Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Meet Cheyenne Bruneau, program manager for NSI Art of Business Management

Posted: 01 Feb 2021 01:50 PM PST

“You don’t look like you’re from here, where are you from?” is a common greeting I often receive around the globe. As a multiracial woman, I am Afro-Indigenous (Cheyenne), Métis (Cree) and of settler (French and German) descent. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, I have lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Paris, France. I currently reside in Montreal.

A crossroads of creative paths have peppered my life. As a youngster, I discovered artistic outlets through photography, music, and theatre which led to an interest in storytelling and fanned the flame for filmmaking. From 2009 to 2013, I studied film at the University of Winnipeg while moonlighting as an avid concert photographer for online/print magazines.

I’m an alumna of the 2012 CBC New Indigenous Voices program where I wrote/directed a short film and assisted on productions for APTN (including Indigenous Day Live), while interning as a PA under the guidance of Jessica Gibson when she worked at Media RendezVous [Ed: Jessica is now a manager of programs and development at the National Screen Institute].

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amelie inspired me to learn filmmaking and, a decade after first viewing it, I realized my dream of moving to Paris. For nearly two years, I was enamoured by the city’s architecture, museums, culture and joie de vivre. That chapter was a whirlwind of serendipity; from singing Delta blues songs at Café des Deux Moulins, to chasing sunsets along la Seine with camera in hand, and strolling through Monet’s gardens.

For several years I performed as soul blues singer Miss Rae and wrote and produced two full-length albums (live off the floor on analogue), and managed various renditions of “the Midnight Ramblers” – as the band reshaped with each move to a new city. What fans don’t see are the long hours behind-the-scenes that artists put into developing, negotiating and promoting their projects. Even before stepping out onto the stage as Miss Rae, I spent years practicing my craft while taking multiple business courses on the side. Producing an album contains similar elements to filmmaking; each song evolves just as the making of a scene unfolds in a film.

The pandemic has re-directed me to transition back into working in the screen industry. I am pleased to assist the team at NSI for the Art of Business Management – Indigenous Edition. I value how storytelling can provide space to encourage a collective healing, explore spiritual teachings and promote the expansion of a viewer’s perspective through shifting the cultural lens.

I am filled with profound gratitude for the opportunity to use my skills to help Indigenous entrepreneurs excel and move forward in their careers. I believe that, as a community, we all thrive when lifting up fellow creatives.

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Apply now for NSI Art of Business Management – Indigenous Edition

Learn business management, negotiation and leadership skills and receive customized mentorship to develop your project

Through this four-month, part-time online training and mentorship program you will develop essential business management skills while creating a project plan for a feature film or web series you are currently developing.

Read more and get application details. Apply by Friday, February 12, 2021 at noon Central Time.

The post Meet Cheyenne Bruneau, program manager for NSI Art of Business Management appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

In Plainview now streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV

Posted: 01 Feb 2021 01:09 PM PST

In Plainview, from director Matt Watterworth (NSI Features First) and producers Scott Westby (NSI Features First) and Robert Cuffley (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Features First), is now streaming across North America on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

The thriller follows Penner, an ex-dirty cop looking for revenge on the partner who betrayed him.

In Plainview, shot entirely in Alberta, has already received the best screenplay award at the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers Stinger Awards and eight nominations at the Alberta Film & Television Awards, including best dramatic feature.

The film launched across North America at the end of January. For more information about how to watch, check out the In Plainview website.

The post In Plainview now streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).