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DAILY NEWS
Apr 1, 2008 8:05 AM
Video Game Training Program Announced
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The National Screen Institute Canada (NSI) and Telefilm Canada, in association with Zeros 2 Heroes Media, is calling for applicants for its newest training program NSI playWRITE.
NSI playWRITE is intended to give writers an opportunity to break into the video game industry as narrative designers and the chance to earn an internship with a Canadian game developer.
Organizers say it is the perfect program for film or television writers, novelists, short story writers or playwrights who have wondered how to break into the video game industry.
The program is not intended for those who already have a design credit in the game industry. Those who have previously worked as a game designer and have a design credit on a shipped title will not be considered.
"We're extremely excited to launch this innovative program with the creativity of the Zeros 2 Heroes team and Telefilm Canada support," said Susan Millican, CEO at the National Screen Institute. "NSI training is proven in the film and television industry and we're eager to expand into the video game world. We've identified the need for quality writers in a genre that continues to grow rapidly."
"In keeping with Telefilm's corporate focus on multiplatform creation and distribution, we are thrilled to support NSI playWRITE, the first-ever narrative game design training program for writers," said Earl Hong Tai, Regional Director of Telefilm Canada's Western Region. "Gaming is one of the most important youth cultural forums, and it's essential to develop Canadian talent and maintain Canadian intellectual property in the video game industry."
Said Matt Toner, President of Zeroes 2 Heroes Media, "Our company is passionate about giving fans the opportunity to break into all forms of genre entertainment. Games are a huge part of that. We know that there are plenty of skilled writers out there who love games, but may not have a way to get their foot in the door at a game studio. If we can help them turn their screenwriting skills into techniques that work for a non-linear medium, they will be that much closer to living the dream."
NSI playWRITE will unfold in three phases: an intensive week-long training session to be held in Vancouver in May, followed by a two-month period of independent project-based work under the mentorship of video game industry experts. Qualified candidates will then have an opportunity to enter an internship at a prestigious Canadian game studio.
The program will be managed by Matt Toner, President of Zeroes 2 Heroes Media, and a key executive at a trio of new media start-ups during the dot-boom. Following the dot-crash, Toner moved to Vancouver and switched gears to meet the challenges offered by the rapidly evolving video game industry. In 2006 he returned to the new media space and founded Zeros 2 Heroes Media as a "united nations of fanboys".
Brendon Sawatzky, NSI playWRITE Program Co-ordinator, has been with the National Screen Institute for over six years. In addition to NSI playWRITE, Brendon is currently the program manager for NSI Features First and the executive producer of NSI's online initiatives.
NSI playWrite is presented by the National Screen Institute Canada (NSI) and Telefilm Canada, in association with Zeros 2 Heroes.
Apply by Monday, April 28, 2008, 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
NSI playWRITE is a competitive program and a maximum of 10 participants will be accepted.
For details, visit: nsiplaywrite.zeros2heroes.com
The National Screen Institute is widely know for its prestigious training programs for Canadian writers, directors and producers working in the film, television and digital media industries. Most programs are part-time so students keep their day jobs while they train. Participants do not have to relocate intensive training happens in one place and participants return home to work with a mentor for the rest of their program. All training is delivered by senior industry experts.
Zeroes 2 Heroes Media is a Canadian social media company best known for creating a thriving social network for fanboys of all stripes. Best exemplified through the "Canada: Comic Creation Nation" initiative, their core mission is to help break down the barriers that prevent otherwise talented creators from getting their first professional break.
The National Screen Institute - Canada operates with ongoing funding from Telefilm Canada through Canadian Heritage , and Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport. Additional support provided by Patrons: CTV , CBC Television and The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation. Financial assistance provided by the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council
