Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

News release: April 10, 2006

Telefilm Canada has confirmed funding of $145,000 towards a pilot training program, developed by the National Screen Institute — Canada (NSI), for new media content gaming.

The announcement was made by Telefilm's Executive Director, S. Wayne Clarkson, during NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival on 3 March 2006.

This market-driven training initiative, to be delivered by electronic gaming and new media industry experts, will teach up to five qualifying teams across the country how producing a commercial game prototype will serve as a calling card to facilitate pitching to leading interactive entertainment publishers.

This one-of-a-kind training project will deliver specific skills and knowledge that will lead to professional careers in the industry and possibly the establishment of new game development companies by team members.

"For 20 years, the National Screen Institute has developed film and television training programs. With the generous support of Telefilm we're one step closer to adding another string to our bow," said Susan Millican, CEO at NSI. "We look forward to launching the video gaming pilot soon and achieving success in new media training."

"Telefilm is very pleased to support the NSI Video Game Development Pilot. We are most excited to see the NSI provide the training and nurturing, as well as the opportunity for producers outside the major centres to develop their video game projects," said Earl Hong Tai, Director – Western Region Telefilm Canada.

NSI will work in partnership with Fortune Cat, a not-for-profit capacity-building new media incubator in Manitoba. The partnership will provide participants with a professional development opportunity and allow Fortune Cat to foster technical expertise.

Media enquiries:

Glynis Corkal, Marketing and Communications Manager

Tel: 204-957-2995 | Email: glynis.corkal@nsi-canada.ca