TELUS STORYHIVE
Calling all Alberta and BC storytellers!
TELUS STORYHIVE’s Video Podcast program is back for its second season, and they want you to apply. And no, you don’t have to have video production experience — just an original idea for a local story, and the desire to get your work out there.
Recently marking its 10th Anniversary in 2023, TELUS STORYHIVE offers innovative programs that champion diverse emerging content creators across BC and Alberta, providing a valuable platform that supports these voices as they share local stories about their communities on the big screen.
For the Video Podcast program, new and emerging video podcasters in BC and Alberta can get $12,000 in production funding, training, and a community of support to create an eight-episode video podcast series. When it’s all said and done, the series will be distributed to over 1 million new viewers on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+, and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.
We caught up with one STORYHIVE alumni to see how the program championed their creativity.
Podcaster Cheryl Sikora proves that some of the best talent comes from smaller regions. Host of Read it and Eat it in the Library, Cheryl’s Lloydminster-based series features a unique guest each episode who chooses a book to discuss. Cheryl then cooks a dish inspired by something in the book, and the two talk about public library memories and food experiences.
“I love books, food, and libraries and I’ll take any opportunity to talk about them,” says Cheryl. “I’m very excited to have a chance to combine those three things in a unique, fun way.”
When Cheryl applied for the first STORYHIVE Video Podcast program, she didn’t think she’d be selected. She just saw it as an opportunity to “explore an idea” that had been at the back of her mind for a long time. But, as fate would have it, Cheryl was selected to receive the funding and resources to bring her idea to life.
Read it and Eat it in the Library is still being filmed, but Cheryl has already learned so much about the ins and outs of video podcasting, from coordinating guests to embarking on the editing process, and figuring out what makes a great host.
“A video podcast offers a greater opportunity for connection and drawing the audience in,” Cheryl tells us. “It should leave the audience wondering about something. In my specific case, it may be a thought they want to explore, or a quote they want to ponder, a book they now want to read, a recipe they want to try, or just wanting to watch the next episode.”
Once filming is complete, Cheryl intends to turn one of the meeting rooms at Lloydminster Public Library (where she works) into a podcasting suite to open up opportunities for other new podcasters in the community.
Since 2013, TELUS STORYHIVE has invested more than $66.9 million in over 1,405 screen projects and over 4,370 hours of content, telling uniquely Canadian stories from more than 270 communities across BC and Alberta. They’ve also supported new and emerging content creators with over 162,000 hours of training and mentorship. This is all part of TELUS’s overall commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.
“We are excited to launch the second TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast program,” says Kent Donguines, STORYHIVE Northern Alberta Territory Manager. “Video podcasts are a dynamic medium, empowering local storytellers to share their voices and spark meaningful, community-driven conversations.”
“At STORYHIVE, we’re committed to expanding our program offerings to support all kinds of content creators to tell the stories of their communities,” adds Donguines. “We’re eager to see the creative projects that will emerge from this program, especially from new and emerging video podcasters. We encourage passionate storytellers from Edmonton and beyond in BC and Alberta to apply and bring their unique stories to life.”
Could you be one of the next TELUS STORYHIVE video podcasters? You’ll never know unless you try. The application process is straightforward, and Cheryl describes the TELUS STORYHIVE team as “knowledgeable, kind, and flexible, which is just what a new content creator needs.”
Want to learn more? Tune in on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel from 11 AM to 12 PM PT on November 19, where Team STORYHIVE will answer questions through an online Ask Us Anything webinar. Register for that here.
Your mic, your platform. Turn your passion into a video podcast — no experience required.
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