On an warm, autumn evening at the National Press Club in downtown, Washington, DC, the biggest and brightest talent in media production gathered to honor the most creative and skilled work submitted for the 2009 DC Peer Awards.  Saturday, November 15, marked the culmination of this year’s competition for work submitted media producers and talent in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Some walked away with Peer Gold in their hands and in their hearts but all came to support the region’s production industry.

The evening, emceed by local actor Delaney Williams, saw familiar faces and some new ones.  First time attendee, Emily Sutton, American Red Cross Senior Advertising Specialist says, “We had a great time at the Peer Awards, and what an honor to accept two for the American Red Cross.”  Long time DC Peer Award supporter, Scott Gordon of Word Wizards, Inc. said, “I have been to all the past Peer Award ceremonies and (this one) was wonderful and seemed to go off without a hitch.”

Many were surprised throughout the night to hear their names called to receive awards.  First time winner, actress and producer of “The Bea and The Bug Extravaganza,” Gale Nemec, excited the room with her animated cheers as she dashed to the stage to bask in her victory.  Troy Benesch and his team from V! Studios were familiar faces by end of the night for the numerous awards won for their animated film, “Orbits and Kepler’s Laws.”

As part of the DC Peer Award’s mission to mentor and inspire, local students were among the some of the winners including students from Ballou Senior High School in Washington, DC. and Montgomery County’s Eastern Middle School for their entries into the Peer Promise category.  American University saw many of their graduate film students win big including filmmaker, Ted Roach, who won several awards for his documentary films “Chesapeake Gold” and “Somay Ku: A Uganda Tennis Story.

For the first time in the history of the awards, WIFV Image Makers was honored with a Peer Bronze for their PSA entry also produced by area high school students.  WIFV Board Member, Kimberly Skyrme says “It’s such an honor to see so many young students be awarded for their talented work.  Hopefully tonight will encourage them to continue developing their craft.”

This year, two Best of DC awards were given.  The first was for a documentary film about a late Native-American artist called, “Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian” and was produced by Interface Media Group in partnership with the National Museum of the American Indian. “Interface enters every year because it’s a collaborative thing with our clients; they get recognized and it’s fun.” reflects Interface Media Group Account Executive, Tim Lorenz and Daniel Davis, Media Producer for the National Museum of the American Indian says, “I was pleased to share the award for Best of DC for my production.”

The second Best of DC was awarded to Michael Pollak of Y.E.S Productions for his CareerBuilder.com commercial.  The packed ballroom at the National Press Club roared with laughter as the spot was shown on the big screen.  “Winning Best Of DC absolutely completes everything.  This is where I’m from…and I’m just proud to be here,” says Pollak of Chevy Chase, Maryland.

The 2009 DC Peer Awards brought together the local industry for one night of camaraderie and friendship all in support of the local visual arts community.  Tim Flaherty, President of TIVA-DC says “What makes the Peer Awards unique is that each entry is judged by local industry professionals and rated on the highest standard of excellence. We are pleased to see so many representatives of our industry come together in celebration and to honor one another.”