About NSI Features First

Presented by the National Screen Institute in association with Telefilm Canada

Next call for applications

Summer 2010.

Keep up to date with NSI Features First news

Keep up to date with NSI Features First news by signing up for the weekly NSI newsletter or by subscribing to our email updates.

What is NSI Features First?

  • Professional development program for writers, producers and directors working on a first or second feature film.
  • Hone your script and learn about the business aspects of feature film development.
  • Up to five teams are selected each year.
  • Selection is based on the strength of the creative and market potential of a project, the demonstrated readiness of the team members to move onto feature production and a firm resolve to commit the required time to fully participate in the program.
  • Part-time training lets you keep your day job. No relocation – intensive training happens in one place then you go home to work with a mentor for the rest of the program.

Training is delivered by senior industry experts.

Full details are available in our guidelines and frequently asked questions.

How much does it cost?

No tuition fees or hidden costs to pay – applicants pay a nominal, one-off $50 application fee.

Who leads the NSI Features First program?

Brendon Sawatzky, Manager, Training Programs and Marguerite Pigott, Program Advisor.

Jim Murphy Filmmakers Bursary

In memory of Jim Murphy and with the support of Jim’s circle of friends, the Jim Murphy Filmmakers Bursary has been established. This $2,500 award is presented annually to an NSI Features First team.

Success stories

The achievements of our talented alumni are listed in our NSI Features First alumni section.

Which NSI Features First projects have actually been produced?

Since NSI Features First was launched in 1997, 11 out of 38 features developed through the program have gone on to be produced. The films have won awards, debuted at prestigious festivals and played in commercial theatres.

  • Fetching Cody - Producer: Carolyn Allain; Writer/director: David Ray
  • 7 Times Lucky - Producer: Liz Jarvis; Writer/director: Gary Yates
  • On the Corner - Producer: Wendy Hyman; Writer/director: Nathaniel Geary
  • Inertia - Producer: Brendon Sawatzky; Director/writer: Sean Garrity
  • Turning Paige - Producer: Carolyn McMaster; Director/co-writer: Robert Cuffley; Writer: Jason Long
  • Love and Other Dilemmas - Producer: Clare Hodge; Director: Larry Di Stefano; Writer: Deborah Peraya;
  • Goldirocks - Producer: Lisa Hayes; Writer/director: Paula Tiberius
  • Flower and Garnet - Producer: Trish Dolman; Director/writer: Keith Behrman
  • Leaving Metropolis - Producers: Ken Mead and Paul Stiles; Director/writer: Brad Fraser
  • My Father’s Angel - Producer: David Bouck, Co-executive producer: Trevor Hodgson; Director: Davor Marjonovic; Writer: Frank Borg
  • Violet - Producer: Mary Sexton; Director/writer: Rosemary House

Who are the NSI Features First program experts?

Experts from the Canadian film industry generously share their experiences and knowledge with NSI Features First participants.

What are the objectives of NSI Features First?

  1. To provide successful applicants with training opportunities that will enhance the knowledge base and skill sets they will need to make a first or second feature.
  2. To work closely with the filmmakers to help prepare their projects for financing and the marketplace.

Productions

LOVE AND OTHER DILEMMAS 


FETCHING CODY

TURNING PAIGE


NSI on the web

 
  

Just a moment please...