A Small Fortune is the 27th fully produced feature to come from the NSI Features First program – a renowned development training launch pad for filmmakers looking to produce their first or second feature film.
Adam and Jason participated in the program in 2016, where they honed their producing and storytelling skills and developed the script for A Small Fortune.
“A Small Fortune is out in the world in large part because of [the National Screen Institute’s] support in the project and their belief in us as filmmakers,” said producer Jason Arsenault.
A Small Fortune – based on the team’s short film A Blessing From The Sea (2017) – tells the story of a struggling farmer who finds a bag of money washed up on the shores of Prince Edward Island. His decision to keep it secret turns his quaint fishing village into a growing crime scene as the money’s owners come calling.
“A Small Fortune has been a labour of love for many years, and it really began when the NSI Features First program saw its potential so early on in development,” said writer/director Adam Perry. “Since then, the National Screen Institute has led us to other great opportunities for development and we can’t wait to share the finished film with everyone over the coming months.”
The thriller was filmed in Prince Edward Island in late 2019, with the majority of cast and crew based in Atlantic Canada. Mary Sexton, fellow NSI Feature First alumni and Newfoundlander, joined the project as producer.
“The National Screen Institute is proud to support Adam, Jason and all the Atlantic Canada filmmakers involved in bringing this project to the next level,” said NSI CEO Joy Loewen. “I can think of no better way to celebrate their world premiere than at FIN.”
FIN Atlantic International Film Festival provides a platform for Atlantic Canada filmmakers and celebrates the work within Atlantic provinces and beyond. They will host the world premiere of A Small Fortune on September 18 at Cineplex Park Lane Theatre 3, with online streaming beginning on the festival website on September 16.
About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)
Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.
The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women-identifying, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.
One outstanding student will receive the award, which enables recipients to attend the Kidscreen Summit in Miami, the Banff World Media Festival, $4K for travel expenses and have access to mentorship resources throughout the year.
YMA mentorship includes helping the recipient choose the most appropriate sessions, event orientation, personal introductions to industry members, attending networking meetings and, as appropriate, a review of the student’s pitch documents.
