Takeaways from STORYHIVE Voices Ask Us Anything Sessions

In January, we hosted online Ask Us Anything sessions for our TELUS STORYHIVE Voices program. We answered all your burning questions, covering topics including eligibility, video series topics and genres, what it’s like being a STORYHIVE Voices digital content creator and much more.

Ready to apply but missed the sessions? Here’s a recap of some of your great questions!

Catch the full recording of the live event now on TELUS Optik TV Video on Demand channel 9, Stream+ and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel. And check out our Reddit AMA for additional Q&A items!

1. Am I eligible to apply?

You must be the age of majority in your province (18 in Alberta, 19 in B.C.) and be a Canadian resident. Other team members don’t need to be Canadian. Applications must be submitted as an individual—not a business or nonprofit—though you can still collaborate with organizations.

2. What are the pitch video requirements?

Please share a public YouTube link to a max 60 second pitch video. Make sure the video isn't listed as private and if you have a host they should be on screen otherwise, you as the project lead should be on camera. We're not looking for anything more than someone on camera speaking about the project and showcasing their passion.

3. Will my application be stronger if I include a team, or is it all right to apply as a solo creator?

Your application must be submitted by only 1 person who will act as the primary applicant and accept responsibility for the obligations under these Terms and, if chosen to receive a Grant, under the terms of the TELUS Grant Agreement. Within your application, you may identify that you have a team in place to support your project. If funded, you are then responsible for managing all the communications with your team. We cannot say it will make your application stronger but if you have a complex project that requires more production, identifying additional team members can help showcase the feasibility of your application.

4. How is the locally relevant element judged? 

When we talk about content being locally relevant, we are really assessing if the content will resonate with the local community. Is it a hot topic in that specific community that matters to residents? Is it a global topic that can be addressed through the local lens? These are all factors that make content locally relevant and reflective.

5. What happens after the project? Do we keep the equipment purchased with the grant?

After the program is complete, you are able to keep any purchases you make with the grant funding. As a Project Lead, you are the one who determines what purchases or rentals you need for your project.

6. I know we help market our show, are there set requirements of what that looks like?

TELUS STORYHIVE does a big marketing push ahead of your content premiering on Optik TV. We recommend you amplify our marketing content on socials and other channels, although this is not a requirement. We are also happy to amplify any marketing efforts you make that promote your show, the premiere and Optik TV. If you are awarded the grant, you will have a Program Manager you can ask about this specifically. We also share some resources around marketing your content.

7. What equipment and budget considerations should I keep in mind?

Equipment depends on your production goals! Some essentials might include a camera or smartphone, a microphone, lighting, tripods and external storage. Include realistic costs in your budget; STORYHIVE funding is designed to help you get started and produce professional-quality content.

8. Who owns the content, and can I publish it elsewhere?

You retain all intellectual property. STORYHIVE has a 10-year broadcast license to show your content on TELUS platforms. You can publish your episodes elsewhere, but it’s recommended to wait until STORYHIVE completes its marketing and distribution to maximize your reach.

9. How are applications selected?

Applications are reviewed in multiple rounds by moderation and selection committees. Community feedback plays a key role. The selection committee looks for feasibility, focus, originality and audience relevance. The most compelling projects are those that are realistic, well-planned and resonate with the community.

10. What’s the timeline for approval to filming?

After being selected for funding, the process usually takes 2–3 months, including contracting, scheduling and training. Training must be completed before filming begins, and all episodes must be created post-training to meet licensing requirements.

Apply for the Voices Program

There are still two weeks left to submit your application to the STORYHIVE Voices program! New and emerging digital content creators in B.C. and Alberta can now apply to get $10,000 in production funding, training and a community of support to create a 6+ episode video series.

And the best part? You retain 100% ownership of your content. 

The application portal is open at STORYHIVE.com/apply until midnight PT on Friday, February 20th, 2026. Please refer to this program’s Submission Rules and FAQ. All projects will be reviewed by a community-based selection committee.

Your Passion, Your Community. Are you ready to take your lifestyle series to the next level? This is your moment to shine. No video production experience is required.