Ready to bring your podcast idea to life? Since 2013, content creators from across B.C. and Alberta have been sharing their passions and telling local stories from small towns and underrepresented communities, all with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE. These stories have sparked conversations, shifted narratives and helped launch the careers of emerging content creators.
As TELUS STORYHIVE launches applications for its second annual Video Podcast program, they are seeking new and emerging podcasters, as well as STORYHIVE alumni, to share fresh stories and spark community conversations. Through candid discussions and deep dives into topics that inspire them, participants will have the opportunity to explore and share meaningful content.
“We are excited to launch the second TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast program,” says Audrey Kiss, STORYHIVE Interior B.C. Territory Manager. “Video podcasts are a dynamic medium, empowering local storytellers to share their voices and spark meaningful, community-driven conversations.”
Your Mic, Your Platform. Apply by Dec. 12, 2024 to be a part of this amazing program from TELUS STORYHIVE!
With support from TELUS STORYHIVE, Amy McInnes has expanded her creative horizons and explored new opportunities within her community.
Amy McInnes had just launched a solo video podcast when she first heard about the TELUS STORYHIVE program. Unsure if she was eligible, having already started her podcast, she was relieved to learn that STORYHIVE accepts applications from both new and beginner podcasters. The program turned out to be a great fit.
With STORYHIVE’s backing, McInnes explored the stories of female entrepreneurs in her home community of Cranbrook, B.C., shining a spotlight on their day-to-day lives.
“I had never done an interview-style podcast, and I had no idea what was needed for a multi-camera setup. The saying is true – I didn’t even know what I didn’t know,” McInnes recalls. “STORYHIVE does a thorough job of covering the basics of producing a video podcast. I don’t think I would have been able to share these women’s stories so professionally without their support.”
Beyond Business: The Real lives of Women Entrepreneurs, is set to premiere in Spring of 2025.
“These are women I interact with regularly in my community – shop owners, agents, accountants and restaurant owners. Their businesses line our streets and fill our social media feeds, but they themselves are rarely in the spotlight,” McInnes says. “Yet these women are behind the scenes every day, caring for their families, supporting their partners, hustling at work and crafting meaningful lives.”
McInnes was pleasantly surprised by the positive response she received from her community while researching and interviewing local female entrepreneurs, enjoying a strong sense of community and camaraderie throughout the project.
“I was blown away by how many phenomenal women are running successful businesses in my area,” McInnes says. “The women I’ve interviewed have incredible stories of grit, resilience, balance, triumph and failure. My hope is that by showcasing these women, others will feel inspired.”
For those considering applying to a STORYHIVE program, McInnes shares the collective wisdom of the many inspiring women she has interviewed over the past year: “Put yourself out there and go for it. Take risks and figure it out as you go. You’ll probably fail at some point, but keep working at it. These women created success through persistence; their willingness to struggle opened doors for them to live the lives they were meant to live,” McInnes says.
Tell your own stories though STORYHIVE’s Video Podcast program
Selected applicants will receive $12,000 in production funding, training and a community of support to produce an eight episode video podcast series. The projects will also receive distribution support and gain access to more than one million viewers on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and TELUS STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.
Who can apply?
Your Mic, Your Platform!
No video production or podcasting experience is required. TELUS STORYHIVE’s second annual Video Podcast Program is open to new and emerging podcasters as well as STORYHIVE alumni.
Applications for the Video Podcast Program must be submitted online at STORYHIVE.com/apply by Dec.12, 2024.
“At STORYHIVE, we’re committed to expanding our program offerings to support all kinds of content creators to tell the stories of their communities,” Kiss says. “We’re eager to see the creative projects that will emerge from this program, especially from new and emerging video podcasters. We encourage passionate storytellers from Revelstoke and beyond in B.C. and Alberta to apply and bring their unique stories to life.”
Making an impact in B.C. and Alberta for over the past decade
Since 2013, TELUS STORYHIVE has distributed more than $66.9 million in production funding, supporting over 1,400 screen-based projects, with over 162,000 hours of robust training and one-on-one mentorship. STORYHIVE has also supported over 270 communities across B.C. and Alberta. Through innovative programs they provide production funding, training, mentorship and distribution on TELUS Optik TV and online platforms. STORYHIVE remains committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of Canadian content creators and storytellers.
Questions about the program? Tune in on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. PST on Nov. 19, 2024 for a Video Podcast ‘Ask Us Anything’ live event. The STORYHIVE team will be ready and waiting to answer your questions! Register for the event here.
Stay connected with STORYHIVE and learn about future funding opportunities on their social media channels Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
