About NSI Features First
Industry Centre > Training programs > NSI Features First
Presented by the National Screen Institute in association with Telefilm Canada
Program description
Feature film development training for first or second time writers, directors and producers. Successful teams receive in excess of $15,000 towards a feature film development budget targeted at customized training.
Next call for applications
Summer 2012.
2012 NSI Features First teams
Following the recent call for applications, these four teams have been chosen for the 2012 program.
- Catch it Early by Jordana Aarons and Sarah Warren (Toronto, ON)
- Fragments by Michael Vernon, David Hamelin & Neil Macdonald (Marsh City & Whitehorse, YK)
- The Happy People by Rajvinder Kaur Uppal and Meghna Haldar (Vancouver, BC)
- Ocean City by Ben Silverman, Matthew Bass and Jason Stone (Richmond and Vancouver, BC)
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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.
Who are the NSI Features First faculty?
Elise Swerhone and Will Pascoe.
Who are the NSI Features First experts?
Our associate faculty is made up of experts from the Canadian film industry who generously share their experiences and knowledge with NSI Features First participants.
What are the objectives of NSI Features First?
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. To work closely with the filmmakers to help
prepare their projects for financing and the marketplace.
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, 15 features have been produced.
- I Declare War - writer/director: Jason Lapeyre
- Every Emotion Costs - writer/director: Darlene Naponse; producer Joseph Mansourian
- Foodland – writer/director: Adam Smoluk
- Love and Other Dilemmas - producer: Clare Hodge; director: Larry Di Stefano; writer: Deborah Peraya
- 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
- 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
- Inertia - producer: Brendon Sawatzky; director/writer: Sean Garrity
- Turning Paige - producer: Carolyn McMaster; director/co-writer: Robert Cuffley; writer: Jason Long
- 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
- The Bend – writer/director Jennifer Kierans (developed in part through NSI Features First)
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