First Frame

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.