Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2009.
News release: October 1, 2009
The National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI) is accepting applications from emerging Canadian filmmakers for its 2010
NSI Drama Prize training program. The program trains writers, directors and producers in the production of a short film using mentoring and intensive filmmaking workshops delivered by leading industry experts.
Filmmakers must apply as a team and submit a finished script with their application. Their proposed short film should not run longer than ten (10) minutes.
Full details are available here. Apply by Thursday, November 12, 2009.
NSI Drama Prize is an ambitious program which provides a year of professional support and training in filmmaking.
Up to four teams of Canadian filmmakers will receive customized training in writing, directing and producing.
After training, teams have two months to complete a project assignment. Following assessment of the assigned work, selected teams are eligible to receive year-long mentoring from established industry leaders, $10,000 in cash support and over $30,000 in services toward production of a short film.
"NSI Drama Prize has helped develop talented filmmakers who continue to work in Canada’s film and television industry," said Joy Loewen, NSI Drama Prize Program Manager. "The success of this program is demonstrated in the numerous film festivals worldwide that are accepting NSI Drama Prize films. Additionally, NSI Drama Prize producers, writers and directors have continued their careers in feature film and television production, proving that a solid foundation of training leads to advancement in the industry."
E. Jane Thompson, Program Advisor adds, "Our expert faculty and mentors come from all areas of the film and TV industry. Their depth and breadth of experience allow NSI participants to customize their training to learn what they need to help them grow in their careers."
Special training program podcasts with key industry leaders involved with NSI Drama Prize have been added to the NSI website.
These audio interviews give extra information about applying to the program, what makes a successful application and what students can expect if they are accepted into the program.
Recent NSI Drama Prize successes
All of the recently completed
2008 NSI Drama Prize films have screened at prestigious North American film festivals including the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival, Atlantic Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival and the upcoming Vancouver Film Festival.
This past year NSI Drama Prize films screened in 27 cities in 11 countries.
- The Curiosity of Penny Parker (NSI Drama Prize 2008-09) by producer Paul Lachowich and writer/director Ryan Hanson was completed this spring and has already screened at four festivals including winning first prize – Films Made for Kids Category at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.
- The Auburn Hills Breakdown (NSI Drama Prize 2007-08: writer/director Geoff Redknap and producer Katie Weekley) won five festival awards and has screened at 20 festivals.
- 2007-08 grad Trevor Anderson’s latest short film The Island had its world premiere at the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival.
- 2004-05 grad Danishka Esterhazy celebrates the world premiere of her first feature Black Field at the 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival.
NSI Drama Prize is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Telefilm Canada; Program Partners Canwest and The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation; Strategic Sponsors; Rogers and Women in Media Foundation; Provincial Sponsor British Columbia Film; Award Sponsors Rogers, The NSI Alumni Fund, The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation and Telefilm Canada; Service Sponsors Deluxe, Kodak Canada Inc. and PS Production Services Ltd.; Risk Management Consultants Multimedia Risk Inc.; as well as William F. White International Inc.
NSI on the web