STORYHIVE 2023 Voices Submission Guidelines and Rules
Your Passion, Your Community: STORYHIVE Voices 3.0 is offering up to 100 grants of $10,000 each to kickstart your content creation journey to produce a locally reflective nonfiction series of 6 to 10 episodes. Beginner creators are encouraged to apply. Whether you like to shoot on your phone or use a pro camera, this is your chance to make some content that matters to you and retain the intellectual property rights to your produced work. In addition to the funding, successful creators will receive training through customized virtual info sessions, access to a community of creators and distribution of their Projects on select TELUS Platforms.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & RULES
Before beginning your Submission, please read these SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 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. If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQs, please email the STORYHIVE team at storyhive@telus.com.
READY TO APPLY?
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to receive a Grant from TELUS, Project Leads must meet all the eligibility requirements outlined below. The Project Lead 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. For more information on the role and responsibilities of the Project Lead, please see our FAQs.
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 Program intake deadline date, May 11, 2023 at midnight PT;
B. Be a resident of one of the following communities in British Columbia or Alberta and at least 80% of the Project must be filmed in the Project Lead’s Community of Residence.
NOTE: If you are a resident of an Indigenous community or a 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; Ardrossan; Arrowwood; Beaumont; Blackfalds; Blackie; Brazeau County; Brooks; Calgary; Camrose; Canmore; Carstairs; Chestermere; Chestermere Lake; Clairmont; Coaldale; Coalhurst; Cochrane; Cold Lake IR 149A; Crossfield; De Winton; Dead Man’s Flats; Debolt; Devon; Didsbury; Donnelly; Drayton Valley; Dunmore; Eagle Sham; Edmonton; Edmonton Garrison; Edson; Evansburg; Fairview; Falher; Faust; Fort Mackay; Fort McMurray; Fort McMurray IR No. 174d; Fort Saskatchewan; Girouxville; Grande Prairie; Heritage Pointe; High Prairie; High River; Hinton; Innisfail; Joussard; Kinuso; Lacombe; Lakeview; Langdon; Leduc; Leduc County; Lethbridge; Lloydminster; Marlboro; Mclennan; Medicine Hat; Milo; Morinville; Namao; Nisku; Okotoks; Onoway; Parkland County; Peace River; Peers; Penhold; Ponoka; Poplar Ridge; Red Deer; Red Deer County; Redcliff; Rocky View County; Saint. Albert; Sangudo; Shepard; Sherwood Park; Slave Lake; SE Calgary; Springbrook; Spruce Grove; Stony Plain; Stony Plain IR 135; Strathcona County; Strathmore; Sunset Point; Swan River 150e; Sylvan Lake; Taber; Tomahawk; Val Quentin; Vegreville; Wabamun; Westlock; Wetaskiwin;Whitecourt; Widewater;
British Columbia:
100 Mile House; 108 Mile House; 150 Mile House; Abbotsford; Agassiz; Aldergrove; Alexis Creek; Alkali Lake IR; Anmore; Annacis Island; Armstrong; Beaverly; Beecher Bay IR; Belcarra, Black Creek; Bowen Island; Bowser; Brackendale; Brentwood Bay; Brilliant; Britannia Beach; Burnaby; Campbell River; Canoe Creek IR; Central Saanich; Chemainus; Chilliwack; Chilliwack River Valley; Cobble Hill; Coldstream; Cole Bay IR; Columbia Valley; Colwood; Comox; Coquitlam; Courtenay; Cowichan Bay; Cranbrook; Creston; Cultus Lake, Cumberland; Davis Bay; Dawson Creek; Deep Creek; Delta; Denman Island; Dog Creek IR; Duncan; Enderby; Esquimalt; Faulder; Fort Langley; Fort St. John; Fruitvale; Furry Creek; Gallagher Lake; Garden Bay; Garibaldi Highlands; Gibsons; Granthams Landing; Halfmoon Bay; Hanvecille; Hatzic; Heffley Creek; Heriot Bay; Highlands; Hornby Island; Kaleden; Kamloops; Kelowna; Kitselas-Kulspai; Kitsumkalum Mountain; Ladner; Ladysmith; Lake Country; Lake Cowichan; Lake Errock; Langford; Langley; Lantzville; Lheidli T'Enneh; Lindell Beach; Lions Bay; Madeira Park; Maple Ridge; McLeese Lake; Merville; Metchosin; Mill Bay; Mission; Montrose; Mount Washington; Nanaimo; Nanoose Bay; Naramata; New Songhees IR; New Westminster; North Saanich; North Vancouver; Oak Bay; Oasis; Okanagan Falls; Okanagan IR 1; Oliver; Osoyoos; Oyama; Parksville; Peachland; Pender Harbour; Penelakut Island; Penticton; Penticton IR 2; Pitt Meadows; Plamondon; Popkum; Port Alberni; Port Coquitlam; Port Moody; Powell River; Priest’s Valley 6; Prince George; Qualicum Beach; Quathiaski Cove; Quinsam IR 12; Revelstoke; Richmond; Riske Creek; Rivervale; Roberts Creek; Rosedale; Rossland; Saanich; Saanichton; Salmon Arm; Sechelt; Secret Cove; Selma Park; Shawnigan Lake; Sidney; Silver Creek; Soda Creek IR; Sooke; Spallumcheen; Squamish; Stswecem'c Xgat'tem; Summerland; Surrey; T'Sou-Ke First Nation/Sooke IR; Terrace; Thornhill; Toosey 1; Trail; Tsawwassen; Tsawwassen IR; Union Bay; Vancouver; Vernon; Victoria; View Royal; Warfield; West Vancouver; Westbank; Whistler; White Rock; Williams Lake; Wilson Creek;
C. Make a simple 60-second pitch video shot on your smartphone that tells us about you and your teammate! Do not spend money or resources on the production value of this video. Instead, focus on the content of your pitch. The elevator pitch is one of the most important ways a creator sells their ideas. Tell us why you are the best person or team. Enter the public YouTube link to your 60-second pitch video. Get inspiration on how to make a compelling pitch video here: https://www.storyhive.com/how-to/a-strong-storyhive-application#pitch_video_0]. Please note: You must own the rights to the images, footage, and music used in your pitch video.
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 Program (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 working within the traditional Canadian broadcast system or a media professional widely known to the public, and must not have received a broadcast license from a Canadian broadcaster in the last five years. Please note that funding for STORYHIVE programs is reserved for applicants with zero to limited experience. Applicants with extensive professional experience in the film industry or distribution deals outside TELUS STORYHIVE are ineligible;
I. Be prepared to:
Submit their Project for review on the following date:
Approval Cut for Episode 1 - Jan 17, 2024
Complete technical delivery of the Project and receive TELUS’ acceptance and approval of the Project, in its discretion on or before:
Episode 1 & 2 Final Delivery - Feb 21, 2024;
Episode 3 & 4 Final Delivery - Mar 20, 2024;
Episode 5 & 6 Final Delivery - Apr 17, 2024;
Episode 7 & 8 Final Delivery - May 8, 2024; and*
Episode 9 & 10 Final Delivery - May 29, 2024*
* Only required if Project Lead has not delivered 150 minutes in their previous 6 episodes.
J. Accept sole responsibility for all budget overages for the Project.
EACH PROJECT MUST:
Fall into the category of nonfiction series;
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Each Project will consist of a minimum of 150 minutes of nonfiction, episodic locally reflective video content, and can be a minimum 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes. All projects must have synchronized audio and video elements.
Examples of eligible projects, but are not limited to:
A documentary web series
An interview-style series
A series of "how to" videos
A series of lifestyle or fitness videos
A visual-podcast
K. 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 Program (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;
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;
L. Present fair and balanced views, with all stakeholders on an issue fairly represented;
M. In the spirit of inclusivity, endeavour to work with crews that also create opportunities for women and non-binary creators in key creative roles wherever possible. It is not a requirement of the program to work with a crew or to have a crew in place at the time of application. Key creative roles include: Producer, Director, Writer, Director of Photography, Editor, Sound Designer, Composer, Production Designer;
N. 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);
O. 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;
P. Be a combined minimum running time of 150 minutes in length including any and all credits in a minimum of 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes;
Q. 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;
R. Not have been already shot and seeking completion funding. STORYHIVE will allow a maximum of 15% of a Project to have previously been shot;
S. Not have been previously licensed to a broadcaster or appeared on a major network;
T. 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
U. Be in English or be able to be subtitled or versioned into English.
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 Program:
Fictional projects including mockumentaries
Music Videos
Animation
Video Game and other applications
Websites
Non-Canadian content
Slow television, or any programming genre without sound, action, or people (bird cams, yule logs, traffic cameras, silent films, etc.)
Audio-only content
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.
TRAINING & SUPPORT
We want to set up each Project Lead for success. Over the course of at least (5) five virtual sessions in late September and October, we’ll guide you through what you need to know about kickstarting your project. Topics covered will include:
Working with STORYHIVE
Planning your production
What consent and releases you’ll need
Storytelling and conducting interviews
The basics of lighting, filming, sound recording and editing
Delivery for broadcast on TELUS Optik TV
These sessions are:
Aug 15, 2023 Creator Workshop #1 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 17, 2023 Creator Workshop #2 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 22, 2023 Creator Workshop #3 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 24, 2023 Creator Workshop #4 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 29, 2023 Creator Workshop #5 (For all Project Leads)
Additionally, all Project Leads will have ongoing support from their STORYHIVE Program Manager throughout the program duration.
KEY DATES
Apr 4 - May 11, 2023: STORYHIVE 2023 Voices open for Submissions (Intake deadline has been extended to close at 11:59 pm PT on May 11th)
Week of July 12, 2023: Grant Recipients Announced
Aug 15, 2023: Creator Workshop #1 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 17, 2023: Creator Workshop #2 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 22, 2023: Creator Workshop #3 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 24, 2023: Creator Workshop #4 (For all Project Leads)
Aug 29, 2023: Creator Workshop #5 (For all Project Leads)
Sept 1, 2023: Production Starts
Jan 17, 2024: Approval Cut Episode 1 Delivery
Feb 21, 2024: Episodes 1 - 2 Final Delivery
Mar 20, 2024: Episodes 3 - 4 Final Delivery
Apr 17, 2024: Episodes 5 - 6 Final Delivery
May 8, 2024: Episodes 7 - 8 Final Delivery
May 29, 2024: Episodes 9 - 10 Final Delivery
Summer 2024: Official program Launch on TELUS Optik TV and STORYHIVE YouTube channel
*Production cannot begin prior to Info Session #1.
BROADCAST REQUIREMENTS
Representation matters. We encourage all content creators to ensure that they are engaging a diverse cross-section of people, places, events, and happenings in their region, including communities that traditionally face barriers to representation on screen. We prioritize diversity and inclusion, and your application should reflect that you are committed to covering a plurality of voices. You are expected to strive for fair and balanced coverage which always obtains appropriate and legal consent to livestream and film.
Present fair and balanced views, with all stakeholders on an issue fairly represented;
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);
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;
DEADLINE
Applications must be received before midnight PT on May 11, 2023.
FAQ
What is the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
Your Passion, Your Community: STORYHIVE Voices 3.0 is offering up to 100 grants of $10,000 each to kickstart your content creation journey. Beginner creators are encouraged to apply. Whether you like to shoot on your phone or use a pro camera, this is your chance to make some content that matters to you and retain the intellectual property rights to your produced work.
For the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program (the “STORYHIVE Program”), each Project will consist of a minimum of 150 minutes of episodic locally reflective video content and can be a minimum 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes. In addition to the funding, successful creators will receive training through customized virtual info sessions, access to a community of creators and distribution of their Projects on select TELUS Platforms.
No previous experience in film production or other creative endeavours is required for you to submit an application for funding.
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
When do applications open for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
Applications open at noon (12:00 pm) PT April 4, 2023. The deadline to submit is 11:59 pm PT May 11, 2023.
When do applications close for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
11:59 pm PT May 11, 2023 is the deadline to apply for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program.
Please note: The application portal closes promptly at 11:59 pm PT May 11, 2023. We are unable to accept applications submitted after this deadline.
How many projects will be selected for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
One hundred (100) selected projects will each be eligible to receive a $10,000 production grant (available to BC and Alberta residents only) to produce a minimum of 150 minutes of episodic locally reflective video content. This can be delivered as a minimum 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes.
What will each selected project receive for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
Each successful project will receive one of 100 available $10,000 production grants (available to BC and Alberta residents only) from TELUS to produce a series of locally reflective episodic content (a minimum of 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes). The 100 successful projects will also receive distribution to 1M+ subscribers on select TELUS platforms.
How will successful projects be selected for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
A Selection Committee will review all eligible projects and select which projects receive funding. When making their selections, the Selection Committee will consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the submitted application, the impact of the grant on the creator and the importance of the story to the creator’s community of residence.
What do I need to submit for my STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
To submit an application, you must register as a creator on STORYHIVE.com.
From there, applicants create an online submission that includes:
Project Page Information:
If your project is selected for funding, some of the information and submission materials in this section may be published on the STORYHIVE website or other STORYHIVE platforms.
Project Title (text field)
Logline (text field, maximum 120 characters)
Synopsis (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Projected Runtime (enter combined runtime for your entire series which must be a minimum of 150 minutes)
Inclusion Statement (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Pitch Video (share a public YouTube link to a max 60 second pitch video)
Additional Project Details:
The following submission materials will be reviewed by the Selection Committee and STORYHIVE team. They will not be available to the public.
Phone Number
Address
Optional (Social Media)
Facebook, LinkedIn, IMDb, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok
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 your story? (text field, maximum 1000 characters)
Draft treatment (PDF upload; maximum 5MB)
Locations (select yes or no with text fields)
Potential Locations (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Project Lead Experience (dropdown)
Production Experience (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Accessibility Accommodations (text field, maximum 500 characters)
Key Role Requirement (check box)
Eligibility Requirement (check box)
Project Plans (text input, 800 characters)
Budget (template with text fields)
TELUS STORYHIVE Submission Release Agreement (check boxes)
Please confirm that all your submission materials are correct and agree to the STORYHIVE Submission Release Agreement.
For full details, see the 2023 STORYHIVE Voices Submission Guidelines and Rules.
For advice on how to complete each section of the application, please refer to our “How do I create a strong STORYHIVE application?” guide.
What is the expected time commitment for the Voices program?
The 2023 Voices program begins in August 2023 with your first Creator Session and ends in May 2024 with the final delivery deadline for your completed Project. Project Leads must be prepared to allocate an appropriate amount of time to the planning, production and delivery of your Project and to meet all deadlines. Project Leads can expect to:
Review the Slack creator workspace on a weekly basis and be aware of all communications from their assigned STORYHIVE Program Manager
Study the Content Creator Kit
Engage in self-directed learning
Book regular 1-on-1 meetings with your Program Manager
The amount of time required for this program can vary week to week. Depending on your experience and team, you can expect to dedicate an average of 10-15 hours a week to this work. Please reflect on your capacity and your other roles and responsibilities in your personal and/or professional life. You are highly encouraged to assemble reliable team members and you can outsource parts of your production to other skilled experts e.g. hiring an editor or graphic designer to support you along your journey.
What kinds of stories are eligible for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
Examples of eligible content include:
A documentary web series
A series of "how to" videos
A series of fitness videos
An interview style show
A review show
A visual podcast
STORYHIVE will consider any complete applications that meet all the eligibility requirements for funding. All standard rules regarding acceptable content and exclusions apply.
Most successful applicants spend time reading the fine print in the Submission Guidelines and Rules before submitting their pitch. We also recommend you check out How do I create a strong STORYHIVE application?
What is an eligible visual podcast?
All visual podcasts must include fully synchronized video and audio to be considered eligible. Each funded STORYHIVE 2023 Voices Project will be distributed as Video on Demand on TELUS Optik TV® and must include a video component. The use of b-roll/cutaway footage is a recommended component of the video and helps your content avoid being classed as “low motion”. A requirement for all projects including visual podcasts, is that the speakers appear on screen. Looped visuals or slideshows are not permitted.
Examples of eligible video podcasts include:
Interview-style video podcasts
Non-fictional storytelling video podcasts
Panel-style discussion video podcasts
How do I fill in the budget?
A budget template is provided on the STORYHIVE website. Please enter an estimated cost for each line item that is applicable to your project (remaining fields may be left blank).
Your total budget should add up to the total grant amount. For example, if the production grant for the Program is $10,000, your budget total should also be $10,000.
Your Total Above the Line "A" cost (including: story rights/acquisitions, writer, development costs, producer and director) should not be more than 20% of your total budget (e.g. if the grant amount is $10,000, your above the line total would need to be a maximum of $2,000)
A budget for unforeseen production costs (“contingency”) should be included. A contingency amount equal to 5-10% of your budget is recommended. Note: Your contingency amount cannot be more than 10% of your total budget.
At least 80% of the budget must be spent in the Project Lead’s community of residence. The maximum amount for travel expenses cannot be more than 10% of your total budget.
What types of projects are NOT eligible for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
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 program:
Fictional projects including mockumentaries
Music Videos
Animation
Video Game and other applications
Websites
Non-Canadian content
Audio-only podcasts or projects
Projects not including audio
What does it mean to be “locally reflective”?
For a project to be considered locally reflective, it must focus on people, topics or events that are relevant and connected to the Project Lead's community of residence. (Note: The Project Lead’s community of residence must be one of the communities eligible for STORYHIVE funding. Please refer to the list of communities that are eligible for STORYHIVE grants before applying.)
My topic is or may be viewed as being political in nature. How do I make it “balanced”?
At STORYHIVE, we want our creators to always strive for accuracy in their programs; they should provide all the relevant facts and ensure that those facts have been checked. At STORYHIVE we seek to support stories which are balanced and add context. Most stories have at least two sides! A STORYHIVE project must endeavour to cover each perspective of any issue and represent all sides fairly. If you have concerns or questions about your topic, please contact us at storyhive@telus.com.
Who is eligible for the STORYHIVE 2023 Voices program?
The Project Lead must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada residing in BC or Alberta.
The Project Lead’s community of residence must be one of STORYHIVE’s eligible communities and the Project Lead must be able to supply current proof of residency for the address listed on their submission. Other team members beside the Project Lead are not required to be a resident of an eligible community. Note: If you are a resident of an Indigenous community close to one of the listed eligible communities, please reach out to us at storyhive@telus.com to verify your eligibility.
The Project Lead must be the age of majority, or older, in their province of residence (British Columbia or Alberta) as of the STORYHIVE program intake deadline date, May 11, 2023.
Previous experience is not required to be eligible. The Project Lead can be a first time producer/filmmaker.
For more details, please see the eligibility section in the 2023 Voices Program Submission Guidelines and Rules.
What are my responsibilities as the Project Lead?
As the Project Lead, you are the Producer of the program and are responsible for all aspects of the Project with support from your STORYHIVE Project Manager. You will be responsible for:
Signing the grant agreement
Attending all Virtual Info Sessions
Receiving all payments (you may hire a production accountant to help manage your budget).
All agreements with your cast and crew.
Having a self-identified female and/or non-binary individual in at least one of the following key creative roles: Producer, Director, Writer, Director of Photography, Editor, Sound Designer, Composer, Production Designer.
Ensuring that no less than 80% of the filming and production of the program will take place in your community of residence.
Securing appearance and location releases as well as all copyright clearances for music, images and footage used in the film.
Submitting all of your deliverables:
Approval Cut for Episode 1
Final Delivery of all Episodes (a minimum combined running time of 150 minutes in a minimum of 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes)
Communicating with your STORYHIVE Program Manager.
Ensuring you and your team adhere to STORYHIVE’s Code of Conduct.
Please note that the Project Lead, as the copyright owner of the Project and the person signing the grant agreement, is the Producer of the Project but may also take on additional key creative roles if they wish.
What rights do I need for any materials used in my Project?
If provided a grant, Project Leads must be able to provide a complete, clean and unencumbered chain of title (proof of rights ownership) for the Project and must enter into a Grant Agreement with TELUS STORYHIVE.
The applicant must have and retain all necessary release forms and the rights to all the music (including synchronization and master use rights) and all other material including logos and signage, interviews, performances, etc. in your project.
Do I need to work in a team? How would a Project Lead collaborate in a team?
While you aren’t required to assemble a team, making content is a team sport, and there are many benefits to collaborating with others. Given the duration of the program, you may not be able to develop technical skills in every aspect of production and may benefit from working with others who may already have experience in a particular area.
As an applicant you will be the Project Lead and responsible for the project. You may want to work with a camera person, editor, project coordinator, post production person to help deliver your project. Project Leads do not need to have any team members attached to their project at the submission stage.
As the Project Lead, you are the one who applies for the grant and owns the content. The Project Lead will be responsible for the production aspects of the project and leads all communications with STORYHIVE through storyhive.com and the Slack Creator workspace.
Project Leads will retain all the rights, including copyright and releases to the completed project.
Please note that once an application is submitted, the Project Lead cannot change. The grant is funded to the Project Lead and is non-transferable. 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.
Team members who are not the Project Lead are not required to reside in one of the eligible communities.
When will I know if my application is successful?
Successful projects for the 2023 Voices program will be announced the week of July 12, 2023.
What happens if my application is successful?
Each successful 2023 Voices program project is eligible to receive one of 100 available $10,000 production grants from TELUS to produce their project and the producing teams will receive training. The 100 successful projects will also receive distribution on select TELUS platforms.
Grants are only available to residents of eligible BC and Alberta communities. Before the funding is provided, the Project Lead must submit current proof of residency for the address listed on their submission.
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.
The successful Project Lead is invited to attend Virtual Info Sessions on August 15, 17, 22, 24 and 29, 2023. These Sessions are a vital part of the STORYHIVE process for all teams. If you are a first-time Voices Project Lead, attendance is mandatory. If you are a returning Voices Project Lead, attendance is optional but highly encouraged.
How long does my 2023 Voices program project have to be?
The completed project must have a combined minimum running time of 150 minutes in length including any and all credits, in a minimum of 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes.
Sample season with 6 episodes for a combined runtime of 150 minutes:
Episode 1 | 25 minutes
Episode 2 | 25 minutes
Episode 3 | 25 minutes
Episode 4 | 25 minutes
Episode 5 | 25 minutes
Episode 6 | 25 minutes
Sample season with 10 episodes for a combined runtime of 150 minutes:
Episode 1 | 15 minutes
Episode 2 | 15 minutes
Episode 3 | 15 minutes
Episode 4 | 15 minutes
Episode 5 | 15 minutes
Episode 6 | 15 minutes
Episode 7 | 15 minutes
Episode 8 | 15 minutes
Episode 9 | 15 minutes
Episode 10 | 15 minutes
When does the 2023 Voices program project have to be completed?
Project Leads must deliver their Approval Cut for Episode 1 on or before 5:00 pm PT, Jan 17, 2023 and the Final Deliveries for all Episodes on the following dates:
Feb 21, 2024 Episodes 1 - 2 Final Delivery
Mar 20, 2024 Episodes 3 - 4 Final Delivery
Apr 17, 2024 Episodes 5 - 6 Final Delivery
May 8, 2024 Episodes 7 - 8 Final Delivery
May 29, 2024 Episodes 9 - 10 Final Delivery
Am I able to screen my project at festivals or online before my final delivery to TELUS or before my project’s official launch date on TELUS platforms?
Projects Leads retain the copyright to their projects and are encouraged to submit to festivals and participate in community screenings. The STORYHIVE Final Delivery of all episodes must be reviewed and approved by your STORYHIVE Project Manager prior to any screenings, festival submissions or distribution.
Festival entries are entirely optional. It’s up to you as the Project Lead to determine your festival strategy. As no additional funding is available for festival entries, this should be built into your project budget if you plan to apply for festivals.
If you wish to launch your project on your own channels or pursue alternate distribution options prior to the official launch date, please contact your STORYHIVE Project Manager.
Please note that distribution agreements must not conflict with your obligations to STORYHIVE outlined in your Grant Agreement (see section 7 of your STORYHIVE Grant Agreement).
When will my STORYHIVE 2023 Voices project be on TELUS Optik TV® and online?
Your project must be delivered to STORYHIVE by the deadline indicated in your Grant Agreement. Projects will then be encoded and uploaded to TELUS Optik TV®, typically within a few weeks of delivery. Projects funded by STORYHIVE must be delivered and available on TELUS Optik TV within the same broadcast year they are funded.
STORYHIVE 2023 Voices will officially launch on TELUS Optik TV® and the STORYHIVE YouTube channel in Summer 2024. Should you wish, this will give you the opportunity to pursue a festival run and other avenues for distribution.
What accessibility accommodations does STORYHIVE offer for content creators?
STORYHIVE is committed to providing opportunities that are accessible to all content creators. We believe offering accessible programs and ensuring that our accommodations meet the needs of our participants is essential to empowering our communities. Accommodations we offer include (and are not limited to) Live Captioning/Transcription and ASL Interpretation for online events and Creator Sessions. We are on a continued journey as we seek to provide the best and most accessible creator experience possible. If you have any questions or feedback regarding accessibility accommodations within STORYHIVE programs or initiatives, please get in touch at storyhive@telus.com.
Additional Resources:
If you have any further questions please contact storyhive@telus.com
Created: March 27, 2023