Nine set for NSI’s Business for Producers, Saskatchewan

Through the six-week program, the producers will build business networks and learn how to manage and create interprovincial coproductions.

Nine participants have been selected for the National Screen Institute’s (NSI) Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition, in partnership with Creative Saskatchewan.

The region-specific initiative is designed to help Saskatchewan-based producers advance their careers by building business networks, learning how to create and manage interprovincial coproductions.

Participants will take part in roundtables, group discussions, peer reviews and presentations over six weeks of part-time online training, beginning Tuesday (Jan. 28). The program will culminate with the nine pitching their projects to a panel of industry professionals, according to the Monday (Jan. 27) release.

Six participants are from Regina including Allan Roeher (Basic Human Needs), author Judith Silverthorne (Honouring the Buffalo), Kelly-Anne Riess (Artists by Night), production manager Mari Climenhaga (Flat Out Food), Marzia Kamyabi (On Edge) and actor and producer Style Dayne Stenberg (Our Last Day as Kids).

The remaining three hail from Saskatoon: Douglas Luciuk (Welcome to Kittytown) and Campfire Stories co-owners Kyle Burgess and Allia Janzen (Stories of the North).

“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,” said Christine Kleckner, National Screen Institute executive director, in a statement.

Wavelength Entertainment Group co-founder and managing partner Jeff Stecyk is the program advisor and NSI’s Jessica Gibson is the program manager.

Image courtesy of NSI; pictured (L-R): (Top) Allan Roeher, Mari Climenhaga, Judith Silverthorne and Kyle Burgess (Bottom) Style Dayne Stenberg, Kelly-Anne Riess, Marzia Kamyabi, Douglas Luciuk and Allia Janzen