TELUS STORYHIVE Voices returns to help empower digital creators behind the next wave of children's content

If you’re a digital content creator in Alberta and B.C. with a big idea and a small (or maybe non-existent) budget, there’s a funding program that might be perfect for you.

TELUS STORYHIVE Voices is inviting new and emerging creators to produce their own digital series — no prior experience required.

Whether your passion is creating content in lifestyle, tech, wellness, cooking, beauty, DIY, kids’ programming, or educational entertainment, this is your chance to turn your idea into a fully realized series — complete with $10,000 in production funding, training, and a community of support.

Plus, your series will be distributed to more than one million viewers through TELUS Optik TV, Stream+, and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.

Championing youth

Sarah Bannister and her dog Arbor (TELUS STORYHIVE)

One area getting an expanded spotlight this year is children’s content and edutainment. In particular, STORYHIVE is looking for thoughtful, engaging, and safe programming that supports curiosity, learning, and online wellbeing for children.

Calgary-based creator Sarah Bannister is one of many creators who’ve seen how powerful support from TELUS STORYHIVE can be. Her own STORYHIVE Voices series If It Were Real… blends fantasy, science, and playful experimentation — alongside a very fluffy co-host.

“In this show, my curious pup, Arbor, and I investigate fantasy topics with science, asking ‘If this fantasy idea or monster were real, how could it work in real life?’” Sarah tells Daily Hive.

A scene from If It Were Real… (TELUS STORYHIVE)

Each episode explores imaginative questions —  from how a dragon’s fiery breath might work to what ingredients could make up a real health potion. These ideas are grounded in real-world science through interviews and even hands-on experiments with local experts like the Calgary Fire Department and neighbourhood businesses.

While the show isn’t exclusively made for kids, its approach reflects why STORYHIVE sees edutainment as such a vital space.

“My goal with the show is to challenge those ideas that science is boring or difficult, by making it so fun, funny, and accessible, that folks won’t even realize that they’re learning to think critically, curiously, and creatively.”

Beyond the funding

“We are thrilled to launch a new season of the TELUS STORYHIVE Voices program,” says Shaun Cathcart, STORYHIVE Southern Alberta Territory Manager. “It’s inspiring to see local creators bring meaningful edutainment series to life that reflect our communities and help young audiences see themselves on screen.”

Since 2013, TELUS STORYHIVE has supported more than 2,000 projects and provided $74.8 million in funding, helping creators tell local stories that might otherwise never make it to screen.

For many creators, funding is just the beginning. STORYHIVE Voices is designed to meet creators where they are, offering training, resources, and one-on-one guidance throughout the process.

“My experience working with STORYHIVE was very positive thanks to the training sessions and my very supportive and understanding Program Manager,” Sarah says. “I learned so much about the business side of putting a show together for broadcast, about the technical options available, and about editing tips and tricks.”

Coming from a theatre and YouTube background, she credits the program with helping improve both creative and production skills and building a sustainable creative career.

“I learned so much across the board, but if I had to choose one thing I’d say I learned the most about producing: bringing ideas and people and a budget together,” Sarah says. “I learned about how to research, find, and connect with local experts, how to adjust my ambitious ideas to be feasible and practical, and how to work within a limited budget.”

Apply now

A scene from If It Were Real… (TELUS STORYHIVE)

For creators interested in making content for children, Sarah encourages experimentation and fun.

“I’d encourage anyone making content for kids to not be afraid to be a bit weird, use more physical humour, and not to shy away from spectacle. If It Were Real… isn’t created for a youth audience, but I’ve been told by a lot of viewers how much their kids enjoy it, which I think comes down to the fact that we’re having fun and being silly while exploring unusual questions in unexpected ways.”

Arbor hard at work (TELUS STORYHIVE)

And for anyone unsure whether they’re ready to apply, her advice is to simply go for it. “If you have an idea you’re interested in creating, especially if it will help connect people or teach something in a new way, just apply!”

Projects supported by STORYHIVE are distributed widely and backed by a trusted platform — something that can open doors long after a series wraps.

“STORYHIVE believed in you enough to fund you, that’s big! Be proud and use that to help initiate conversations, gain exposure, and even attract other sources of funding.”

TELUS STORYHIVE is now inviting creators from Alberta and B.C. to tell stories that spark curiosity, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation. 

“We believe young audiences deserve engaging, educational programming that reflects their lives and communities, and we’re proud to help creators bring meaningful children’s edutainment to life in Calgary and beyond,” Cathcart adds.

Interested to learn more? An online Ask Us Anything will take place on Jan. 20 — register now for the event. And head to the STORYHIVE website by Feb. 20 to send in your application to create your very own content series through STORYHIVE voices.