Derek Luis named Chief Executive Officer of National Screen Institute - Canada

Accomplished media professional Derek Luis has been named Chief Executive Officer of National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI). He replaces outgoing CEO Susan Millican. Derek joins NSI at a time of great growth and change in Canada's screen-based industries.

Derek's career includes 20 years of broadcast, print and online experience across news and current affairs, drama, factual, documentary, variety, performing arts and web content. He has worked as a writer, researcher, director, producer and executive producer for many Canadian broadcasters.

He's an accomplished media educator having run projects, workshops, summer camps, and seminars, and he helped the National Film Board of Canada launch their innovative Toronto Mediatheque screening and experiential learning facility.

Luis distinguished himself as an industry champion for cultural diversity in Canada's media scene and as a supporter of emerging technologies and talent. As a SUN TV/Quebecor Media Executive , Luis directed Quebecor Media's support of professional development initiatives with several of Canada's national media training organizations to advance cultural diversity. Earlier in his career he coordinated the first interactive storytelling and gaming workshop at the Canadian Film Centre, was an analyst for the Bell Broadcast & New Media Fund, an advisor to Ryerson's Interactive Broadcasting Group and a consultant to a number of dynamic web initiatives and portals.

Derek's education includes various aspects of new media (such as interface design and digital narrative structures), communications, TV production, writing and executive management studies.

"In Derek we've found a dynamic and multi-talented individual to lead NSI," says Raja Khanna, Co-Chair of the NSI board of directors. "His breadth of knowledge in film, TV and new media in addition to his experience as an educator give him a wide perspective on the kinds of training content creators in Canada need."

"I'm excited to be joining NSI at a time when our sector is exploring new technologies and new ways of storytelling," says NSI CEO Derek Luis. "The National Screen Institute has a solid reputation as a leading training school. I'm eager to work with the board and staff to continue providing professional training to writers, directors and producers and also launch dynamic new collaborations supporting the success of production companies, broadcasters and other industry stakeholders in every region of our great country."

The National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI) is a national training school widely known for its prestigious training programs for Canadian writers, directors and producers working in film and television. NSI also runs a year-round online short film festival.