Young Aboriginal adults train for careers in film & TV

March, 11, 2008 · New Submissions / Applications / Deadlines

Winnipeg — The National Screen Institute is looking for 12 talented Aboriginal people aged 18 to 35 interested in careers in film or television for its NSI New Voices training program. NSI New Voices students interact with film and television professionals through skills development training and an eight week full-time, paid industry work placement.

Apply by Friday, April 25, 2008, 4:30 p.m. central time.

For an application form, visit: www.nsi-canada.ca/newvoices

"This is the fourth year for this program," said Susan Millican, CEO at the National Screen Institute. "And each year the level of experience of the applicants increases. NSI is excited to uncover this new talent and connect them with industry professionals. NSI New Voices graduates have gone on to find work with tremendous companies such as Buffalo Gal Pictures, Eagle Vision, Frantic Films and the Winnipeg Film Group."

NSI New Voices training begins May 20 and takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are a limited number of openings for non-Winnipeg residents. Out-of-town participants are responsible for covering the costs of their accommodation and travel. Participants receive minimum wage throughout the program which runs in two phases:

Phase 1 (skills development training) begins with 'Spirit Day.' Spiritual leaders and participants come together for a sharing circle and to talk about personal goals. The day finishes with a Traditional Feast. The next six weeks of skills training take place in the classroom and is designed to deliver a well-rounded understanding of industry job requirements.

Phase 2 (work placement) provides an opportunity for students to use their new knowledge at work in a film or television setting, exposing them to a variety of creative and technical opportunities. The contacts made with industry professionals during skills development and work placement are invaluable to students starting their careers.

Lisa Meeches has managed NSI New Voices since it began. Lisa is President/Executive Producer of Meeches Video Production Inc./Eagle Vision Inc. and brings almost 20 years of experience in film and television and an essential Aboriginal perspective to the program.

NSI New Voices is funded in part by Presenting Sponsor Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport; Program Partners NBC Universal and the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD); and Provincial Sponsor MANITOBA FILM & SOUND. Additional funding generously provided by the RBC Financial Group, the Aboriginal Media Education Fund (AMEF), and Canwest.

Source: NSI Press Release