NSI Intro to Production

Program status:

Training has concluded

About

NSI Intro to Production – Manitoba Edition is a special training program for refugees and newcomers in Manitoba who arrived in Canada within the last five years and are interested in working in the film and TV industry.

The program has two main parts:

Part 1: Online workshops

In this part, you’ll learn how to turn a story idea into a film script. You’ll attend three online workshops focusing on scriptwriting, guided by a professional screenwriter. One script will be used in part 2 and made into a short film.

Part 2: In-person, on-site training

This part is a six-day, in-person, on-site workshop in Winnipeg, where you’ll actually produce a short film written by one of your peers. You’ll learn about different roles on a film set, scriptwriting, problem-solving, budgeting and job skills. You’ll get real experience in everything from setting up locations to editing the film. Food and transportation are provided during this part of the program. Please see the FAQs for more information about support and accommodations.

Interviews and training will be delivered in English.

At a glance

Applications open: December 6, 2023
Application deadline: January 15, 2024
Selected participants notified by: January 24, 2024
Part 1 (online workshops): starting January 29, 2024
Part 2 (in-person, on-site training): starting March 15, 2024

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Program dates: Late January to March 2024. See the FAQs for details
Location: Part-time online and six days in-person in Winnipeg
Cost: Application and tuition fees are covered by our generous partners

Who can apply?

This program is right for you if:

you are any individual who arrived in Canada as a refugee or new resident in the past five years
you are aged 18 or older
you want to learn about a career in the film and TV industry
you have a good internet connection and the use of a computer or smartphone
you have intermediate English skills – interviews and training will be delivered in English
you are available for all six days of the in-person, on-site portion of the class in Winnipeg (part 2)

Benefits

Besides learning from experts and getting hands-on experience, you’ll also have a chance to network with industry professionals and learn about careers in production. Plus, you’ll get a payment for attending the six-day, on-site, in-person training in Winnipeg.

In short, it’s a great opportunity to learn about filmmaking, from writing a script to actually producing a short film, while being supported and guided by professionals in the industry.

Commitment to underrepresented voices

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world. We are committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices 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, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Questions

Please review the FAQ below. If you have any further questions about the program or need any support, email Sarah at sarahs.yellowquill@nsi-canada.ca or Jordan at jordan.gurniak@nsi-canada.ca. You can also call them at 204-956-7800.

Frequently asked questions

How much time do I have to commit to the program?

What financial support will I receive?

I don’t live in Winnipeg; can I still participate?

If I am not legally entitled to work in Canada, can I still apply?

How are participants selected?

Meet the faculty

Lesley Oswald

Program Advisor

Lesley has been in the film industry in Manitoba for over 40 years. She has worked as a script supervisor, director, producer, line producer and production manager.

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Jeffrey St Jules

Story Consultant and Director Mentor

Jeffrey St Jules is a Canadian Screen Award-winning director and screenwriter whose genre-bending films have played Sundance TIFF, AFI and many other prominent film festivals.

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Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill

Manager of Programs & Development

As manager of programs and development, Sarah works across many of the National Screen Institute’s programs and manages CBC New Indigenous Voices and the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators.

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