The Channel Frederator Awards

One of the first video blogs to hit it “big”, Channel Frederator was, from the start, the essence of what make and continues to make Web 2.0 special. Its original mission hasn’t been messed about in the least; it continues to celebrate independent artists and amateurs and their profoundly refreshing creations. I loved it since I first heard word of it a little over a year ago. That’s why this next piece of news is extra special, as it brings to the fore a small, yet incredibly close-knit group of artists, and fans of those artists. Call it a social network if you will. However, it’s better known simply as The Frederator.

A few days ago, noise built up in the back alleys of Digg and odd blogs around the web about an awards ceremony/party going on. It wasn’t about the Grammy’s, though there’s plenty of talk about them too. Nor was it about the Oscars. Here’s a clue: It’s got nothing to do with the mainstream, but everything to do with cool, original, and more than anything, fun artistry. It’s the first annual Channel Frederator Awards.

I must confess, I fell out of touch with the Frederator somewhere around nine months to a year ago. I just had too many podcasts (however awesome they are/were) to consume in a week’s time, and cuts needed to be made. The Frederator brought some really great laughs out of me and exposed me to some fantastic work over the few months I kept track of its episodes – which were all gleefully seen through my 15-inch screen. Sadly, it was one of the many feeds exorcized from my iTunes library.

Fast forward to today, and Channel Frederator seems to have fared quite well despite the cancellation of my subscription. The team behind the lovable red robot even had enough time in the podcasting limelight to pay for a brief takeover of Cinespace in Hollywood, California on the night of January 24th, during which they announced the first-ever winners of these prestigious awards. I don’t say prestigious an Oscar-like way. More like an offshoot of Sundance. Still, I’m sure it was quite the red carpet event. Let’s give it another year or two to make sure we’re not making too much out it yet, but who knows. Maybe they’ve caught Redford’s eye and they don’t even know it. Alright, back on topic.

The films eligible for the awards Wednesday evening were picked by the fans, and, hey, what’s video blogging and all this Web 2.0 stuff without the people? Am I right? I took the liberty to go through several of the winners’ short films, many of which I’d seen many months ago, and I’ll just say this. Well chosen, folks. Well chosen, indeed. I personally wish Le Building would’ve swept the awards, but I’ll settle for its one win.

The winner circle comprises the following:

Best Flash Film went to I Like Pandas by Jessica Borutski.

Best Design went to Zumbakamera’s Bendito Machine.

Best Foreign Film, Le Building, was an Olivier Staphylas production.

The “So Cute It Hurts” Award went to Skippy by Amanda Spalinski.

The “Podcast Darkly”Award was given to Vera Brosgol and Snow-Bo.

The Funniest Film was Everyone Else Has Had More Sex Than Me by the masterful Bernard Derriman.

Best Dance Sequence was given to Dance Like a Monkey, by Collection Agency Films.

War Photographer, by Joel Trussel took home Best Music Video

Tim Farrell won Most Likely To Be Censored By the FCC with the illustrious WTF?!

Rockfish nabbed Cartoon of the Year, Best CG Film, and Largest Film Size. It was created by Blur Studios.

Ed Skudder, responsible for The New Guy, won the Joe Robot Award.

The Producers’ Choice Award went to War Photographer, which also won for Best Music Video (see above).

The Vanguard Award was given to David Karp.

The Instigator Award went to Apple, Inc.

And the Cartoonist of the Year Award, went to none other than John Lasseter.