Canada is well stocked with screenwriting programs, but is low on training for producers and directors. There is a dearth of production training in Northern and Atlantic Canada, but an overabundance of the same in Vancouver and Toronto. Short film producers have more skills development programs than feature filmmakers.

That is the summary of the National Screen Institute’s Cross-Canada Review of Film and Television Training for Emerging Content Creators, an 80-page study of training programs in the public and private sectors. The report assesses the duplication of, and lapses in, programs across Canada – evaluating best practices and recommending next steps. It is a preliminary step in understanding the breadth and depth of skills training in Canada, says Susan Millican, CEO of the Winnipeg-based school.

‘This initial research has revealed valuable information to help organizations like NSI become more efficient,’ she explains, ‘and to consider options for collaboration and cooperation, so we can all provide higher levels of training for Canadian content creators.’

The report calls for further research and, next, Millican wants to see a qualitative survey developed with the government and industry to assess the effectiveness of training programs. NSI met with Telefilm Canada in June and discussed monitoring and reporting but did not strike any commitments.

‘Training in Canada could be more efficient,’ says Millican. ‘There is no standardization and no criteria… Training is essential if Canadians are going to be competitive in the international markets.’

The cost of the training report, prepared independently by ICU Films Consulting Services, has not been disclosed.

-www.nsi-canada.ca