Are you an emerging producer eager to take on bigger projects and grow your business? Or are you a writer or director with a desire to learn about the craft of producing screen-based stories in a COVID-19 environment and beyond?

Introducing NSI Business for Producers – an online distance learning and mentorship program, from the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) and program partner the Canada Media Fund (CMF), designed to help up to 20 creative entrepreneurs nurture story ideas (of all genres) while navigating the logistics and legalities of screen-based storytelling.

Applications are being accepted until Friday, August 14 at 5 p.m. CT. Apply now.

“The world is filled with great stories but it takes a special skill set to shape them into viable productions for the global market – especially now that producers face additional hurdles with COVID-19,” said Joy Loewen, NSI’s CEO. “The training provided by NSI Business for Producers is designed to tackle these issues so producers can develop their projects and we can help increase the network of producing talent across Canada in a safe and responsible way.”

“The Canada Media Fund is committed to supporting the production community in all parts of the country,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, Canada Media Fund. “Our partnership with NSI creates a positive path forward for producers to not only to extend their skill sets and develop their projects, but also to better equip themselves to work within entirely new parameters.”

NSI is committed to selecting participants from a diverse community of voices including women and/or Indigenous and/or People of Colour and/or LGBTQ2+ and/or people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented regions of Canada.

Up to 20 participants will get exclusive access to presentations, roundtables, masterclasses, interactive and networking sessions with top industry producers and their peers who will share their experiences and knowledge through online training sessions and insightful case studies. Topics may include pitching, leadership and collaboration, budgeting, protocols for working with Indigenous communities, conflict resolution, tax credits, finance structure and cash flow, creativity post-COVID-19, fundamentals of business affairs and human resource management.

Phase 1 (online six-week boot camp intensive in October and November 2020) will focus on developing creative and business skills. Instruction will be presented by leading industry experts and plenty of opportunity will be given for hands-on, practical learning and networking.

During phase 2 (one-on-one mentorship in January and February 2021) participants will be matched with an experienced mentor from their region to identify challenges and areas of need, and receive guidance and support.

Jeff Peeler (Baroness Von Sketch Show, Still Standing) and Jennifer Podemski (Future History, The Other Side, Moccasin Flats) have signed on as program advisors. Ursula Lawson is the program manager.

NSI Business for Producers is funded by Program Partner Canada Media Fund (CMF); Strategic Sponsors Telefilm Canada and The Winnipeg Foundation; and Supporting Sponsors Corus Entertainment and Super Channel. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.