Calling all Red Deer storytellers! Apply for $12k in funding and support through STORYHIVE’s Video Podcast program
Susan Serrao. Photo credit: Completely Off Topic production crew.
Do you have a story to tell? Since 2013, content creators across Alberta and B.C. have been sharing their local stories from small towns and underrepresented communities thanks to support from TELUS STORYHIVE. These stories have sparked conversations, changed narratives and transformed the careers of emerging content creators.
STORYHIVE just announced their new Video Podcast program and they want you to share unique stories, inspire community conversations through candid discussions and deep dive on topics that you feel inspired about.
“It’s an exciting time at TELUS STORYHIVE. We are proud to be launching a brand new Video Podcast program,” says Shaun Cathcart, STORYHIVE Southern Alberta Territory Manager. “Video podcasts are proving to be an impactful medium that provide space to share local stories and facilitate meaningful discussions.”
Level up your content creation and video podcasting skills. Apply by January 31, 2024. Your Mic, Your Platform.
Meet Susan Serrao, an Alberta storyteller whose creativity has thrived with support from past TELUS STORYHIVE programs
Susan Serrao. Photo credit: Soulfire Studios
Susan Serrao has always enjoyed working on digital projects and creating new content, so when she heard about the STORYHIVE Voices program, she felt inspired to create her video podcast, Completely Off Topic, a podcast that would welcome Calgary-based female artists to tell their stories.
“Completely Off Topic is exactly what it sounds like – a different Alberta artist joined me in each episode and we initially talk about their work, but sure enough we eventually end up ‘off topic’ and instead dive into their lives, passions, kids, family, work, youth and more! We eventually end up back on topic but ultimately the journey in-between was a fun way to meet these brilliant women in a more relaxed and relatable way.”
Through STORYHIVE’s Community Slack channel, Susan found support and connection in the STORYHIVE community. She connected with other local creators and forged the relationships she needed to complete her project.
“I’m so grateful that I was able to meet one of the other creators, an audio and sound editor, who worked with me on my podcast,” Susan says. “His help instilled confidence that I could produce podcast-quality audio with his support. With him on board taking care of the sound, I was able to focus on the guests and content, which was a better match for my skill sets.”
“Through the funding and the training program, I was able to fully realize my idea. STORYHIVE helped guide the process and provided me with insightful ideas that I could incorporate in production.” Susan says. “I now have a better understanding of how to host and produce a podcast and I’ve worked with new people in my community that I hope to work with again in the future. STORYHIVE helped not only build my creator experience level but find my own ‘creator family’ as well.”
For prospective new podcasters and content creators who are interested in STORYHIVE’s Video Podcast program, Susan suggests they start by asking themselves three questions, ‘What inspires you? What would you watch? And why are you telling this story?’ Once you have these three questions answered, the pitch itself will come easier and you’ll be more motivated to follow through with your project.
“I think that working on a project that you’re connected to personally makes the story and pitch more clearly defined and richer in content potential,” Susan says. “Creating and submitting a pitch will help you clarify your vision, open your mind to new ideas and give you great feedback on what you need to work on to bring your vision to life. So even if you don’t end up in the program, you’ll still be further ahead than you were before you applied.”
Tell your own stories through STORYHIVE’s Video Podcast program
Selected applicants will receive $12,000 in production funding, gain access to more than one million viewers on TELUS Optik TV and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel, join a community of like-minded creatives in Alberta and B.C., share resources, learn and grow with each other. They can also look forward to customized online training sessions.
The Create or Die Podcast, produced by Indy Mandhar. TELUS STORYHIVE.
Making an impact in Alberta and B.C. for the past decade
Over the past decade, TELUS STORYHIVE has distributed more than $59 million in production funding, supporting 1,200+ screen-based projects, with over 117,000 hours of robust training and one-on-one mentorship. STORYHIVE has also supported 270+ communities across Alberta and B.C.. 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.
“At STORYHIVE, we’re continuing to expand our program offerings to support all kinds of content creators to tell the stories of their communities,” says Cathcart. “We’re really looking forward to the projects that come through the Video Podcast program and to hearing some amazing local stories. We’re looking for new and emerging video podcasters with diverse topics to pitch and encourage the people of Red Deer to apply!”
TELUS STORYHIVE’s new Video Podcast program is open to new and emerging podcasters and STORYHIVE alumni. Applications for the Video Podcast program must be submitted online at storyhive.com/apply by Jan. 31, 2024.
Stay connected with STORYHIVE and learn about future funding opportunities on their social media channels Facebook, Instagram, X (formally known as Twitter), TikTok and YouTube.