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Recap: NSI at Banff World Media Festival 2016

Posted: 27 Jun 2016 12:23 PM PDT

Above from left: Natalie Urquhart, Tori Larson, Sam Linton, Kyle Rideout and Josh Epstein

Another Banff World Media Fest is over.

It was a fantastic few days in the Rockies and we got a lot done. Meetings, sessions, more meetings, receptions and an alumni gathering. I guess it’s a good thing the rain was coming down in sheets because we didn’t have much time to go outside.

Cool NSI fact – Jay Baruchel was the recipient of the Canadian Award of Distinction at Banff this year. Did you know he was the lead in the NSI Features First-developed feature Fetching Cody by David Ray and Carolyn Allain in 2005?

Banff also marked the end of NSI Totally Television 2015-16.

It was great to salute our graduates (pictured above): writer/producer Josh Epstein and writer Kyle Rideout (Anything Co.) and producer Natalie Urquhart and writer Tori Larsen (Flops) on the conclusion of their training year. And a huge toast to program advisor Sam Linton for her 10 years of mentorship and guidance. She will be missed, and we wish her all the best.

Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly was the opening keynote followed by a lively Q&A with Entertainment One TV’s CEO John Morayniss.

The minister presented many slides showing the impact of arts, culture and heritage in Canada – did you know our sector contributes $54.6 billion to Canada’s GDP and accounts for 630,483 jobs (2014 figures)?

We wrapped up our whirlwind Banff with an alumni and friends gathering to toast NSI’s 30th anniversary.

Above: Tony Hrynchuk (NSI Drama Prize) and Camille Beaudoin (NSI Features First, NSI Totally Television)

Above from left: Kris Booth (NSI Features First) and Brendon Sawatzky (NSI)

It was a great opportunity to meet alumni, current participants, and new and longstanding sponsors. Thanks to everyone for attending.

Above from left: Mike Fly (NSI Drama Prize), Linda Hay (TELUS), Angela Heck (NSI), John Gill (NSI), Kim Guise and Jonas Woost (both TELUS)

Thanks to the Banff team and Achilles Media for another great festival.

PS – the post I wrote before we left was quite prophetic – there was sandal time, sunscreen time, lots of umbrella time and, as we left the Rocky Mountain town, snowflakes escorted us out. Four seasons in four days!