Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

NSI graduate Lora Campbell: NSI training gave me the tools I needed to go for it in the industry

Posted: 13 Dec 2019 01:07 PM PST

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’re sharing impact stories from many of our talented alumni who’ve told us how NSI training transformed their lives and careers.

Today’s featured graduate is producer Lora Campbell who, in 2013, made When Fish Fly through NSI Drama Prize with writer/director Lisa Rose Snow.

Lora is a transgender non-binary Canadian Screen Award-nominated content creator from Newfoundland, Canada who has been creating award-winning projects for over a decade. Their production company Waterford Valley Pictures focuses on exploring stories from underrepresented voices. Through their comedy-based production company Supes Legit, they have created numerous digital series including #interns, Yoga 101 and Soul Decision Comedy for CBC Digital. Their first feature film 40 Acres was recently selected for Telefilm Talent to Watch.

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

NSI Drama Prize was an incredible next step to my producing career. Taking part in a national program was one of the reasons I created my second short film which would go on to screen all over the world and eventually help get me into the Canadian Film Centre.

What was most memorable or helpful about NSI training?

The legal sessions were the most useful. I now run a short film lab myself through Inside Out Film Festival and use the information I learned in those sessions to make sure the next generation of filmmakers are setting themselves up for success. I also met numerous other filmmakers who I’ve continued to work with and consult with.

Did you make enduring connections with peers and industry folks?

I went into the program with long-time collaborator Lisa Rose Snow. We’ve since moved into different spheres in the media world but I think NSI Drama Prize helped cement that connection so we were able to create a great film. I’m still close with the producers and directors from my year and also some of the mentors and facilitators.

Have you continued to work with any of those people?

Shannon Fewster (NSI Drama Prize) and I have not worked directly together but we’ve reached out to each other for support and ideas from time to time. Same with Natalie Urquhart (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Totally Television).

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

DO IT. There is such little support for short films these days and a national program like this is incredible. It is well worth the tuition and the experience. The educators are generous and kind and the program will go over some things you never knew you needed.

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

Since attending NSI Drama Prize training I’ve produced a dozen shorts and over 250 episodes of digital across four different series, garnering a Canadian Screen Award nomination for one of them. I have been selected for Women in the Director’s Chair Career Advancement Module, Telefilm Talent to Watch and am going to camera on numerous film projects in 2020.

What was the most transformative part of your learning experience?

The confidence it brings you in your craft. I don’t think at the time I understood what this program was bringing me. The education, the connections and the ability to feel confident that my ideas and how I execute them were good.

It was a whirlwind ride and set the stage for me to have the confidence to become a Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) mentee and then a CFC Producer Lab applicant. A lot of navigating this industry is having the courage to go for it and apply for the thing – this program gave me the tools I needed to go for it.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Producer on feature film 40 Acres with writer/director RT Thorne; producer on feature film Village Keeper with writer/director Karen Chapman; producer on feature film Blue Blood with writer/director Cazhhmere; director on Let’s Do This with producer Emily Andrews, writers Kristy LaPointe and Christopher Vandenberg.

Where can people find out more about your work online?

My website.

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Keep the story going and donate today

At NSI, we’re passionate about nurturing storytellers because stories connect us all.

Please consider a donation to support our students as part of your charitable giving. Big or small, your gift will provide value-added essentials that enhance their training experience.

For as little as $10, you can help fund an item from the NSI Gift Guide. Things like a weekly bus pass, the cost of hiring a van for a student trip, food for a traditional feast or help hiring a mentor are all ways you can help.

Tax receipts are issued for all gifts. Thank you for considering a donation.

The post NSI graduate Lora Campbell: NSI training gave me the tools I needed to go for it in the industry appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

Films from Daniel Bekerman, Lisa Jackson premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2020

Posted: 13 Dec 2019 10:16 AM PST

Films from Scythia Films‘ Daniel Bekerman (NSI Features First) and Lisa Jackson (Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program) will premiere at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival early next year.

Lisa’s short documentary Lichen gets its international premiere and Falling (pictured) by Viggo Mortensen, produced by Daniel, closes out the festival.

Sundance Film Festival runs January 23 to February 2.

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Keep the story going and donate today

At NSI, we’re passionate about nurturing storytellers because stories connect us all.

Please consider a donation to support our students as part of your charitable giving. Big or small, your gift will provide value-added essentials that enhance their training experience.

For as little as $10, you can help fund an item from the NSI Gift Guide. Things like a weekly bus pass, the cost of hiring a van for a student trip, food for a traditional feast or help hiring a mentor are all ways you can help.

Tax receipts are issued for all gifts. Thank you for considering a donation.

The post Films from Daniel Bekerman, Lisa Jackson premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2020 appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

Films from Martha Cooley, Trevor Anderson on Canada’s Top Ten list from TIFF

Posted: 13 Dec 2019 09:33 AM PST

Heather Young’s award-winning feature Murmur (pictured), produced by Martha Cooley (NSI Drama Prize), and Docking by Trevor Anderson (NSI Drama Prize) are included in the recently unveiled Canada’s Top Ten theatrical screening series.

Canada’s Top Ten – comprised of 10 features and 10 short films – reflects a richness of voices, perspectives and insights from some of Canada’s finest established filmmakers, as well as emerging directorial talent from coast to coast.

The list is compiled by Toronto International Film Festival’s team of programmers in collaboration with film programmers and critics across the nation.

Select films will be presented at TIFF Bell Lightbox during the 2019-20 season.

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Keep the story going and donate today

At NSI, we’re passionate about nurturing storytellers because stories connect us all.

Please consider a donation to support our students as part of your charitable giving. Big or small, your gift will provide value-added essentials that enhance their training experience.

For as little as $10, you can help fund an item from the NSI Gift Guide. Things like a weekly bus pass, the cost of hiring a van for a student trip, food for a traditional feast or help hiring a mentor are all ways you can help.

Tax receipts are issued for all gifts. Thank you for considering a donation.

The post Films from Martha Cooley, Trevor Anderson on Canada’s Top Ten list from TIFF appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).