Editor

The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is pleased to announce acclaimed Canadian writer, director, producer and actor Paul Gross as its Honorary Chair. This new position will allow Gross to share his expertise, experience and passion for the Canadian film and television industry with NSI participants.

“Paul has enjoyed a lengthy and diverse career, and has chosen to remain in Canada throughout it. He brings a distinct perspective having been both in front of and behind the lens,” says Susan Millican, CEO of NSI. “Many people know him as an actor, but Paul is also an accomplished writer, director and producer. We first had the privilege of introducing Paul to NSI during the screening of his film Men with Brooms at NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival in Winnipeg. We look forward to working with him to promote our home-grown talent.”

“I was thrilled to accept the position of NSI Honorary Chair. I’m proud to be living and working in Canada so it’s a natural fit to support such a great national training school,” says Gross. “I know that NSI works hard to nurture writers, directors and producers who will continue to grow our industry. In my career I have been fortunate to have mentors to guide me along the way, colleagues to teach me great lessons and investors who believed in me. Working with NSI allows me to give something back to the industry.”

While Canadian audiences are familiar with Gross’ well-known roles of Constable Benton Fraser on Due South and more recently as Geoffrey Tenant in Slings & Arrows and Tom McLaughlin in the mini-series H2O and The Trojan Horse, he has extensive experience behind the film and television lenses as a writer/co-writer (Due South, Men with Brooms, H2O), director (Men with Brooms) and producer (Due South, The Trojan Horse). His latest film, Passchendaele, opens later this year and he combines all three areas, plus the lead acting role. Gross has enjoyed much success in his career. It’s this success that can serve as in inspiration to people hoping to carve out a sustainable career in the industry and to make that career in Canada.

“NSI has a reputation as a leading market-driven trainer of writers, directors and producers,” said Millican, “but we want to reach even more people with career aspirations in film and TV. Having someone as recognizable and successful as Paul Gross associated NSI will allow people to make the link between their career dreams and NSI training. We want people to think ‘I’d like the type of career that Paul Gross has enjoyed – maybe NSI can help me get there.’ ”
About the National Screen Institute
The National Screen Institute is a national training school widely known for its prestigious training programs for Canadian writers, directors and producers working in film and television. 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.
About Paul Gross
Known foremost as an actor, Canadian Paul Gross is also a writer, producer and director. His portrayal of Constable Benton Fraser on Due South, a drama series he co-wrote and executive produced, won international acclaim. His directorial debut, Men with Brooms, broke Canadian box office records. Paul was the recipient of a Golden Nymph Award for Best Lead Actor at the Monte Carlo Television Festival for his role in H2O, a Whizbang mini-series that he also co-wrote and executive produced. For his portrayal of Geoffrey Tenant in the critically acclaimed series Slings & Arrows Paul recently picked up his fifth Gemini Award. He portrayed Romeo and garnered a Dora Award and a career highlight was playing Hamlet to record-breaking audiences at the Stratford Festival in 2000. Paul served as Playwright-in-residence at Stratford and the National Arts Centre and has won numerous playwriting and screenwriting awards. Paul is currently in post production on his World War One epic, Passchendaele.