It’s something that’s all too easy to brush aside, especially for busy creators who are more focused on followers, funding, pitches, post-production, and other day-to-day aspects of their careers: taking care of your mental health.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by Lindsey Killam, Clinical Director of Counselling Services at TELUS Health MyCare, and Tazeen Ahmed, Operations Manager at the Documentary Organization of Canada, for a frank and open conversation about the unique pressures content creators face. From public scrutiny and pressure to stay relevant, to poor work-life balance caused by the grind of churning out new content, there are many risk factors to contend with… and even today, there can still be a stigma attached to mental health issues in some circles. Thankfully, our guests also have plenty of coping mechanisms, self-care strategies, and resources to share that can benefit both content creators and anyone else who may be struggling with things like anxiety, stress, imposter syndrome, depression, or burnout.
They’re ingredients any creator would love to cook with; a beloved bit of subject matter, a fervent, pre-existing fanbase, and a pinch of nineties nostalgia… but getting the recipe just right also means creating a strong connection with your community.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger chat with Jacob Weldon and Raquel Lin, the co-directors & co-producers of Reboot Rewind, a documentary series about the groundbreaking computer-animated TV show that ran on YTV from 1994 to 2001. Their conversation covers a lot of ground; from how they first discovered their shared love of Reboot and decided to make a documentary as a love letter to fans, to more tangible tactics that other creators can use to engage with their own communities. They also discuss the importance of soliciting feedback and managing expectations early and often, as well as why sticking to a regular release cadence or content calendar is a great way to keep your community informed and excited about your project’s progress.
Representation shapes the stories we tell and how they’re told. But what does authentic representation really look like? How do you build a creative team that reflects the world around you? And how do you see the blind spots in your own work?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by two champions of diverse, inclusive storytelling; Joy Loewen, the Vice President of Growth & Inclusion at the Canada Media Fund; and Winnie Luk, the Executive Director of the Disability Screen Office. Their no-holds-barred conversation shines a sometimes uncomfortable spotlight on the state of representation in the Canadian media landscape, and the barriers that still exist to persons of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, both in front of and behind the scenes. They also explain why it’s important to see or hear oneself represented in media, and take part in a brand new segment called “Nailed It or Failed It”, in which they share the best (or worst) example of representation they’ve ever seen on-screen.
Coming up with a cool concept for a creative project is one thing — getting people to notice it is a different struggle entirely. There’s a lot to consider, from your social media presence, advertising budget, and cross-promotion, to attending events and festivals in person to do some good old-fashioned glad-handing.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with two Canadian creators and influencers who have a total of more than 1.5 million followers between them; actor, producer, model, and TV Host Zara Durrani; and actor and content creator Mae Belen. Together, they explore time-tested strategies for getting as many eyes and ears on your work as possible, and flag some common mistakes that emerging creators often run into when trying to market their projects. They also discuss the difference between an engaged audience and a passive one, and share tactics for managing the grind that can come with self-promotion and audience growth.
It used to be seen as the “big leagues” for aspiring creators, and for many it still is: broadcast television. But as you’ll see and hear on this episode of First Frame, there are some specific challenges and misconceptions about landing a deal with a bonafide broadcast network, especially in the Canadian media landscape.
For this conversation, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park are joined by two experts on the intersection of content creation and the traditional broadcast business; Scott Benzie, the Executive Director of Digital First Canada, and Corrado Coia, YouTube Consultant and co-founder of Buffer Festival. Together, they help digital creators answer questions like whether or not traditional TV would be a good fit, how a broadcast deal could affect who owns their content, and which platforms are best for discovery versus distribution. They also discuss the potential loss of control that can come with a TV deal, and the importance of owning your audience, regardless of where your content lives.
Are you going to shoot on-location or in-studio? Can you borrow your recording gear or will you need to rent it? How much will you need to spend on food and transportation to keep your crew happy? Those are just a few of the questions creators need to consider when putting together a critical component of any project: the budget!
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with two creators who have plenty of experience with budgets big and small: producer and filmmaker Nicolas Ayerbe Barona, who is also Senior Program Manager, TELUS STORYHIVE On Location, Livestreaming and Editions; and Maddy Chang, a producer and Senior Production Coordinator at the National Film Board of Canada. Together, they explore how creators can maximize their budgets without compromising on quality, and break down the line items that are more expendable, as well as the ones to guard with your life. They also explore how connecting with your creative community is a great way to share resources and reduce costs, regardless of the size and scope of your project.
Understanding Canada's diverse grant and funding landscape can be daunting for new and emerging creators. There are a lot of different options with a lot of different rules and requirements. So how can you figure out which fund or organization is really right for your project?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with Janine Steele, Director of Interactive Digital Media at the Canada Media Fund, to continue their two-part deep dive into the array of funding options that’s available to Canadian creators. Together, they explore how to find the right grant for your project and navigate the application process with confidence. Janine also shares a wide variety of resources creators can rely on for guidance, some common mistakes to avoid when applying for funding, and the importance of seeking out the collaborators and communities that are best-suited to helping you bring your creative vision to life.
Talking about money might not be the most inspiring part of a creative journey– but without it, your passion project can stall before it even starts. With so many different funding opportunities out there – each with its own rules and requirements – just figuring out where to begin can feel like half the battle. That’s why we’re kicking off a two-part series all about helping creators find and secure the financial support they need to bring their ideas to life.
In this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park chat with STORYHIVE’s own award-winning documentary filmmaker Kent Donguines. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kent walks us through the Canadian funding landscape – sharing personal stories, tips on where to look, and what to do (and not to) when applying for support. It turns out, a little persistence can go a long way! Tune in to hear how finding the right funding can turn a creative itch into a full-blown production.
What makes your project stand out from the pack? What are the common mistakes to avoid when meeting with streamers, broadcasters, or funding partners? And how do you figure out which organization would be the best fit for your project in the first place? This episode of First Frame is all about the fine art of the pitch.
Hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by two industry veterans who’ve been a part of countless pitch meetings over the course of their careers; Michelle van Beusekom, President & CEO of British Columbia’s Knowledge Network, and Ken Tsui, a Production Executive at Telus originals. Together, they explore the ingredients that come together to create the perfect pitch. You’ll learn the dos and don’ts of the process, how to incorporate budgetary constraints, and the importance of authenticity in winning over decision-makers. There’s even a pinch of cringe and humour sprinkled into this episode, when Michelle and Ken each share (without naming names) the worst pitches they’ve ever received.
It’s a question a lot of people face when embarking on a path that isn’t fully understood or accepted by previous generations: how can I convince my loved ones that content creation is a legitimate career choice?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with two successful Canadian creators who have grappled with that scenario first-hand; Vancouver-based filmmaker Ilhan Abdullahi, and Calgary-based videographer Kien To. Together, they explore the cultural and generational differences that can sometimes present a significant stumbling block for new and established creators alike. You’ll hear how they managed their families’ feelings about their creative aspirations, some tips and tactics you can use to get your own relatives on-board, and how to build connections within the creative community as a potential stand-in for family support. Ilhan and Kien also share the best pieces of advice they’ve ever received as part of a special segment called ‘One Minute Mentor’.
Every creative project starts with a great idea — but making it a reality? That's where the real magic happens. At the beginning, the logistics can feel intimidating and endless. But if you keep your eyes on the bigger picture, the pieces will start to fall into place.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park sit down with STORYHIVE alumnus Jacqueline Clements, co-founder of TCF4 Productions, to explore what it takes to take your idea from concept to creation. Together, they discuss how to stay focused, build momentum, and why it's okay to ask for help along the way. From producing a travel show in Bolivia to launching a cooking series she never thought would get the greenlight, Jacqueline shares how she's navigated the ups and downs of the creative process. Her journey from STORYHIVE-supported creator to established producer showcases the program's commitment to helping emerging talent access and succeed in the broadcasting industry. Plus, she offers a little reminder that it's never too late (or too early!) to start something new. Listen in for a fresh dose of inspiration and practical advice from a seasoned Canadian creator who embodies the transformative power of community support in building a thriving television career.
What drives someone to take that first, shaky step into the world of content creation? Where do the “big ideas” come from and how do you develop them? How should aspiring creators even get started? Those questions are at the center of this premiere episode of First Frame, proudly presented by TELUS STORYHIVE.
In this exciting kickoff panel, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger are joined by an all-star line-up of STORYHIVE alumni who have successfully turned their passion into action; documentary filmmaker Kat Jayme, podcaster Kels Delamarter, and actor/producer Griffin Cork. From their own origin stories and inspiration, to the biggest challenges they’ve faced on the road to success, the trio shares invaluable advice and experience for new and veteran content creators alike. You’ll also learn about their favourite tools of the trade, and hear some tips and tactics that our guests wish had been shared with them before they started their own content creation journeys.
First Frame celebrates the journey of Canadian and Indigenous Content Creators. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh perspectives, co-hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park bring you inspiring stories, actionable tips, and candid conversations with both emerging creators and established creative leaders, to help you on your own content creation journey. From securing funding to navigating burnout, First Frame tackles the real challenges creators face, offering a roadmap to success that’s as unique as their creative visions. Whether you’re scripting your first short film or getting ready to go viral on YouTube, this show is for you.
