STORYHIVE 2021 GAME CHANGERS DOCUMENTARY EDITION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND RULES
Before beginning your Submission, please read these SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND RULES carefully. In them you will find important information such as key dates, what kinds of stories and projects we give preference to, eligibility requirements, submission requirements and more. This is more than just the fine print. It’s a guide to creating a successful Submission. For even more information, please check out the FAQs in our Help Centre.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
KEY DATES:
Oct 14 - Nov 10, 2021 Game Changers Doc Edition is open for Submissions (Intake closes at 5:00pm PT/6:00pm MT on Nov 10th)
Week of Feb 14, 2022 Grant Recipients Announced
Feb 22, 2022 Pre-Production on Project begins
Mar 12, 2022 Creator Workshop #1 (for all Project Leads)
Mar 13, 2022 Supplementary Program (30+minutes) Production Starts
Apr 30, 2022 Creator Workshop #2 (for all Project Leads)
Jun 7, 2022 Supplementary Program Final Delivery (no rough or fine cuts needed)
Oct 17, 2022 Main Program (15+minutes) Rough Cut delivery
Nov 21, 2022 Main Program First Fine Cut delivery
Dec 5, 2022 Main Program Second Fine Cut delivery
Dec 12, 2022 Main Program STORYHIVE Approval Cut delivery
Jan 25, 2023 Main Program Final Delivery of Project to TELUS STORYHIVE
Oct 2023 Official Edition Launch on TELUS Optik TV and STORYHIVE YouTube channel
*Production cannot begin prior to Creator Workshop #1.
Through the power of community, we are bringing to light the stories of game changers that are challenging the status quo. With the 2021 Game Changers Documentary Edition, STORYHIVE is providing 30 documentary projects with $20,000 grants to capture stories of local game changers that are making their community a better place. We want to hear about community members who are finding new and innovative ways to make their communities more connected, sustainable, healthier and equitable. We’re looking for groundbreaking authentic stories that will bring people closer together, showcase human ingenuity, resilience and grit, and celebrate those that are making a positive impact in their local community.
Game changers are visionary, innovative, daring and original. From students arranging a petition to save a local landmark, to an organization developing technology to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, here are some examples of the types of stories we are looking for:
People and organizations that are creating meaningful change (local and grassroots initiatives, shaking up an industry, transforming a community)
Technology that is changing people’s lives (creating a safer food supply, connecting communities through technology, innovative programs powered by technology)
Work that is protecting and sustaining the environment (sustainable solutions and initiatives, caring for our planet, education on sustainable practices)
Healthcare that is transforming communities (supporting healthcare providers, enabling a higher quality of care, improving accessibility)
For the STORYHIVE 2021 Game Changers Documentary Edition (the “STORYHIVE Edition”), each Project will consist of a locally reflective documentary Main Program (minimum 15 minutes) and a locally reflective Supplementary Program (minimum 30 minutes). In addition to the funding, successful creators will receive customized career training, filmmaking mentorship and distribution of their projects on select TELUS Platforms. This is a chance to make some content that matters to you and retain the intellectual property rights to your produced work.
For projects involving Indigenous communities, cultures, concepts and stories, we encourage applicants to consult On-Screen Protocols & Pathways before submitting their project: https://iso-bea.ca/download/on-screen-protocols-pathways
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Community health and safety is our priority, and as such, we encourage you to take the necessary and responsible precautions to protect public health. Please familiarize yourself with the following reputable sources, such as the Public Health Agency of Canada, your provincial medical officer or the World Health Organization, and please urge everyone in your community to do the same.
Production team policy
Due to the current pandemic all projects are required to limit their in-person production crews to a maximum of three (3) people (Note: this does not apply to team members who are working remotely, such as an editor or sound mixer).
Resources for BC-based creators:
Motion Picture - Resources for COVID-19 Updates
Resources for Alberta-based creators:
COVID-19 information : guidance for the screen-based production industry - Open Government
SUBMISSION RULES
BY REGISTERING TO SUBMIT A PITCH FOR A PROPOSED PROJECT FOR CONSIDERATION (KNOWN ALSO HEREIN AS A SUBMISSION), YOU HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS (the "Terms").
TELUS has developed a digital funding platform called "STORYHIVE" to award grant funding and distribution to local content creators, and support the creation of locally-produced programming available on TELUS Optik TV On Demand (via TELUS STORYHIVE / TELUS Community Television).
In order to qualify, each participant (a “Project Lead”) must create and submit materials comprising a multimedia submission (a “Submission”) which contains, among other things, a pitch for a locally reflective documentary short plus supplementary content (a “Project”) made by you. Following the process of Submission, Moderation and selection by a selection committee, a Project Lead could then be eligible to receive one of 30 available $20,000 grants (each, a “Grant"), (available to BC and Alberta residents only) from TELUS, to produce their proposed Project. Each of the 30 successful Projects will also receive distribution on select TELUS platforms, and the producing teams will receive mentorship and training. Project Leads will retain the rights, including copyright, to their finished Projects.
STORYHIVE will begin accepting Submissions for the STORYHIVE Edition on October 14, 2021. The deadline for Submissions is 5:00pm PT/6:00pm MT on November 10, 2021. Each of the 30 Project Leads who are selected to receive a Grant will be required to sign the TELUS STORYHIVE Community Access License Agreement (the “TELUS Grant Agreement”). The final delivery dates are June 7, 2022 for the Supplementary Program and January 25, 2023 for the Main Program.
1. PROJECT AWARD (GRANT DESCRIPTION)
30 Project Leads will be eligible to receive a Grant of $20,000 CAD to create a Project.
Projects may be featured on TELUS Optik TV On Demand, TELUS website(s), the STORYHIVE website (the “Website”) and other TELUS branded websites or social media platforms (including, but not limited to, YouTube) (together, the ''TELUS Platforms"). Projects may also be featured on Air Canada’s Inflight Entertainment System. Project Leads will retain all the intellectual property rights, including copyright, to their finished Projects.
The Grant is awarded to the Project Lead and is non-transferable; the Project Lead cannot change. If the Project Lead wishes to execute the TELUS Grant Agreement under a company name, the Project Lead must own and control at least 51% of the company and the company must be located in the Project Lead’s community of residence; proof of company ownership and registered address must be supplied to TELUS.
2. ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to receive a Grant from TELUS, all Projects must be locally reflective (as described below) and must be led by an eligible Project Lead 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. Project Leads can be first time producers/filmmakers; previous experience is not required in order to be eligible.
EACH PROJECT LEAD MUST:
A. Be the age of majority, or older, in their province of residence (British Columbia or Alberta) as of the STORYHIVE Edition intake deadline date, November 10, 2021 at 5:00pm PT/6:00pm MT;
B. Be a resident of one of the following communities in British Columbia or Alberta:
NOTE: If you are a resident of an Indigenous community close to one of these listed communities, please reach out to us at storyhive@telus.com to verify your eligibility.
Alberta:
Acheson; Airdrie; Alberta Beach; Beaumont; Bittern Lake; Blackfalds; Brooks; Calgary; Camrose; Canmore; Carstairs; Chestermere; Clairmont; Coalhurst; Cochrane; Crossfield; Dead Man’s Flats; Devon; Didsbury; Drayton Valley; Dunmore; Edmonton; Edson; Evansburg; Falher; Fort Mackay; Fort McMurray; Grande Prairie; High Prairie; High River; Hinton; Innisfail; Lacombe; Langdon; Leduc; Lethbridge; Lloydminster; Marlboro; Medicine Hat; Namao; Nisku; Okotoks; Peace River; Ponoka; Red Deer; Redcliff; Rocky View County; Ruth Lake; Sherwood Park; Slave Lake; Spruce Grove; St. Albert; Stoney IR; Stony Plain; Strathmore; Sunset Point; Sylvan Lake; Val Quentin; Vegreville; Wabamun; Wetaskiwin; Whitecourt; Widewater; Wildwood;
British Columbia:
Abbotsford; Agassiz, Aldergrove; Anmore; Annacis Island; Armstrong; Beaverly; Beecher Bay IR; Belcarra, Bowen Island; Bowser; Brackendale; Brentwood Bay; Britannia Beach; Burnaby; Campbell River; Canoe; Chemainus; Chilliwack; Cobble Hill; Cole Bay IR; Columbia Valley; Comox; Coquitlam; Courtenay; Cowichan Bay; Cranbrook; Creston; Cultus Lake, Cumberland; Davis Bay; Dawson Creek; Deep Creek; Delta; Denman Island; Duncan; Enderby; Esquimalt; Faulder; Fort St. John; Fruitvale; Furry Creek; Gallagher Lake; Garden Bay; Garibaldi Highlands: Heriot Bay; Highlands; Gibsons; Halfmoon Bay; Hatzic; Hornby Island; Kamloops; Kelowna; Kitselas; Kitsumkalum Mountain; Ladner; Ladysmith; Lake Cowichan; Lake Errock; Langley City; Lantzville; Lindell Beach; Lions Bay; Madeira Park, Maple Ridge; Merville; Mill Bay; Mission; Nanaimo; Nanoose Bay; Naramata; New Songhees IR; New Westminster; North Vancouver; Oasis; Okanagan Falls; Oliver; Osoyoos; Oyama; Parksville; Peachland; Pender Harbour; Penticton; Pitt Meadows; Popkum; Port Alberni; Port Coquitlam; Port Moody; Powell River; Priest’s Valley 6; Prince George; Qualicum Beach; Quathiaski Cove; Quinsam IR 12; Revelstoke; Richmond; Rivervale; Roberts Creek; Rossland; Saanich; Saanichton; Salmon Arm; Sechelt; Secret Cove; Selma Park; Shawnigan Lake; Sidney; Silver Creek; Sooke; Squamish; Summerland; Surrey; Terrace; Thornhill; Trail; Tsawwassen; Union Bay; Vancouver; Vernon; Victoria; View Royal; Warfield; West Vancouver; Whistler; White Rock; Wilson Creek
C. Be a resident of the community from which they are applying (see eligible communities listed above) and be able to supply current proof of residency for the address listed on their submission;
D. Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
E. Be able to provide complete, clean, unencumbered chain of title for the Project, must have all the rights, releases and clearances necessary to produce, own and exploit the Project and for deployment of the Project on required TELUS Platforms (including synchronization and master use rights for any music used in the Project), and must enter into a TELUS Grant Agreement with TELUS;
F. Acknowledge they have read, understand and will adhere to the STORYHIVE Community Code of Conduct: https://www.storyhive.com/index/code-of-conduct;
G. Not be an individual associated with TELUS, including but not limited to the following: the employees, contractors, agents and representatives of TELUS, Optik TV, TELUS Satellite TV or another broadcast distribution undertaking (a BDU) such as Shaw Cable, Shaw Direct or any other Canadian cable or IPTV service provider, or any external partners of TELUS who enter into an agreement with TELUS to assist in any way with this STORYHIVE Edition (collectively, the “Excluded Individuals”). For clarity, Excluded Individuals may participate in a Submission and a Project as a member of the video production crew provided they are not the Project Lead;
H. Not be already working within the traditional Canadian broadcast system or a media professional widely known to the public, and must not have received a broadcast licence from a Canadian broadcaster in the last five years; and
I. In addition to the above-noted eligibility criteria, if awarded a Grant, be prepared to:
a. Submit their Project for review on the following dates:
Supplementary Program Delivery (no rough cut or fine cut needed) - Jun 7, 2022;
Main Program Rough Cut delivery - Oct 17, 2022;
Main Program First Fine Cut delivery - Nov 21, 2022;
Main Program Second Fine Cut delivery - Dec 5, 2022; and
Main Program STORYHIVE Approval Cut - Dec 12, 2022;
b. Complete technical delivery of the Project on or before 5:00 pm PT on Jan 25, 2023 and receive TELUS’ acceptance and approval of the Program, in its discretion; and
c. Accept sole responsibility for all budget overages for the Project.
EACH PROJECT MUST:
A. Fall into the category of Documentary;
B. Be locally reflective. To be considered “locally reflective”, the Project elements must meet the following criteria:
The Project Lead currently resides in the community, town or city indicated on their application to the STORYHIVE edition (the “Community of Residence”);
No less than 80% of the filming and production of the Project will take place in the Project Lead’s Community of Residence;
No less than 80% of the budget spent to produce the Project will be spent in the Project Lead’s Community of Residence;
The Project is about people, topics or events that are relevant and connected to the Project Lead's Community of Residence.
For additional information, refer to our FAQs;
C. Present fair and balanced views, with all stakeholders on an issue fairly represented;
D. Have a self-identified female or non-binary person in at least one of the following key creative roles: Producer, Director, Writer, Director of Photography, Editor, Sound Designer, Composer, Production Designer;
E. Be in compliance with all laws, regulations and policies governing content, taste, community reflection and diversity of voices including the Broadcasting Act, CRTC Best Practice Code, and other relevant Canadian legislation pertaining to the nature of acceptable content (please consult the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council website for further information);
F. Qualify for a G or PG rating; must not contravene the law, promote hatred or contempt towards other individuals or groups; must not contain obscene or profane language or imagery or false or misleading factual content;
G. Be a minimum of 15 minutes in length for the Main Program and a minimum of 30 minutes in length for the Supplementary Program, including any and all screen credits. A maximum length of no more than 60 minutes for each program is recommended;
H. Be in a format that can be delivered for distribution on IPTV and online (i.e. meet technical requirements for delivery for both video on demand and online) Note: submitted videos must be in a High Definition format; additional 4K delivery (in addition to HD) is optional;
I. Not have been already shot and seeking completion funding. STORYHIVE will allow a maximum of 15% of a Project to have previously been shot;
J. Not have been previously licensed to a broadcaster or appeared on a major network;
K. Not include financing for the production from a broadcaster (i.e. conventional television network like CBC, CTV, Global or City TV, over-the-top Internet-based service provider such as Netflix, or discretionary (specialty) service such as History TV, Documentary Channel or Food Network); and
L. Be in English or be able to be subtitled or versioned into English.
EXCLUSIONS
The following types of applicants and project material are excluded from eligibility:
Religious or sectarian organizations (except where they represent non-denominational community and social support services);
Political organizations and candidates; and
Advocacy or special interest groups.
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
STORYHIVE does not wish to unduly limit the types of content or submissions that it supports, and Submissions for all types of locally reflective Projects are encouraged. However, the following types of projects are ineligible for the STORYHIVE Edition:
Fictional projects including mockumentaries
Music Videos
Web series (pilot okay)
Episodic (pilot episode okay)
Lifestyle TV, Reality TV, “How to” Documentaries and Docusoaps;
News and Reporting
Video Game and other applications
Websites
News or reporting
Talk shows
Non-Canadian content
3. HOW TO PARTICIPATE
There is no fee to participate. Only one (1) Submission is allowed per Project Lead, though the Project Lead is permitted to be a part of other creative teams. As noted previously, once your Submission is completed, the Project Lead cannot be changed.
STEP 1: SIGN IN + BUILD YOUR CREATIVE PROFILE:
Join the STORYHIVE Creator Directory by selecting Join Now on the home page. Once you create a STORYHIVE profile, you will be added to the Creator Directory. You can browse the Creator Directory to search for potential collaborators for your Project. You need to create your profile on the Creator Directory in order to proceed with a submission for a Grant from STORYHIVE.
STEP 2: PITCH + PLAN:
Project Leads have from 12:00pm (NOON) PT/1:00pm MT October 14, 2021 until 5:00pm PT/6:00pm MT November 10, 2021 to complete their Submission (i.e. the multimedia submission/pitch package) on STORYHIVE.com.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
Project Page:
The following Submission materials for your proposed Project will be visible to the public on your Project Page on the Website (once a successful Project has been awarded a Grant):
Project Title (text field, maximum 60 characters)
Genre Documentary (pre-selected)
Logline (text field, maximum 120 characters)
Synopsis (text field, maximum 800 characters)
Projected Runtime (enter minutes; minimum 15, recommended maximum 60)
Inclusion Statement (optional) (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Image card (image upload JPEG, PNG; 1920 x 1080 pixels; maximum 5MB)
Box art (image upload JPEG, PNG; 840 x 1200 pixels; maximum 5MB)
60 Second Pitch Video - max 60 second pitch video (share a public YouTube link)
Additional Project Details:
The following Submission materials will be reviewed by a selection committee and STORYHIVE team. They will not be available to the public.
Where did you hear about this Edition? (dropdown menu)
Community Relevancy (text field, maximum 1000 characters)
Why you? (text field, maximum 1000 characters)
How are you going to tell the story? (text field, maximum 1000 characters)
Draft Treatment (PDF upload; maximum 5MB)
Locations (text field)
Supplementary Program Synopsis (text field. maximum 800 characters)
Production Experience: (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Key Role Requirements (check box)
Eligibility Requirement (check box)
Budget (template with text fields)
TELUS STORYHIVE Submission Release Agreement (check boxes)
NOTE: In order to complete your Submission you must accept the terms of the TELUS STORYHIVE Submission Release Agreement.
MODERATION
Once the intake period closes at 5:00pm PT/6:00pm MT on November10, 2021, all proposed Projects will be moderated for eligibility against the aforementioned criteria ("Moderation"). Only proposed Projects that meet the eligibility criteria outlined above will be eligible for consideration by the selection committee. TELUS will have the sole discretion to determine whether a proposed Project meets the eligibility criteria for the STORYHIVE Edition.
STEP 3: AWARD + PRODUCE:
Successful Projects will be announced the week of February 14, 2022. If your Project is selected to receive a Grant, TELUS will contact the Project Lead directly. TELUS will verify the eligibility of the Project Lead and Project and if successfully verified, in TELUS’ sole discretion, will provide the Project Lead with a TELUS Grant Agreement for review and execution.
As noted previously, the TELUS Grant Agreement will set out the following, among other things:
1. The Project Lead must provide complete, clean, unencumbered chain of title for the Project, including, but not limited to, all the rights, releases and clearances necessary to produce, own and exploit the Project and for deployment of the Project on required TELUS Platforms (including synchronization and master use rights for any music used in the Project);
2. The Project Lead must submit to TELUS, for its review, the following:
Supplementary Program Final Delivery - Jun 7, 2022
Main Program Rough Cut delivery - Oct 17, 2022
Main Program First Fine Cut delivery - Nov 21, 2022
Main Program Second Fine Cut delivery - Dec 5, 2022
Main Program STORYHIVE Approval Cut - Dec 12, 2022;
3. Complete technical delivery of the Project must be submitted to TELUS on or before 5:00pm PT/6:00pm MT on Jan 25, 2023 (unless otherwise agreed) and receive TELUS’ acceptance and approval of the Project, in TELUS’ sole discretion; and
4. The Project Lead must accept sole responsibility for all budget overages for the Project.
Following the full execution of the TELUS Grant Agreement and the receipt, acceptance and approval by TELUS, in its sole discretion, of any contractual preconditions (if applicable), the Grant will be paid in accordance with a drawdown schedule as set out in the TELUS Grant Agreement.
STEP 4: DISTRIBUTE + WATCH:
Projects in the STORYHIVE Edition may be made available on TELUS Platforms, community screenings, various social media channels and distributed by partners of TELUS STORYHIVE.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
TELUS reserves the right, but not the obligation, to verify all Submissions. Any attempt to tamper with the entry process, interfere with these Terms, deliberately damage the Website or any website associated therewith or undermine the administration, security or legitimate operation of the STORYHIVE Edition, is a violation of criminal and civil laws and TELUS reserves the right, but not the obligation, to seek damages and other relief from all persons responsible for such acts to the fullest extent permitted by law, which may also include banning or disqualifying participants from this STORYHIVE Edition and future STORYHIVE editions.
REFUSAL OF A GRANT
The refusal by a potential or declared recipient of a Grant to accept the Grant awarded in accordance with the Terms shall release and forever discharge TELUS, its representatives, its affiliated companies or related companies and their advertising and promotional agencies, contractors and service providers, and their respective shareholders, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, “TELUS"), from any and all obligations related to the Grant.
RELEASE
Each Project Lead and all Team Members hereby release and hold harmless TELUS from any and all liability for any and all damage, loss or liability suffered as a result of or arising from their participation in the STORYHIVE Edition. As noted previously, as part of the Submission, Project Leads will also be required to sign the TELUS STORYHIVE Submission Release Agreement .
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
TELUS is not liable for faulty computer components, software, or links; the loss or nonexistence of communications capability; or faulty, incomplete, incomprehensible, or erased computer or network transmissions that make it difficult, or render a user unable, to use the Website or any Website feature, howsoever caused, the malfunction of, or damage caused to, any telephone or network or lines, computer equipment, data or software, online systems, servers or access providers; or the security or privacy of information transmitted via computer networks; or for breaches of privacy due to interference by third party computer "hackers". TELUS is not liable for any harm suffered directly or indirectly as a result of downloading any Web page or software or transmitting any information related to entry in the STORYHIVE Edition. Further, TELUS assumes no responsibility for entries lost, stolen, delayed, damaged or misdirected. TELUS does not guarantee access to or non-interruption of the Website during the STORYHIVE Edition or that it will be free of any errors.
OWNERSHIP
A Canadian-controlled company or a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada must own: (a) the master recording of the music featured in the Project; and (b) the Project.
CONSENT
By entering the STORYHIVE Edition and completing a Submission, each Project Lead and Team Member consents to the use by TELUS of their names, city of residence, photograph, voice and image for publicity purposes in all media, without payment, compensation, or notification. Each Project Lead and Team Member also consents to the exhibition and reproduction of their Project on any TELUS Platform, as well as the Project page and Website, at community screenings, on various social media channels and any distribution by partners of TELUS.
MODIFICATION
TELUS reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this STORYHIVE Edition, in whole or in part, at any time. TELUS will not be liable to you or to any third-party for any cancellation, termination, modification or suspension of this STORYHIVE Edition. Your continued use of or access to the Website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.
IMPOSSIBILITY TO ACT DUE TO FORCE MAJEURE
TELUS will not be liable to you for any damages for a failure to operate this STORYHIVE Edition in accordance with these Terms in any case where its incapacity to act results from circumstances or a situation beyond its control, in TELUS’ sole discretion, or because of a strike, lock-out or any other labour dispute in its company or those of businesses which services are used for holding this STORYHIVE Edition, war, riot, insurrection, earthquake, terrorism, civil commotion, fire, flood, accident, storm or any other act of nature.
DECISIONS OF TELUS
All decisions of TELUS regarding this STORYHIVE Edition are final and binding.
If you have any questions regarding the eligibility of your Team Members, your Project or the Grants, or would like a hardcopy of these Terms mailed to you, please email us here: storyhive@telus.com
Please print or save a PDF of these Terms by clicking the button below.