NSI Drama Prize testimonials

“Our talks with industry professionals were really informative. I felt like I made a lot of good contacts.”

- Katie Weekley
Producer
The Auburn Hills Breakdown (2007)

“By far blew my expectations out of the water. ‘Professional’ training in the past has disappointed me. This program was extremely well organized, planned and arranged. The facilitators taught me so much in a short time.”

- Geoff Redknap
Writer/director
The Auburn Hills Breakdown (2007)

“I was able to develop a few contacts among producers and other industry professionals from English Canada during my visit. Being from Quebec, it’s not always easy to meet with Canadian professionals.”

- Christine Falco
Producer
Les Grands (2006)

“The program met all my learning expectations; provided invaluable learning resources with mentoring professionals, provided a great week of training at the beginning of the program, and a good wrap up session. I felt that I was treated as a professional the entire time, yet could ask the questions on areas that I wasn’t familiar with without feeling slighted or that I should know better.”

- Karitsa Tye
Writer/director
Apparent Woes (2006)

“The instructors were fantastic. Dedicated and inspiring.”

- Lisa Robertson
Writer/director
Apparent Woes (2006)

“The program was more than I expected it to be. The depth of both writers and directors workshops were amazing, they provided valuable information which could be applied in several aspects of my career.”

- Sonal Sudra
Writer/director
Tigers at the Gate (2007)

“I am receiving the kind of support and encouragement to develop as a writer/director.”

- William Taylor
Writer/director
Silver Road (2006)

“I believe all my future endeavors will benefit from the education and grounding I received from this program.”

- Karen Wong
Producer
The Cabinet (2006)

“We are encouraged to produce our films in our geographic region. No one hovered over to make sure it felt like an NSI approved project. The program is actually allowing me to make a horror film - hurrah! We have an opportunity to work directly with our broadcast partners....We feel mentored without feeling hand-fed.”

- Karen Lam
Writer/director
The Cabinet (2006)

“The hands on experience with the process - casting, shooting and editing was very effective and informative. Also, the intense script analysis process in week one - thanks to our skillful story editor Shereen Jerrett - was a great process. These tools are invaluable to a writer/director.”

- Eva Madden
Writer/director
Eastern Shore (2006)

“I am striving to be a successful feature filmmaker and the NSI ZeD Drama Prize is an amazing opportunity to have support during the very difficult process of making a short film. All of the information presented was relevant to the task at hand: making our shorts as successful as possible and the successes of my short will in turn help me reach my career goals.”

- Calum MacLeod
Producer
Gravity Boy (2005)

“The workshops were highly informative and enjoyable. The panels and roundtable meetings were invaluable.”

- Billie Knight
Producer
Meaning of Max (2005)

“The information was largely practical and confidence inspiring. It simplified many aspects of the filmmaking process. I was able to get my bearings in a complicated and sometimes overwhelming business.”

- Chris Roberts
Writer/Director
Meaning of Max (2005)

“The NSI ZeD Drama Prize program is incredible because it combines production funding, training, mentoring and promotion. It has been an unforgettable experience for me.”

- Danishka Esterhazy
Writer/Director
The Snow Queen (2004)

“...the [best thing about the program is that it] has the development of producers, directors and writers as its main interest and follows through on training & preparing them for the industry. The money & in-kind services are helpful, but so is the support, flexibility and genuine desire to see people succeed.”

- Jason Charters
Producer
Noise (2004)

“In applying for an NSI [ZeD] Drama Prize — I was aware of NSI’s reputation as a distinguished organization. So expectations matched the reputation. The welcome, hospitality and intent exceeded expectations.”

- Lisa Celotto
Producer/Writer
Any Niagara

“The entire experience truly had an affect on my career and most immediately on our film.”

- Anna Petras
Producer
The King Hunt

“The NSI afforded me with the opportunity to create a film on a level that I had previously been unable to attain. This was realized through a combination of resources and educational assistance. The result of this opportunity has been felt through an increased participation in the local film community as well as access to previously unattainable work opportunities.”

- Evan Kelly
Writer-Director
Quality Viewing

“The NSI gave me the experience I needed to complete my first film. The program gave me the opportunity to begin a career in my chosen field. I would recommend the program to anyone and plan to apply for features first next!”

- Smita Acharyya
Writer-Director
Second Coming in the 2nd Grade

“The process of financing, shooting and completing a short film project is extremely relevant to my career. Not only did the (NSI ZeD) Drama Prize help me complete a calling card film to pave the way for future projects, a short film experience serves as a mini version of a feature film project - something I hope to pursue in the future.”

- Darlene Lim
Writer/Director
Hitting Zero

“It was an incredible opportunity. The funding alone was such a head start to be able to apply for further funding. Having the goal to get it to the Festival was encouraging and motivating, and kept us on schedule on days we would have been ready to throw in the towel.”

- Rita Acharyya
Producer
Second Coming in the 2nd Grade