STORYHIVE alumni, Daniel Stark, encourages new and emerging filmmakers to apply to the exclusive program with impactful community stories and to get creative with it, regardless of challenges you’ve faced in your filmmaking journey.
Despite his unwavering determination, Daniel Stark has encountered a number of obstacles on her path to realizing his filmmaking dreams.
Breaking into the filmmaking industry proved to be an uphill battle. Funding was hard to come by, so when he saw applications were open for a STORYHIVE Edition, a program that supports emerging filmmakers like himself, he knew he had to apply.
“Living in Northern B.C., creatives are constantly looking for funding opportunities and sometimes it feels impossible to get the attention of the people or organizations with the money,” shares Daniel. “STORYHIVE is an organization that supports parts of the provinces that are often overlooked, and I felt that they could provide the support we needed to make our first funded short film.”
His project with STORYHIVE, The Logging Road, is a short film that follows a police officer in Northern B.C. who encounters a suspicious vehicle stopped down a logging road of the main highway known as The Highway of Tear due to its history of missing and murdered Indigenous women. It is a suspenseful and morally-gray story that takes a look into this important piece of B.C. history.
Daniel applied for production funding to bring his dream project to the big screen. STORYHIVE provided the much-needed financial support and resources to help him realize his vision.
Through STORYHIVE, Daniel says he “learned that filmmaking on a higher level is possible outside of the main production hubs and big cities. It was so encouraging to see that even in our small city, with the right people and an idea we were all passionate about, we could make something worth showing to the rest of Canada.”
He also reflects on the ability of scripted projects to tell important local stories.Wildfire burning out of control south of Chetwynd“There is a freedom that comes with scripted projects. Filmmakers can tailor an idea to their exact creative sensibilities in a way that is wholly rewarding. If you want a glimpse into someone's soul at a certain point in time, get them to write an original story about something that matters to them and you will get to know them in otherwise impossible ways.”
The launch of the exclusive 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.
“Most importantly, the story 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 need to live in your community.
”“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,” said Erin Shaw, STORYHIVE Northern B.C. Territory Manager.
The STORYHIVE Scripted Edition intake is now open and they are encouraging aspiring filmmakers to apply at STORYHIVE.com/apply before May 21, 2024, 11:59 p.m. PT. Eligible formats include scripted standalone shorts and TV pilots in the drama, comedy or other scripted genres. All applications will require a draft script.
With STORYHIVE's support, Daniel had not only realized his dream but has now also paved the way for other aspiring filmmakers.
"STORYHIVE is committed to nurturing the next generation of Canadian storytellers by providing not only production funding, but also comprehensive training and professional mentorship through our Editions program,” said Donguines.
Donguines added, “We're here to help support creatives to bring their unique, locally relevant stories to life and to ensure these narratives reach a wider audience. It's more than just entertainment; it's about fostering a sense of community and shared experiences through compelling storytelling."
Daniel says he’s not done telling Northern B.C. stories yet.
“There are so many stories I want to tell, be it Northern specific stories, or more stabs at different genres, like horror or sci-fi. I just want to continue to see what is possible and expand people's expectations for filmmaking in smaller cities like Prince George.”
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.
For those thinking of applying, Daniel says to “tell a story that means something to you and the people around you. STORYHIVE is affirming that you have permission to sink your teeth into this and allow your dreams to take a little space, so take it! You're a filmmaker.”
Make sure to get your application in by May 21, 2024, 11:59 p.m. PT, for your chance to become a part of the STORYHIVE community and tell your community stories through a scripted project!
