Indigenous creators begin training in Winnipeg virtual production lab

March 31, 2026

Communications

Published by communications

Pictured: top row, from left: Celeste Trudzik, Sharol Stewart, Zoon; middle row from left: Roni McGillivary, Justina Neepin, Sean Johnston-Stevenson, Katy Haynes; bottom row from left: Kyle Bergen, Viola Ruin, Peshaanakwut Kinew

The National Screen Institute, in collaboration with New Media Manitoba, has selected 10 participants for NSI Intro to Virtual Production – Manitoba Indigenous Lab, with training beginning today, March 31, at StudioLab xR.

This three-day, in-person pilot brings together First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators from across Manitoba to explore the foundations of virtual production and real-time 3D storytelling.

The selected participants are:

Kyle Bergen (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Katy Haynes (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Sean Johnston-Stevenson (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Peshaanakwut Kinew (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Roni McGillivary (Barrows, Manitoba)
Justina Neepin (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Viola Ruin (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Sharol Stewart (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Celeste Trudzik (Teulon, Manitoba)
Zoon (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

Read more about the participants

Delivered at New Media Manitoba’s StudioLab xR facility, the lab introduces participants to virtual production tools and techniques used in film and television, including Unreal Engine and real-time digital environments. Through hands-on learning, participants will explore how these tools can support and expand their storytelling practice. No prior technical experience is required.

Across three days, participants move from story development into practical on-set exercises, including scene planning, lighting, camera tracking and shooting using professional virtual production equipment.

Program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill is overseeing participant support and accessibility throughout training to ensure the lab is delivered using respectful, participant-centred practices. Faculty includes Jonathan Phu Son Lê, senior manager at StudioLab xR, Matt McMahon, Unreal Engine authorized instructor and filmmaker Deco Dawson.

Participants receive a stipend and daily lunches. Tuition and application fees are covered by program partners.

StudioLab xR is New Media Manitoba’s 6,000-square-foot extended reality facility dedicated to workforce development and innovation in emerging technologies.

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NSI Intro to Virtual Production – Manitoba Indigenous Lab is funded by Program Partners Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Telefilm Canada; Industry Supporters IATSE 856, On Screen Manitoba; National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Rogers and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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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.

About the National Screen Institute

We partner with a visionary network of donors, businesses and public and private organizations to provide industry-informed training and mentorship in screen-based media, supporting creators across Canada to build the skills needed to tell impactful stories. By prioritizing storytellers from equity-deserving communities, we contribute to a sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands.

Media enquiries

National Screen Institute – Liz Hover – ho***@********da.ca
New Media Manitoba – Jonathan Lê – jo*@**************ba.com

About the National Screen Institute

We partner with a visionary network of donors, businesses, and private and public organizations to provide industry-informed training in screen-based media, equipping creators across Canada with the skills to tell unforgettable stories.

By prioritizing storytellers from equity-deserving communities – including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), women, 2SLGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and those in regional and remote areas – we help build a more sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands.

Our students and alumni find their voices and places on the global stage, strengthening the creative economy and shaping a better world.

Media enquiries

liz.hover@nsi-canada.ca

The National Screen Institute is supported by: Core Funders: Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council, Rogers; Benefactors: Telefilm Canada, CBC, TELUS STORYHIVE, Canada Media Fund (CMF); Patrons: Paramount+, Creative Saskatchewan; Builder: Indigenous Screen Office (ISO); Strategic Sponsors: Manitoba Film & Music, Department of Canadian Heritage, Bell Media, RBC, Neeginan Education, Training and Employment Services, Inc. (NETES), Creative BC, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, The Winnipeg Foundation; Industry Partner: National Film Board of Canada; Friends: Ontario Creates, Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), Yukon Media Development, Bell Fund, Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, Carolyn Sifton Foundation, Directors Guild of Canada, Women in View, Disability Screen Office, On Screen Manitoba, AMI, Neshama Entertainment, A&E.