A film that highlighted Renton businesses and community leaders has won Renton FilmFrenzy II’s People’s Choice Award.
“We were pleased for getting the best use of Renton award, but it means a whole lot (more) knowing our community got behind our video,” said Nate Jones, winner of the People’s Choice and Best Use of Renton awards for “I am Renton.”
Film Frenzy is a citywide promotional effort that uses a 50-hour film competition to draw interest to the city. Seventeen producers turned in films this year.
After an awards gala Oct. 27, voting was open for two weeks on RentonReporter.com.
“It’s been a lot of fun, and it brought the community together,” said Renton Reporter Publisher Ellen Morrison. “I think the people’s choice winner was a good one, because it showed so much of Renton.”
Jones’ film used the phrase “I am” to convey a day in the life of Renton.
“People who live outside Renton are now saying, ‘Gee, there are places that I want to go check out,'” said Jones, who produced the film with longtime friend Rob Anderson.
People’s Choice
1. I Am Renton, Nate Jones, 688 votes
2. Hero Within, Richard Eary, 458 votes
3. Renton Rap, Nathan Stolzfus, 215 votes
4. Superfur, Sarah Vest, 96 votes
5. It Came from Renton, Bailey Bressler, 20 votes
Posting all of the submitted films online, the Renton Reporter sponsored the People’s Choice Award.
“It’s been really a nail biter,” Jones said of the voting. “It’s only been the last few a days where it looks like we surged ahead.”
His film took 688 out of the total 1,541 votes cast.
The voting was an opportunity for people to watch those films that weren’t shown at the gala. Two of the top five most popular films weren’t shown at the gala.
Though the voting is done, the films are still available for viewing online.
Morrison plans to present the People’s Choice Curvee award at Monday’s Renton City Council Meeting at 7 p.m.
