Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Marvin Kaye’s insights into how NSI Totally Television changed his life

Posted: 05 Jul 2018 07:30 AM PDT

Are you thinking about applying for NSI Totally Television? We recently talked to some of our program alumni to get their thoughts on how the program changed their careers and why they think you should apply.

First up is co-creator of NSI Totally Television-developed Less Than Kind, the fabulously talented – and hilarious – Marvin Kaye (pictured below wearing a wig from his performance in the Academy Award-winning feature The Shape of Water).

Keep reading for insights from Marvin on why the course is a major commitment, and why it’s totally worth being put through the wringer for it.

What were your expectations for NSI Totally Television going into it? Did these change over the course of the program?

It was recommended to me and my writing partner Chris [Sheasgreen, co-creator of Less Than Kind] as a great way to polish the adaptation of my play They Have Mayonnaise in Montreal to a full-fledged series.

I was expecting a more academic approach to writing but to my happy surprise it was all very practical and hands-on. I also wasn’t really aware of how much practical relationship-building the course would offer. Again, a very welcome and happy surprise.

Do you have any tips or advice for folks thinking of applying to the course?

If you can do it, do it. It can – and will – change your life.

Expect to go through the wringer and question all of the choices you made for your project. That was all part of the process to make it better. It’s a hard thing to do, but boy, was it worth it.

Why would you recommend NSI Totally Television?

See above … and buy me a drink when you get green-lit or, better yet, HIRE ME TO WORK ON YOUR SHOW.

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NSI Totally Television is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Bell Media; Program Partner Telefilm Canada; Supporting Sponsors Super Channel, Corus Entertainment and Breakthrough Entertainment; and Territorial Sponsor Yukon Media Development. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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Bombing by Gloria Mercer + 1 more film in this week’s NSI Online Short Film Festival

Posted: 04 Jul 2018 08:26 AM PDT

Two new films in this week’s NSI Online Short Film Festival from directors Gloria Mercer and Mick Rochon.

Bombing

Bombing | Drama, 13:12, English, BC, 2016 | Director: Gloria Mercer

Sophie is an unmotivated comedian. When her estranged young daughter is unexpectedly thrust back into her life, Sophie’s plans have to be reshuffled. While they both struggle to adjust to the new environment, Sophie must come to terms with the fact that she’s in over her head.

The Big Top Fury

The Big Top Fury | Comedy, 11:47, English, BC, 2017 | Director: Mick Rochon

A circus clown steps into a boxing ring against a brute robotic man and attempts to win the bout using gags instead of punches.

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The NSI Online Short Film Festival is made possible through the support of Festival Partner Telefilm Canada; Supporting Sponsors Corus Entertainment, Blue Ant Media and Breakthrough Entertainment; Award Sponsor A&E Television Networks; and Industry Partner the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.

The post Bombing by Gloria Mercer + 1 more film in this week’s NSI Online Short Film Festival appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).