Screen opens to an aspiring filmmaker sitting at a kitchen table with a smart phone in front of them. The filmmaker is you. You look down at your phone as a video of your favourite film plays and the viewer hears your thoughts: “I wish I could make a film like this about people in my town.” A notification pops up from Instagram of a new post from TELUS STORYHIVE. You read the post and jump up with excitement. “STORYHIVE has just announced their newest program – the STORYHIVE Scripted Edition. This is your chance!”
You read on. “Calling all budding filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta! TELUS STORYHIVE is thrilled to embark on a cinematic journey with the new STORYHIVE Scripted Edition, tailored exclusively for locally reflective scripted genres. Most importantly, the script needs to take place within the community in which you are applying from. So, if your script is about a family of vampires struggling to make it to the modern world… sounds great! But remember that the family of vampires needs to live in your community of Lloydminster.
Have an idea for a 20-45 minute film project? STORYHIVE wants to give you $20,000 in production funding, training, professional mentorship (in partnership with the National Screen Institute) and distribution on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel to bring your vision to life. No experience is required.
Over the past decade, TELUS STORYHIVE has distributed more than $59 million in production funding, supported over 1,200 screen-based projects, with over 148,000 hours of robust training and one-on-one mentorship. STORYHIVE has also supported content creators in more than 270 communities across B.C. and Alberta. Through innovative programs they provide production funding, training, mentorship and distribution on TELUS Optik TV and online platforms. STORYHIVE remains committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of Canadian content creators and storytellers.”
Screen pans back to a close-up of the filmmaker’s face; your face, of course. You wonder if you can actually do this? You’ve dreamed of it. You’ve worked hard for it. But could you actually… Wait, what’s this? Another notification opens on your phone. This one from an actual STORYHIVE Alumni, Kynan Ono, sharing what he learned from his experience with the program.
“My first film, ‘He Shall Pay’, was my first real dip into filmmaking,” says Ono. “Having a larger crew, and really pushing the bounds of the comfort zone made that film a true learning experience. ‘The Nikkei Way’, was the accumulation of experience and confidence that was gained from ‘He Shall Pay’.”
“STORYHIVE is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with. The amount of expertise and guidance made available does truly help the aspiring filmmaker. The information sessions and the on-call support throughout the project, along with the clear outlines of submission dates and protocols make STORYHIVE a great experience.”
“In order to help spark the fires to forge creative writers, directors and producers, you need a thing like STORYHIVE. I believe STORYHIVE inspires true opportunity.”
You keep scrolling. The excitement building as you continue reading the article. This time, a little bit from Kent Donguines, STORYHIVE Northern Alberta Territory Manager.
“The launch of the new STORYHIVE Scripted Edition is an exciting opportunity for new and emerging filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta to engage in a dedicated program designed to support fully scripted, locally-reflective content. We are thrilled to present this opportunity to our communities and eagerly anticipate the creative ideas and narrative that will be brought to life through this program. Whether it’s a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy or any genre in between, we’re seeking new and emerging filmmakers to reflect the rich diversity of Northern Alberta.”
Screen pans back to you looking out the window. Your imagination is running wild.
“Lights, Camera, Action! STORYHIVE Scripted Edition!
Eligible formats include scripted stand-alone shorts and TV pilots in the drama, comedy or other scripted genres.
In your application, you will need to submit a draft script. Your script can be a rough draft, as you will have time to further develop and refine it with your mentor. An important note to keep in mind is that the script needs to take place within the community in which you are applying from.”
Screen pans back one last time to show you putting down your phone and firing up your laptop to STORYHIVE apply to start your application, with a grin on your face and a sparkle in your eye.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY
It’s Your Story, Your Narrative. No experience required. To get started on your cinematic journey with the new STORYHIVE Scripted Edition, apply at STORYHIVE by May 21, 2024.
For more information and to keep updated on STORYHIVE, check out the links below:
- Facebook page URL: https://www.facebook.com/storyhive
- Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/storyhive/
- X handle: https://twitter.com/STORYHIVE
- TikTok handle: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyhive
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storyhive
