Behind the Lens: How TELUS Local Content is Helping Filmmakers and Content Creators Manage Mental Health Challenges

Hello! Amanda Wong here. I’m the one behind the scenes leading the Program Office portfolio for TELUS Local Content. My team is supporting everything from marketing and events to community partnerships, training, outreach and Community Advisory Boards. Basically, if it’s related to TELUS STORYHIVE or TELUS originals, we are on it!

I’m honoured to connect with you to announce an important initiative for our filmmakers and content creators. The past few years have been challenging for many, and we’ve all had to navigate an ever-changing landscape, both professionally and personally. Whether you’re balancing the pressures of your creative career, dealing with personal challenges or simply needing someone to talk to, mental health support is more important than ever.

Balancing Creativity & Well-Being

I can’t help but wonder, what if the secret to a thriving creative life lies not just in the stories we tell, but also in the care we give ourselves? For me, taking time for myself—whether it's hiking with my dog, Fernie, enjoying moments with family and friends or doing a 20 minute yoga session to start my day —helps me stay balanced, relaxed and happy. And it allows me to find the time and headspace to be creative and productive in my role. I’ve also been able to turn to counselling to support my mental health journey.

I’m proud to be on the TELUS Local Content team to share our team’s innovative partnership with TELUS Health MyCare™. Read below to learn more!

Mental Health: The Heartbeat of Creative Success

TELUS Local Content, including TELUS STORYHIVE and TELUS originals, is premiering a new approach for mental wellness to help our creatives on their mental health journey.  We’re offering our current TELUS STORYHIVE project leads (in the programs: 2024 Scripted Edition, 2024 Voices, 2024 Video Podcast, 2024 On Location) and TELUS originals funded directors and producers five sessions with a certified counsellor at no cost. Yes, you read that correctly—five no cost sessions. 

Supporting the Hearts Behind the Lens

The Canadian documentary and user generated content scene is vibrant, but it comes with its own set of challenges. According to the Canada Media Fund that funded the "DocuMentality" report led by the Documentary Organization of Canada and Film in Mind, 75% of Canadian documentary filmmakers have faced mental health issues. And let’s not forget the pressure cooker that is content creation — Vancouver-based Social Media Management Company, Later’s "2023 Creator Mental Health Report" found that 39% of creators feel the relentless pressure to produce, with nearly 68% experiencing burnout. 

At TELUS, we're helping to rewrite the script. With five virtual 50-minute counselling sessions at no cost, we’re offering our filmmakers and content creators the opportunity to find more balance. They can browse through a diverse group of certified counsellors and connect with their chosen professional, all from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. 

TELUS Local Content's Pledge to Mental Wellness

Surrounding yourself with people that value mental health and well-being is key. I’m lucky to be supported by Cameron Zinger, Director of TELUS Local Content who puts the well-being of the team and creators we work with above all else. I’ve had the privilege of working with him on this partnership and he is as excited as a first-time filmmaker on opening night:

"The mental health of our content creators and filmmakers is paramount. The film and TV industry is incredibly demanding, and we recognize the need for accessible mental health support. This partnership with TELUS Health MyCare ensures that our storytellers, whether they are established professionals or at the beginning of their career, have the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally."

Documentary Organization of Canada’s Program Endorsement

I had the opportunity to connect with Sarah Spring, Executive Director of the Documentary Organization of Canada and an award-winning Producer and industry veteran a couple months ago. Her passion on the topic of mental health for filmmakers was inspiring. Sharing her powerful thoughts:

“Documentary films play an incredibly important role in our cultural landscape. If we don’t address mental health issues within our sector, we risk losing perspectives and stories that are so important to helping us make sense of the world around us, that showcase our unique Canadian and Indigenous identities to the world.”

The Power of TELUS Health MyCare

TELUS Health MyCare is a leading virtual care app that provides Canadians with access to healthcare professionals, including counsellors and psychologists, from the convenience of their mobile devices. It’s healthcare that fits into your life, not the other way around.

To learn more about this virtual care app, visit TELUS Health MyCare. 

Supporting Content Creators & Filmmakers 

We are focused on creating a supportive and thriving environment where creativity and mental wellness go hand in hand. Because in the end, the best stories are the ones where we take care of ourselves. Let’s help empower our storytellers to not only tell great stories but to live them, too.

Thank you to all our content creators and filmmakers for being an integral part of our creative community. We’re here to support you through our programs.