The National Screen Institute, in partnership with New Media Manitoba, is accepting applications for a new initiative: NSI Next Level Production Lab – Manitoba Pilot. This advanced professional development lab is designed for experienced screen industry professionals living and working in Manitoba.

The lab brings together 18 participants, including screenwriters, producers, directors, directors of photography, assistant camera professionals and editors for hands-on training in virtual production, artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging digital workflows at New Media Manitoba’s StudioLab xR facility in Winnipeg.

As AI introduces new approaches to film and television production, the lab gives experienced professionals an opportunity to explore emerging technologies, understand their practical applications and limitations and make informed decisions about how they can be used in their established workflows. The lab builds on participants’ existing skills and approaches AI as a tool to support professional practice, while emphasizing creative authorship, collaboration and responsible use.

“As new technologies change how productions are made, it’s important that the people who understand the craft have a voice in how those technologies are used,” said Christine Kleckner, executive director of the National Screen Institute.

“This lab is about giving experienced professionals the opportunity to experiment, ask critical questions and make informed decisions while keeping human creativity, artistic leadership and responsible production practices at the centre of their work.”

Participants will be organized into three multidisciplinary production teams. This team-based approach allows participants to explore how emerging technologies influence creative and technical decisions across different production departments.

Working from scripts developed by participating screenwriters, each team will shoot scenes using different production approaches, moving from traditional virtual production on an LED stage to AI-assisted post-production workflows. By capturing the same material in different ways, participants will compare what needs to be filmed on set with what can be created or modified afterwards. The exercises will allow them to evaluate the creative possibilities, practical limitations and production considerations associated with each approach while examining questions of authorship, consent and responsible AI use.

Training will take place over two full-time, in-person weeks at StudioLab xR, supported by online sessions focused on story development, orientation, production and financing. No previous experience with AI, Unreal Engine or virtual production is required.

“StudioLab xR training is designed for film professionals ready to add emerging production techniques to their existing toolkit. Our programs are hands on from day one,” said Jonathan Lê, senior manager of StudioLab xR at New Media Manitoba.

“In small groups led by experienced instructors, you’ll tackle real-world challenges and learn from one another along the way. Leave with practical, transferable skills to take your next project further.”

Applications close on November 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT. Learn more and apply

For application support, contact Jessica Gibson or Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill:

je************@********da.ca  / +1-204-956-7800 ext. 103

sa****************@********da.ca / +1-204-956-7800 ext. 107

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older
• Live and work in Manitoba
• Have demonstrated professional experience in film, television or screen-based media as a screenwriter, producer, director, director of photography, assistant camera professional or editor
• Be interested in applying their professional skills to virtual production and emerging digital workflows
• Be prepared to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary production team
• Be available for all required online sessions and both weeks of in-person training

There is no minimum number of professional credits required. Applicants may demonstrate their experience through professional credits, substantial project experience, a body of work or other evidence appropriate to their discipline.

Participants will be paid minimum wage during the in-person workshops and receive a $30 daily travel allowance.

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NSI Next Level Production Lab – Manitoba Pilot is presented by the National Screen Institute, in partnership with New Media Manitoba; Patron Telefilm Canada; Program Partner Canada Media Fund; Strategic Sponsor RBC Foundation; Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music. National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council and Rogers. More sponsors will be added as confirmed.

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About New Media Manitoba

New Media Manitoba is the Sector Council for Information Communications and Digital Technologies and a non-profit association serving Manitoba’s Interactive Digital Media industry. Through workforce development, industry support and initiatives such as StudioLab xR, New Media Manitoba advances innovation, skills development and growth across Manitoba’s digital economy.

Application enquiries

• Jessica Gibson, je************@********da.ca / +1-204-956-7800 ext. 103
• Sarah Simpson Yellowquill, sa****************@********da.ca / +1-204-956-7800 ext. 107

Media enquiries

• National Screen Institute – Ashna Sharma – as**********@********da.ca
• New Media Manitoba – Jonathan Lê – jo*@**************ba.com