The Telly Awards have announced MessageMakers as a recipient of 3 Telly Awards for production of the videos “Made in York,” “The Power of Michigan,” and “2012 Manitou Main Feature.”

In partnership with the open-minded Harley-Davidson employees, MessageMakers produced the video Made in York to provide Harley Owners Group members what senior video editor Tom Lietz calls “a peek behind the curtain at all levels within the company.” The team at MessageMakers approached this project with the style of a documentary, recording each situation as it occurred. Unique camera techniques were used, including mounting a video camera to the frame of a motorcycle as it passed through the assembly line, which led to great reviews from the audience at Harley-Davidson. This video received a Silver Telly, the program’s highest honor.    

Click here to view Made in York.

Produced to share the theme and the action of Michigan’s 2011 inauguration celebrations, The Power of Michigan showcases the forward movement of excellence within our great state of Michigan. Geralyn Lasher, Governor Snyder’s communications director says, “The inaugural video wonderfully depicted this Reinvention of Michigan that now has begun.” After the event, MessageMakers staff drove in with the footage and cut a piece that played off the traditional known elements—oaths, ceremonial proceedings—to portray an idea of where this great state is headed over the next four years. “The Power of Michigan gave everyone the chance to remember the event—or to experience it if they hadn’t been able to attend—but it also framed what the event was about and gave the audience an opportunity to own the message,” Lietz explains.

2011 Michigan Gubernatorial Inauguration Feature from MessageMakers on Vimeo.

In the 2012 Manitou Main Feature, MessageMakers takes to the air, producing a reflective image of Manitou’s innovative features added to the new line of 2012 pontoon boats. Aerial footage of the boats’ capabilities make for a spectacular view, whether you’re aboard the helicopter or the pontoon. Video producer Adam Cate notes “it's always fun to get out on the water and be able to also call it ‘working.’ Even better, we've gotten great feedback from everyone who has seen this year’s video.”

The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Today, the Telly is one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders.