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NSI alumnus Craig David Wallace: NSI training launched my career

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 12:33 PM PST

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’ve been sharing impact stories from our talented alumni who told us how NSI training transformed their lives and careers.

Today’s featured alumnus is writer Craig David Wallace who, in 2004, developed Todd & The Book of Pure Evil through NSI Totally Television alongside producing partner Anthony Leo.

Craig is a director and writer of television series for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Syfy, PBS, CBC, Space and The Comedy Network.

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

NSI Totally Television was instrumental in getting my first TV series Todd & The Book Of Pure Evil into production. It was my first professional television job and [it] launched my career.

What was most memorable or helpful about NSI training?

NSI provided a great development process with experienced mentors to prepare our TV pitch to bring to broadcasters.

Did you make enduring connections with peers and industry folks?

I met peers and executives who have become close friends and whom I encounter on a regular basis.

Have you continued to work with any of those people?

Fifteen years later, I still work with the connections I made through the program.

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

In this very competitive industry you need every chance to succeed. NSI gives you that chance to develop your project and introduce it to the industry in a way that can make it stand out from everyone else.

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

Since attending the program 15 years ago I’ve had my own television series broadcast and sold internationally, and have been working consistently as a writer and director for television.

What was the most transformative part of your learning experience?

Being in a creative and encouraging environment where I could see my dream of creating a TV series actually becoming a reality.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I’m currently working as an episodic director for series like Murdoch Mysteries and the Canadian-Irish co-production Dead Still, and have a TV series in development with a major Canadian broadcaster.

Where can people find out more about your work online?

Just Google me.

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