Participants announced for Saskatchewan producers program

The National Screen Institute, in partnership with Creative Saskatchewan, announce nine participants selected for NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition.

This region-specific training initiative is designed to support mid-career Saskatchewan-based producers in taking their careers to the next level.

Through six weeks of online training starting this week, participants will engage in roundtables, interactive group discussions, peer reviews and presentations. In line with previous editions of NSI Business for Producers, the Saskatchewan Edition will conclude with participants pitching their projects to a panel of industry professionals.

Participants will advance their careers by building strong business networks and gaining essential insight into creating and managing interprovincial co-productions.

“We’re incredibly proud of the individuals who have been accepted into this great program,” said Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean. “The masterclasses that they’re about to embark on are of the highest quality here in Canada, and I can’t wait to see their progress in the coming months.”

The nine participants are:

• Allan Roeher (Regina, SK)
• Allia Janzen (Saskatoon, SK)
• Douglas Luciuk (Saskatoon, SK)
• Judith Silverthorne (Regina, SK)
• Kelly-Anne Riess (Regina, SK)
• Kyle Burgess (Saskatoon, SK)
• Mari Climenhaga (Regina, SK)
• Marzia Kamyabi (Regina, SK)
• Style Dayne Stenberg (Regina, SK)

Read more about each participant.

National Screen Institute executive director Christine Kleckner said, “My career in the industry began in Saskatchewan, and I know how creative, resourceful, and savvy the producers are in the province.

An important part of the National Screen Institute’s mission is to support creativity and entrepreneurship, empowering independent producers to lead their projects locally, and from a distinct perspective. In collaboration with our partners, Creative Saskatchewan and SMPIA, we are excited to showcase and champion Saskatchewan’s talented film, TV and digital media creators. We recognize and celebrate their continued contributions to the screen sector.”

NSI Business for Producers alumni have gone on to create celebrated projects and screen films at festivals from coast to coast to coast. This includes alum Dawn Bird who runs three Regina-based production companies and has produced numerous award-winning and award-nominated projects, including the feature film Mercy.

Faculty for NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition includes program manager Jessica Gibson and advisor Jeff Stecyk.

Congratulations to the participants!

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NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition is funded by Presenting Partner Creative Saskatchewan; Provincial Sponsor Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA). National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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About Creative Saskatchewan
Creative Saskatchewan is the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries and the official film commission for the province. The agency’s investments propel creative entrepreneurs as they create, perform, innovate, and export in their pursuit of commercial success.

About SMPIA
SMPIA is a provincial, member-based non-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Established in 1986, SMPIA represents all personnel related to the making and exhibiting of media productions from beginners to veteran professionals. SMPIA’s job is to be a catalyst for change, to facilitate interaction between people working in these media, and to help to create an environment that provides opportunities for the production, promotion and appreciation of media production in Saskatchewan.

About National Screen Institute
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 and television, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

The National Screen Institute is 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 in regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Further enquiries
Media enquiries: Abiola Agbayewa, abiola.agbayewa@nsi-canada.ca