Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
News release: May 22, 2007
A group of 12 young adults from Winnipeg, Dawson City and Siksika Nation in Alberta today begin 14 weeks of intensive film and TV training as part of NSI New Voices.
The full-time program run by National Screen Institute — Canada connects young Canadian Aboriginal adults with industry professionals through skills development training and an eight week full-time work placement.
The selected participants are:
- Kerry Barber (Dawson City, YK)
- Roger Boyer (Winnipeg, MB)
- Candace Back Fat (Siksika Nation, AB)
- Clarence Fisher (Winnipeg, MB)
- Sheldon Greene (Winnipeg, MB)
- Craig Guiboche (Winnipeg, MB)
- Amanda Smart (Winnipeg, MB)
- Brian Tuesday (Winnipeg, MB)
- Sam Vint (Winnipeg, MB)
- Asini Wakos (Winnipeg, MB)
- Angela Wandering Spirit (Winnipeg, MB)
- Susan Solway (Siksika Nation, AB)
Previously the program accepted Manitoban participants only. This year, applications were open to a limited number of out-of-province participants. This is the third year that Melissa Kajpust, a film and television writer, has co-managed the training program with Lisa Meeches, president/executive producer of Winnipeg-based Meeches Video Production Inc./Eagle Vision Inc.
"We were completely overwhelmed by the quality of applicants this year," said Melissa Kajpust. "Deciding on the 12 participants is the toughest part of this job. The Aboriginal youth never cease to amaze us."
Lisa Meeches added, "Each of the applicants was absolutely amazing - unique in their gifts and their outlook on life, ready and eager to commit to our ever-growing industry here in Manitoba. The students we decided to select are outstanding and we can't wait to introduce them to the industry."
Training starts today with a traditional Aboriginal Feast at Thunderbird House in Winnipeg.
NSI New Voices is designed for young Aboriginal adults aged 18 to 35 who have a sincere desire to work in the film and television industry. Each student receives minimum wage throughout the 14-week program. The program begins with six weeks of skills development training where students meet industry experts followed by an eight-week internship within an industry setting. Graduates of this program have gone on to find work with companies such as Buffalo Gal Pictures, Eagle Vision, Frantic Films, the Winnipeg Film Group, and the Banff Centre as well as numerous film and television productions and the development of their own projects.
NSI New Voices is funded in part by the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), NBC Universal, The Winnipeg Foundation, CTV, RBC Financial Group, the Aboriginal Media Educational Fund, MANITOBA FILM & SOUND, Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
Media enquiries:
Glynis Corkal, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: 204-957-2995 | Email: glynis.corkal@nsi-canada.ca