of the country
- APTN will broadcast programs in both High Definition and Standard Definition
- APTN seeks proposals that include plans for rich and substantial digital media content
Types of Programs for Licensing & Examples of What’s Currently Airing
Drama
Limited (6-7 episodes) half-hour (22:00) dramatic series proposals. APTN does not generally license dramatic feature films or short films. However, we do acquire short films for our Short Cuts program strand. If you would like to submit a short film for consideration please contact acquisitions@aptn.ca for more information.
Examples:
Rabbit Fall, Mixed Blessings
Music, dance and variety
One-hour (45:00) or half-hour (22:00) music and variety series or one-hour (45:00) one-off specials
Examples:
We Joggin’, Arbor Live, Makusham
Documentaries
One-hour (45:00) or half-hour (22:00) limited (6-7 episodes) or full (13 episodes) series
Examples:
Kitocikew, Heavy Metal - The Ouje-bougoumou Mining Disaster, Storytellers in Motion, Fish Out Of Water, Mishkuenita, Pachamama, La cité
Children & Youth
Limited (6-7 episodes) or full (13 episodes) half-hour (22:00) series
Examples:
Wapos Bay, renegadepress.com, Raven Tales, Bizou
Lifestyle
Limited (6-7 episodes) or full (13 episodes) half-hour (22:00) or hour (45:00) series
Examples:
Cooking with the Wolfman, Vitality Gardening
Reality:
Limited (6-7 episodes) or full (13 episodes) half-hour (22:00) series
Examples:
Rez Rides, Warriors TKO
Talk-Shows:
Daily (30-65 episodes) half-hour (22:00) series
Examples:
First Talk, Vitality
Sports:
Special coverage of sports events relevant to Aboriginal people of Canada
Examples:
National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
Multimedia:
Web or Mobisode series (under 5:00)
Proposals must conform to the categories of the Request for Proposals. The above are merely examples of the types of programs APTN generally seeks. If your program does not fit into a category in the Request for Proposals, please do not submit it for consideration.
Ask yourself the following questions to conclude whether or not your proposal will meet our priorities:
Does the proposal correspond with our mission and help APTN be domestically and internationally recognized as the leading source for distinctively Aboriginal audio-visual content produced by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples?
Does your proposal offer new information either previously unavailable or unacknowledged? Have you checked to ensure that we do not have current programs undertaking the same topic?
Is the program entertaining? Is this something that would hold the audience’s attention? How would you describe the pace?
Does the program engage the viewer? Do you believe it will inspire people to investigate the subject further?
Who is your target Audience? What about people in a rural or urban environment? Will your program appeal to primarily a male of female demographic?
Does the program provide opportunities for web development or other media outlets like podcasting or video on-demand; iPhone application; internet applications such as interactive maps; Game; Alternate Reality Game; Video Blog; Webisodes; Mobisodes; (i.e. scripted content); Text Blog; Streaming; Viral video; User-generated content; Social networking (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc...); Forum; Other audiovisual content such as interviews; behind the scenes; webinars?
