STORYHIVE Frequently Asked Questions
Applying to Storyhive
What should I put in my pitch video?
To make a pitch video that hits all the marks, ensure that you do the following:
include audio and video (we want to see and hear you)
have the Project Lead on camera, as well as your host (if different people)
clearly state your name as the Project Lead, the title of your project, what city and province you are from and a brief description of your project that tells us…
What’s it about?
Why is it important for you to make this project?
How is it relevant to your community? Do people care about this subject?
How are you going to tell your story?
Why are you the best person to tell this story?
A standout pitch video does not need to be perfect from a technical point of view, but should showcase your passion and plan for how you’d like to tell your story.
As an added tip, avoid reading from a script - just speak about your project authentically. Remember - it doesn't have to be perfect!
Are there any popular topics that STORYHIVE sees over and over again in applications? How do I make mine stand out?
Focus on your own, unique perspective and how you will approach your topic of interest in a new way. Some popular topics include artist features, spotlights on local businesses, entrepreneurs and mental health. These are broad topics, but we are asking you to bring your own angle to the project.
Thinking about producing a cooking series? You might want to consider exploring lesser-spotlighted cuisines or cooking techniques. Or you might want to hone in on a particular audience with the cooking show, for example, how to make healthy and quick meals for toddlers? Or meal-prepping on a budget, or recipes you can make with your airfryer.
So there’s nothing wrong with exploring a popular topic or genre, just remember to consider y
There are so many topics - how do I pick the right one?
Start with something you’re passionate about and genuinely curious to explore. Then consider how it might connect with people and places around you:
Would others nearby be interested in this topic too? Could I involve people who live or work nearby? Are there places around me that would help bring the topic to life? Do I have a specific point of view I want to convey or special access to a person or place?
A genuine interest makes your content more engaging—and it can be a great starting point for finding a topic others care about, too.
How will successful projects be selected for the STORYHIVE Video Podcasts 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.
All applications are reviewed through a number of committees including the STORYHIVE Leadership team and program managers, individuals from the local community, and a team of moderators made up of experts from the Media industry.
Once that process is complete, a Selection Committee will select the grant recipients from a shortlist.
Eligibility
Am I eligible for funding?
If you live in any of the eligible serving regions in Alberta and BC, are the age of majority in your province, are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and do not have professional experience in the TV, Film or Radio industries, you can apply!
Our programs are designed for new and emerging user-generated content creators, aspiring documentary filmmakers and podcasters. If this sounds like you, read our program-specific submission guidelines to learn more about submitting your pitch application.
Who is not eligible for STORYHIVE funding?
STORYHIVE funding is intended for new and emerging creators who do not already have access to the traditional broadcasting system.
You may not be eligible if you:
Have received a broadcast license from a Canadian broadcaster (TV or radio) within the past 5 years
Are widely recognized as a media professional
Have significant professional experience in film, television, or radio production
Are currently working within the traditional Canadian broadcast system
Experienced professionals may still participate in STORYHIVE projects in supporting roles but may not apply as the Project Lead.
What kind of creators exist within STORYHIVE programs?
At STORYHIVE, we fund creators at different stages of their content creation journey. Some have completed our programs before.
New Creators
A content creator who is new to TELUS STORYHIVE and has not been previously funded in any of our programs. They may have zero experience or some general creative experience.
Example: A creator applying to any program for the very first time regardless of past outside creative experience.
Returning Creators
A content creator who has previously been funded through TELUS STORYHIVE and is applying again.
This can include:
A renewal: Same program, same concept: This is a continuation of a returning project into a second, third or subsequent season (no more than 5 seasons)
Creators applying with a new concept, or in a different program: A previously funded STORYHIVE creator applying with a new idea or in a different program.
*Returning creators are not guaranteed funding and must reapply and be selected through the same competitive selection process each time.
What experience does a STORYHIVE creator need to have to receive funding?
At STORYHIVE, our funds are reserved for access programming projects, made by non-professional creators including:
Zero Experience Creators - A content creator with no prior hands-on experience creating the type of content they are applying to produce.
Example: A creator who has never produced a video podcast, documentary or digital series before.
Emerging Creators - A content creator who is early in their development and is building their:
Skills
Voice
Confidence
Audience
This may include:
Creators new to TELUS STORYHIVE
A limited number of returning STORYHIVE creators continuing to develop the same project over multiple seasons
A limited number of returning STORYHIVE creators applying with a new idea or in a different program
We do not fund Experienced/Professional Creators
This includes individuals who:
Have received a broadcast license from a Canadian broadcaster (TV or radio) within the past 5 years
Are widely recognized media professionals
Have significant professional credits in film, television or radio production
Are currently working within the traditional Canadian broadcast system
Experienced creators may participate in STORYHIVE projects in supporting roles but may not apply as Project Leads.
How does STORYHIVE balance new and returning creators?
We prioritize funding new creators each year to ensure broad access to our programs.
At the same time, we may support a smaller number of returning creators who are either continuing to develop their projects over multiple seasons or are applying with a new project in either the same or a different STORYHIVE program.
All applications — new and returning — are reviewed through the same competitive process.
Are returning creators at an advantage?
No. All applications are evaluated based on the strength of the concept and its potential impact.
Returning creators are not guaranteed funding and must reapply each year. In many cases, returning applicants are assessed with additional considerations, such as how their project has evolved and how they’ve engaged audiences.
What communities are eligible for STORYHIVE funding?
TELUS STORYHIVE can only provide funding in certain eligible communities in Alberta and BC. These communities are often grouped together with their nearest and largest urban centre into what is referred to as a “serving region.” The funding available in each serving region is regulated by the CRTC and is based on a minimum number of TELUS Optik TV subscribers in that region. At TELUS STORYHIVE, we are stewards of this funding which supports the production of content made by and for members of the community.
To check if your community is eligible, or which serving region it falls under, please see https://www.storyhive.com/en/about/serving-regions
What types of projects are NOT eligible for the STORYHIVE Programs?
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 Programs:
Animation (can include animated elements, just no fully animated projects)
Fictional projects including mockumentaries
Video-only content
Music Videos
Docuseries
News and Reporting
Video Games and other applications
Websites
Slow television, or any programming genre without sound, action, or people (bird cams, yule logs, traffic cameras, silent films, etc.)
Audio-only content
Non-Canadian content/Projects outside of British Columbia and Alberta
Promotional and advertorial content
Religious-themed content
Political content
Kids Content
I want to make a show for kids, is there anything I should know?
Whether you are developing a series for a younger audience or collaborating with minors during production, ensuring the safety of children and youth is our highest priority.
STORYHIVE has a specific approval process in place for creators wishing to produce kids' content. For projects aimed at children, it is mandatory that a team member or consultant possesses professional expertise in childhood education and development. Please ensure this information is included in your application.
If your production involves working directly with children, you will be required to undergo and provide a vulnerable sector background check.
When applying for a grant to create programming for kids, we will ask you to identify your specific target demographic (such as ages 4 and under, 5-7, 8-12 or 13-18).
Production
What are the main differences between producing for broadcast television vs creating a YouTube series?
While there are very few restrictions on content on YouTub, Broadcast television is highly regulated. For STORYHIVE, all content must be suitable for a general audience (G or PG rated), meet certain technical requirements, have fair and balanced views and does not contain any copyright material. If funded, each project lead will have access to these guidelines to ensure your project meets these requirements and is ready to premiere on Optik TV Video on Demand.
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, a sound person, editor, project coordinator, or 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. STORYHIVE will only work with Project Leads. Any professionals you hire or contract to work on your production are your responsibility. We recommend you vet your team members thoroughly, have written agreements with them, and seek legal advice if required.
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. Only individuals may sign the Grant Agreement and enter into a contract with STORYHIVE (non-profits, businesses and charities may not sign grant agreements) Team members who are not the Project Lead are not required to reside in one of the eligible communities.
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.
Can I use AI in the production of my Project?
We are currently gathering information from creators on their use of AI in both their application and in the planning, production and post production of projects. The use of AI will not disqualify any applicant from receiving funding but rather this information will be used to better support our creators through their STORYHIVE journey.
General
What is IP ownership?
Intellectual property, or IP, refers to the ownership of creative works and original ideas. This includes a wide range of creations, including music, visual art, video content and design. At TELUS STORYHIVE, we believe in empowering our creators, which is why the Project Lead always retains full IP ownership.
You own your content, and your agreement with TELUS is specifically for distribution rights.
What is the expected time commitment for STORYHIVE PROGRAMS?
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 are required to:
Review the Slack creator workspace on a weekly basis and be aware of all communications from their assigned STORYHIVE Program Manager
Review the Content Creator Kit in detail
Engage in self-directed learning
Book and attend regular 1-on-1 meetings with your Program Manager
Maintain good communications with your Program Manager throughout the program
Meet all deadlines
Deliver content on-time, based on the deadlines required for this program
Conduct themselves with professionalism when working with Program Managers or anyone in the community
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.
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 endeavor 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.
Is there a limit to how many times a project can be funded?
Some projects may be supported across multiple seasons to allow creators to continue developing their work and growing their audience. The maximum number of times a single project can be renewed for future seasons is 5.
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 Content Creator Sessions
Receiving and managing all grant payments (you may hire a production accountant to help manage your budget). Grants can only be distributed to individuals and not to organizations or businesses.
All agreements with your cast and crew.
Endeavouring to have a self-identified female and/or non-binary individual in at least one of the following key creative roles, if appropriate: 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. An overview on these topics will be covered in the creator workshops.
Submitting all of your deliverables on or before the delivery deadline:
Approval Cut for Episode 1
Final Delivery of all 8 Episodes (minimum 30 mins each)
Communicating with your STORYHIVE Program Manager.
Ensuring you and your team adhere to STORYHIVE’s Code of Conduct and Digital 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 happens if I don’t complete my project?
If you fail to complete your project, you will be required to return the entire grant amount to TELUS STORYHIVE.
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?
Project 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.
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
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Created: OCTOBER 29, 2026