“90 Years of SBSO” Wins Silver at the 44th Annual Telly Awards

Commercial production Explore is proud to share that they were recently awarded six trophies in the 44th Annual Telly Awards competition. Among their accolades, Explore was honored with a Silver Telly Award for their innovative and moving documentary-style commercial celebrating the 90th anniversary of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. This recognition is a testament to the power of storytelling and the company's creative approach to creating impactful commercials.

The commercial, entitled "90 Years of South Bend Symphony Orchestra," takes an intimate approach to capturing the essence of the symphony’s history. The interview-driven, documentary-style piece featured Symphony members sharing stories about its history, impact within their community, and trajectory for the next 90 years. 

The interviews were planned by Director Jeremy Pinckert to be shot in a way that felt natural and unscripted. This created an opportunity for the musicians and supporters to share stories that truly captured what the orchestra means to them allowing for a personal and emotional connection to the viewer.

Jeremy Pinckert, also the Executive Producer and Founder of Explore explains, “The idea was to create something that felt more like a short documentary film than a traditional commercial. Squeezing 90 years of history and community impact into 30 or 60 seconds just wouldn’t do it justice. We’re extremely happy with the final short film and the reception from the symphony and their viewers has been beyond our wildest imagination!” 

Explore’s attention to the authentic history, the inclusive attitude of musicians, and the dedication of the Symphony to the local community paid off. The commercial was well-received by both audiences and the commercial industry, earning a Silver Telly Award.

90 Years of South Bend Symphony Orchestra


About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra, based in South Bend, Indiana, has been enriching the community for over 90 years. The orchestra comprises a talented group of professional musicians who bring the artistry and beauty of classical music to life on stage. The South Bend Symphony Orchestra captivates audiences with their exceptional performances, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and popular symphonic arrangements. With a commitment to musical excellence, education, and outreach, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra continues to inspire and uplift the community through the power of orchestral music.

About the Telly Awards

The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. The Awards’ 44th annual edition - “Break through the static” - boasted nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe, the most in a decade. “The caliber of the work this season truly has reflected the theme of breaking out and standing out,” said The Telly Awards Executive Director Sabrina Dridje. “Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, crafting truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues, and companies big and small are turning to more sustainable practices to break the cycle of past production processes.”



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