Training for the second edition of the National Screen Institute’s Series Incubator program begins this week. Four teams of writers and producers are in Winnipeg to receive support and guidance from experienced industry professionals as they develop their scripted series.

The training program, which includes online and in-person workshops, presentations, masterclasses, and hands-on learning spread over 12 months, guides teams from underrepresented communities to meaningfully develop their series idea and produce a proof-of-concept which could be a stand-alone short film, scene from the series or promotional trailer.

NSI Series Incubator comprises four phases of in-depth training. Participants benefit from cash and in-kind production support, and customized, one-on-one mentorship focused on building upon existing strengths and addressing areas of improvement.

Writers participate in a simulated writer’s room and draft a pilot script with ongoing support, while producers attend workshops, pitch simulations, in-person pitching events and project screenings. A director joins in phase three to enhance the creative process.

The National Screen Institute is pleased to introduce the four selected teams and their projects.

• Kulbinder Saran Caldwell and Moniquea Marion (Toronto, ON and Saskatoon, SK) – Demon Child
• Aaron Merke and Lauren Cochrane (Winnipeg, MB) – Megasis
• Bill Taylor and Scott Jones (Toronto, ON and Scotsburn, NS) – My Fabulous New Orgasm
• Dawn Bird and Ryan Moccasin (Regina and Saskatoon, SK) – No “F” in Strikes

Read more about each participant.

Jessica Gibson, program manager at the National Screen Institute, said, “This talented cohort sparks renewed excitement for us. Building on the success of the last edition, I know NSI Series Incubator will create a positive impact on the careers of these filmmakers, providing them with the necessary connections, resources and mentors to guide them through their journey.”

New program faculty this year includes Anthony Q. Farrell and Ins Choi as writer facilitators. They join award-winning alumni Jeff Peeler (NSI Global Marketing) as program advisor, Karen Lam (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Totally Television) as director facilitator and Josh Epstein (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Features First, NSI Totally Television) as producer facilitator.

This program is designed for creators from underrepresented communities including 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 Partners Telefilm Canada, Indigenous Screen Office; Strategic Sponsors Manitoba Film & Music, Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, Bell Fund; Supporting Sponsor A&E, Provincial Partner Creative BC through the Daryl Duke and William Vince Scholarship Fund; Industry Supporters Company 3, William F. White International, iSplice Films, Final Draft, Coverfly, Entertainment Partners, Line 21 Media Services. 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.