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At the National Screen Institute, we’re blessed to see firsthand the difference training makes in the lives of storytellers. On our website throughout December we’re sharing impact stories from many of our talented alumni who’ve told us how NSI training transformed their lives and careers.

Today’s featured alumnus is writer Scott Westby who, in 2014, developed the feature film project Synapse through NSI Features First with producer Matt Watterworth.

Scott co-founded Full Swing Productions in 2008. He is a frequent public speaker, a vocal advocate for the Alberta film industry and a co-founder of the Alberta Filmmakers Podcast. In 2017, Scott produced the Telefilm-financed feature In Plainview.

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How did your training through NSI help you get to the place you’re at in your career today?

NSI Features First was instrumental in launching my career. I learned a critical and under-taught component of filmmaking – the development phase – which helped me get to a greenlight on two feature films (so far). I was also given industry contacts and a broader idea of how the Canadian film industry works.

What was most memorable or helpful about NSI training?

Sitting in a boardroom for four days with other talented filmmakers while countless industry veterans from every side of the industry came to chat with us. I remember leaving with a full and exhausted brain [but] what I learned in those four days still helps me to this day.

Did you make enduring connections with peers and industry folks?

Yes! Living in Calgary makes it difficult to build connections with the larger Canadian film industry but NSI got me started on a national network which continues to grow.

Have you continued to work with any of those people?

Surprisingly, we work more with our cohort filmmakers than anyone we met in person during our program. The industry vets we met have led us to other relationships which we continue to use today.

What advice or encouragement would you give a prospective applicant considering NSI programs?

Filmmaking is a business. And it’s critical to understand who your audience is and cater your product to them.

What has your career trajectory looked like between when you completed training and now?

In the five years since I went through the program I’ve produced a feature film, directed another and have numerous producer credits for projects I’ve helped get off the ground.

What was the most transformative part of your learning experience?

Understanding that, from a business perspective, content is not very different from any other product and should be treated as such.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Two features in development; one feature in post production; one feature going into distribution; and one TV series in development.

Where can people find out more about your work online?

Full Swing Productions or find me on Twitter and Facebook.

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Keep the story going and donate today

At NSI, we’re passionate about nurturing storytellers because stories connect us all.

Now we’re in the giving season, please consider a donation to support our students as part of your charitable giving. Big or small, your gift will provide value-added essentials that make their training experience really special.

For as little as $10, you can help fund an item from the NSI Gift Guide. Things like a weekly bus pass, the cost of hiring a van for a student trip, food for a traditional feast or help hiring a mentor are all ways you can help.

Tax receipts are issued for all gifts. Thank you for considering a donation.

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