Applications are now open for the second edition of the National Screen Institute’s Series Incubator program.

NSI Series Incubator is a 12-month, in-depth training program for four producer / writer teams from underrepresented communities* to develop a scripted series with support and guidance from industry professionals.

In this four-phased, in-person and online program, participants will engage in workshops, presentations and masterclasses to further skills in their field and receive support through targeted, one-on-one mentorship.

Participants will finish the program with a series proof-of-concept (trailer, teaser, scene, short film, web series episode, etc.), be equipped with the skills needed to bring their story to life on screen and feel empowered in the industry.

“Along with a talented group of industry experts, I’m thrilled to launch the second edition of NSI Series Incubator,” says program manager, Jessica Gibson. “We’ve seen first-hand the impact this program has had, with alumni further developing their projects and taking their careers to the next level. We look forward to nurturing another group of creators as they bring their stories to the screen and have their voices heard.”

Apply now; application deadline is July 17. If you have questions about the program and how to apply, register now for our Q & A webinar on June 15, 11 a.m. CT.

Participants will be divided into two streams:

Writer stream

• • • Learn about pitching and selling yourself and your project.
    • Receive one-on-one mentorship from an experienced writer.
    • Participate in a writers’ room simulation focused on the development of your / other projects.
    • Complete a series bible, episode outlines and start work on a pilot episode.
    • Finalize a proof-of-concept script and attend a pilot table read for your project.

Producer stream

• • • Learn from experienced producers, writers, legal and business affairs experts about the creative process, development, pitching, financing, clearances, negotiating, human resources for producers, business and legal affairs.
    • Learn about prep, production and post-production, budgeting, marketing, distribution and insurance.
    • Secure a director for your project.
    • Participate in a pitching simulation.
    • Develop a production plan and budget for your proof-of-concept.

Once initial training is complete, teams will collaborate as they prepare and produce a proof-of-concept. A cash award and in-kind services are provided for production.

Program alumni Adrian Neblett and Mostafa Shaker were selected for the 2023 Netflix BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative based on the strength of their NSI Series Incubator project, One Baby, Please. Fellow alumni Hannah Johnson and Jessica Landry were selected for the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival’s Series Accelerator for their series, Ghosts of Lakeland.

Program faculty includes National Screen Institute alumni Jeff Peeler (NSI Global Marketing), Josh Epstein (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Features First, NSI Totally Television) and Karen Lam (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Totally Television).

*The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices. To be eligible for this program, creators must identify as any of following: Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres (Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal), regional and remote areas, and various religious groups.

• • •

NSI Series Incubator 2023-24 is funded by Program Partner Telefilm Canada; Provincial Partners Manitoba Film & Music, Creative BC through the Daryl Duke and William Vince Scholarship Fund; Industry Supporters Company 3, iSplice Films. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. More sponsors will be added as confirmed.

NSI Series Incubator 2021-22 was funded by Program Partners Telefilm Canada, Bell Media; Indigenous Training Programs Partner Directors Guild of Canada (DGC); Strategic Sponsor Entertainment One (eOne); Supporting Sponsor Super Channel; Provincial Partners Manitoba Film & Music, Creative BC through the Daryl Duke and William Vince Scholarship Fund; Industry Partner William F. White International; Industry Supporters Company 3, Entertainment Partners, Final Draft, Line 21 Media Services, iSplice Films. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. NSI gratefully acknowledges the private donors whose gifts also support this program.