Eight Manitoba content creators recently pitched their project ideas to a panel of industry experts as part of the Manitoba Content Creators Development Accelerator – a new online initiative from the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) in partnership with Film Training Manitoba (FTM).

The online workshop series was designed to help creators develop story ideas while in isolation due to COVID-19. The panel was the culmination of coaching sessions with international trainer and film/TV consultant Jan Miller. Jan worked with the participants to prepare them and their projects for their big moment in front of the experts, with the ultimate goal of helping bring the projects to the screen.

“This program is a terrific boost to new voices,” said Jan. “Participants perfected their storytelling skills and pitched to industry experts in a safe and supportive environment: the best combination for learning.”

The industry pitch panel included:

• Louise O’Brien-Moran, Director of Film Financing, Tax Credits & Film Commission Services at Manitoba Film and Music

• Melanie Nepinak Hadley, Executive in Charge of Production at CBC

• Avi Federgreen, Producer at Indiecan Entertainment

• Phyllis Laing, President and CEO Buffalo Gal Pictures & Senior VP and Executive Producer Tangent Animation

• Monica Lowe, Deputy Director, Winnipeg Film Group

“We got to experience some great pitches,” said Avi Federgreen. “Participants definitely all benefited from Jan’s work. And it was great to have such strong representation from the emerging film community in Manitoba. The accelerator is an important program that fosters and helps emerging talent in Canada and it needs to continue.”

The selected participants were:

• Erica Daniels

• Sage Daniels

• Joshua Hood

• Reed Makayev

• Katie Man

• Jesse Peterson

• Christina Reid

• Vincent Tang

“The experience of workshopping my project with Jan was so rewarding,” said participant Joshua Hood. “The feedback and advice she gave helped bring my project to the next level – far beyond what I was expecting from the accelerator. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to pitch to some of Canada’s top content producers, and I’m hoping some long-term relationships are formed as a result!”

Training took place online between May 10 and May 27, 2020 and included mentoring / feedback sessions and a final pitch forum. Participants were assigned work to prepare for the initial workshop, with work in between to perfect their pitch.

The Manitoba Content Creators Development Accelerator was made possible by Program Partner Film Training Manitoba (FTM). FTM is a member of the sector council program funded by the Province of Manitoba’s Economic Development and Training. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.