London’s creative scene is about to expand with an exciting new program launching today. The ISO Project is a music video incubator aimed at connecting musicians of colour in London Ontario to professional video production experience, matching them with a team of creative production experts to co-create a music video. There is no fee for artists to apply, nor any expenses to be in the program. The Production Team is led by people of colour, and all members are paid for their work. The program seeks to connect emerging London artists and creators of colour to experiential learning opportunities, artistic expansion, collaboration, and develop local talent in film and music. Videos will premiere at the Forest City Film Festival’s 2022 Music Video Showcase.
“The ISO Project is a big step for London arts and a much-needed model for a creative hub in general”, says ISO Executive Director Zahra Habib, who is also a local musician, “Talented artists of all stripes live in this city and are hungry to create. However, we experience a large barrier that is not having many chances to meet with fellow artists and visionaries in imaginative spaces that are also safe to be in. That’s why this Project is so exciting.”
“The FCFF always is searching for ways to support emerging film artists in developing their talents, and we are all about breaking down barriers and giving the artists who struggle to be heard a chance to stand out in the crowd. Our music video competition is the crossroad between film and music, and we are so happy to be able to encourage the creation of music and film that is truly reflective of our community.” – Dorothy Downs, Forest City Film Festival Executive Director.
The inaugural year of The ISO Project is funded by the London Music Office and supported by the Forest City Film Festival. The idea was born in response to the clear lack of diversity in the artists submitting for the first FCFF Music Video Category in 2020. Recognizing the need for a more accurate portrayal of Southwestern Ontario, the London Music Office offered financial support for an initiative that could help cultural institutions like Forest City Film Fest attain more equity in their reach.
“Music and film and intrinsically linked together. Music videos provide a unique and powerful medium to connect and share a story. The ISO Project is an opportunity to share diverse stories from London’s music community while offering practical mentorship to the local musicians.” States Cory Crossman, London’s Music Industry Development Officer.
The Project is now open and accepting submissions from all artists of colour living in London Ontario. Full guidelines are available at http://www.londonmusicoffice.com/iso-project. The ISO Project is open to residents of London from racialized backgrounds. Artists must complete the application via the Music Office website and submit a finished song. Music video treatments are encouraged but not necessary to be considered for the cohort. Storyboarding, like every part of the production process, will be a focused segment for the artist to receive mentorship and learning.
Applications are now open and will close on Tuesday March 1, 2022, at 11:59pm EST. Applications are reviewed by a jury comprised of experienced local and regional experts and creators of the music and film industry, who will select the successful cohort. Applications can be found at www.londonmusicoffice.com/iso-project/. The cohort will wrap up filming by August 30, 2022. The completed video is slated to premiere at the FCFF 2022’s Music Video Night, after which it becomes the creative property of the musician. All inquiries about the application process and program can be directed to isoprojectldn@gmail.com.
