STORYHIVE Voices Submission Rules
STORYHIVE Voices Submission Guidelines and Rules
Your Passion, Your Community: STORYHIVE Voices is offering 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. 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 here, 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.
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, March 20, 2024 at midnight PT
B. Be a resident of one of the following communities in British Columbia or Alberta
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:
Calgary
Airdrie, Arrowwood, Blackie, Brooks, Calgary, Canmore, Carstairs, Chestermere, Chestermere Lake, Cochrane, Cold Lake IR 149A, Crossfield, De Winton, Dead Man's Flats, Didsbury, Fairview, Heritage Pointe, High River, Lakeview, Langdon, Milo, Okotoks, Rocky View County, Shepard, Southeast Calgary, Strathmore
Edmonton
Acheson, Alberta Beach, Ardrossan, Beaumont, Brazeau County, Camrose, Devon, Drayton Valley, Edmonton, Edmonton Garrison, Edson, Evansburg, Fort Saskatchewan, Hinton, Leduc, Leduc County, Marlboro, Morinville, Namao, Nisku, Onoway, Parkland County, Peers, Poplar Ridge, Saint Albert, Sangudo, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St Albert, Stony Plain, Stony Plain IR 135, Strathcona County, Sunset Point, Tomahawk, Val Quentin, Vegreville, Wabamum, Wabamun, Westlock, Wetaskiwin, Wetawiskin, Whitecourt, Wildwood
Fort McMurray
Fort McKay, Fort McMurray, Fort McMurray Indian Reserve No. 174d
Grande Prairie
Clairmont, Debolt, Donnelly, Eagle Sham, Falher, Faust, Girouxville, Grande Prairie, High Prairie, Joussard, Kinuso, Mclennan, Peace River, Slave Lake, Swan River 150E, Widewater
Lethbridge
Coalhurst, Lethbridge
Lloydminster
Medicine Hat
Dunmore, Medicine Hat, Redcliff
Red Deer
Blackfalds, Innisfail, Lacombe, Penhold, Ponoka, Red Deer, Red Deer County, Springbrook, Sylvan Lake
British Columbia:
Vancouver
Abbotsford, Agassiz, Aldergrove, Anmore, Annacis Island, Belcarra, Bowen Island, Brackendale, Britannia Beach, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley, Columbus OH 43, Coquitlam, Cultus Lake, Davis Bay, Delta, Fort Langley, Furry Creek, Garden Bay, Garibaldi Highlands, Gibson, Gibsons, Granthams Landing, Halfmoon Bay, Hatzic, Ladner, Lake Errock, Langley, Lindell Beach, Lions Bay, Madeira Park, Maple Ridge, Mission, Montana, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pender Harbour, Pitt Meadows, Popkum, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Powell River, Richmond, Roberts Creek, Rosedale, Sechelt, Secret Cove, Selma Park, Squamish, Surrey, Thornhill, Tsawwassen, Tsawwassen IR, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock, Wilson Creek
Nanaimo
Black Creek, Bowser, Brilliant, Campbell River, Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Comox, Courtenay, Cowichan Bay, Cumberland, Denman Island, Duncan, Heriot Bay, Hornby Island, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Lantzville, Merville, Mill Bay, Mount Washington, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Penelakut Island, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Quathiaski Cove, Quinsam IR 12, Shawnigan Lake, Union Bay
Victoria
Beecher Bay IR, Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich, Cole Bay IR, Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, New Songhees IR, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Saanichton, Sidney, Sooke, T'Sou-Ke First Nation / Sooke IR, Victoria, View Royal
Kamloops
Heffley Creek, Kamloops
Kelowna
Kelowna, Peachland, Westbank
Penticton
Creston, Faulder, Fruitvale, Gallagher Lake, Kaleden, Montrose, Naramata, Oasis, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, Penticton Indian Reserve 2, Plamondon, Rivervale, Rossland, Summerland, Trail, Warfield
Prince George
Beaverley, Lheidli T'Enneh, Prince George
Vernon
Armstrong, Canoe Creek IR, Coldstream, Deep Creek, Enderby, Lake Country, Okanagan Indian Reserve 1, Oyama, Priest's Valley 6, Priests Valley, Salmon Arm, Silver Creek, Spallumcheen, Vernon, Winfield
Revelstoke
Terrace
Kisumkalum Mountain, Kitselas, Kitselas-Kulspai, Terrace
Dawson Creek
Fort St John
Cranbrook
Williams Lake
100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, 150 Mile House, Alexis Creek, Alkali Lake IR, Dog Creek IR, Hanvecille, Mcleese Lake, Riske Creek, Soda Creek IR, Stswecem'c Xgat'tem, Toosey 1, Williams Lake
C. Make a simple 60-second pitch video shot on your smartphone that tells us about you and your teammates! 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.
Provide a public or unlisted YouTube or Vimeo 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: On-camera talent must appear on-camera in the pitch video. If they do not appear on camera in the pitch video, your application will be considered ineligible.
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/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, or are well-known in the film/TV industry are ineligible;
I. Be prepared to:
Submit their Project for review on the following date:
Approval Cut for Episode 1 - January 15, 2025
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 - February 19, 2025
Episode 3 & 4 Final Delivery - March 19, 2025
Episode 5 & 6 Final Delivery - April 16, 2025
Episode 7 & 8 Final Delivery - May 7, 2025*
Episode 9 & 10 Final Delivery - May 28, 2025*
* 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.
K. In the spirit of inclusivity, endeavor 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;
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
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 each episode 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.
L. Present fair and balanced views, with all stakeholders on an issue fairly represented;
M. 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);
N. 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;
O. Be a combined minimum running time of 150 minutes in length including any and all credits. Be a minimum of 6 episodes and a maximum of 10 episodes;
P. Be in a format that can be delivered for distribution on TELUS Optik TV and online platforms (i.e. meet technical requirements for delivery for both video on demand and online) Note: submitted videos must be in a High Definition format;
Q. Not have been already been produced and be seeking completion funding. STORYHIVE will allow a maximum of 15% of a Project to have previously been produced;
R. Not have been previously licensed to a broadcaster or appeared on a major network;
S. 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
T. 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
Video-only content
Video podcasts
Promotional or advertorial content
Religious-themed content
EXCLUSIONS
Funding is available to citizens of Canada and permanent residents. The following types of applicants are excluded from eligibility:
Non-profits groups, organizations and production companies are ineligible. Individuals who work for such groups may apply, but these individuals must commit to being the Project Lead for the duration of the project. These individuals hold the copyright to the project.
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.
International students and people with work permits.
TRAINING & SUPPORT
We want to set up each Project Lead for success. Over the course of at least (5) five virtual sessions in August, 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 will take place:
August 15, 2024 Creator Workshop #1 (For all Project Leads)
August 20, 2024 Creator Workshop #2 (For all Project Leads)
August 22, 2024 Creator Workshop #3 (For all Project Leads)
August 27, 2024 Creator Workshop #4 (For all Project Leads)
August 29, 2024 Creator Workshop #5 (For all Project Leads)
Additionally, all Project Leads will have ongoing support from their STORYHIVE Program Manager throughout the program duration.
HOW DO I FILL IN THE BUDGET?
There is a budget section on the STORYHIVE Voices application page. 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.
Note: You are only being asked to submit a draft of the budget. Line items and costs may be revised during production.
KEY DATES
Feb 6, 2024 - Mar 20, 2024: STORYHIVE Voices open for Submissions (Intake deadline closes at 11:59 pm PT on Mar 20)
Week of May 27, 2024: Grant Recipients Announced
August 15, 2024: Creator Workshop #1 (For all Project Leads)
August 20, 2024 TBD: Creator Workshop #2 (For all Project Leads)
August 22, 2024: Creator Workshop #3 (For all Project Leads)
August 27, 2024: Creator Workshop #4 (For all Project Leads)
August 29, 2024: Creator Workshop #5 (For all Project Leads)
September 1, 2024: Production Starts
January 15, 2025: Approval Cut Episode 1 Delivery
February 19, 2025: Episodes 1 - 2 Final Delivery
March 19, 2025: Episodes 3 - 4 Final Delivery
April 16, 2025: Episodes 5 - 6 Final Delivery
May 7, 2025: Episodes 7 - 8 Final Delivery *if required
May 28, 2025: Episodes 9 - 10 Final Delivery *if required
Fall 2025: Official program Launch on TELUS Optik TV and STORYHIVE YouTube channel
Production cannot begin prior to Content Creator 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 March 20, 2024
FAQ
What is the STORYHIVE Voices program?
Your Passion, Your Community: STORYHIVE Voices is offering 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 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 Voices program?
Applications open on February 6, 2024.
When do applications close for the STORYHIVE Voices program?
11:59 pm PT March 20, 2024 is the deadline to apply for the STORYHIVE Voices program.
Please note: The application portal closes promptly at 11:59 pm PT March 20, 2024. We are unable to accept applications submitted after this deadline.
What will each selected project receive for the STORYHIVE Voices program?
Each successful project will receive a $10,000 production grant (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 successful projects will also receive distribution to 1M+ subscribers on select TELUS platforms.
How will successful projects be selected for the STORYHIVE 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 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, 80 characters)
Logline (text field, maximum 220 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 or Vimeo 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 - Facebook, LinkedIn, IMDb, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok
Where did you hear about this program? (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 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 STORYHIVE Voices program begins in August 2024 with your first Creator Session, and ends in May 2025 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 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
STORYHIVE will consider any complete applications that meet all the eligibility requirements for funding. All standard rules regarding acceptable content and exclusions apply.
We also recommend you check out How do I create a strong STORYHIVE application?
What is an eligible Voices project?
All Voices projects must include fully synchronized video and audio to be considered eligible. Each funded STORYHIVE 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 Voices, is that the speakers appear on screen. Looped visuals or slideshows are not permitted.
What types of projects are NOT eligible for the STORYHIVE 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
Slow television, or any programming genre without sound, action, or people (bird cams, yule logs, traffic cameras, silent films, etc.)
Audio-only content
Video-only content
Video podcasts
Promotional or advertorial content
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 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.
Who is eligible for the STORYHIVE 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, March 20, 2024.
Previous experience is not required to be eligible. The Project Lead can be a first time producer/filmmaker.
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 all payments (you may hire a production accountant to help manage your budget).
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, in 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
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, a sound 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. 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.
When will I know if my application is successful?
Successful projects for the STORYHIVE Voices program will be announced the week of May 27, 2024.
What happens if my application is successful?
Each successful Voices program project is eligible to receive a $10,000 production grant from TELUS to produce their project and the producing teams will receive training. The 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.
The successful Project Lead must attend Content Creator Sessions in August 2024. These Sessions are a vital part of the STORYHIVE process for all teams and mandatory. 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 STORYHIVE Voices 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.
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 Voices program project have to be completed?
Project Leads must deliver their Approval Cut for Episode 1 on or before 5:00 pm PT, January 15, 2025 and the Final Deliveries for all Episodes on the following dates:
February 19, 2025 Episodes 1 - 2 Final Delivery
March 19, 2025 Episodes 3 - 4 Final Delivery
April 16, 2025 Episodes 5 - 6 Final Delivery
May 7, 2025 Episodes 7 - 8 Final Delivery
May 28, 2025 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 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®. Projects funded by STORYHIVE must be delivered and available on TELUS Optik TV within the same broadcast year they are funded.
STORYHIVE Voices will officially launch on TELUS Optik TV® and the STORYHIVE YouTube channel in Fall 2025. Should you wish, this will give you the opportunity to pursue a festival run and other avenues for distribution.
Can I apply for the next STORYHIVE Voices intake if I’m already in the current Voices program?
You may apply for the next intake of Voices while you are in the program, but you will only be considered if you are meeting your delivery deadlines and requirements of the program.
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: January 16, 2024