Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.
News release: May 29, 2006
A group of 12 Aboriginal young people from Winnipeg have started their first week of intensive film and TV training as part of NSI New Voices. The three-month, full-time program run by the National Screen Institute — Canada (NSI) offers students a culturally-sensitive, well-rounded understanding of the industry.
The selected participants are:
- Brendon Campell
- Bridget Courchene
- Dustin Courchene
- Crystal Greene
- Dustin Horrock
- Nicola Little
- Chris MacDonald
- Michelle Melanson
- Shannon Myran
- Ken Pangman
- Jason Parenteau
- Jeff Taylor
“This training was developed to meet the need for more Canadian voices in film and television,” said Melissa Kajpust, NSI New Voices program co-manager. “There has been an overwhelming amount of interest from applicants. We knew the need was there. It will be very exciting to see these students progress through the training and beyond.”
The training began on Tuesday with several spiritual components including a traditional feast and sacred pipe ceremony to sanction the program. The Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister for Culture, Heritage and Tourism brought greetings to students on their first day.
Melissa Kajpust co-manages the training with Lisa Meeches, president/executive producer of Winnipeg-based Meeches Video Production Inc./Eagle Vision Inc.
NSI New Voices, formerly the NSI Aboriginal Youth Pilot Project, is designed for Aboriginal youth living in Winnipeg, aged 18 to 35, who have a sincere desire to work in the film and television industry. Each student receives minimum wage throughout the 14-week program. Training begins with six weeks of skills training exposing the students to industry experts and an eight-week internship with a broadcaster or production company. NSI plans to roll out the training nationally in 2007.
For more information about NSI New Voices visit: www.nsi-canada.ca/newvoices
NSI New Voices is funded in part by the Aboriginal Media Educational Fund; the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development; Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism; RBC Financial Group, CTV and The Winnipeg Foundation.
Media enquiries:
Glynis Corkal, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: 204-957-2995 | Email: glynis.corkal@nsi-canada.ca