National Screen Institute (NSI) Features First 2010: feature film training

The National Screen Institute is a national filmmaking school based in Winnipeg. It has undergone a number of changes over the last while, including the appointment of producer Derek Luis as its new CEO. It runs a number of initiatives for film and television. They announced a call for submissions for one of them, the NSI Features First program.

Features First is a training program for Canadian filmmaking teams who are prepared to develop and then make their first or second film. To apply, you need a writer, director and producer to submit a script. The writer can be director or producer as well, but the director and producer cannot be the same person. Team members are not required to be from the same province, but you should be able to manage any geographical concerns if you are accepted into the program.

Deadline for submissions is September 22, 2010.
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News release

Canadian filmmaking teams working on their first or second feature film can apply for training through NSI Features First. Run by Canada’s National Screen Institute (NSI), the program prepares filmmakers for production through customized, intensive training and mentoring with industry professionals. It aims to help filmmakers hone their script while also understanding the business aspects of feature film development.

Read our guidelines and download the application form. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m., CST, Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

The teams chosen for the program are not required to pay tuition fees or relocate and, after initial training, learning opportunities are developed close to home.

Teams must apply with a feature film script. Up to four teams are chosen for this 10-month, three-phase program and are selected based on the strength of their film concepts and the potential development and packaging of their film projects. The curriculum includes script and story development, market research, legal requirements, pitching, financing, distribution as well as marketing and sales training - delivered by leaders in the Canadian film industry.

NSI Features First alumni have continued their feature filmmaking careers, producing many films that have won awards and been seen on screens across Canada. “NSI helped me get my first feature off the ground,” says Trish Dolman, producer, Screen Sirens and NSI Features First grad. “Ten years later, it seems I’m producing a feature film every year.”

Eleven features developed through the program have been produced. They have won awards, debuted at prestigious festivals and played in commercial theatres.

http://www.nsi-canada.ca/apply_now_for_nsi_features_first_2010_feature_film_training.aspx