Traverse City digital marketing firm
Oneupweb is receiving a lot of recognition for its recent documentary, Step & Close, on Traverse City West High School's marching band.
But one important award depends on the public to vote--a 2011 People's Choice Telly award. The Telly awards are high profile, with previous winners including the likes of Disney and Warner Brothers.
"We had no idea Step & Close would be in the running for a Telly," says Oneupweb CEO and founder, Lisa Wehr. "(Step & Close) was Oneupweb's way of giving back to our community and addressing the importance of supporting art education. To know that everyone's hard work is competing with elite films is amazing. We've put in hours of our time and skills, now we just need the public's help."
Voting is open on the Telly Awards
YouTube page until June 10.
"All it takes is clicking a thumbs-up," says Wehr. "We need people to actively vote each day."
On top of supporting a local business, Oneupweb has a further incentive for voters: if the company wins, they'll donate $2,500 to Pete's Place, the area's youth shelter, as a way to say thank you to the community.
The 45-minute documentary, which advocates for music education and features the Traverse City West High School Titan Marching Band, just won a 2011 Communitas Award.
The Communitas Awards is an international recognition that honors businesses who show leadership in philanthropy using creative approaches. Oneupweb won the "Making a Difference" award, because of the way the message of Step & Close has spread beyond Traverse City to music educators and students all over the country.
"Initially we wanted to give back to our local community, so all of the funds from DVD and t-shirt sales go directly to TC West," says Wehr. "We began receiving feedback from instructors, students and parents from other schools, so we created an official website to further spread the message of supporting music education. The film is even helping teachers recruit and retain students—it's nice to know Oneupweb is making a difference."
Step & Close premiered at the Traverse City State Theatre last December; 100 percent of the proceeds from the film and merchandising go to Traverse City West band programs. Oneupweb donated the time and money to film, edit and premier the film, as well as market it.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Lisa Wehr, Oneupweb
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