Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2010.

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.

Jim Murphy Filmmakers Bursary

Along with his friends and colleagues, NSI established the Jim Murphy Filmmakers Bursary in memory of the former NSI Features First program manager.

In keeping with Jim’s incomparable film distribution, marketing and promotion contributions a $2,500 award is presented to a team going through the NSI Features First program that develops an inventive and creatively-integrated marketing plan as part of the program requirements in the first phase of training.

The NSI Features First project Heaven’s Door by the Vancouver team of writer/director Geoff Redknap and producer Katie Weekly was the most recent recipient of the bursary.

Learn more about the bursary or make a contribution. Tax receipts will be issued.

NSI Features First is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Telefilm Canada; Program Partners The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation and Canwest; Strategic Sponsor Corus Entertainment Inc.; and Service Sponsor William F. White International Inc.

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