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How do you move beyond clicks and follower counts to create a space your listeners and viewers actually want to be part of? On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger take a deep dive into the topic of community-building, with the help of Stephanie Dacre, the creator of The Shroom Boom, and Ryan Fisher (aka Dandy), an Emmy-winning actor and drag performer. They each share how they’ve fostered growing, vibrant, engaged communities, both online and in-person. From responding thoughtfully to DMs to hosting unique in-person experiences, Stephanie and Ryan reveal strategies that go beyond likes and clicks to create meaningful engagement. They also discuss managing burnout, lessons learned from flopped content, and whether it’s better to post consistently or take intentional breaks. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your bond with your audience, this episode is packed with actionable insights on fostering authentic relationships that are sure to keep your own followers coming back for more.
Timecodes:
(2:20) - Stephanie Dacre & Ryan Fisher’s individual creator origin stories
(5:49) - Followers vs. community: what actually builds an engaged audience?
(8:53) - Creator burnout: how to stay consistent without losing yourself
(10:59) - Biggest community-building mistakes creators make
(12:20) - When your content flops: how successful creators respond
(16:14) - The cutting room floor: content regrets, editing mistakes & lessons learned
(18:51) - How to make your online community feel seen & valued
(21:50) - Proven community-building strategies that actually work
(28:44) - Best advice for creators who want to build a real community online
(34:18) - Final reflections for creators
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What does it really mean to tell someone else’s story? Where’s the line between representation and harm? And how can creators move beyond good intentions to create work that’s truly respectful and authentic?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger explore the responsibilities that come along with telling Indigenous stories, where voice, consent, and collaboration are essential from the very beginning. To help them unpack this nuanced topic, they’re joined by writer and filmmaker Shaelyn Johnston, who shares practical, experience-driven insights on how to approach this work with care using powerful examples from her own career. From the principle of “no stories about us without us”, to the importance of building real relationships, their conversation breaks down common missteps and what doing it right actually looks like. Shaelyn also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her own projects, and how authenticity is built through lived experience, language, and community.
Timecodes:
(3:04) “Nothing about us without us”
(3:42) The harm of inauthentic storytelling
(4:29) What authentic Indigenous filmmaking looks lik
(8:10) Why collaboration must start early
(9:49) Biggest storytelling mistakes creators make
(12:02) Tokenism vs real representation
(17:50) Reciprocity with elders & knowledge keepers
(19:46) Indigenous storytelling protocols & resources
(21:40) Where the industry still falls short
(23:36) Final advice for creators
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Have you ever wondered if telling a story could do more harm than good? Or how creators can navigate complex, emotional, and even traumatic narratives responsibly?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger explore the intricacies of ethical storytelling with the help of Larissa Maxwell, the founder and CEO of Maxwell Consulting Group. Larissa shares insights from her years of experience working with social services, documentary projects, and marginalized communities to help creators tell stories with honesty, integrity, and care. From understanding power dynamics and consent to avoiding sensationalism and “time dishonesty,” this episode is packed with practical guidance for emerging and seasoned creators alike. You’ll also learn about best practices like trauma-informed story work and “living consent,” and find out why ethical storytelling isn’t just the right thing to do, it also builds trust, credibility, and lasting impact for both creators and their audiences.
Timecodes:
(02:08) What is an ethical storytelling consultant
(06:00) Real-world examples of harmful storytelling
(09:24) The risks and harms creators often miss
(11:45) How to know if your story is ethical
(14:41) Topics that require extra care (trauma, identity, youth)
(17:31) One Minute Mentor: Powerful advice for creators
(18:59) “Living consent” and evolving best practices
(22:13) Avoiding exploitation in the attention economy
(25:01) What accountability looks like when you get it wrong
(29:33) Why ethical storytelling makes better content
(32:11) Final takeaways for creators
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How do you actually grow on YouTube in 2026? Are titles and thumbnails more important than the content itself? And what are creators still getting wrong when they try to “hack” the algorithm instead of focusing on their audience?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger dig into what works and what doesn’t, with the help of YAP TV creator Rob Randall and YouTube strategist Corrado Coia. Together, they unpack the biggest mistakes creators are making and share some hard-learned lessons about attracting an audience that truly sticks. You’ll also learn how to use analytics without getting overwhelmed, which metrics actually matter, and what separates videos that flop from those that really take off. Whether you're just starting out or closing in on 10,000 subscribers, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insider information you can use to level up your channel.
Timecodes:
(04:55) Biggest YouTube mistakes creators make
(06:41) Algorithm vs audience strategy
(09:18) The three Ps of YouTube success
(11:18) Why channels stop growing
(12:40) Consistency vs quality strategy
(14:21) Best YouTube analytics to grow faster
(19:00) How to grow a YouTube channel fast
(22:28) Titles and thumbnails strategy
(24:40) How to test titles and thumbnails
(26:00) YouTube SEO tips for creators
(27:36) How to succeed on YouTube in 2026
(31:12) Growth tips every creator should know
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Are your video shoots quietly increasing your carbon footprint? Can you create great content without excess waste or cost? What are the simplest ways to make your production more sustainable?
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger explore how creators can reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing quality or driving up their budget, with the help of Angelica Siegel from Producing for the Planet. Together, they break down what “green production” really means, from cutting fuel use and material waste to making smarter creative choices on and off screen. You’ll also learn why small productions actually have a sustainability advantage, how virtual production and AI factor into the equation, and the best place to start if you want to make your work more green. Plus, you’ll get practical tips about everything from battery-powered gear to reducing food waste, and how to avoid any accusations of greenwashing along the way.
(3:01) What is a “green production?”
(3:20) Biggest mistakes creators make going sustainable
(5:17) The most wasteful production habits (and how to fix them)
(7:43) Do smaller and lower-budget productions have an advantage when it comes to sustainability?
(9:30) Why low-budget content is more sustainable
(11:46) AI & virtual production: is it better for the planet?
(16:30) Best advice for creators (this changes everything)
(17:40) Where to start with sustainable content creation
(18:50) #1 way to reduce your carbon footprint
(20:36) How to avoid the perception of “greenwashing”.
(21:15) How to show sustainability without changing your story
(28:30) Can you create without harming the planet?
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The Podcasting market might feel oversaturated right now, but creating a podcast can still be a valuable experience for creators. It can do more than amplify your voice — it can strengthen your skills, expand your network, and create a lasting community. But knowing how to launch, sustain, and grow a show isn’t always obvious, especially for first-timers.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with Kristina Lao and Raquelle Roodenberg, the co-founders and co-hosts of the Bombshell Brunches podcast. They discuss how their project evolved from a small monthly brunch meetup into a multi-season show with over 150 interviews, and discuss the challenges they faced along the way, from tech fears and perfectionism to balancing multiple commitments. They also share practical advice on building community, collaborating effectively, creating sustainable workflows, and how your podcast can open doors by attracting new clients, collaborators, and opportunities.
Timestamps
(01:16) Why a podcast can become your “living portfolio”
(02:04) Meet the creators behind Bombshell Brunches
(03:30) How a simple brunch meetup turned into a podcast community
(05:53) The biggest learning curves when starting a podcast
(08:39) Why finding the right podcast partner matters
(09:55) How do you commit to a podcast long-term?
(13:23) The batching strategy that makes podcasting sustainable
(14:45) How podcasters actually make their shows financially sustainable
(18:33) Podcast gear & tools creators swear by
(21:17) What skills do you actually gain from podcasting?
(23:08) How podcasting builds real community and networks
(25:00) Can a podcast lead to clients, collaborations, and opportunities?
(28:12) What’s the real point of starting a podcast today?
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Finding the right mentor can be a game-changer for creators, but knowing how to seek guidance, give feedback, and grow from the experience isn’t always obvious. Mentorship isn’t just for beginners — it can benefit creators at any stage, helping you navigate projects, build skills, and expand your creative community.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger explore the art and impact of mentorship with Mariah Braun, the CEO and founder of M3M Marketing, and one of her former mentees; Darryl Haugen, an emerging filmmaker based in Morinville, Alberta. Together they discuss the differences between formal and informal mentorship, how to approach potential mentors, and strategies for giving and receiving constructive feedback. You’ll also get insights on building lasting creative relationships, knowing which advice to follow, and how mentorship can accelerate growth and opportunity. Whether you’re looking for guidance or hoping to guide others, this episode offers practical, real-world advice every creator can use.
Timestamps:
(01:11) What mentorship really looks like (and why it’s not one-size-fits-all)
(02:45) What mentorship means — from both sides
(05:00) How to find a mentor (and why cold outreach works)
(07:36) How to know if a mentor is the right fit
(10:00) Common mentorship pitfalls and how to avoid them
(12:55) When mentor advice doesn’t feel right
(14:24) One Minute Mentor: best career advice
(15:58) Formal vs informal mentorship explained
(17:26) How mentors benefit from the relationship too
(20:00) Trust, honesty, and giving constructive feedback
(21:50) What makes a great mentor (real example)
(24:17) Do you really need a mentor?
(25:08) Resources for finding mentors and community
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Safety might not be the most exciting part of content creation, but it is one of the most important. Whether you’re shooting solo TikTok videos at home or filming a full-scale production in the field, every creative choice can carry risk if safety isn’t built into your process.
On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger tackle a topic that’s often overlooked by new and not-so-new creators alike: how to build a true “safety first” culture. They’re joined by Doryan Mash, Regional Safety Advisor at ActSafe Safety Association, who brings real-world experience from both emergency response and the arts sector to break down what safety really means in 2026. Together, they explore the common risk factors creators face, where corners are usually cut and why safety planning doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. You’ll also hear practical tips on emergency response planning, working alone, building a creator safety kit, and how a proactive mindset can actually save time, money, and stress.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Why safety matters for content creators
(4:40) Top injury risks creators face
(5:45) Working at heights: biggest danger on set
(7:09) When creative decisions become unsafe
(8:30) Common safety mistakes new creators make
(9:40) Free safety support creators don’t know about
(10:55) When safety planning should start
(15:00) Emergency response planning essentials
(18:30) Legal responsibility if something goes wrong
(20:00) Safety tips for solo creators
(24:52) One small change that improves safety
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It’s one of the most polarizing questions to emerge in the world of content creation this decade: to use AI or not to use AI? There are loud voices on both sides of the debate, but the answer for most creators likely lies somewhere in the middle.
On this season 2 premiere of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with Catherine Warren, the President of FanTrust Entertainment Strategies, to talk about the benefits and the risks of incorporating AI into your creative process. She begins by laying out her ‘five Cs’ of AI use: clarity, consent, credit, compensation, and cultural integrity, and discusses why creators need to take them into account every step of the way. She also explains why you shouldn’t shy away from AI entirely, and shares her thoughts on the expression “you may not lose your job to AI, but you might lose your job to someone who uses AI.”
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Is AI killing creativity?
(01:26) — How AI is changing content creation
(05:00) — The 5 rules creators must follow when using AI
(08:10) — Who owns content made with AI?
(11:04) — Can AI actually replace creators?
(15:56) — How to spot fake AI videos online
(17:10) — How creators can stand out in an AI world
(22:33) — Will AI take creative jobs?
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First Frame is where Canadian content creators get answers to their most pressing questions. This season, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger tackle the top issues facing creators in 2026, from "Will I be replaced by AI" to “How do I Make YouTube Work for Me?” With insights from a top-notch roster of emerging creators, seasoned pros, and industry insiders, each episode delivers clear and actionable advice you can use right now to improve your work, whether you're a podcaster, filmmaker, live-streamer, or anything in between.
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How can you connect with your creative community? Why is it critical to ensure your stories are told authentically? How can creators deepen their commitment to inclusive and representative storytelling? Those are just a handful of the big questions that came up in conversation with Canadian content creators and industry insiders on this inaugural season of First Frame.
In this special retrospective, hosts Cameron Zinger and Jennifer Park look back on the most important themes and takeaways, as well as their favourite memories and moments, from the first 12 episodes of the podcast. You’ll get plenty of valuable advice and resources from familiar faces and STORYHIVE alumni, as well as some new insights from Cam and Jenn as they reflect on their own creative journeys. Stick around until the very end and you’ll also learn about some of the behind-the-scenes challenges they faced along the way to becoming bonafide podcast hosts.
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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 Lindsay 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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