Kyle Scott, Revelstoke content creator is the latest from the region to receive production funding and support from the TELUS STORYHIVE program. He’s now working to use the $12,000 in production funding, equipment and training and a community of support from previous and current STORYHIVE winners to highlight the stories of Revelstoke’s first responders in an upcoming video podcast series.
“Revelstoke has all these different first responder bodies that we need for our area,” Scott told Revelstoke Mountaineer. As much as Revelstoke relies on paramedics, volunteer firefighters, local ski patrols, search and rescue teams, wildland firefighters and the military patrols that assist in avalanche control Scott feels communities don’t quite know how the organizations work and what brings individuals to these roles.
“I’ve kind of always been connected to first responders,” Scott explained, sharing that his grandfather was a paramedic in Ontario and uncles have worked in various Ontario fire departments. Scott himself has worked in local ski patrols, Revelstoke’s volunteer firefighter department and is currently working to join the BC Ambulance Service.
Scott has some experience with filming, podcasting and other media creations, but is a beginner in audio and video podcasting production. STORYHIVE selection committee was willing to take on Scott’s project with added support from the organization, which Scott is appreciative as he’s eager to share with B.C. and Canada.
“When I saw this opportunity present itself I jumped to try this other media angle in another topic that I’m passionate about.”
Not only is Scott focusing on showing what life is like as a first responder and what the day-to-day might look like, he’s hoping to help dispel some misconceptions and shine a light on what drives someone to these roles.
“You get the Chicago Fire tv show narrative of folks jumping into burning buildings, but I know for firefighters our focus is on safety. You can’t rescue if you’re being unsafe.”
The day-to-day doesn’t end once a shift is over, and Scott plans to showcase some of the ways first responders are part of their communities outside of the role. Whether coaching local sport teams, helping with their kids homework or working in the community alongside their volunteer positions.
The series, currently titled Revelstoke Responders: Story Behind the Siren is set to air on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel at the start of 2025.
STORYHIVE video podcast series must be eight to 10 episodes long, running for at least 30 minutes each. Previous STORYHIVE projects, including Katie Burrell’s documentary and comedy series can be found on the STORYHIVE website and YouTube channel. Ryan Collins’ People Like Us was created with the support of STORYHIVE and can be viewed on Vimeo. As for other aspiring creators in town, Scott encourages them to explore programs like STORYHIVE.
“Some really great projects have come from this program and I hope I can do them proud and do our community proud as well.”
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