Most people know of STORYHIVE as the ingenious grant program by TELUS that supports content creators across Alberta and BC. 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 Alberta and BC 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.
When asked about his learning from Summer Crew, Keil Hunka, a content creator from last year’s program, says, “I’m not the most technologically savvy, but once we were little ways into the summer I felt a lot more confident troubleshooting technical issues, as well as how to limit unexpected surprises by being methodical with the gear and settings.”
Photo Credit: Keil Hunka
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. It gives you the confidence to break free from your inhibitions and break out of your shell.
As Gabby Moukhaiber, another creator from last year’s program, puts it, “For me personally, I overcame this odd voice in my head that told me ‘I should never be on camera.’ With the help of Summer Crew, I was able to find the confidence to step into a whole new role and embrace my skills, flaws, and newfound experience speaking and interviewing folks live!”
Photo Credit: Rekha Kapadia
Another amazing aspect of the program is that it is centred on local communities. Using the resources provided by STORYHIVE, program participants will create interviews and mini-stories spotlighting their local communities and businesses. So, it’s a great way for content creators and viewers to know and appreciate the people around them.
According to Moukhaiber, “The Number 1 (learning) for me would have to be how amazing the communities we are from (or visited) were. It was incredibly heartwarming and inspirational to talk to all these amazing folks who took the opportunity to showcase their business, organization or skills.”
Photo Credit: Rekha Kapadia
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 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM MT. 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 Calgary, Red Deer, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Lloydminster & Fort Mac, and more.
STORYHIVE SUMMER CREW 2.0
