Most people know of STORYHIVE as the ingenious grant program by TELUS that supports content creators across BC and Alberta. But it’s so much more. STORYHIVE is an ever-growing creative community with lots to offer to emerging content creators and their Summer Crew program is no different.
After the immense success of its pilot program last year, TELUS STORYHIVE is bringing back its program focused on livestreaming for 2023. Say hello to Summer Crew 2.0!
The intensive, 14-week program is designed to provide new and emerging content creators with opportunities to gain production & livestreaming experience as community hosts. Fourteen crews, composed of teams of two, from different regions across BC and Alberta will receive microgrants, equipment and training to develop their interview skills. And also, gain real-world experience with livestreaming technology and the ability to create and produce video content.
Talking about her experience as part of the pilot program, Raquelle Roodenburg quips, “Livestreaming forces you to let go of perfectionism. Shows will start late, cameras will overheat, guests will be nervous, logos will be missed. Being quick on your feet, calm and having incredible communication with your live-streaming partner is paramount to creating good content.”
Photo Credit: Vanessa Mayberry Photography
But there’s more to the program than just production skills and experience. With its excellent leadership, Summer Crew gives participants exposure to what it’s like working as part of a production team.
As Roodenburg’s partner, Kristina Lao put it, “We were new to livestream technology, so we learned just how important it was to have a team to guide us throughout the process. We can’t thank them enough for their patience and support!”
Photo Credit: Jessica Zais
Another creator from last year’s Summer Crew, Robb ODay, mirrored Kristina’s sentiments. The creator added, “Teamwork makes the dream work. The whole program from the start was backed by an incredible team who were willing to do what it took to overcome any problems that arose. The teams helped one another with troubles they experienced in the field and the overall feel was like a family.”
Another amazing aspect of the program is that it is centred in local communities. Using the resources provided by STORYHIVE, program participants will create interviews and mini-stories spotlighting local communities and businesses. So, it’s a great way for content creators and viewers to know and appreciate their communities.
“WE LOVE COMMUNITY!,” says Lao excitedly. “We knew that we loved learning about Health, Wealth and Life Design, but we couldn’t have imagined just how many amazing relationships we would make, and how much we’d learn about our own neighbourhoods.”
Photo Credit: Jessica Zais
The great news is that registrations for the program are now open! So, grab your friend/ co-creator and send in your application. Don’t have creative minds around you? Not to worry, if you apply alone, STORYHIVE will partner you up with someone.
And if you have any doubts about the program or your application, they are hosting an “Ask Us Anything” webinar, as well. The webinar will be streamed live on Facebook, YouTube and TELUS Optik TV on February 22, 2023, from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PT. Register here.
You can apply through the STORYHIVE website below until March 24! No experience is required to apply. Applicants from across B.C. and Alberta are welcome to apply, and the crews will be sharing stories of communities in Vancouver, Terrance, Revelstoke, Penticton, Williams Lake, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria, Prince George and more.
STORYHIVE SUMMER CREW
