About NSI Storytellers

Next call for applications

To be confirmed.

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Cashing In

Cashing In, developed through NSI Storytellers premiered on APTN and Showcase in March 2009. This half-hour comedy drama is set on Stonewalker First Nation nestled comfortably beside an affluent beach community in Southern Manitoba. 

What is NSI Storytellers?

In 2007, responding to market-need, the National Screen Institute in association with APTN redesigned NSI Storytellers to develop above-the-line broadcast talent.

There were three phases of training to the NSI Storytellers 2007/08 program with separate application calls for each.
  1. Training for directors
  2. Training for writers and
  3. Training for producers

Directors (call closed)

  • Up to six Aboriginal directors will be chosen for phase one.
  • Three students go on to phase two to observe/shadow an experienced director on set during the shooting of an episode of dramatic television.
  • You must be available for a full week in Winnipeg during phase one.
  • If you're chosen for phase two, you must be available for approximately 10 days to shadow a director on a television production in western Canada during fall 2008.
  • Travel, accommodation and per diem costs for the training sessions in phases one and two will be covered by NSI.

Writers (call closed)

In November 2007, the writers began training to develop and write scripts for a six-part serial that may go into production for broadcast on APTN. 

Producers (call closed)

In February 2008 three Aboriginal producers completed an intensive week-long boot camp training session. The director phase is the third and final training component of this ambitious program.

NSI training structure

The NSI training structure allows you to keep your day job – this is not a full-time program and you are not required to move away from home. Intensive training happens over a short period of time in one place. You then return home to work with a mentor for the rest of the program.

All training is delivered by senior industry experts.

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

How much does it cost?

There are no tuition fees or hidden costs – applicants pay a nominal, one-off application fee ($50 or less).

For the director phase: travel, accommodation and per diem costs for the training sessions in phases one and two will be covered by NSI.

Who leads the NSI Storytellers program?

The program is led by Liz Janzen, Joy Loewen and Peter Lauterman.

Who are the NSI Storytellers program experts?

The NSI Storytellers associate faculty is made up of experts from the Canadian TV and film industry who generously share their experiences and knowledge with NSI Storytellers participants.

Success stories

The achievements of our talented alumni are listed in the NSI Storytellers alumni section.

The original NSI Storytellers history

Back in 2003, NSI Storytellers began as a training program designed to help established Canadian Aboriginal film and television producers advance their projects as international co-productions through guidance and access to new markets.

At this time, the program was known as the Aboriginal Cultural Trade Initiative (ACTI). ACTI concluded with an inaugural trade mission to Australia and New Zealand where participants had the chance to advance their projects with Aborigine and Maori producers.

In March 2005 Aborigine and Maori producers travelled to Winnipeg to meet Canadian Aboriginal producers at the NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival. In November 2005 a third session of the program culminated with a 10-day intensive trade mission to New Zealand.

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