At the National Screen Institute, we’re blessed to see firsthand the difference training makes in the lives of storytellers. On our website throughout December we’ll share impact stories from many of our talented alumni who’ve told us how NSI training transformed their lives and careers.

Today’s featured alumnus is Daniel Bekerman who, in 2007, developed The Berliner Complex through NSI Features First alongside writer Katherine Collins and director E. Jane Thompson.

Daniel is a producer based in Canada with broad experience in creative producing, financing and service productions having produced over 25 films in the last five years.

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How did your training through NSI help you get to the place you’re at in your career today?

NSI Features First helped me get past the initial obstacles (mostly self imposed!) and gave me the confidence to go out in the world and become a feature film producer. Pitching projects, discussing story, considering audiences, all of these things were very helpful in building my knowledge base and equipping me with the basics I needed to take my next steps in the industry.

What was most memorable or helpful about NSI training?

The story workshops really opened up my mind to the immense world of story. It also gave me the language I lacked to converse fluently about how different story archetypes function. It was the beginning of a new era for me in how I related to story in our industry and in our society.

Did you make enduring connections with peers and industry folks?

The project I applied with had E. Jane Thompson attached as director. We’ve collaborated a lot since and have stayed in touch as our careers progressed. I’ve also co-produced with Brendon Sawatzky who was one of the mentors, and I stayed in touch with Marguerite Pigott.

What advice or encouragement would you give a prospective applicant considering NSI programs?

As daunting as producing films can seem, bit by bit you can gain the knowledge you need to tackle it. NSI can help with that!

What has your career trajectory looked like between when you completed training and now?

I was a true beginner as a producer, although I had been line producing. Since then I’ve built one of the busiest feature production companies in the country.

What was the most transformative part of your learning experience?

The creative aspect was key for me. That’s what unlocked my drive to figure all the other stuff out.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I recently produced Viggo Mortensen’s directorial debut and I’m currently executive producing the reboot of The Craft for Blumhouse and Sony Pictures.

Where can people find out more about your work online?

Scythia Films.