Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
News release: August 29, 2007
Responding to market-need, the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) in association with Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has redesigned NSI Storytellers to develop above-the-line Aboriginal broadcast talent.
Aboriginal writers eager to learn the craft of writing television drama are encouraged to apply at www.nsi-canada.ca. Working individually and as a group the selected candidates will create six scripts for a half hour daytime serial that may go into production for broadcast on APTN.
Deadline for applications is Monday October 15, 2007, 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
Up to five writers will be chosen based on submitted writing samples, an ability to work as a group, a strong desire to work in the Canadian television industry, and a willingness to commit to the program. Training for writers commences in fall 2007 and will span a seven month period. The second phase will provide training for directors and producers in spring 2008. A separate call for applications for this phase will be issued in the new year.
Writing participants will learn the basics of narrative writing and develop storylines and series arcs for the project. As with all NSI programs, training will be intensive and delivered by industry experts.
“The National Screen Institute prides itself on providing market-driven training. Our decision to restructure NSI Storytellers was based on the need for more television content from Canadian Aboriginal writers, directors and producers," says Susan Millican, NSI CEO. "APTN is a natural fit to help hone this craft and possibly showcase the results.”
“NSI has a stellar reputation for delivering well-trained above-the-line graduates from its programs,” said Jean LaRose, APTN Chief Executive Officer. “To have the NSI Storytellers curriculum based on an APTN program concept, with a real chance of going into production for broadcast, helps to fulfill our mandate of presenting programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples.”
The program is managed by Brandice Vivier-Burns.
NSI Storytellers is made possible through the generous funding of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, NBC Universal and CHUM.
About APTN:
September 1, 2007 marks the eight-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. APTN is available in over 10 million Canadian households and commercial establishments with cable, direct-to-home satellite (DTH), telco-delivered and fixed wireless television service providers. APTN does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages. For more information, please contact APTN at (204) 947-9331 or toll-free at 1-888-278-8862, or visit the website at www.aptn.ca.
Media enquiries:
Glynis Corkal, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: 204-957-2995 | Email: glynis.corkal@nsi-canada.ca