PB Film

BIG WINS AT THE 2025 TELLY AWARDS FOR THE PALM BEACHES TV SERIES AND THE PALM BEACHES STUDENT SHOWCASE OF FILMS

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (May 22, 2025) Eight of the tourism-branded series on The Palm Beaches TV (PBTV) and 2024 The Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) emerged as winners in the record breaking 46th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies. This year’s winners include Pixar Animation Studios, Hearst Media, ESPN, LinkedIn, NATO, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the LA Clippers (NBA), Sawhorse Productions and Telemundo and more.

Eight of the tourism-branded series on The Palm Beaches TV and the 2024 Student Showcase of Films emerged with eleven wins from the record-breaking 13,000 entries received by the Telly Awards from top video and television content producers across the globe. The 2025 winners were chosen by The Telly Awards Judging Council which includes representatives from ENSO Sports & Entertainment Agency, Roku Brand Studio, Patreon, Pluto TV, Open Television, and Pickleball TV.

Leading the charge for PBTV is Pop Star Productions,  hosted and Executive Produced by Palm Beach County media personality Kenya “Kitty Lundan” Madison and Directed by Ron Mentor. Its series What’s Poppin’ PBC? won gold in the General - Travel & Tourism category for its Season 2 and Bronze in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion category for its "Access for All" episode. Lundan reflected on this accomplishment by saying “Started with a camera and a dream, now we’re Telly Award-winning GOLD and Bronze.” The culture and lifestyle series invites locals and visitors to family-friendly events, restaurants and entertainment spaces across The Palm Beaches. Now in its third season, What’s Poppin' PBC? features the County’s unique experiences including Winterfest in Wellington, the technology-driven tournament TGL in Palm Beach Gardens and the many community activities in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach.

The West Palm Beach-based production company, AA Video, received three awards for its eco-adventure and outdoor shows. Its Parks in The Palm Beaches "Ahead of the Game" episode, hosted by Donnell McCant captured Silver in the General-Accessibility category and its Wild Palm Beaches, series hosted by James Currie also won silver in the Series-Sustainability category for the "Loggerhead Marinelife Center" episode. Equestrian Life in The Palm Beaches, hosted by Theo Dorsey won Bronze in the Series-Culture & Lifestyle category for its "Horses for Heroes.” AA Video’s founder and producer Jeff Aderman said, "It's so nice to be recognized for all the hard work and passion that goes into producing these amazing TV shows to promote tourism in The Palm Beaches."

Jetsetter Films led by Executive Producer and Host Cindy Hing and Director Sergio Figuera won three awards for their Fest Quest of The Palm Beaches and Day Tripping in The Palm Beaches series. The feature on Oktoberfest celebrations in Lake Worth won Bronze in the Series-Events & Experiences category and gained Silver in the General - Travel & Tourism category. The premiere episode of Day Tripping in The Palm Beaches also emerged with Silver in the General - Travel & Tourism category.

Also receiving awards is Apex Production Inc.’s show Pets in Paradise that captured silver in the General-Pets & Animals category and in the General-Museums & Galleries category for the series Travels and Traditions with Burt Wolf which secured bronze for its entertaining and educational "The Story of Morikami" episode.

The 2024 Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), AI-themed event, hosted by three-time Emmy nominated Host and Producer Frank Licari emerged with Bronze in the General-Live Events & Experiences category. The excitement of the state’s largest film competition and award show was captured by Channel 20 and led by Producer Joe Piccione and Station Manager, Lester Williams. Now in its 30^th year, the Student Showcase of Films has been supporting emerging production talent found in the state of Florida and has awarded over $4.5M in cash, prizes, scholarships, equipment, and in-kind services to the program since 1995.

In recognition of these awards, Palm Beach County Film and Television Commissioner, Michelle Hillery stated “We are incredibly proud to see The Palm Beaches TV and the Student Showcase of Films shows recognized among the best in the world by the Telly Awards. These wins reflect the exceptional talent, creativity, and professionalism within our local production community.”

All eight of these award-winning episodes are available on ThePalmBeaches.TV, the County’s official tourism channel which is managed by The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission (FTC). Overseen by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and powered by global media company Olympusat, the close to 140 hours of original, tourism-branded shows designed to inspire travel, are selected through the FTC’s Sponsorship and Development program and must have television network distribution before airing on PBTV. What’s Poppin' PBC?, Fest Quest of The Palm Beaches and Day Tripping in The Palm Beaches can be viewed on WSFL-FOX29 and is broadcast to over 4 million viewers; and Parks in The Palm Beaches, Wild Palm Beaches and Equestrian Life in The Palm Beaches are televised to 40 million viewers on Destination America. Pets in Paradise can be seen on the Travel Channel and is broadcast to over 90 million viewers and Travels and Traditions with Burt Wolf is aired to over 100 million viewers on PBS Internationally.

For more information on The Palm Beaches TV, and to stream it’s close to 140 hours of tourism-branded shows that guide everyone to adventures and diverse landscapes across Palm Beach County, visit ThePalmBeaches.TV.

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About Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission

The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission (FTC) is the official agency charged with marketing Palm Beach County as a first-class production destination. With a focus on driving business tourism and generating a positive impact on the local economy, the FTC provides professional services to support the needs of production companies conducting business throughout the County. The FTC ensures adherence to ordinances, zoning codes, insurance requirements and public safety concerns, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free production process for more than 50 municipalities, taxing districts, County departments and other entities throughout The Palm Beaches. The organization expanded its scope of services by developing and managing The Palm Beaches TV (PBTV), Palm Beach County’s official tourism television channel. A dynamic streaming platform, PBTV showcases original, tourism-focused programming. The diverse range of shows highlight the County’s multicultural landscape, inclusive spirit, and unique local offerings. Content is designed to inspire travel and encourage longer stays. Powered by the support of Palm Beach County’s Tourist Development Council, PBTV offers close to 140 hours of original programming that shine a spotlight on the County’s tourism assets while generating new business opportunities for the local production community. For more information, visit pbfilm.com and follow social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.   

About The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films

The SSOF is the cornerstone of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission’s (FTC) education outreach, celebrating Florida’s student filmmakers since 1995. This unique program is specifically designed to inspire and recognize the talent found within Florida’s award-winning educational system, with a goal to strengthen the workforce in Palm Beach County and throughout the state of Florida. The FTC is committed to promoting student filmmaking without fees for students to enter their work.

The SSOF is a partnership between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Palm Beach County Department of Housing & Economic Development, the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission, and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Together with our generous sponsors, the SSOF has awarded over $4.5M in cash, prizes, scholarships, equipment, and in-kind services to the program during its lifetime.