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, Rohan Keenan has been able to expand their creative horizons and explore new opportunities within their community.
After stepping away from their creative pursuits for a few years, actor, artist and content creator Rohan Keenan was encouraged to revisit them after seeing the opportunity to apply for the TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast program.
“A friend of mine, who was working on another STORYHIVE project, sent me the link to the podcast program,” Keenan recalls. “I think he knew that since I stepped away from my career as an artist and moved back to my hometown of Williams Lake, I was struggling with my creative process and identity as an artist.”
With encouragement from friends and family, Keenan applied to the TELUS STORYHIVE program – the push needed to reconnect with their inner artist.
“My friend saw this as an opportunity to spark my creativity,” Keenan says. “After some hesitation, I came up with a concept, a plan and submitted my application.”
Through STORYHIVE, Keenan has elevated fellow Cariboo-Chilcotin artists, showcasing the diversity of the region’s creative community.
“One of the things I missed most after stepping away from the art world was talking about art with other artists,” Keenan says. “When I returned to Williams Lake in 2019, I saw so much vibrancy in the community – studios, authors, paid musicians – people making a living from their passion.
“It raised the question: Why are artists choosing rural areas, and what makes the Cariboo-Chilcotin so important to them? What impact are they having on the community? Since I wanted to know, I figured others might want to hear it too. That’s how Colours of Cariboo was born.”
TELUS STORYHIVE has also helped Keenan build new skills and confidence as a creator.
“Interviewing is a wonderful skill, especially when it’s about topics that I and my guests are passionate about,” Keenan says.
“It’s such a gift to start these conversations and listen to people share their passions. The technical aspects of running a video podcast have been challenging, but it’s pushed my abilities in ways I hadn’t experienced in years. Though it’s tough, I still find joy when things come together perfectly,” Keenan adds.
Having interviewed “fascinating people with compelling stories,” one theme connecting all is a love for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
“There’s a call to this region that’s hard to ignore once you’ve heard it. It’s wild, beautiful, and mysterious. Colours of Cariboo tells the story of a deeper connection – not only to the communities these artists live in but also to the land and wildness of the Cariboo-Chilcotin.”
Keenan hopes the project will inspire others to pursue their own artistic passions.
“I hope this podcast will be seen as the start of my contribution to the area’s art scene – I want people of all ages to know there’s a place for them and their artistic vision here in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. The more artists we have, the more art we create and the more connected we become to our community and the surrounding land.”
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.
